By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Every student at Brighton High School unofficially attended the signing ceremony of senior Emmanuel Thurman on the afternoon of April 28.
Thurman along with all the student body of BHS had to evacuate the interior of the school because of a fire drill. With the exercise interrupting his special event, Thurman was receiving additional well-wishes and congratulations as everyone waited to return back to the building.
As the sun shined on Thurman from the crystal blue sky, the brightest object on the BHS campus at the time was the smile of his mother Robin.
“Very heartwarming — with great gratitude toward the good Lord because he’s brought me this far to be able to see him be a very successful student/athlete,” she expressed. “He kept his grades up participating in three activities in his four years at Brighton High School. To see he wants to pursue his football career at Bethel University and continue being an athlete while maintaining the grades as well, I’m just thrilled.”
Thurman with his No. 1 fan by his side made it official to attend Bethel University in McKenzie in front of teammates, coaches and the special invited guests in the Brighton Gymnasium Lobby.
“It’s a once in a lifetime experience to get a chance to go out and explore,” Emmanuel said. “Just meeting people, playing at a higher level, that’s what it is really all about.
“It’s the sport I really shined at the most,” the three-sport standout continued. “And I that’s where I really want to show my skills at.”
Thurman participated in football, track and basketball while at Brighton. The year-long Cardinal athlete had his heart set on playing football at the next level.
Going through the recruiting process, Thurman fell in love with the Wildcats.
“When I went there for a visit, it felt like somewhere I wanted to be,” he said. “I had a relationship with the coach before he left. I still wanted to be there. It feels like it could be my next home. And that’s where my heart led me to – Bethel.”
The Wildcats are members of the Mid-South Conference in the NAIA. The head coach is Michael Jasper and the program has recruited a few area players including Thurman’s high school teammate Darrien Lewis.
“They’re lucky to have these two great athletes but really two great kids,” former Brighton Head Football Coach Mike David said. “They both evaluated our program to a really high level. I am proud of both of them.”
David said Thurman will be an asset for the Wildcats on either side of the ball.
“That’s a tough call because he’s so good on both sides of the ball. I think of Emmanuel, I think of a warrior because he was hurt a lot that year,” he said. “He did not say a word and I know he was in pain. He gave everything he had and helped us so much on both sides of the ball. He locked down pretty much everybody at defensive back. He ran the ball for us and caught the football. He did a lot of Jet Sweep with pitches. He did an unbelievable job. He rarely left the field and he was hurt.”
Thurman battling injuries and sacrificing was for his teammates and for his biggest supporter — his mother.
Thurman noted the brotherhood bond formed in the Cardinal Fieldhouse to the practice field to Friday nights. It was the lessons taught by his mom verbally and with her actions that illustrated esteeming others higher than yourself.
Robin invested time and money into her son’s activities like getting Memphis-area football coaching legend Tim Thompson to work with Emmanuel.
“He’s been doing a lot on the outside of school,” she said. “I’m just so excited he’s about to jump out in this world and I hope he’s going to let God guide him and just lead him in his destiny of where he needs to go. Being a good steward for the work of the people around him. I see him focusing on himself but also how he can better his community.”
Emmanuel started playing football at the age of 6 with the Tipton County Bulldogs. Then he ventured away from the game by middle school. Then the persistence of Brighton Middle School Head Football Coach Larry Williams opened the door for Emmanuel to reach the college level.
“Coach Larry at the middle school gave him a piece of paper and said ‘I need you at practice,’” Robin recalled. “Emmanuel came home and pondered. He said to me, ‘Mom what should I do?’
“I told him, “He must see something in you,’” she continued. “So I gave him an ultimatum, it’s either you play in the band or football. He said to me, ‘Well I’m not beating no drum.’ When he said that, football was what it was. He decided to be a part of a team and he loves it.”
Emmanuel has confessed in front of his mom and other relatives this football family is his second family now. He is grateful for the connection with his peers and the discipline instilled by his coaches.
Now all the investments made by his Cardinal family and his mom have paid off.
“Very proud mom, ecstatic,” Robin said. “I can’t explain the words. Emotionally just thrilled he has this opportunity but that they also see something in him. I met the coaches at Bethel and I know they’re excited and I am very excited.”
Thurman was celebrated by many on his signing day. But among all the supporters and well-wishers, he recognized the person who made the greatest sacrifices for him to reach his dream.
“Thank you, she’s definitely my No. 1 supporter and I thank her for everything she’s done for me,” he concluded. “My mom is probably the biggest influence of why I picked Bethel. And she pushed me to where I am right now. She’s never stopped and that’s why I am here today.”
