MitchMash: The Opening athletes take hard look at character

BEAVERTON, Ore. — In light of the recent Aaron Hernandez murder allegations — and a long list of off-the-field escapades and issues at the NFL and collegiate levels — the high school kids must be scratching their heads.

At the Nike World Headquarters, where 161 of the top prep players from the Class of 2014 are gathered for The Opening, the young prospects are taking notes and leaving names.

They are literally leaving the names of their one-time idols who now are more noted for arrests, battery and in the worst-case scenario — murder — than superlative exploits on the field.

The case of Hernandez, the Pro Bowl tight end for the Patriots was charged last week with first-degree murder and five firearms-related charges, is severe and largely an aberration, of course.

Many of the NFL's best from past and present — including Aaron Rodgers, Ndamukong Suh and Desmond Howard — are on the Nike campus to give back to the boys and set good examples. But clearly, the fast-paced life of being a celebrity athlete can definitely sway a young person's perspective and persona, and spin a life terribly out of control.

It's a topic as or more important than the receiving routes, blocking techniques and passing motions being taught at one of high school football's most prestigious showcases.

The coaches and leaders of this camp know it, and certainly the players who weighed in on all things character on Monday do as well.

"(Off-the-field behavior) is very important because at the end of the day your persona is who you are," said Curtis (River Ridge, La.) incoming senior defensive back Mattrell McGraw. "You can act a certain way and it might not be who you are. But how you act is how they view you."

And if you are accused of a horrific act like Hernandez, said the nation's top tight end recruit Dalton Schultz, of Bingham (South Jordan, Utah), "Everything you've done or accomplished or worked for in your life can just be shot down."

Schultz wasn't purposely making a pun. It just came out that way.

"I think your off-the-field behavior means everything," he said. "That's why it's so important to be mindful of that stuff and don't do anything stupid."

Justin Brent, a 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver from Speedway (Ind.) who committed to Notre Dame as a sophomore, said the stupid stuff doesn't only erase your impressive past, but it wipes out a possible fruitful future.

"There's a lot of talented guys who we've never heard of because they got in trouble," Brent said. "You just have to keep your nose clean and the sky's the limit."

Of course, a murder charge is more than a nose cleaning. But even smaller off-the-field discrepancies — missing curfew, getting in fights, breaking any law — can be costly to an athlete's reputation.

And pocket book, said McGraw's Curtis teammate, wide receiver Malachi Dupre.

"Anyone who is fortunate enough to make it to the level of NFL won't make the big money if they're known as a trouble-maker," Dupre said. "You could be a great player, but you'll be underpaid for bad character off the field.

"Even in college, where you're not being paid, you still have to handle your business. Money isn't the most important thing. You just want to be a good person for yourself and other people around you."

Allen Lazard, a four-star receiver from Urbandale (Iowa) who is headed to Iowa State, said that's especially true as you climb the ladder of fame.

"In Aaron Hernandez's case he's all the way in the NFL," Lazard said. "He's the leader for his team. He's in the public eye. You have to be so much more responsible and be smart. You're representing your family, your friends, your organization or whatever college you go to. You want to keep a straight head and stay on track."

Lazard said he's been extremely lucky. He was raised well by two parents who reminded him to "stay out of trouble and away from the wrong crowd. I give them all the credit."

Many of these premier athletes, many who will end up in the NFL, said they remember important messages from either high school coaches or mentors or other family members. Schultz couldn't say enough good things about his coach Dave Peck or his messages, which are often reflected in acronyms.

"It's all about P.I.E.," Schultz said. "(Peck) believes if you do everything with passion, integrity and effort then anything can be accomplished. He's really big on the integrity part."

Said Brent: "The old motto that hard works pays off is simple but it's true. I put God first, family second, school third and then football."

Said McGraw: "It's all about the people you surround yourself with and the decisions you make. Those things are vital."

Dalvin Cook, the nation's No. 3 running back according to 247sports from Central (Miami), said a big brother mentor always passed on two crucial traits to be mindful of. 

"Work hard and stay humble and everything will come to you," Cook said.

But having everything can be a blessing and a curse. It's how you handle "everything" that evidently can be tricky. Cook said the Hernandez case proves that.

"We're all trying to get to the level he was at," Cook said. "So this should be a wake-up call to do the right thing."