The importance of having a trustworthy kicker or punter is often understated in football. But not to Purvis head coach Perry Wheat, who has coached some good ones in recent years.
One was Brady Farlow, now a sophomore at Louisiana Tech. Next in line was Steven Anderson, who had a solid junior campaign in 2016 and was set to be even better as a senior this season. Wheat went as far as saying Anderson was one of his team’s biggest strengths heading into 2017.
“Steven had a good summer and offseason,” Wheat said in a preseason interview. “He’s kicking the ball really good.”
But unfortunately for Anderson, his senior season was cut short about five weeks ago when he tore his ACL during a practice. It was a day and moment he will never forget.
“I guess it was the way I stepped or something,” Anderson said. “Something just popped in my knee.”
Whether it be voluntary or involuntary, Anderson knew his kicking career could very well be over. That was and continues to be uncertain at this point. Anderson did know, however, that his days of playing in a Purvis uniform were over. Knowing he would never suit up and run out of the tunnel with his teammates again, that was hardest part.
“I’ve been playing with them since rookie ball. We’ve just been together forever. I hate I cannot be out there for our last ride.”
There were more than a few days and thoughts of hanging up his cleats entirely and forgoing an opportunity to play at the college level once he recovered. But those passed.
“I’ve got my mind set on one thing, and I know God has a plan for me,” Anderson said. “I cannot just give up on all this stuff I’ve been working for since I was a kid.”
Anderson credits his Purvis coaches and teammates for keeping his spirit high through such a difficult time.
“It’s been great. Coach Wheat was there for my surgery, and a lot of my teammates have given me great support. One of my best friends on the team and my long snapper, Tanner Hatten, he’s been giving me a lot of support and been there for me every step of the way. All of them have been here for me.”
As for an estimated recovery time:
“Six months but I’m shooting for five-and-a-half. Just as soon as I can get back out there.”
