Football players battle through injuries on a regular basis. Anyone who has played the sport can tell you it’s part of the game. The recovery process can be a true test of a player’s mental and physical strength, especially following a major injury.
Tulsa wide-receiver Keevan Lucas began the 2015 season on pace for a career year. He totaled 409 receiving yards, five touchdowns and a 115.7 average per catch on 26 receptions through the first four games, before suffering a torn patella tendon. The injury sidelined Lucas for the remainder of the season.
“It was kind of hard. The first part after my surgery I was in a straight brace so I couldn’t really move or get around,” Lucas said. “The middle of the season was tough. There were some dark times.”
This wasn’t the first time Lucas has faced adversity. In high school, he lost both his mom and grandmother during the same week. Then as a high school senior he was sidelined with an injury. Lucas’ positive attitude and relentless work athletic are what has helped him overcome these obstacles.
“He has gone through a lot more than most people have to go through in one lifetime,” said Tulsa QB Dan Evans. “He’s an incredible person to look up to and model yourself after.”
The Golden Hurricane senior w ide-out has reinstated himself as a focal point in a Tulsa offense that is ranked atop The American in total offense (512.1 yds/gm). Through nine games, Lucas sits in the top-20 of the NCAA in receptions (18
th, 6.7/gm) and receiving yards (19
th, 93.9/gm).
Tulsa visits Navy in a battle for control of the West Division on Saturday at Noon ET. The Golden Hurricane enter the contest on a three-game winning streak, during which, Lucas has accumulated 249 receiving yards and four touchdowns.