South Pittsburg Player Up For National Award

Jonathan Blevins, a student from Marion County, Tenn., has been chosen as one of 30 semi-finalists in Trusted Sports’ search for the nation’s most inspiring high school football player.

Jonathan Blevin's coach, Vic Grider nominated the South Pittsburg High School senior for the RUDY Award, established by Trusted Sports and Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger. The award honors student-athletes who most completely represent the 'Rudy' on their team… someone whose courage and commitment inspires others to excellence. These same traits were immortalized in the blockbuster film 'RUDY', starring Sean Astin and Jon Favreau. To connect with the 30 semifinalists' exciting life stories and vote for your favorite, go to www.HighSchoolRUDYAwards.com.

Click HERE to vote for Jonathan Blevins

Tuesday, we talked with 19 year old Jonathan Blevins who had no home, no clothes, no guidance, but now has hope.

The biggest part about Jonathan Blevins may be his smile. At 5'7, 185 pounds, he's an unlikely candidate for a high school defensive linemenm, but the game tapes don't lie. Blevins, #54, makes tackle after tackle, and his passion is clear even on the field.

Assistant Football Coach Danny Wilson says, "Non-stop motor, when the ball's snapped he's 100 miles per hour until the whistle and he's that way every play, opposing coaches have to know where he's at in order to do anything, it has nothing to do with his ability but everything to do with his heart."

But it's a heart that's seen hard times, from 6th grade until his sophomore year, Blevins lived with little. His father was gone, his mother was doing drugs.

Blevins says, "Oh it got hard at times, I had to wear the same clothes all month one time, I didn't have any clothes."

But Blevins says it only got worse, and there were nights he had to sleep in the press box. "I was too embarrassed, I didn't say nothing, I just trusted in God that someone would find me."

And someone did. A relative realized what Blevins was up against and told a friend, who took in this small hero and helped. "I won't never quit, I keep coming, keep fighting, to make sure I do good."

And he has, with one state championship ring already, this year he played in the finals again. "Everybody screaming and hollering, saying your name, it's like a dream come true."

A dream that isn't over yet, he's now one of 30 semi-finalists for the national Rudy Award, the only candidate from Tennessee.

He's gone from homeless, to humble hero, even helps take care of kids at daycare. He's beaten both his size and his circumstances with other big part of Jonathan Blevins - his heart. "I'm not a football star, but I've finally done something everyone looks up to, it's good to know kids look up to me."

The winner of the Rudy Award will be announced on February 3rd. Blevins says he'd like to attend Carson Newman, and become a teacher and football coach.

Again, you can vote for Blevins HERE