By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor When a big play needed to be made last season on the offensive side of the ball, it was more times than not a catch and run from PCC’s Yusef Muhhamad that provided that spark. The Maryland native had that knack to not only make the diving catch, but his […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
When a big play needed to be made last season on the offensive side of the ball, it was more times than not a catch and run from PCC’s Yusef Muhhamad that provided that spark.
The Maryland native had that knack to not only make the diving catch, but his yards after a catch were often times just as impressive.
He finished the 2016 season with approximately 650 yards receiving on 30 catches, including five for touchdowns.
But PCC, which started the season 3-2, lost four of their final games to finish at 4-6, and that was a disappointing end for Muhammad and his teammates.
Fast forward a year, and Muhammad and the Lancers are both facing some adversity for the new season, which kicks off Saturday night when the Lancers host Long Beach City College at 6.
A few weeks before the season was to start, PCC announced they had put football coach Tom Maher on paid leave while they complete an investigation, but no details of the inquiry were released.
At some point, for his long-term success and chances at the next level, Muhammad and his coaches decided to move the sophomore from wide receiver to defensive back.
At 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds, any football player has a much better chance as a defensive back if their careers were prolonged at a four-year school.
So, for what he believes is best for PCC and himself, Muhammad will roam the Lancers’ defensive backfield and will return punts and kickoffs on special teams.
Muhammad is a ‘victim’ of athletes in many sports, where coaches and scouts have a pre-set belief that value a player’s height and weight sometimes even more than their own-the-field production.
He’s always felt he was an ‘underdog’ based on his size, ever since his prep days in Maryland.
It’s that belief that made Muhammad work twice as hard as many that were lucky enough to be taller.
But a coaching and position change are nothing for the 20 year old.
Muhammad grew up in an area around gangs and drugs and violence.
In fact, he saw several classmates lose their life during his middle school years.
His parents, Tracy and Victor, made sure their son stayed away from all the negatives that life in a rough area produce.
His mom is a teacher and always made sure Yusef had good enough grades before they would even consider letting him play sports.
The next obstacle to bounce back from was not taking his grades seriously enough at Shepherd College.
After being humbled, Muhammad got control of his grades and he dominated even more on the football field.
“They (his parents) always told me to deal with adversity,” Muhammad said. “Growing up, things and changes would happen. They always taught me to do the right things. In the neighborhood I grew up in, I can say that if I hadn’t taken up football, I could have gone down the wrong path.”
His speed, route running, ability to make a routine play into a long gain and his passion are just a few things his coaches and teammates respect about Muhammad.
“He’s a hard worker. He bounced back from Shepherd College and he brings it every day,” PCC defensive back Jshoun Wolfe said. ” I was able to get close with him last year when we were roommates and he is a great teammate as well. He just goes out there and makes plays. His size doesn’t matter. He’s just about business.”
As much as every JC football player has to be selfish to an extent, because they know in each of their 10 regular season games is an audition for scouts and coaches.
Muhammad, though, is incredibly focused on the success of not just his teammates to get a look as well, he’s also all about winning and doing anything and everything he can to help the Lancers win games.
“It’s my job to be a leader and to allow my work to do my talking and to make big plays whenever my team needs that from me,” Muhammad said. “We are much deeper on the offensive line and there is a really solid chemistry this year. We have the capability to be a very competitive team if we all live up to our potential and work hard.”
What kind of a reputation has Muhammad earned over the past year?
“He is a is very dedicated and loyal friend and teammate,” Jakota Turner said. “He is a really good friend and we share a love of football. I think what makes him special besides his obvious talents is that his football IQ is high and is someone we see as a leader who you could model your game after.”
As much as Muhammad embraces any media coverage, he also wanted to point out that he’s just one of many who will make this team competitive each weekend.
We might know until kickoff Saturday night whether Adam Besena or Ian Brian will earn the quarterback duties.
James Shaw, Amad Andrews and Sultaan Sullivan will anchor the Lancers rushing attack.
Stevie Williams, Kyle Torres and Forest Fajardo are expected to make big plays for the PCC receiving corps.
With kickoff just hours away, Muhammad isn’t sleeping well.
His passion and excitement for the game and his desire to do anything he can to help PCC win games is paramount in his life.
If Muhammad has a similar season to 2016, regardless of how unfair it is that he’s judged by his size, the PCC sophomore will not only knock down walls, he’ll also kick in doors for himself and others his size that haven’t gotten a look yet.
Getting To Know Yusef Muhammad:
Favorite Team: Washington Redskins
Favorite Athlete: Muhammad Ali
Favorite Movie: Rudy
Favorite Musical Artist: Chief Keef
Artist People Might Be Surprised To Find On His Ipod: Jason Aldean
Famous Person (Alive or Dead) I’d Most Want A Conversation With: Muhammad Ali
2017 PCC Football Schedule:
September 2: Long Beach City at PCC at 6
September 9: PCC at San Bernardino at 6
September 16: PCC at Allan Hancock at 2
September 23: Southwestern at PCC at 6
September 20: PCC at Compton at 6
October 7: West LA at PCC at 6
October 21: Glendale at PCC at 6
October 28: PCC at LA Southwest at 6
November 4: East Los Angeles at PCC at 6
November 11: PCC at Santa Ana at 1
