Star-crossed Hamilton still finds reasons to be thankful
By: TOM SHANAHAN - For the North County Times | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- Thanksgiving's morning football practice for tough-luck San Diego State running back Lynell Hamilton meant mostly standing on the sidelines and watching the offense until it was time to run special teams drills.
Then one of the most highly-acclaimed recruits in Aztecs history took his turns carrying out anonymous roles on coverage and return teams.
Hamilton's college career wasn't supposed to finish this way, but ankle, knee and shoulder injuries sidetracked the kid that arrived from Edison High in Stockton known as the "The L Train."
That first year in 2003, he was named the Mountain West Conference's Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-conference choice. He gained 1,087 yards in 10 games, but a broken leg in that 10th game at Nevada-Las Vegas ended his season and forced him to miss 2004 as well.
But don't feel sorry for Hamilton ---- especially not on Thanksgiving ---- because he doesn't.
"I thank God I'm out here with the opportunity to play football and that we're still practicing as a team and a family," Hamilton said. "We've had some tough games, but nobody ---- in my mind ---- has the attitude that 'I'm just here for myself.' We're still a team, and I'm thankful for that."
Second-year Aztecs head coach Chuck Long ---- whose career spans being player, assistant coach and head coach in college and an NFL quarterback ---- has never given up on a role for Hamilton, who scored his only touchdown of the year on a pass reception against Cincinnati.
"He's gone through a difficult time at a young age and has handled it better than anybody I've ever seen, really, for all that he's been through," Long said. "That bodes well for him in the real world. When he works a job, he can get through any adversity and be a successful person in real life."
The real world can wait. He has two more games to play for the Aztecs before he graduates next month with a degree in sociology and a minor in psychology.
After practice, he planned to sit down for a Thanksgiving meal with his teammates in the Aztecs Hall of Fame.
When he returned home near campus, there would be another meal cooked by his mother, Veronica. Guests would include his father, Leo; sister, Leona; Leona's newborn daughter, Neeya; his roommates Ray Bass, Attiyah Henderson, Brett Martin and Jonathan Soto; and "any other teammates who might stop by."
Hamilton's parents will remain in town for Saturday's game against Texas Christian at Qualcomm Stadium, continuing a family tradition of tailgating with family members from the Los Angeles area. Nothing has changed from those heady days in 2003.
"They still do that for me, and it means a lot to me to have that support," Hamilton said. "I have no regrets. I love San Diego ---- on and off the field. I love being part of this program."
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