Their sophomore year, I put the guys down as defensive linemen to make them tough. I did the same thing with Pepper Johnson and Kevin Brooks.

228

You can say what you like but we are looking at sporting destiny. Here is a young man for whom it all started in Detroit, and now he's coming home to play in the greatest sporting event of all.

220

In his first game, he ran 120 yards and two touchdowns, and 180 yards and two touchdowns in the next game. Then, he said, 'Coach, I like this.

166

This is a big thing for the (school) community, the town — everybody.

156

When there was that situation with that fumble (late in the playoff win over Indianapolis) that was rectified by that tackle, that proved that it his destiny to win this game.

152

Jerome is the total package. He has great character and he's a wonderful human being who is a self-motivated leader with an infectious, positive outlook on life.

150

I'm just so happy for Jerome, and I'm happy for Mackenzie. I feel it won't end when he parks the bus in Detroit. I think he's going to win it.

142

He stood out like a diamond ring.

120

It's a tough area. South of the school, there are high- and upper-middle-class citizens - lots of doctors, lawyers, teachers and principals. North of the school, where Jerome lived, you have the inner city. It's a pretty tough area. Jerome and his parents did a great job avoiding the pitfalls of that.

119