BANG! BANG BANG BANG!
The dull thud of bodies colliding reverberated through the field, a raw echo from the age of hand-to-hand combat—no weapons, just pure physical warfare.
Two armies clashing, bayonets drawn.
At that moment, the field was hosting a seven-on-seven drill—tactical practice.
The morning's foundational training had already wrapped up. As novel as the experience was, what stood out most about football compared to other sports was how it not only allowed physical contact but demanded it. The sport thrived on it—speed, power, resilience, explosiveness, endurance—all pushed to the limit, constantly testing one's peak.
Yet, from another perspective, despite the differences in training methods and equipment, competitive sports all shared a universal principle: pushing one's potential in various ways, inching ever closer to the ceiling, and even breaking through that ceiling to transform one's strengths into lethal weapons.
Thus, for Lance, the training wasn't entirely unfamiliar. From the cross-country running he had lived through to the MMA experience he felt deep in his soul—despite never having done it in this world—it all led him to the same core truth.
After a short adjustment period, Lance was already locked in.
Repeated, monotonous drills, immersed in his own world, constantly pushing his limits. This was his daily grind.
After the foundational training, the running backs headed to the gym to lift weights for strength training. It was there that Lance met another running back:
Josh Jacobs.
A high school senior, Jacobs wouldn't officially start at Alabama until September, technically not yet a "freshman."
In the NCAA, considering that summer team practices are banned, the only collective training time before the season begins is April's spring camp, meaning incoming freshmen couldn't practice with the team during the summer. Thus, the NCAA holds a special recruitment period each February.
In February, universities can offer scholarships to high school players from ESPN's ranking lists, inviting them to join the spring training camp—
This is known as "National Signing Day."
As a traditional football powerhouse, Alabama's recruiting pull is incredible. All 19 recruits this year are ranked in various top lists, including the second-ranked linebacker Ben Davis and the consensus number one offensive tackle Charles Baldwin.
Jacobs? Ranked 36th.
Having witnessed Derrick Henry dominate as Alabama's star running back last season, it was expected that after spring camp, Jacobs would take over the lead running back role and shoulder the responsibility of Alabama's ground game in the upcoming season.
In other words, Derrick Henry was his predecessor.
Spoiler alert: Henry, who had just been drafted by the Tennessee Titans last month, would go on to earn the nickname "King Henry" from fans, thanks to his dominant playing style.
Now, it was Jacobs' turn to fill those shoes.
The pressure was palpable.
Throughout the morning's training, Jacobs barely exchanged a few words with Lance, remaining completely absorbed in his workout, dripping sweat.
Once the foundational and strength training sessions were over and no specialized running back drills were scheduled, they had to shift into the team's tactical drills.
Normally, a full team scrimmage would involve "11 vs 11," with both the offense and defense fielding eleven players. But today, Saban was fine-tuning their tactics, reducing it to a seven-on-seven drill to quicken the pace of tactical adjustments and live play—forcing the players' brains to operate at top speed.
On the field, fourteen players stood—seven on offense, seven on defense—these were the core players.
Lance's focus was entirely on the offensive side.
The starting running back was Jacobs, while the quarterback was Jalen Hurts.
Hurts was another player with a story. Like Jacobs, he was also a high school senior, set to enroll in September. Ranked 13th on multiple lists, Hurts was a four-star recruit whose arrival carried big hopes and dreams for the Crimson Tide. Quickly earning Saban's trust, he was named the starting quarterback.
For Hurts, the future looked bright, a golden road stretching ahead.
What Hurts didn't know was that the next six years would be a rollercoaster ride—
From starting quarterback for Alabama to losing his position and transferring schools, from being doubted and falling to the second round of the draft, to riding the bench for the Philadelphia Eagles. He would eventually seize his opportunity, overcoming relentless criticism to lead his team to the Super Bowl in 2022, narrowly losing in the final moments. Hurts would go on to sign a record-breaking $255 million contract.
If Hollywood wanted a biopic, Hurts' journey would be perfect—more dramatic than The Blind Side.
Of course, Lance had no idea about any of this.
Despite coming from 2023, Lance swore he had no clue. Even if he'd seen the news in passing, he still wouldn't have remembered Hurts' name.
At this moment, in Lance's eyes, Hurts was orchestrating a play, setting up blocks for Jacobs—a completely new experience for Lance.
For those unfamiliar with the intricacies of football, watching a game might just seem like chaotic collisions, a bunch of guys running into each other repeatedly.
But with a deeper understanding of the positions, tactics, and matchups, football became like a game of Go—strategic, filled with intellect and intricacies. It was far more than a sport of brute force. The tactics were ever-changing, constantly evolving with the flow of the game, creating endless possibilities.
Like right now.
"Attack!" Hurts called out the play.
The formations lined up like two armies facing off, their front lines nearly touching, helmets clashing, eyes locked in battle.
As soon as Hurts shouted, the defense pressed forward, and the offensive line charged to meet them, both sides engaging in a fierce, all-out collision.
Hurts took the snap from the center, immediately turning and stepping back, preparing to hand the ball off to Jacobs.
Jacobs didn't hesitate, stepping forward to meet Hurts, his hands outstretched for the handoff.
But wait!
Before the ball was even exchanged, a defender had already broken through the line, arms wide, charging straight for Hurts.
Danger!
In that split second, Hurts and Jacobs executed a perfect fake.
Lance noticed it—Jacobs didn't take the ball. They had just faked the handoff, smoothly moving past each other.
Jacobs surged forward, colliding head-on with the oncoming defender.
BANG!
The sound of helmets smashing together sent a ripple through the field.
Hurts, meanwhile, took two more steps forward before spinning counterclockwise, his eyes scanning the field. Jacobs' block had bought him precious time.
Sure enough, the ball was still in Hurts' hands!
Hurts quickly surveyed the field, adjusted his footing, and fired the ball toward the left sideline, a perfect rainbow arc soaring through the air.
About fifteen yards downfield, a receiver danced, his feet churning as he fought off Humphrey, who couldn't shake him. So the receiver simply leaned into Humphrey, using his back to muscle him off, and with arms outstretched, he plucked the ball from the air.
Connection made!
Fifteen yards gained.
And just like that, they had a first down.
Beautiful!
Football fans, this story is still growing, and I need your support! Please follow along to the latest chapter—it's crucial to keeping this story alive. I sincerely appreciate your help!