North Carolina State University Athletics
CARR: Champions in the Classroom
12/18/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
BY A.J. CARR
RALEIGH, N.C. – Alan-Michael Cash has had some big days on the football field, shedding blockers and making tackles as a rugged defensive lineman.
Saturday, December 19, promises to be another memorable moment. Only this time, the gargantuan 6-1, 291-pound NC State senior will be decked out in a cap and gown instead of pads and helmet.
After what he described as a “little rocky” start academically, Cash got serious about education and now will walk with nine of his teammates during graduation ceremonies at the RBC Center.
“It means a lot to me,” said Cash, the first member of his family to earn a college degree. “It will make my mom [Jackie Abrams] proud. It will be a great feeling to have my mom smiling.”
Other players receiving diplomas are Toney Baker, Jamelle Eugene, Bobby Floyd, Koyal George, Matt Kushner, Michael Maurer, Jeraill McCuller, Ray Michel and Josh Milinichik.
There was a time when Cash wasn’t sure he would be among the Pack marching to the sound of Pomp and Circumstance.
He was a “borderline” C student in Richmond, Va., and quickly discovered college was significantly tougher than beating a double-team block. While trying to adjust to campus life, study and play football, Cash also had a daughter (2005), got married ( 2008), and in between mourned the death of his father, who died unexpectedly at age 51.
Those events, plus two knee injuries, heightened the challenge for an athlete whose priorities weren’t always in order.
“At first I was just here for football,” Cash confided. “My sophomore year I saw guys have career ending injuries. I realized football could be taken away from you just like that [snapped his finger]. I took [school] more seriously. It meant something to me.”
Cash started hitting the books as hard as he hit opposing backs, took advantage of tutoring supplied by State’s academic support staff, and earnestly worked toward his degree in program management.
“He came every day, worked as hard as any student I’ve ever worked with, and had the best attitude of any I’ve ever worked with,” said Katie Sheridan, assistant director for academic support. “He earned the respect of everyone on the academic support staff and his teammates. He faced a lot of adversity, but did not succumb to it. He didn’t skip a beat.”
The arrival of Tom O’Brien in 2006 helped. The Wolfpack coach emphasized being a champion in the classroom, on the field, and in the community, and Cash bought into the program in all three areas.
PAD POPPING
While State was riddled with an unusually high number of injuries and failed to achieve a winning record each of the last three seasons, Cash still succeeded individually.
All three years the tenacious tackle won the Carey Brewbaker Award as the team’s top defensive lineman. He’s the first Wolfpack player to win the honor three times since the award was instituted in 1978.
This past season he ranked second in quarterback pressures (20), third in tackles for loss (6) and fourth in overall stops (58) on a defense that faltered much too often.
He’s been a wonderful player for us,” O’Brien said. “He has overcome multiple injuries, provided great leadership, and had his best year this year. He did a wonderful job academically. He had all kind of family situations, was able to deal with them specifically and obtain a degree.”
While his parents were divorced, Cash remained connected to his father, Byron Cash, as well as his mother.
“As I got older I didn’t see him that much, but we communicated all the time on the phone,” Alan-Michael said. “He supported me and came to my games. I prayed a lot and that got me through [the grieving period].”
Cash, who committed to Michigan State before signing with NC State, gave his dad much to cheer about as he parlayed savvy, size and strength to win lots of individual battles and help State beat rival North Carolina three years in a row.
MOVING FORWARD
Off the field, Cash is as friendly as an over-sized Santa Claus and flashes a smile that could disarm a cobra.
He also wears a large cross around his neck. That was presented to him by former Wolfpack defensive back DaJuan Morgan, who saw something special in the big lineman.
Now Cash plans to pass the cross on to another State player who exhibits good potential and positive traits, including strong character.
Away from football, Cash has participated in the Toys for Tots program, which O’Brien strongly supports. Some day he wants to work with troubled youth and operate a community center similar to Boys and Girls Clubs.
Also on his agenda is learning to play a piano and giving pro football a good shot. A stint in the NFL could assure financial security for himself, wife Natasha, and their four-year old daughter.
Cash hears he is projected as a possible fifth-round draft choice. All he is asking for now is an opportunity.
“He would be a valuable asset to any football team,” O’Brien said. “He will be plugging away to the end. And they [NFL coaches] like character guys.”
But before resuming training for NFL workouts, Cash is looking forward to another big moment on Saturday.
“Being a graduate of NC State is another great feeling,” said Cash, who will celebrate with his wife, daughter, mother and several other family members.
RALEIGH, N.C. – Alan-Michael Cash has had some big days on the football field, shedding blockers and making tackles as a rugged defensive lineman.
Saturday, December 19, promises to be another memorable moment. Only this time, the gargantuan 6-1, 291-pound NC State senior will be decked out in a cap and gown instead of pads and helmet.
After what he described as a “little rocky” start academically, Cash got serious about education and now will walk with nine of his teammates during graduation ceremonies at the RBC Center.
“It means a lot to me,” said Cash, the first member of his family to earn a college degree. “It will make my mom [Jackie Abrams] proud. It will be a great feeling to have my mom smiling.”
Other players receiving diplomas are Toney Baker, Jamelle Eugene, Bobby Floyd, Koyal George, Matt Kushner, Michael Maurer, Jeraill McCuller, Ray Michel and Josh Milinichik.
There was a time when Cash wasn’t sure he would be among the Pack marching to the sound of Pomp and Circumstance.
He was a “borderline” C student in Richmond, Va., and quickly discovered college was significantly tougher than beating a double-team block. While trying to adjust to campus life, study and play football, Cash also had a daughter (2005), got married ( 2008), and in between mourned the death of his father, who died unexpectedly at age 51.
Those events, plus two knee injuries, heightened the challenge for an athlete whose priorities weren’t always in order.
“At first I was just here for football,” Cash confided. “My sophomore year I saw guys have career ending injuries. I realized football could be taken away from you just like that [snapped his finger]. I took [school] more seriously. It meant something to me.”
Cash started hitting the books as hard as he hit opposing backs, took advantage of tutoring supplied by State’s academic support staff, and earnestly worked toward his degree in program management.
“He came every day, worked as hard as any student I’ve ever worked with, and had the best attitude of any I’ve ever worked with,” said Katie Sheridan, assistant director for academic support. “He earned the respect of everyone on the academic support staff and his teammates. He faced a lot of adversity, but did not succumb to it. He didn’t skip a beat.”
The arrival of Tom O’Brien in 2006 helped. The Wolfpack coach emphasized being a champion in the classroom, on the field, and in the community, and Cash bought into the program in all three areas.
PAD POPPING
While State was riddled with an unusually high number of injuries and failed to achieve a winning record each of the last three seasons, Cash still succeeded individually.
All three years the tenacious tackle won the Carey Brewbaker Award as the team’s top defensive lineman. He’s the first Wolfpack player to win the honor three times since the award was instituted in 1978.
This past season he ranked second in quarterback pressures (20), third in tackles for loss (6) and fourth in overall stops (58) on a defense that faltered much too often.
He’s been a wonderful player for us,” O’Brien said. “He has overcome multiple injuries, provided great leadership, and had his best year this year. He did a wonderful job academically. He had all kind of family situations, was able to deal with them specifically and obtain a degree.”
While his parents were divorced, Cash remained connected to his father, Byron Cash, as well as his mother.
“As I got older I didn’t see him that much, but we communicated all the time on the phone,” Alan-Michael said. “He supported me and came to my games. I prayed a lot and that got me through [the grieving period].”
Cash, who committed to Michigan State before signing with NC State, gave his dad much to cheer about as he parlayed savvy, size and strength to win lots of individual battles and help State beat rival North Carolina three years in a row.
MOVING FORWARD
Off the field, Cash is as friendly as an over-sized Santa Claus and flashes a smile that could disarm a cobra.
He also wears a large cross around his neck. That was presented to him by former Wolfpack defensive back DaJuan Morgan, who saw something special in the big lineman.
Now Cash plans to pass the cross on to another State player who exhibits good potential and positive traits, including strong character.
Away from football, Cash has participated in the Toys for Tots program, which O’Brien strongly supports. Some day he wants to work with troubled youth and operate a community center similar to Boys and Girls Clubs.
Also on his agenda is learning to play a piano and giving pro football a good shot. A stint in the NFL could assure financial security for himself, wife Natasha, and their four-year old daughter.
Cash hears he is projected as a possible fifth-round draft choice. All he is asking for now is an opportunity.
“He would be a valuable asset to any football team,” O’Brien said. “He will be plugging away to the end. And they [NFL coaches] like character guys.”
But before resuming training for NFL workouts, Cash is looking forward to another big moment on Saturday.
“Being a graduate of NC State is another great feeling,” said Cash, who will celebrate with his wife, daughter, mother and several other family members.
Coach Doeren Signing Day Presser (Dec. 3rd)
Wednesday, December 03
FB Players Postgame Presser vs UNC
Sunday, November 30
Coach Doeren Postgame Presser vs UNC
Sunday, November 30
Coach Doeren Weekly Press Conference (Nov. 24)
Monday, November 24