By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson
The effusive, infectious persona of Jamari Haynes was readily apparent after speaking with Plantation Colonel head coach Steve Davis and reading about him and his family. He personifies every quality that we admire in a student/athlete both academically and athletically. And it took Coach Davis every bit of 5 seconds to nominate Jamari once he was broached about recommending one of his athletes for the Westside Gazette’s weekly feature.
As recently as Friday night in a 51 to 32 victory over the Nova Titans, playing in the first half only, Jamari caught 2 passes for 52 yards, one a touchdown reception while scoring another touchdown on a 70 yard kickoff return. For the season he has caught 16 passes totaling 432 yards with 5 touchdown receptions. The Colonels improved their overall record to 4 wins and one loss, positioning themselves for a serious playoff run.
Jamari had solid role models to emulate including two brothers who played for Coach Davis: Antwuan, who played at Florida Tech, concluding his career as their all time rushing leader and Jaquan, currently a wide receiver with the Bethune- Cookman University Wildcats. Coach Davis raved about the entire family – the parents, their character, work ethic and moral values governing their lives. A closer look into what drives Jamari is insightful and revealing. He is very passionate about self-determination: if there is an obstacle between you and success, move it. Competitively, he accepts every opponent, specifically defensive backs, as a personal challenge and possesses the necessary self-confidence and skills to reign victorious. A leader or team captain, he believes, exudes qualities such as versatility, self- confidence and humility, one who understands the team concept. Jamari derives personal motivation from support of his parents and brothers, all of whom have contributed to his success. S. H. E. C. – Stay Humble, Eat Crumbs, something he picked up from his older brother, also guides his thought process. He views football as a metaphor for life because you learn so many life skills, you build personal relationships, it teaches teamwork and unity, and mental preparation which ultimately leads to victory and success on the field and in life.
Jamari likes watching game film or listening to Hip Hop before a game and his favorite pre-game meal is Alfreda pasta. Having being associated with competitive team sports since the age of seven, he has played for several coaches during that time. He places non above Coach Davis from whom he has learned so much and credits him for being the player he is today. Jamari further states that Coach Davis has changed his life’s trajectory and that he will always play hard for him. Presently, he has received a scholarship offer to Valdosta State in Valdosta, Georgia. Congrats Jamari and Godspeed as you carve a path toward a promising, successful future.
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