Nov. 3, 2004
Luther Huggins knows how to get what he wants. The senior wide receiver from Jackson High School in Miami bounced back from injuries to play the sport he chose.
An All-American in track during his high school tenure, Huggins says it wasn't the sport for him. "Football was my passion. I didn't really like track, I was just good at it. My mom ran rack when she was younger so I kind of followed suit. I became really good at it and started winning a lot."
It was during track season at Jackson that Huggins had his first serious bouts with injuries. "During my senior year I pulled both of my hamstrings twice in one season. It really did a lot to me mentally. I realized I didn't have an attachment to running so I decided to focus on football because that`s where my heart was at."
His heart might have been in the right place but his physical heath was not. Huggins came to UCF as a late signee, joining former high school and fellow Golden Knights teammate, Tavaris Capers. "He (Capers) had already signed and I wasn't sure if I was going to come here. I weighed out my options and decided UCF was it for me because it gave me the opportunity to play faster, said Huggins. "Also, I liked the coach that recruited me. He came down to Miami to see me and I felt like I should return the favor and come to Orlando to play for him."
But during his freshman season with the Golden Knights he was forced to redshirt due to a back injury. Huggins, determined to get back on the field, bounced back from injury and played in all 11 games and finished the 2001 season with six receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown. "It's all about staying mentally focused," said Huggins. "You have to know that you won't always be injured. You'll get better and eventually you'll be able to get back into the game. You have to stay focused on what you want in the future. You can't quit."
Since the 2001 season Huggins has remained healthy, marking his 118 yards receiving during this season's game against Akron as the highlight of his college career, so far. "It was my goal to do it when I came here and it took me so long to accomplish. That was very important to me."But Huggins has other goals in mind. "I want to run a kick return back. I've been close numerous times," said Huggins, with his longest return totaling 80 yards against Akron in 2001. "That would be the highlight of my career."
Huggins never regrets his decision to stick with football. "Track is an individual sport. I love the camaraderie of the team. I love playing in front of the crowd. I like having people depend on me to make big plays," said Huggins. "Being able to make a play in front of a crowd, all eyes on you, is a great feeling."
He believes that helping out his fellow teammates is also a great feeling. "I would consider myself a leader. I may not be the most vocal, but I try to lead by example. I'm not a real loud guy but I'll talk to people when I think I need to."
Huggins credits the coaching staff for his successes on and off the field. "My entire career here has been a learning experience. All of my coaches have mentored me and helped me to become better in their own different ways."
After he hangs up his black and gold jersey for the last time, like many college football athletes, Huggins wants a shot in the NFL, but he has other goals, as well. "If the NFL doesn't work out, then I'd like to become a coach and a teacher."
He hopes to see UCF football become an elite program in Florida and gives this advice to the Golden Knights who will follow in his footsteps-- "Keep working hard and believe in yourself and your coach. Follow his lead, he knows what he's doing."