Fournette, Boykin shine bright in best way

In today's world, the good is overshadowed by the bad far too often. Terrible news outnumbers heartwarming stories 10-to-1, or so it seems.

In college football, many great stories go untold, while the likes of Jameis Winston stealing crab legs and yelling obscenities, Cam Newton's "recruitment," and Johnny Manziel's party lifestyle are at the forefront of SportsCenter's opening segment.

That's why I am extremely happy to see two of the faces of college football this year being first-class citizens on and off the field. LSU's Leonard Fournette and TCU's Trevone Boykin have provided us plenty of explosive plays, thrilling scores, and much more on the gridiron. But the way they've stood out to me is what they've done off it.

Fournette is widely regarded as the leading candidate for the Heisman Trophy, given annually the the nation's top college football player. Boykin has joined Fournette near the top with his recent play.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.

That is the first line of the Heisman Trust Mission Statement. The key word out of that entire sentence is "integrity." That's where Fournette and Boykin come into play.

Leonard Fournette auctioned his jersey from LSU's
game against South Carolina to benefit flood relief
in the Gamecocks' home state.
(Photo courtesy USA Today Sports)

A devastating flood relocated South Carolina's home football game against LSU to Baton Rouge, La., the home of the Tigers. Fournette, a native of New Orleans, knows all too well the damage flooding can do thanks to the hurricanes that have rocked the Gulf Coast in the last decade. 

After the Tigers' game against the Gamecocks, Fournette announced he would auction his jersey with the proceeds going toward the flood relief in the Palmetto State. A small gesture, but a classy one. 

TCU's Trevone Boykin meets young Abby Faber
prior to TCU's game at Iowa State.
(Photo courtesy AP)

Meanwhile, Boykin befriended a young girl after the coin toss at TCU's game at Iowa State. The girl, Abby Faber, was wearing a Cyclones jersey, as she had been selected as the "Kid Captain" sponsored by a local hospital. Faber has cerebral palsy and was in a wheelchair at midfield. A camera man captured the sensational photo of Boykin kneeling and talking to Faber.

Two weeks following their fateful meeting, Faber and her family were flown down to TCU's Thursday game and presented with over $30,000 raised by a student group at TCU.

I admire your spirit and determination on the football field, young men. I admire your heart and guts. I envy your athleticism.

But what I admire most about both of you is your character. You've set an extremely important example to your peers and all who watch college football. One of you may win the Heisman Trophy. One of you might win the National Championship.

Regardless of those achievements, you are already champions in my book.

-BtW