The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1340560
30 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2021 BY JOHN BORTON T he inscrutable, invisible hand that moves lives can turn a fleeting feeling, or a near- death decision, into an open door of unbelievable opportunity. A young child's father in Haiti wants more for his son, affirming it in his own will. Thousands of miles away, Melanie Colson dreams and prays about adopting. Untold twists of fate could have al- tered everything — a massive earth- quake, the quirks of the adoption pro- cess, another family's reticence. Any ripple in the cosmic forces could have changed everything. Meet Junior Colson, Michigan fresh- man linebacker, and walking, talking, tackling miracle. "It's amazing to give a person a gift," Mrs. Colson offered. "For them to reciprocate that gift … I'm not sure there are words." The gift given by the Colsons — Steve, Melanie, and offspring Josh and Amanda — involved welcom- ing another full-time Colson into their home, like they'd welcomed some 11 foster kids over the years. The reciprocation? It's just Junior being who he is, and chasing a dream in dreamlike fashion. "Junior Colson is intelligent, gifted with poise and a steadfastness that you can't teach people," his adoptive mother assures. "He's risen to the challenges of life, and all that life has brought him. He has wisdom beyond his years. "He is a deep thinker and a true friend. Loyal. He would give you the shirt off his back, for sure." Junior Colson dons a new shirt these days — or jersey. He'll pull on a Michigan game jersey, along with a winged helmet, furthering his against- all-odds sojourn. The orphanage-housed youth in a land of overwhelming poverty not only came to America, but became the 6-2, 230-pound No. 82 overall prep prospect and No. 5 outside linebacker in all the land, according to Rivals.com. "If you were going to build a player, starting from scratch, I'd probably start with him," said former NFL line- backer Ryan Fowler, Colson's position coach at Ravenwood High in Brent- wood, Tenn. It's unimaginable for most, even the chosen few who make it, trained in football almost since they could walk. But this Michigan rookie doesn't have to imagine it. He's here, ready to hit the field. FROM HAITI TO HARBAUGH The Next Stop On Junior Colson's Journey Is The Big House Colson was born in Haiti, where he spent the first nine years of his life, before coming to America, being adopted by the Colson family (from left to right: Amanda, Melanie, Junior, Steve and Joshua) and developing into one of the best football players in the country. PHOTO COURTESY MELANIE COLSON 2021 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE