Fulmer on hand as Raiders' Smith honored

March 5, 2010

Watching Greenville High School School senior James D. Smith earn the Coaches 4 Character Award at the Carolina First Center. Friday night got former University of Tennessee football coach Phil Fulmer thinking about a former Vols student. 

Although Fulmer coached one of the greatest quarterbacks in National League Football history. Peyton Manning was the player who succeeded him at the position who led the Vols to the only national championship under his tenure. 

"Peyton came from a little bit different world." said Fulmer. "Peyton's father had been successful, made some money, played pro football. He knew what it was about and what he had to do to make it big.

"But I want to tell you about another young man who would probably fit better in this room -- Tee Martin. He did not grow up with any wealth. He grew up with a single mother, in the hood in Mobile, Ala. with all the distractions in the world around him. But he made it for himself because he had the character." 

Fulmer went on to describe the Martin as a great leader who was the biggest reason the Vols claimed the national title. 

Smith, a lineman on the Red Raider varsity and a member of the track team was also described by Greenville football coach Phil Magdic as a leader on and off the field. He also is a member  of the student council. 

Although he has yet to make a college decision, he has a vision for his future. 

"I want to be a history major," said Smith. "After graduation I would like to come back and teach, then someday become the principal at Greenville High School." 

Smith's fellow students at Greenville High voted for him to receive the award. 

By: Willie T. Smith -- Greenville News