Wednesday, August 27, 2003

By Mike White, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

Calvin Littlejohn believes he is turning his life around. In the process, he could help turn Butler into a WPIAL playoff team.

	Calvin Littlejohn has been clocked at 4.45 in the 40. (Bob Donaldson, Post-Gazette) Click photo for larger image. Quad North at a glance

Littlejohn is a senior running back-defensive back. A load of potential is inside his 5-foot-11, 180-pound tightly packed frame. He has run the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds. As a sophomore two years ago, he rushed for 683 yards.

But with all that speed, Littlejohn has been quick to do the wrong thing. He quit the team in the middle of last season. He was a rebel who clashed with new coach Garry Cathell and his staff. Littlejohn also had some problems off the field.

But with the helping hand of a Butler assistant coach, Littlejohn is big in the team's plans this season. He will start on offense and defense for the Golden Tornado, which hasn't made the playoffs since 1998.

"I've changed a lot," Littlejohn said.

Cathell agrees.

"Calvin has done just a complete turnaround," Cathell said. "He has some structure in his life now. He has guidelines. He's eating good. He's excited about this season because he could have a big year. A lot of people don't know how good he is."

Some have found out.

"Littlejohn has a chance to be outstanding," said Gateway Coach Terry Smith, whose team scrimmaged Butler two weeks ago.

	More on Class AAAA Quad South: Speedy King will carry load for Gators Quad East: Woodland Hills reloads at RB with Brinson Quad West: Montecalvo finds a new home 2003 High School Football Preview

Butler assistant coach Hank Leyland has played a gigantic role in Littlejohn's turnaround. In the spring, Leyland became Littlejohn's legal guardian, and Littlejohn lives with Leyland's family.

"For Hank and his family to do that is just outstanding," Cathell said. "This kid is much better off for it."

Littlejohn said he deeply regrets quitting last year.

"I had some problems here, but I had a lot of other problems with my family that I was going through," he said. "Everything just happened all at once."

"He used to be late for school a lot, he wasn't doing well academically and he used to be involved with another kid who we booted off the team last year because he was involved with drugs," Cathell said.

Littlejohn's grades still are low, but they started to improve in the spring. He showed more determination in the summer.

"I was pretty much up here every day for workouts," Littlejohn said.

Butler has scrapped its wing-T offense and will run out of the I formation much more, which should benefit Littlejohn greatly. He talks about rushing for 1,000 yards. Cathell believes some Division I coaches might become interested in Littlejohn because of his speed.

"I've been through a lot and I've seen a lot," he said. "It's time to grow up."

Cathell said, "I think he's going to be an exciting story this year. I think he's going to be a role-model story."

E-mail this story   Print this story