GREENACRES – Robert Curtis was a late bloomer at John I. Leonard.
In fact, the senior linebacker had his breakthrough moment during a Week 8 game at Santaluces. Though it turned out to be a 22-0 loss for his team, it was a win for Curtis in more ways than one.
For the Pahokee native, this pivotal moment would result in him getting 11 total tackles (5 solo), 2 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. And it would later parlay into a college scholarship opportunity at Kentucky Christian.
“Santaluces was my break out game,” the 5-foot-10, 180-pound linebacker said. “It led to me ending my senior season strong. I got a high grade on the scouting report that week. But I have to thank my coaches on that one because that was a hard week in practice for me…I feel like if it wasn’t for that week right there in practice, I wouldn’t have been going to KCU, nor would have I become a better player.”
Curtis finished his senior season at John I. Leonard with 62 total tackles (38 solo), 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 pass breakup.
“It was bittersweet,” Curtis said of John I. Leonard, which ended the 2019 season with a 2-8 record. “We had bigger goals ahead. But it didn’t work in our favor. Coach [Keith] Chattin is a good coach, as well as Coach [Carey] McCray and the rest of the coaching staff. From my junior year up until now, he [Chattin] has turned his program around and it’s running like a well-oiled machine. 2021 and the class after that is going to do it. I’m just blessed to be a Lancer alumni and honored to have been able to play under the coaching staff.”
Curtis spoke on his decision to sign with Kentucky Christian back in February.
“I went with Kentucky Christian because they guided me through the process and made me feel welcomed before they even offered me,” said Curtis, who is related to new Glades Central head coach Rashad Jackson. “Not to mention, it’s the same defensive scheme I ran with Coach McCray, so I know I could catch on quick. At the time, they were the only school I had and later on other schools jumped inside my DM. I’m glad I stuck with my mind.”
Curtis reflected on his high school experience at John I. Leonard, which will officially end with a virtual graduation ceremony on May 30.
“I feel heartbroken because I dreamed of my senior year for 11 years strong and it ended crazy,” Curtis said. “But it just showed me that certain things in life you have no say so. At the end of the day, I’m happy I could make my mom proud by getting a diploma.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Gene Nardi
