JOHN ADAMS

John Adams: Cheyenne Labruzza's work ethic should serve him well at Tennessee

John Adams
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Cheyenne Labruzza’s family left it up to him to pick a college. But after their visit to Tennessee, Labruzza’s older brother couldn’t resist an opinion.

“Cheyenne, I don’t want to influence you, but I really like Tennessee,” said Tracy Parker, who is also Labruzza's legal guardian.

UT made the same impression on the cornerback from Albany, La. He committed to the Vols in the spring before his senior year and never wavered, even though nearby LSU kept recruiting him until last Wednesday’s signing date.

Cheyenne Labruzza

His choice could pay off for Tennessee as early as next season. Cornerback is a position of need, and Labruzza’s potential extends beyond his consensus three-star recruiting ranking.

His work ethic is legendary in his hometown. He’s an “A” student. And he already has had to deal with the kind of tragedy few experience at a young age.

Labruzza’s father, Howard Parker Jr., died of lung cancer when Labruzza was in the fifth grade. His mother, Tanya Labruzza, died months later of a heart attack.

“I just put my faith in God,” Labruzza said of those trying times. “He always has my back.”

So has his family.

After losing both parents, Labruzza moved in with Parker; his wife, Paula; and their four children. Parker and Labruzza had different mothers, but their shared father has had a lasting impact on them.

“Our dad always said that if you work hard, you will get what you want,” Parker said.

Parker works a six-day week as a manager in a used-car dealership in Hammond, La. Labruzza applied his work ethic to school and football.

“He believes that if he’s not working, someone else will take his scholarship spot,” Albany football coach Blane Westmoreland said. “He’s a remarkable kid.”

Cheyenne Labruzza received a visit Tuesday night from the Tennessee coaching staff including defensive coordinator Bob Shoop, coach Butch Jones, former UT player J.J. McCleskey, running backs coach Robert Gillespie, defensive backs coach Charlton Warren.

Labruzza regularly began his workouts at 5 a.m. – including pushups, crunches and sprints - before his senior season. After practice, he continued to work out on his own. “I told him about how I used to run the Interstate, the overpass on I-12,” Parker said. “After that, it was ‘on.’ ”

Labruzza, who has grown to 6-feet, 185 pounds, started at cornerback in the ninth grade and played both ways, as a corner and wingback, for three and a half seasons until a knee injury sidelined him midway through his senior season.

He has since had surgery, successfully completed rehabilitation and is planning on leaving Louisiana for Tennessee on Memorial Day weekend. Never mind the distance from home. His family is happy he’s headed to UT.

“Tennessee recruited him differently than anybody else,” Parker said. “When we visited there, coach Butch Jones and his entire staff met us at the door. That didn’t happen anywhere else.”

Labruzza also visited Baylor, Texas A&M and LSU. He canceled a planned visit to Florida after things went so well at Tennessee.

The Parkers developed a close relationship with Tennessee assistant coach Robert Gillespie. They also were impressed by what they perceived as a family atmosphere at UT.

Labruzza already has made a connection with the Tennessee family outside the UT staff. He has worked out with ex-Vol J.J. McCleskey, who trains athletes at ME Sports in Mandeville, La.

McCleskey walked on at UT, where he played from 1989 through 1992 as a defensive back and wide receiver. Despite not being drafted, he played six seasons in the NFL. Much of his success was attributed to a strong work ethic.

“That’s one reason he took to Cheyenne right away,” Parker said.

Tennessee might do the same this fall.

John Adams is a senior columnist. He may be reached at 865-342-6284 or john.adams@knoxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter: @JohnAdamsKNS 

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