If Kevin Ward would have accepted one of the multiple small college football scholarship offers that came his way during his time at Kickapoo, he would have taken the path of least resistance.
The 6-foot, 200-pound safety preferred a gauntlet.
Ward wasn't on any Division I recruiting radars when he decided to take a chance on himself and crowbar his way into major college football.
A blend of self-belief, hard work and patience will have Ward suited up for national power Texas Christian on Saturday in the College Football Playoff.
The third-ranked Horned Frogs face No.