NORMAL — Motivation has played a huge role in the life of James Graham.
From his mother, father and sister to his football coaches at Illinois State, Graham has had sources aplenty for such encouragement.
Yet what Graham has done with that fuel has transformed him from a kid out of a tough inner city Chicago neighborhood to an under the radar special player for the Redbirds.
“James is a guy I just cheer for,” ISU defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky said. “He’s a fantastic person with a million dollar smile. He’s in that underdog role, an undersized walk-on finding his way.