Athlete of the Week

Ray Littleton, MC '02 Football defensive back Major: Economics Nickname: The Rock Favorite song: "Ante Up" by M.O.P. Favorite food: Cornbread Favorite video game: Knockout Kings Favorite pro wrestler: The Rock, of course Favorite movie: Rocky IV Second favorite college football team: Michigan Fun fact: Likes to come up with his own raps in class

He not only picked off the pass, he ran it back for 46 yards to Harvard's 10-yard line to set up an easy Eli touchdown. Littleton, who had also made a punishing tackle on Rose in the first quarter to stymie a fourth-and-goal, was named defensive player of The Game, and earned a permanent spot in Yale football lore.

Littleton understands the power of prayer. This junior defensive back spent a good part of his senior year in high school praying that he would be able to attend Yale. Low on the recruiting list and funds, he had no assurance that he would be accepted or for that matter, that he would have enough money to pay for school. He was a three-sport varsity athlete (basketball, baseball, and football), a member of student government, and a good student in math and science, but he still doubted how attractive he would be to Yale.

Proving to him that sometimes prayer really does work, he was not only accepted but subsequently received a scholarship from his church to help him pay for school.

While he doesn't have a problem looking to prayer for assistance, he also understands the value of hard work and perseverance. A true team player, Littleton entered freshman year on the scout team as a running back. When his coaches asked him to completely switch positions and play in the secondary, he immediately agreed. As a result, he spent his sophomore year learning an entirely new position and new plays. This hard work paid off, as he is now one of the most destructive defenders on the team. Littleton also moonlights as a kick returner, returning four on the year for a total of 75 yards.

Littleton credits his great season to working hard and gaining confidence. After attending a football camp over the summer with teammates he said he learned "to play to win instead of not to lose." With this newfound confidence as a cornerback came impressive stats and a great season. This season Littleton had 33 tackles, eight pass deflections, three fumble recoveries and three interceptions.

When asked whether he was surprised about his success in a new position he merely said, "I knew I just had to work hard and gain confidence and my time would come." Seems like his timing was just right. Photo by Rebecca Rosenthal.

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