By Randy Jones
The Elizabeth City State University Football team has the distinct honor of having two brothers in the offensive backfield-- Rayshawn Askew and Mister Askew. They may be the only fullback and tailback combination in the nation that are brothers. Natives of Cincinnati, Ohio, who have never been in the backfield at the same time during a football game may finally get their chance on September 11, as the Vikings travel to Fayetteville State University.
Mister, the oldest of the two, was the first to land at ECSU. He was recruited by several Division I programs such as University of Georgia, University of Alabama, and Ohio State University before finally choosing Alabama A&M. After a brief and unpleasant stay at Alabama A&M, he was contacted by former ECSU assistant Earnest Wilson. Wilson, who was hired as the offensive coordinator under Elisha Harris at Elizabeth City State University told Askew about the university and asked him to check it out. A summer visit to ECSU was all that it took for Askew to realize that it was the place for him. A career that has been plagued by injuries, Askew sat out most of last season due to a concussion that he suffered during the second game of the season. He missed the first game of this season due to a shoulder injury. Now, he seems to ready to play for the Vikings next week as they take on Fayetteville State. AI hope that I can remain injury free,@ Askew said. AIt has always been a dream for Rayshawn and I to play together while we were in college and now it seems that our dream will come true.@
Rayshawn, on the other hand, has enjoyed a pleasant college career. A true freshman last season, he rushed for 440 yards and two touchdowns while catching 10 passes for 75 yards. Also, he was heavily recruited by several Division I programs an had an opportunity to sign with Purdue University. Due to personnel changes at Purdue, Rayshawn reevaluated his options. Mister informed ECSU caches about his brother and the coaches were impressed. They were so impressed that they offered Rayshawn a full scholarship. An excellent student with a GPA of 3.5, Rayshawn represented ECSU at the NCAA Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida this summer. A biology pre-med major, he hopes to become a doctor. AI love to play football, but I know that only a few players from Division II make it to the pros, so I have to have a career after football,@ said Rayshawn.
All eyes will be fixed on Luther Jeralds Stadium in Fayetteville, NC, on September 11 as the brothers get ready to rumble with the Broncos of Fayetteville State University. Keep an eye open and an ear near for the Askew Brothers of ECSU as they come to a stadium near you.