MT. MORRIS TWP, -- Senior Antuan Burks was one of the leaders of the Beecher basketball team, making plays on both ends of the floor, helping the Bucs win its first state title in 25 years.

“I still can't believe we won the championship,” Burks said. “It's just a blessing.”

Along with being a state champion, Burks was also a four-year starter at quarterback for the football team.

It all seemed to come easy to him, until his junior season when he took a hit that almost ended it all.

Paralyzed, Burks’ life flashed before his eyes.

“Everybody was crying and it was a real sad time,” Burks said.

“He was strong for his family he was strong for the kids who were really upset,” said Mike Williams, Burks’ basketball coach and mentor. “I remember him telling me I'm gonna stop taking things for granted and he did.”

“I prayed about it, asked God to give me another chance and He came through for me so I'm blessed,” Burks said.

Burks would bounce back in a big way his senior season—leading the Buccaneer football team to the playoffs and helping the basketball team finish its first-ever 28-0 season, earning the Flint Journal’s First-Team All-Area honors.

“It still hasn't hit me. I think it will when I graduate and put on a Mott jersey.”

The graduating senior earned a scholarship to play with the National Junior College Athletic Assocation champion Mott Bears in 2013.

Coach Williams couldn’t be prouder.

“Everybody can't go to MSU or Indiana but there are opportunities for everybody and it's what you make of those opportunities,” Williams said.

Burks is just happy to be at home and to get a free education.

“Everybody's excited to see me play again at home,” Burks said.  “They can come see me whenever they want. I can't wait.”