When it comes to football in the state of Alabama, the story of high school senior Jake Pratt is one well worth shining the light on.

Pratt has Down syndrome and has attended every off season workout as the football team manager at Vestavia Hills High School. He had never dressed for a game until August when his coaches put him in during a preseason contest against Briarwood Christian.

It was during that game that Pratt made a name for himself on the gridiron, a place he had always dreamed of stepping foot. He took a hand off, ran up the left side of the field and into the end zone, where players from both schools celebrated his score.

And yes, Pratt did some celebrating of his own, too, with a dance and a Cam Newton-style dab.

 

 

The play made national highlight reels and even caught the attention of Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney.

How do we know? Well, Pratt was near the tunnel before Clemson took on Auburn earlier this season when Coach Swinney ran out, but stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Pratt.

“Hey, man. How you doing? Aren’t you that famous guy?” Swinney said as he hugged Pratt.

It turns out that Swinney went to Pelham (Alabama) High School, and even talked a little trash to Pratt during their exchange.

“I’m so glad to meet you,” he said. “You know, I’m a (Pelham) Panther. We don’t like those Rebels. You’re a Rebel. Tell (Vestavia Hills coach) Buddy Anderson I said hello.”

That, followed by “You look good in orange,” absolutely made Pratt’s day.

Here’s the clip:

 

 

For a big-time head coach to take a few moments with a big-time fan before a heated rivalry game shows a lot about Swinney’s character. And, it goes to show that what happens on the sidelines can be just as meaningful as what happens between the hash marks.

Well played, Coach.