On the eve of national signing day, Earl was still confused about his decision. So he decided to do what he had been taught by his parents to do when he had a problem. He prayed, "God, if it's your will that I should attend the University of Texas, then I'll get up during the night to pee. If not, if I sleep through the night, then I'll know your choice for me will be the University of Oklahoma." Who would have ever imagined that the University of Texas would receive one of its finest recruits because of a little prayer and Earl's bladder? Years later, when Barry Switzer heard how Earl made his final decision, he said, "If I'd of known that, I'd of flown to Tyler and laid underneath his bed all night!"

With that decision made, Earl now had to face the difficult task of saying goodbye to so many people who had always believed in him: his mother, his siblings, all of his coaches, including Coach La Croix, and of course, Reuna. And he would never forget the city of Tyler. The town had accepted and supported him, despite the color of his skin and the amount of money he had in his pockets. It was time to move on to a new challenge. God had directed him this far, and Earl and his mother had faith He would continue to watch over him. But just in case, Ann issued a firm request to the man who she had established such a quick connection with, Ken Dabbs.

The day before Earl left for Austin, she said to Dabbs, "I just want you to know that I'm holdin' you personally responsible for my Earl. While he's there in Austin, you watch over my rock, and be sure no harm comes to him, and I'll always be grateful that you came through on our agreement."

The young boy who overcame so much as a child was about to become a man. The "Tyler Rose" was venturing into new territory…and was about to start making a new name for himself to a far larger audience.

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