In just a few short days, Lavon Coleman's life is going to change dramatically. His world is going to be altered in a way that has nothing to do with football.
When the running back thinks about the upcoming birth of son, Kyree James Coleman and the Dec. 21 due date, he smiles.
"I think I'm going to cry, honestly," he said. "That's my flesh and blood. I have a son now. That's my prince, the heir to my throne, so I'm going to be really happy. The process has been great. It's been a real blessing."
So far, the timing has been perfect for Coleman. If Kyree arrives as scheduled, Coleman won't simply be there for the birth, he will also get to spend a few days with his family before No. 4 Washington travels to Atlanta on Christmas Day to prepare for the Peach Bowl.
"That's the great thing about it," he said. "I will be here to see him before we go to the bowl game. He's not going to be born over FaceTime. I'm going to watch his birth."
It should come as little surprise Coleman's best season with the Huskies has coincided with his journey toward fatherhood. He knows he his future is no longer an individual endeavor.
"I take every snap as if he's counting on it," Coleman said.
With that mindset, the junior has rushed for 836 yards and seven touchdowns on 107 carries through 13 games.
But, while he works to ensure his family has a bright future, he takes little credit for his success. That is something he shares with his teammates.
"It's just really good blocking by my offensive line, really good blocking by the perimeter guys and then there's the added effect – I know he isn't out yet – but it's a weird feeling where you have to perform, not only for your brothers, but for my son's best interest, for his future and what I can do," he said.
But, as well as things have gone so far, there is still at least one more game to play, a matchup with top-ranked Alabama on New Year's Eve, another opportunity for Coleman's "smiling season" to continue.
"It's been great," he said. "I've loved it. I have gone back and watched everything and it brings up memories of being with my teammates. It's been a real smiling season. You look back and you're like, 'Wow, we did this. We can do more, but look at everything we've done.'
"It's a blessing to think about the opportunity we have here."
Fatherhood and football, between the two, Coleman has a lot on his plate. But, by excelling in each area of his life, he can accomplish his primary goal, taking care of Kyree.
Like Coleman said, every carry he gets is another opportunity to help secure a strong future for his son.
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