FAYETTEVILLE — Lawanda Dubinion had a long walk from Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge back to her car last Saturday night.
The sting of Arkansas’ 34-31 loss to No. 12 LSU likely made it feel even longer. But the experience wasn’t all bad.
Lawanda was inundated with fans congratulating her on her son Rashod’s job well done against the Tigers. The Razorbacks’ sophomore tailback finished with 113 yards of total offense, including 78 rushing on a season-high 15 carries.
“I was telling one of my co-workers that I couldn’t walk back to the car without someone saying, ‘I’m so proud of Rashod. He did so great tonight,’” Lawanda said. “It makes me light up. Deep down, I feel like he thought he put his all into it. Normally that’s what he does.
“It was refreshing. It was kind of refreshing. This game was like, ‘OK, you did your best, and that’s all I can ask for.’ During the game, I’m yelling. It’s always the same.
“I’m yelling like I actually know what’s going on, like I’m down on the field, baby.”
Dubinion began playing football at a young age. Lawanda admittedly did not know much about the sport back then or what her son’s potential in the game could be.
At first, there was a bit of apprehension. Lawanda often wondered if being hit and tackled by bigger and stronger players was good for Dubinion in the moment and long term.
But his coaches repeatedly told her that he had a gift, and they were right. Years later, out of Cedar Grove High School in Georgia, Dubinion was considered the No. 21 athlete in the country by 247 Sports and a 4-star prospect by Rivals.
Statistics, awards and all recognition aside, Lawanda is proudest of his focus and determination to make something of himself. There is no doubt in her mind what drives Dubinion on a daily basis.
