South's Lowe signs with N.C. Central

South Rowan's Thomas Lowe hugs Assistant Principal Marilyn Turner. Lowe signed a paper to attend NC Central University to play football. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

South Rowan's Thomas Lowe signed a paper to attend NC Central University to play football. South Rowan head coach Jason Rollins and Thomas' mother Linda Beaty flank Lowe. Photo by Jon C. Lakey, Salisbury Post.

By Mike London

mlondon@salisburypost.com

LANDIS — South Rowan running back Thomas Lowe cut a cake, drank a Cheerwine and signed a football scholarship with North Carolina Central on Thursday.

A powerful workhorse with a quick burst, Lowe may never get his full due because he arrived in high school at the same moment as All-American back K.P. Parks of West Rowan.

But the numbers are what they are. In a 27-game varsity career, Lowe piled up 3,471 rushing yards and scored 41 touchdowns. He ranks fifth all-time in Rowan history and likely would be second to Parks if his junior year had played out normally.

But things don't always go normally for teenagers. Lowe played only three games his junior year at East Rowan before he was dismissed from the team.

To his credit, he's moved on. Lowe played at South as senior. Every headline was for something positive.

"I know when I came to South people kept saying there was only one ball and how (returning back) D'Andre Harris and I wouldn't get along," Lowe said. "But there was never any problem. This team embraced me. Guys looked out for me."

If Lowe could do some things over, obviously, he would, but basically living without football his junior year taught him some life-long lessons.

"I learned patience, and I wouldn't be where I am right now if I hadn't gone through some things," he said.

"I don't think much now about that year, and there are a lot of times I forget it ever happened. I've still got a lot of friends at East. Coach (Brian) Hinson called and congratulated me on going to N.C. Central."

South coach Jason Rollins was in a difficult spot when last football season started. Rollins was the guy who was going to take the heat if Lowe didn't fit and things didn't work out.

But things worked out. South went 9-3 and broke the school offensive record with 36 points a game. Lowe's 1,292 rushing yards and 17 TDs were a huge factor.

Lowe followed all the rules and did a solid job in the classroom. He even finished sixth in the 3A state meet in wrestling.

"Thomas was a kid who needed an opportunity, and I feel blessed that we were able to give him that," Rollins said. "He had to find ways to make it work here, but he found them, and he grew up an awful lot. When he first arrived, there were guys who weren't sure about him. But by the end of the season, our linemen would've gone to the ends of the Earth for him."

With Harris hurting late in the season, South put its running game on Lowe's shoulders. He had five straight 100-yard games to close his career. Still, that lost junior year threw up some red flags.

"Recruiting-wise it hurt him a little bit," Rollins said. "He'd get a few phone calls, and then it would get real quiet again. Nothing. We'd just keep sending out film."

N.C. Central entered the picture late. Lowe's film and strong SAT got coach Mose Rison's attention.

"I'd talked a little bit earlier in the year with Central, and then they called me again three days after National Signing Day," Lowe said. "Then I went up there on Thursday and we got things worked out. It's Division I, and Division I is a goal I've had in my heart for a very long time."

While Lowe plays football at 205 pounds, he wrestled at 189, so he's got some eating to do. He's also got some smiling to do. He's earned that.

"We've all got good feelings about Thomas," Rollins said. "He had a tough deal and he had to pay a price, but this is a good young man. We couldn't be any prouder."