So often in today's world, athletes reach success on several levels of competition yet fail to give back to the game that opened up those paths. They often become selfish and absorbed with that 'me-first' mentality. But that definitely wasn't the case with former Mississippi State defensive lineman Al Cotton.

Like his family and friends, I was totally in shock when I got the terrible news early Saturday morning. And it is still hard to believe that Al is no longer with us and my prayers and thoughts are with his wife and children.

I had just spoken to Al on Friday and like most of the time, we talked about our families and Mississippi State football.

Al was a successful businessman and was also heavily involved with other kids, too. He helped form XPlod from the ground up, a company comprised of former college players that helped train high school players and also helped them get notice by college programs. He did that because of his love for kids and for the love of the game that helped him in so many ways.

During my college days, I first got to know Al and he became close friends with my family. He would spend summer holidays at our house and was very close with my mom, my dad and my sister. If you spent just a single minute with Al, there was a good chance he had you laughing immediately due to his great sense of humor.

Since he left MSU, I remained good friends with Al and he will sorely be missed by so many in this world. Yes, with our faith in Christ, we know Al is in a much better place and is already lining up his football team in Heaven. But being selfish, I just can't believe that I will never see him or hear his voice on this Earth again.

I could go on and on with funny stories about Al and talk about what he meant to me and my family. I could talk about what a great father and husband he was, or how great of a father figure he was to so many. But I figured other people could also give you a good idea of what kind of person Al Cotton was during his short time on this Earth.

"Al was really doing some great things and was great at helping kids. He had really begun to find his niche with his football training camp. He helped these kids get interest and opportunities at the next level. And Al always had a great spirit about him and will be sorely missed. Like we all should, Al gave so much of his time helping others."

Denton, Texas, senior defensive lineman Dominique Banks

"The first day I met Al Cotton was at a Nike Spark combine camp and we were cool from the minute we met. He started to train me and started working with me and helped to get my name out there. Before he started to train me and teach me new techniques, I only had a couple of small offers. But then I started to get some scholarship offers from some big-time schools like Mississippi State. He showed up at our school's strength and conditioning camp a couple of weeks ago. He was showing me what I needed to eat and how to eat right and little things like that. He meant so much to me and I am very grateful for what he did for me."

Mesquite, Texas, senior defensive back and Oklahoma 2012 commit Devante Harris

"He meant a lot ot me and if not for him, there is no way I would be where I am today. He helped me get noticed and always looked out for me and I will always love him for that. He showed me how to read through people during recruiting and see the good things in people. He taught me a lot about football but more importantly, he taught me a lot about life and having fun in football."

Carrollton, Texas, senior defensive lineman Deatrich Wise

"He was more than just a guy helping to teach you about being a good defensive lineman. He was our friend and a very lovable person. He always made you laugh. As a player, he taught me a lot of techniques for a defensive lineman and different skills to use on the defensive line. As my friend, he always told me to keep my head up and to keep moving forward. I talked to him not long before he passed away and that is what hits us so hard."

Plano West, Texas, senior linebacker/defensive end Bryce Cottrell

"He was like a dad to me and I loved Al and it is hard to believe. I just lift his family up and this is so sad. He made me a ten times better person and a 100 times better as a football player. He helped folks to see my potential on the field and he really improved my techniques. He just really made me a better person, was such a funny guy and loved everyone. He had a big heart. He always told me to go 110 percent and there were so many things about him that made him special."

Smackover, Ark., senior defensive lineman Jeff Savage

"He had fun with football and it showed in everything he did. He showed me that football was a game and wanted me to treat it like a game to where you had fun with it. That right there might be more memorable to me than any technique he showed me.

"He was more than just a football coach to me. He was a great friend that I will miss greatly. He grew up with my dad and they were best friends and he was there when I was born. I have known him all of my life and he meant so much to me and my family."