Cedar Rapids Prairie's Levi Usher meshes talent with perspective

CEDAR RAPIDS — Levi Usher is a versatile athlete.

Cedar Rapids Prairie's senior all-district wide receiver is a multisport standout, earning all-state baseball honors and contributing to the Hawks' basketball program.

The NCAA Division I recruit for baseball and football doesn't take any of those abilities for granted. An encounter at Rady's Children's Hospital in San Diego cemented that attitude.

'It was humbling,' said Usher, who traveled to southern California for Perfect Game USA's All-American Baseball Game. 'I saw the kids there and it opened our minds that we are fortunate to play sports every day. … We are lucky.'

Usher is expected to play a vital role for the Class 4A ninth-ranked Hawks, playing multiple positions on offense and starting at free safety. Prairie opens the season Friday against No. 6 Cedar Rapids Washington at Kingston Stadium.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder will take the field with a fresh perspective after helping raise money and spending time with children battling chronic illness and life-threatening diseases. Usher said he looks at sports a little differently now.

'It definitely affects you,' Usher said. 'I try to minimize how many plays I take off. I appreciate it more.'

• 2017 Eastern Iowa prep football preview

Usher said the children have a small yard to play, but all the equipment is plastic because it has to be sterilized after use. Many won't get the opportunity he has to compete year-round. He recalled spending time with a young female patient named Jamison, whose eyes lit up when the baseball players entered the room and smiled constantly.

The impact was reciprocated. As positive as the visit was for the patients, it was just as beneficial for the athletes.

'It was a cool experience,' Usher said. 'They looked up to us, but really we looked up to them.'

Usher is the top returning offensive weapon for Prairie. He tallied 651 receiving yards on 24 catches, including nine for touchdowns. Usher added 203 rushing yards, averaging 9.2 yards per carry. He also turned his lone interception into a 53-yard TD last season.

'He's an exceptional athlete,' Bliss said. 'He's athletic. He's football savvy.

'He brings a lot to the table on both sides of the ball.'

Usher isn't the rah-rah type. His reserved personality leads to a strong leader by example. Bliss said the experience in San Diego helped him open up.

'It amazes me how quiet he is,' Bliss said. 'He's not real vocal. He just goes about his business.'

Bliss said the Hawks will have to lean on Usher this season. He could end up anywhere on the field, lining up at wide receiver, running back and even quarterback. Bliss said Usher scored once every four touches last year and looks to call his number more.

'We have things packaged for him,' Bliss said. 'I like our odds being able to move the chains when he has the ball in his hands.'

The biggest stride from last year came in the weight room. Usher spent his offseason working on his strength and speed, which could cause defenders even more fits.

'I'm stronger than last year,' Usher said. 'I'm faster and more explosive.'

Lifting and football workouts were balanced with Usher's greatest love — baseball. He is a highly-touted recruit in the class of 2018. Usher has garnered attention from Southeastern Conference powers and Iowa on the diamond, helping lead Prairie to the 2016 4A state title and hitting .468 with 59 hits, seven home runs, 34 RBIs 50 runs and 37 stolen bases.

'He's a special kid,' Bliss said. 'I know he has a bright future.'

Watch Levi Usher's 2016 football highlights

Usher shared some special opportunities closer to home. Prairie raised thousands of dollars for three charities, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Camp Courageous of Iowa and Paws & Effect, raising about $14,000, which helped provide a service dog for a veteran with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Seniors visited a VA Hospital, spending time and meeting veterans from World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The goal is to teach players to serve others when you can and you may not have it as tough as you think.

'Our kids understand that,' Prairie Coach Mark Bliss said. 'They don't have it so bad.

'(Levi) is mature beyond his years. He under stands that, as do our other seniors.'

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