News Summary
Tyriq Withers, a former walk-on wide receiver at Florida State University, is making his acting debut in the sports-horror thriller ‘HIM.’ Directed by Justin Tipping, the film explores the dark side of mentorship and ambition featuring Marlon Wayans as a legendary quarterback. Withers draws from his own journey as an athlete to portray Cameron Cade, reflecting on the sacrifices and moral challenges faced in the pursuit of greatness. The film aims to resonate with both sports and horror fans alike.
Tallahassee, Florida – Tyriq Withers, a former walk-on wide receiver for the Florida State Seminoles, is making his acting debut in the upcoming sports-horror thriller film “HIM.” Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, the film features Marlon Wayans as a fictional legendary quarterback, Isaiah White, with Withers portraying his protégé, Cameron Cade.
The narrative of “HIM” delves into the themes of power, obsession, and the dark side of mentorship in the pursuit of greatness. Tipping, aiming to seamlessly merge the sports and horror genres, emphasizes the psychological impacts of striving for excellence. His background as an athlete-turned-filmmaker, having briefly played on the men’s soccer team while studying film theory at UC Santa Barbara, informs his unique approach to storytelling.
Withers’ acting career arises after a significant journey through college athletics and academics. After initially pursuing soccer, he switched to high school football, motivated by a stint of burnout from soccer. Following a successful season, Withers transferred to Florida State, recognizing the program’s renowned reputation. He benefitted from the guidance of Tadarrayl Starke, the former director of the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement at FSU, who helped him secure a full scholarship.
Navigating the challenges and discipline imposed on walk-on athletes at Florida State, Withers competed against NFL-caliber players. He was part of the team that won the Orange Bowl during the 2016 season, a victory that earned him a championship ring. After leaving the football team, Withers concentrated on his academics and pursued an acting career, culminating in his graduation from FSU in 2022.
Withers notes a significant parallel between Cameron Cade’s character and his experiences as both an athlete and actor, particularly in navigating themes of moral values and the definition of success. “HIM” is positioned to spark discussions surrounding the meaning of greatness and the sacrifices that often accompany it.
Tipping expressed expectations that “HIM” would resonate not only with sports fans but also with horror enthusiasts, examining ambitious pursuits and mental health in a new light. For his portrayal of Cameron Cade, Withers drew inspiration from his former teammate, Dalvin Cook, emphasizing quiet confidence and integrity that define both athletes’ characters.
As part of Tipping’s directorial vision, the film incorporates authentic football scenes aimed at resonating with audiences familiar with the sport, demanding rigorous physicality from the performers. The film serves as a notable highlight in the intersection of sports culture and cinematic storytelling, capturing the journey of a college athlete venturing into the realm of acting.
As anticipation for the release of “HIM” builds, it brings forth the compelling narrative of Tyriq Withers, showcasing his evolution from a dedicated collegiate athlete to a rising actor, and invites audiences to explore the nuances of ambition and mentorship in their own pursuits of greatness.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Tyriq Withers and the Movie “HIM”
- Cleveland.com: Odell Beckham Jr.’s Lone Game vs. Patriots
- Giants.com: Decision to Trade Odell Beckham Jr.
- Los Angeles Times: Rams Addition of OBJ
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
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