The journey all starts back in 1995, when he was playing football for Milford Prep School, located in Connecticut. Most people go to prep school after their senior year of high school. However, Price transferred there during his senior year at McMahon High School (Norwalk, Connecticut). The reason behind the transferring schools was because of his age. He would already be 19 years old and not able to compete on the high school level anymore as a senior.

However, he had some fond memories during his stay at McMahon High School. The year before he transferred to Milford, he would score 30 touchdowns in 12 games. He made High School All-State Team three years in a row: freshman, sophomore and junior year. He was player of the year as a junior in the state of Connecticut. However, these awards and scoring all those touchdowns were never the highlights of his high school career. The lead block he put on a defender enabled McMahon to score a touchdown and win a game in double overtime. Still, to this day, that overtime game is so memorable.

"That block I put on the defender enabled one of our running backs to score and win the game. That has to be one of my most memorable games I have been a part of," said Price.

Once at Milford, he played his senior year out, took the SAT's, and waited to see if any colleges would offer him a scholarship. Super-Prep Magazine rated Price the fourth best linebacker in the country, and Northeast Defensive Player of the Year. He racked up 42 tackles for losses, with 26 sacks. Things were going nice and smooth during the year, and many top ranked colleges were keeping a close eye on Idris Price.

When the signing period came, he chose to play for Clemson University. He was so happy and excited that he would finally get the chance to play college football.

Right Back Where He Started

However those dreams and hopes were short lived. Upon boarding a plane to play in his first ever college game, he learned that there was a problem. He found out that his SAT scores were being questioned. He left the school without playing a single game because he was stripped of his athletic scholarship

"I was very disappointed about the outcome but I was not going to give up," said Price. "Ever since I was young, I loved the game of football, so this setback would not stop me from my goal."

He sat out the year not being able to play football because colleges were in session. He worked and kept himself in football shape. After waiting out the year, he went back home to a familiar place, which was Milford Prep School. It was as if he never left, because again he would be the dominating factor on defense.

After his eligibility was up at Milford, he transferred to Nassau Community College, located on Long Island Here he dominated for two years, as he had at Milford, and played for Coach George Powers. His talent would not go unrecognized. He was twice named Junior College All-American.

"I learned quite a bit at Nassau and made some real nice friends. Also I played for a great program and a coach that cared a lot for his players," said Price. "Even though Coach Powers has this militant personality, he is just a great caring person. I have a lot of fond memories about the Nassau experience."

Wandering in the Woods

Once his two years at Nassau were up, he was the hunted and not the hunter when it came to colleges. Not many people ever get a second chance to attain their dream goals. Price was given that second opportunity. The second time around, he would sign with Syracuse University. Again the feelings of hope and excitement crept back into Price's mind. He envisioned himself playing in a packed, sold-out stadium and hearing his name called out on the PA after a quarterback sack.

Once again, there would be a let down just like back at Clemson University. The Admissions Office told him that he would have to leave school. There was a dispute because of a certain English class he took at Nassau Community College. He would have to sit out the entire year and only have one year left to play football. So in his best interest, he made the decision to look elsewhere.

"I thought there was enough time for me to get the incomplete change to a letter grade in the English class. However, I was late on the change and Syracuse Admissions Office would not enroll me in their school. There is nobody that I can blame but me. I had total control of my situation and I messed up," said Price.

However, it would not take long for him to wonder what was going to happen next. Once he left Syracuse, he got a few calls from University of New Haven coaches who were looking to enroll him in their school. However, when transferring, he would have to sit the year out and work on getting his eligibility so he could play Division II football the following fall.

"It never once fazed me about dropping to Division II because I just wanted to play Football," Price said. "Plus New Haven was a perfect place because it is not too far from home, and [my] family can see me play. It was the perfect fit and most ideal situation. I was also somewhat familiar with the program because I have been to a few of their games during the years."

The best thing about New Haven is there are no distractions, just football and schoolwork. The Admissions Office has not called him with bad news, and he plans on them not calling anytime soon. He just completed his first of two years at the University of New Haven. Just like all the other schools before, he is still showing that his talent is recognized as something very special. He was named the ECAC/Budget Division II North Football Defensive Player of the Year on October 10, 2000. This past season, he had 11 tackles, 10 of which were solo. He also added one tackle for a loss, two fumble recoveries, two pass breakups, and one interception. This past season, he led his team in tackles.

Following the North Star Home

During the last few years of transition going from institution to institution he always kept a positive frame of mind. The great moral support given to him by his mother and girl friend contributed to his positive outlook. This strong foundation has made it easier to deal with the trials and tribulations, because he has two individuals he can always turn to for advice.

The entire football experience has given him a positive and humbling outlook. He will never once blame anyone but himself for the results of his actions. He will always point the finger at himself and never anyone else because he knew he controlled his own destiny. He truly believes that there was a reason his dream never quite acted out the way he wanted.

"From this whole football experience there is a lot to be learned. Do not take anything for granted on or off the field. Enjoy the ride (teammates, awards, recognition) of football and all it brings because it does not last long," he said.

But what's more amazing about the whole story is that when you ask him what he would change about the experience, his answer will be, "Nothing."

"I truly believe there was a reason things did not fall into place and things just have a funny way of working themselves out for the best," said Price.

So next time when you hear the name Idris Price, you will not need a map, compass, or car. You will just need a television. You will also need to reschedule your Sunday drives for Saturday, because he might be playing on Sundays sometime soon at a stadium near you.

As the webmaster of NCCLionsden.com, Alfred DeFatta Jr., a Nassau Community College graduate, has a thorough knowledge of NCC football. He has worked for ESPN's "2 Minute Drill" game show and written for several publications. When he's not writing sports articles, he works with CBS Sports in the research and production departments, and is NFL Football Photo Editor for Topps Cards.