While walking home from high school Charlie Reilly saves a life using CPR... At the time he didn't realize it was Bill Chambliss, the football coach. When the coach asks to speak to his savior, Charlie visits him in the hospital and asks to play on his college football team next year. Surprised by the request, the coach agrees. Charlie has a lot to do before he can realize his dream. He has to figure out how to graduate a year early, qualify academically and most importantly, convince his parents it's a good idea. Even if he can do all this, the coach told him there was virtually no chance he would ever step on the field for a game. Undeterred, he starts practicing with the team the very next August.