Loch has chosen to forgo the usual paths that marked men, like him, complete to enter into Service and become fabulously wealthy. He has instead chosen to attend the University of North Carolina. His first year is quite extraordinary as he finds his way and is drawn into a situation with the football team. The team wants to claim him, if not for all of them than at least for one player. Loch finds himself being forced to find a player to date. He finally decides on another freshman, Marcus Battle. Their relationship is just getting started as the school year comes to an end. Neither one of them knows how to negotiate the summer or the next school year. Together they seek the answers to their questions. Will the obvious differences between Marcus and Loch come between them or will they find a way to win the game?