Spring Break
The Daily OrangeAfter seven years of service, Lopez still chasing his dream
By Jeff Westfall
Posted: 8/26/08, 12:35 AM EST Section: Sports
"It felt great, I mean at 26 years old I like being able to hang with the younger guys no problem," Lopez said. "I came in my first practice trying to make a statement with having a physical presence and anyone who got in my way I had to take care of. It took a little while to get the basics down but then the game came back to me right away."
Lopez made the roster as a walk-on linebacker in 2007, but did not play. The pass-heavy Wildcats went 5-7 in its 2007 campaign. In 2008, Lopez has moved to fullback to add depth to the Wildcats backfield, a position Lopez feels he has a natural body and skill set for.
With a low center of gravity and wide-build, Lopez has the physical makeup of an ideal run blocker.
"My body structure is perfect for fullback, and I feel that the coaches thought that was a position for me that could benefit the entire team plus myself," Lopez said. "I'm definitely trying to bring hard hitting blocking to the team and whatever opportunity and play I get I am down for."
Lopez may never play a down for the Wildcats. He may never have his "Rudy" moment, as the walk-on who took the field he dreamed about his entire life. His story may be better, though, as Lopez said he is a brother on two great teams.
"It is like a family because once you're out on the field you are going to war against an opponent and you want to win," Lopez said. "You have to win together."
jwestfal@syr.edu
Lopez made the roster as a walk-on linebacker in 2007, but did not play. The pass-heavy Wildcats went 5-7 in its 2007 campaign. In 2008, Lopez has moved to fullback to add depth to the Wildcats backfield, a position Lopez feels he has a natural body and skill set for.
With a low center of gravity and wide-build, Lopez has the physical makeup of an ideal run blocker.
"My body structure is perfect for fullback, and I feel that the coaches thought that was a position for me that could benefit the entire team plus myself," Lopez said. "I'm definitely trying to bring hard hitting blocking to the team and whatever opportunity and play I get I am down for."
Lopez may never play a down for the Wildcats. He may never have his "Rudy" moment, as the walk-on who took the field he dreamed about his entire life. His story may be better, though, as Lopez said he is a brother on two great teams.
"It is like a family because once you're out on the field you are going to war against an opponent and you want to win," Lopez said. "You have to win together."
jwestfal@syr.edu
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