Trust me, this is not a plea for T.J. Duckett to return next fall.
Actually, I have no clue if the big guy will depart the banks of the Red Cedar for the NFL’s big bucks, but speculation has the 3,379-yard career-rusher fleeing MSU in a limo after his 4 p.m. press conference today.
Funny thing is I’ve already seen the early exit story unfold.
No, it’s true. Just read on and trust that I’m not crazy.
My story begins over winter break in Ma and Pa Day’s family room, where I witnessed Duckett depart after an awesome season in EA Sports’ version of NCAA Football 2002 on PlayStation 2.
That day a sadness came over me MSU students and alumni alike will feel today if the statement, ‘I have decided to forgo my senior season to pursue a career in the NFL comes from the mouth of the 6-foot-1, 249-pound bruiser.
But my PlayStation campaign was much different than the Spartans 7-5 finish this year. Mr. Duckett, you see, my version of the Spartans, with you on the roster, completed a perfect season that concluded with a National Championship victory over Miami.
The Silicon Valley Football Classic is a far cry from where this team can go next season. Don’t set the standard of early exits with a low-tier bowl game. You are an intricate piece to the puzzle that has a very solid chance of winning the Big Ten in 2002.
With a return, you could become a record-breaker - an MSU all-time leader. You’re only 1,506 yards away from tying Lorenzo White’s mark of 4,887 yards and that is definitely achievable for a runner of your stature. And if surpassing White’s mark isn’t that enticing, why not use this as an edge in the sibling rivalry by passing big brother Tico’s rushing total of 4,212 yards?
Taking over the top spot held by White is probably more exciting than showing up Tico, I hope. To be better than the 1986 Rose Bowl Champion would be awesome, and a goal rushers that come after your time here will look to achieve. Be the man they go after.
Have you smelled the roses today?
Probably not. Pasadena is a destination MSU hasn’t been to in 18 years, and it should be the next stop.
Why not pull a Mateen Cleaves? Return as a leader to the ultimate goal.
I can already see the headlines, ‘Duckett diesels his way through Rose Bowl.’
And why wouldn’t you run big? Jeff Smoker returns a year older, poised to air it out early and often to Charles Rogers. But if Big Ten teams leave Rogers in single coverage situations next season, there will have to be a mandatory chromosome count of the league’s coaches.
Covering the long threat opens up more space for you to roam with fewer players in the box. There isn’t a better time for you to gain more yards, more touchdowns and more wins with such a balanced attack.
Returning next season is maturity, of experience in great numbers. With so many injuries this season - what were there, 43? - the playing unit has been expanded and starters can now depend on third stringers to play like starters.
What about the offensive line in the Silicon Valley Football Classic? Early on their youth showed, but there was quick growth in San Jose, and everyone is returning to open up those gaping holes for an entire season this time around.
Everyone understands the fame and fortune the NFL will bring to such a gifted individual as yourself. On your side is the injury issue and an early escape makes sense in this case.
But injuries happen in the NFL too. Another year of school could result in a degree, something otherwise known as a back-up plan. Education never hurt anyone. Another season to develop as a complete back will make you a better pro and possibly a higher draft-pick.
College is a wonderful four-year vacation from the real world, where friendships are made, parties are often and life is a little less stressful. The NFL makes you famous, but your stardom is almost unmatched here at MSU.
But if you most go, I understand. We all go to college for a reason - to pursue a dream.
Who am I to plea a case to keep you here when I’ve never had a football pad grace my body in 21 years of existence?
So I say to you, good luck. Make MSU proud.
The State News men’s basketball reporter Paul Day can be reached at daypaul@msu.edu
