The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Dear Editor,
After doing a very effective job of shoring up their defense last year, the Rams should concentrate on reducing their negative turn over ratio and special teams for the approaching football season.
In my opinion, this should involve taking the best athletes available in the college draft.
Two years ago, probably the best all around athlete was Urlacher, who was playing Safety for New Mexico Univ.
Because of outstanding athleticism, the Bears easily converted him to a middle linebacker. In two years, he has already become an all pro MLB and is being compared to Butkus.
Probably the best athlete in the draft last year was Archuleta, who was playing MLB for Arizona State.
He was converted, the opposite way, by the Rams and was a very good rookie safety.
He proved to be a solid first round choice.
So who was the outstanding athlete in college football this year?
Randel El, quarterback, wide receiver, etc., for Indiana University would be my choice. He would make a good back up for Warner at quarterback, also a good replacement for Hakim at wide receiver if Hakim leaves through free agency.
Although Hakim and Candidate had blinding speed, when they were handling punt and kick off returns, they both fumbled too much.
Randel El would likely be an outstanding addition as a return man. Drew Bly and Yo Murphy were adequate as return men late in the season, but Murphy could then play more wide receiver and Bly, who led the team in interceptions, could play more center back, opposite Williams.
Randel El has shown that he is also very effective in running reverses and throwing option passes. He could probably play anywhere except in the interior line. He may even tape ankles in his spare time!
Many outstanding athletes have been converted to other positions. For example, McQuarters of the Bears was a good quarterback at Oklahoma State and is now developing into a top notch defensive back. Ernie Cronwell of the Rams was a good college fullback at Washington University and is now becoming a very good tight end.
There will be no off brand clothing for Mayor Carper this year! This again will be the year of the world champion St. Louis Rams!
Weyman George
Macomb