Brandon Lang
September 29, 2007
I made it a point to catch up with DE Brandon Lang after the game. He tore his ACL against Oklahoma State and is walking without crutches and with barely a noticable limp.
AFter I ask him how he’s doing and how rehab is, etc., he tells me he’s going to try to make it back by Middle Tennessee (Nov. 20). That’s a heck of an accomplishment for someone who tore his ACL, but he’s rehabbing hard and he’s got the work ethic to do it. He didn’t really blow out his knee like some people have. Usually when that happens, they damage more than just the ACL.
Also, don’t look for him to get this year back because I don’t think he can (well, especially if he returns later this year). He went to prep school for a year, then had a year where he was out of action. I think he enrolled for a spring, had some grade problems and was away for a fall and spring, then came back in the fall of 2006, making him what equates to a redshirt freshman. That’s just my understanding of the rule.
So if he’s unable to come back, there’s a possibility he could apply for a 6th year, but he’s a 21-year-old sophomore on the football field, and he’ll be 22 on June 18, 2008. This kid, if he keeps performing to his ability, has a chance to be a high NFL Draft pick, though it will be in two years. He’s the most explosive defensive end on the roster, according to coaches, and has a chance to be an all-conference player the next two years. He’d be close to turning 24 after his senior year here, and, if you’ve got that kind of ability, it’s time to go on and go to the NFL.
Pull for him. He’s a great kid, very polite and respectful. Trojan fans should be proud that he’s a representative of your university.
I’ll have some more game observations Sunday.
