All signs point to Lofton returning to Sooners in '08 Thinking about going to the NFL ‘just kind of astonishing' to linebacker All signs point to Lofton returning to Sooners in '08
NORMAN — Curtis Lofton shook his head a bit with just about every question that concerned leaving Oklahoma early and entering the NFL draft.
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He was neither angry nor disgusted.
He was amazed.
"It's just weird, you know,” said Lofton, who acknowledged Friday that he has filled out paperwork so he can be evaluated by NFL scouts but that he'll likely return unless he's projected to be drafted in the top 15. "Going into this year, no one would probably be thinking of asking me questions like that.”
Indeed, there were questions about the junior linebacker before the season, but they weren't anything like the ones being asked now about Lofton.
Now: Will he be back for his senior season? Will he leave the Sooners for NFL dollars?
Then: Will he be any good?
Not so long ago, the biggest unknown about Lofton was whether he could hold down the starting middle linebacker spot for the Sooners. It's a key position in the defensive scheme run by Brent Venables and Co. Plays are funneled to the linebackers, especially the middle linebacker, then it's up to them to make the play.
Lofton had played some the past couple seasons, but no one knew if he could handle it full time.
Even his buddies back home in Kingfisher had their doubts.
"So, uh, where you gonna play at next year?” they asked this time last year.
"What you talking about?” Lofton would ask.
"This Mike Reed guy coming in, he's supposed to be a juco all-American.”
Lofton would just chuckle.
"Well, I'm going to work the hardest I can,” he'd tell them, "and hopefully I'll find a spot somewhere.”
He chuckled again last week recounting that story.
And why not?
Lofton is now the all-American, the star with all the accolades, the one causing the Sooner Nation to clamor. Everyone is worried that if Lofton leaves, it will decimate the linebackers.
Considering the big-time plays and bigger-time performances that Lofton has made this season, his departure might do worse than hurt the linebackers. He is the most indispensable part of that unit, after all. More important than Auston English or DeMarcus Granger, Reggie Smith or Nic Harris.
Remove Lofton, and the defense just isn't as good. That's not a knock on the rest of the Sooners but rather a reflection on just how good Lofton has been.
All signs, by the way, point to Lofton being back. NFL draft guru Mel Kiper currently has three linebackers projected in the first round; Lofton is not among them. Even though Kiper has yet to include early entrants in his projections, he has Lofton fifth among underclassmen linebackers.
Chances are, Lofton will not be a top 15 pick.
And yet, it's not crazy to think Lofton belongs in the conversation about the NFL draft. Just look at how outstanding he's been for one of the best college defenses in the country.
Lofton still can't help being a little sheepish about all this NFL talk.
"Just being from Kingfisher, a little small town, and being able to actually think about going to the NFL is just kind of astonishing,” he said. "Kind of funny everybody asking me questions about this.”
And with that, he shook his head one last time.
Jenni Carlson: 475-4125:
Jenni Carlson can be heard Monday-Friday from 4-7 p.m. on KEBC-AM 1340.
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Hmmmm... maybe Lofton should call Brian Butler and get his advice. Well, maybe not. Seriously,it would be difficult to turn down the NFL if he was projected in the first round. He is one bad ACL tear away from working everyday, all day like us poor slobs. Having typed that, the Sooners will be very fortunate (and pretty good on D) if he stays. Who would have thunk it?
Curtis will be back next year, after all he is an Oklahoman and why not come back with a chance at another Big 12 Championship and a chance at a National Chamnpionship. I also believe he relishes making life miserable for little man syndrome Chase Daniels. He'll pull a Ken Dorsey and return for a final and GREAT 2008 season! ooh rah, Curtis!!!
I think Curtis has had a very productive year but I feel he needs another year of experience before leaving for the NFL. Curtis will be the anchor of the middle of our defense next year. Why wouldn't he want to come back and possibly have another chance to show up and shut up Chase Daniel. Can't wait to see #40 Curtis Lofton in a Sooner Uniform for one more year.
When I read a headline....click on it and see it is one of Jenni Carlson's aticles I immediately exit out but I had to find out what Curtis plans to do.....surprisingly enough I was able to hold down my breakfast after reading this article. Thanks for not putting some over-dramatic twist to a story for once.
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