Stanford Senior Defensive End Erik Lorig
The Conversion of a Gridiron Tight End to the Defensive Side
"I remember in the huddle asking the older players for tips," Lorig said. "I got out there, the ball was kicked and I was responsible for splitting the Oregon double team. Well, I didn't do so hot and one of the Oregon players leaned over me and said, 'You'll have to do better than that.' "
Lorig (6-4, 285) has done better -- a lot better. He's a redshirt senior these days and has started 21 of 25 games since moving to defensive end from tight end. He was voted as one of the team captains for the second straight season.
Lorig recorded two tackles for losses, including a sack, and had a quarterback hurry in Stanford's season-opening 39-13 victory over host Washington State. He now has six career sacks and 17 1/2 tackles for a loss.
The Football Watch List
He's one of 30 preseason candidates for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End of the Year Award, given annually to the top defensive end in college football.
"Sacks are always on my mind," Lorig said. "As a defensive end in the passing game I always think a big play against us comes back to me. I should have put more pressure on, or sacked the quarterback. Stopping the run is how you get to the sacks. You put in the work and grind it out and then let loose with the sacks. They take the leash off and we make it to the ball."
Lorig, recruited by Walt Harris,was converted from offense before the 2007 season to help add depth to a dilapidated defensive line. He's since grown into one of the top linemen in the conference.
Whatever he's accomplished in the past means little to him. He's set his sights on helping Stanford end a streak of seven years without a winning season, longest in school history.
Resetting the Mindset From Season to Season
"From season to season you have to reset the mind," Lorig said. "Every week is an unknown so you have to approach practice like it's a game. What you do to prepare for a game is either going to help you or hurt you."
Lorig had just moved over to the offensive side of the ball when Cardinal right tackle Allen Smith suffered a torn patella tendon in the third game of the 2007 season. Smith also missed last year after suffered an additional setback when he fractured his kneecap during a weightlifting drill during the rehabilitation process.
An Offensive Inspiration
Smith has worked his way back into the mix, and could possibly play against Wake Forest. Although there was a chance he would play in the win over the Cougars, he didn't make it on the field.
Smith still influenced the game's outcome somewhat when he spoke to the team in the days leading up to the season opener in Pullman.
"That was a fine speech," Lorig said. "He explained how valuable it was to be on a football team and said we need to take advantage of every rep. Football is a game you can only play in your youth and it's a time to cherish and appreciate."
Lorig called Smith an inspiration.
"He's been through a lot of adversity," Lorig said. "He's been working hard and is there for guys. He's still very much a presence."
Erik Lorig
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