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By Sam Spiller
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 8, 1996
Sometimes I hate being right.The reason is simple: I don't get an ounce of recognition. This applies to a number of subjects, but mostly to sports.
I predicted that the Cardinals' LeShon Johnson would be one helluva running back in the NFL. Was I right? You bet I was, but not immediately. He was drafted by the Packers and did poorly due to bad eyesight and complex offensive schemes. With newly corrected eyes and a simple offense in Arizona, he had 214 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints and another touchdown two weekends ago against the Rams.
Am I ever wrong? Sure I am. I predicted that Steve McNair would be starting for the Oilers by now.
I did think that Simeon Rice would be a great choice for the Cardinals, and so far he has had a sack almost every game he has played in. Was Rice my pick of the draft? No, it was Terry Glenn, a receiver from Ohio State. I predicted he would do great things in New England. I took flack for this one when he got hurt in training camp, but guess who is scoring touchdowns for the Patriots? You got it, Glenn.
So now that I have put myself on a pedestal, I guess I should set myself up for a fall. Here are some names that I think will be big in upcoming years.
I think the hottest rookie in the NBA next year will be Stephon Marbury of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Think of him as the next Damon Stoudamire, except that he has someone to dish the ball to - Kevin Garnett. I also think it will be interesting to watch how fast the Lakers bring along Kobe Bryant. I think he will be starting by January, but if you say December I won't argue with you.
In baseball, watch Ray Ordonez from the Mets. He may not hit like MVP candidate Alex Rodriguez from the Mariners, but he is absolutely magical on the field and could very well be the next Ozzie Smith.
In football, I predict the 1997 draft will see some of the best quarterbacks since 1983. Danny Wuerffel, Steve Sarkisian, Jake Plummer, Brad Otten and Ron Powlus will all be drafted in the first four rounds, and if Peyton Manning comes out early he could be the No. 1 pick.
When I watch the draft this year I will be praying that Orlando Pace is available when Arizona picks, and I will scream if they don't pick him. Who is Pace, you ask? Well, he's as good a college offensive lineman as I've ever seen. In fact, to appreciate the position, watch any Ohio State game this year and look for No. 75.
Sam Spiller covers volleyball for the Arizona Daily Wildcat.
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