OT - Article on UGA linebacker

[JonInMiddleGA]

In and of itself, a newspaper feature on a Div. I linebacker probably isn't of much interest outside their area.

I'm pointing this one out here at FOFC because Odell Thurman is from the little town where I live, population 3,000 or so. I figured that might make it at least a little more interesting to some than the average Saturday college football feature.

Odell is the first Division I player from this town in quite a while. There's some minor history here, former NFL TE Ulysses Norris lives here quietly for example. But overall, the locals will tell you that the best athletes this town has produced in the last 50 years or so usually end up the same way -- picking up their government checks, hanging out on the corner, drunk by noon Monday through Friday like it was their job.

The article plays it kinda soft on Thurman's first year troubles, at least if you believe the word in the community. On the other hand, it
goes straight to the bottom line about his father's death. It balances out to a pretty consistent picture of the circumstances.

To be honest, you probably won't find 50 people here who believe he'll finish four years in Athens, including me. The over/under in most conversations is whether he lasts until Christmas.

At the same time, there also aren't many that I've found who aren't praying or at least hoping against hope that he proves us all wrong.

Including me.

AJC feature on Odell Thurman

[GrantDawg]

I hope so, too. He's come through a lot. He played well today.

[B & B]

Good read, sad but true. Will be keeping my eye on him.