10 Reasons to Love Darrell Stuckey

Darrell Stuckey is not underrated or under-appreciated, and the last thing I want to do is over-hype him.  He is just one of those guys that you have to root for, and I've just thought of a few reasons why

10. A New Era

Darrell came to KU in the fall of 2005 with a freshman group that included James Holt and fellow red-shirt senior Kerry Meier. 

Although red-shirted at that time, this classic Mangino-gem has helped KU to a .500-plus record every season since the 2005 bowl win over Houston.

9. A Hometown Hero

The K.C. metro area is very much overlooked.  Thanks to the success of guys like Stuckey, KU now thrives on K.C. prep talent.  

KU's other metros include Jamaal Greene, Sal Capra, recruit Kevin Young, and, potentially the next famous Jayhawk, safety Phillip Strozier.

8. Safety-Man

Because he's both a safety and very versatile, Darrell Stuckey has a chance to line up nearly anywhere on the field and get involved in every play.  

It's very reassuring to know that our best defender is a safety who will allow Mangino to breathe a little easier over an unproven defense.

7. The stats

Darrell is the best player on a mediocre D.  He will probably have plenty of opportunities to rack up numbers.

Big stats from the safety position aren't necessarily good, but they beat no stats at all.  Count on a solid season, in both reality and on paper, from No. 25.

6. A Natural Leader

Can you believe this guy is big on Student Government?!  The fifth year senior makes time, still, for not only classes and football, but extra-curricular activities as well, and I hear he's a pretty smooth politician.  

It almost makes me want to be involved in politics... almost.

5. He's Got the Smarts

He plays smart on the field, and carries himself with intelligence and common sense off of it as well.  Darrell Stuckey is allegedly great in the classroom, and works hard to put the "student" before the "athlete."

At the very least, he'll never cause a team any trouble.

4. The Role Model

Parents, tell your kids to watch this guy.  He's a devoted, Christian young man who is the epitome of hard work and sportsmanship.  

Even if Darrell wasn't as talented as he is, he would still earn his way on to the field for playing the game the way it was meant to be played.

3.) A Little Fella

Okay, so he's not tiny, but a 6' 1", 200 lb. guy with a 4.5 40 time isn't about to scare anyone.  

It's hard not to cheer for an underdog-type of guy like Darrell Stuckey.  It's even harder, though, not to cheer for a small guy who loves to hit big... really big.

2.) He's Been Around the Block a Time or Five

It's hard to get more experience than this senior-day favorite has, who's been a Jayhawk for the past five years and steadily contributed for the past four.  He has progressed during each of those years, and I see no reason he won't this year as well.

Come to think of it, though, old safeties at KU tend to be our best ones.  Type Kwame Lassiter's name into Google and see what you find.

1.) Pressure's On

There is no greater feeling in football than seeing a guy with such high expectations go above and beyond them all.  KU has a good shot at the North, and the biggest factor will be Darrell Stuckey.  

Darrell is the difference between a below-average defense and a good one. Responding well to all of the pressure is the key to him becoming a KU great and bringing this team up to the next level. 

There you have it.  Darrell Stuckey is not the greatest thing in the world, but he's the kind of player that coaches, teammates, fans, and even teachers have to love.  

If the NFL never works out for him, he will definitely have my vote for President.