Is Blount on his way back?

When Oregon’s season ended last year the sky was the limit for LeGarrette Blount.  Size, speed, moves, the guy had it all and he was poised to run rampant over college football.

Seems like a long time ago doesn’t it?

For all the smash hits Blount generated during his Junior year the only hit which remains ingrained in our minds came from this year’s opener against Boise State.  If you’ve been living under a rock for the last month, this is not the kind of thing you want on a highlight reel.  After an abysmal performance on a Thursday night, when the much questioned offensive line failed to produce, LeGerratte made a bad situation much worse in one of the most classless acts in recent sports history.  This was a shock to Duck Nation, but honestly, maybe we should have seen it coming?

The one time four star recruit was ready for Florida State when he became academically ineligible to attend.  He went to a community college and put his affairs in order, but both his grades and work ethic would become a cause for concern following last season.  Another bump in the road, another clue that something wasn’t right which went unheard.

Ship re-re-righted, Blount looked forward to his Senior campaign.  His road had been rocky, but that’s his playing style.  He bounces around, jumps and plain forces his way into the end zone regardless of the chaos around him.  If you are 22 years old why wouldn’t you think the same philosophy could work in life.  Heck, it works in the Holiday Bowl, right?

But, with one punch the wheels came off and the world stood still…

In a moment, Blount redefined the term "Blount Force Trauma"

There is something about the first week of college football.  By the time that first Saturday comes around we’ve waited so long, wondered about so much, that all eyes turn to see the birth of a new season.  The wait is so difficult that the season doesn’t even start on a Saturday anymore, it has been moved up to Thursday.  Give us a match up of top twenty teams and you are hard-wired for worldwide coverage.  That is the stage on which Blount’s crime occurred.

As the dust settled we knew what was coming.  Basketball was aways off, baseball this early in the season means nothing and hockey is, well, hockey.  The “Blount punch” was the top story in the nation, therefore the punishment had to likewise make headlines.  But, as the season started in earnest we received the gift of hindsight.  Some of us began to wonder if the season long suspension was too much.  After all, students had done worse in the past.  This wasn’t the first time a fight had occurred on the field.  As bad as it was, and it was terrible, does it warrant ending a career?

After all, didn’t a quarterback who was recently released from federal prison for fighting and killing dogs just take the field for the Philadelphia Eagles?  He resumed his career.  If redemption can be found in professional sports why can’t it be found in the amateur world?

The sad thing about athletics is that we have seen these derailments coming for so long that maybe, just maybe, we should have seen this one coming.  But we didn’t.  And now here we are.

Blount is suspended for the season, and he has nobody to blame for that but himself.  I think he realizes that.  He has worked hard as a scout team member, made all the apologies needed and is rumored to be seeing counselors and mentors.  If all of that doesn’t weigh on him, the birth of his new son certainly will.  Chip Kelly deserves credit, they didn’t allow Blount to slip through the cracks and found him the help he needed.  But is that enough?

The current plan is for Blount to ride out his Senior year as a scout team member and prepare for the NFL draft.  His athletic ability demands draft attention and the truth is, barring further unforeseen problems, he is almost a lock to go in the second day to some team who needs his talent too much to pass him up.  But, where is the carrot for LeGarrette?

He already has a second day draft position locked up, so long as he stays in shape and keeps practicing someone will roll the dice with him.  They took Marcus Vick after all.  Even if he doesn’t get drafted he will be signed in free agency; we have not heard the last from Blount.

Now digest all of this.  What is missing?  The answer is a happy ending, or at least the possibility of one.  Recent news suggests that Blount may see the field again this year.  While I am too smart to get my hopes up, the prospect is appealing.

The season long suspension is in place.  Kelly, being a new coach, needs to stand by his word.  But, IF Blount continues to be a model citizen, IF Blount continues to seek treatment and mentorship, and IF Blount continues to contribute to the team doesn’t he deserve a opportunity to play in the post-season?  I’m saying whichever bowl game Oregon goes to, Blount should be offered at least a chance to play.

Keep him on the sidelines for most of the first half, you don’t even have to start him.  But, give him a opportunity to earn his way back onto the filed.  Let him make a brief impression with his future employer, the NFL.  Let him come full circle, finally conquer the demons of his past and say goodbye to Duck Nation on a happy note.  Whether the team wins or loses.

College is about maturation, why should it be any different for LeGarrette Blount?

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