LSU Sporting News contributor Dandy Don Long passed away today after a long battle with cancer. Let’s take a moment to remember this great man who was a true fan of LSU sports throughout his life and made a difference as a husband, father and friend.
Read on for your daily dose of Tiger news from Dandy Don’s LSU Sporting News blog.
He’s a dual threat
In the current era of quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray, there has been an emergence of a group of young athletes at quarterback who are just as good at throwing the ball as they are at running it. This has created a new breed of NFL quarterbacks known as “dual-threat” quarterbacks, and we could see this era continue for a while.
One of the most difficult parts for defenses is trying to contain dual-threat quarterbacks. They are able to get into the second level of a defense and run with speed that other players just can’t match. A player like the Seahawks’ Russell Wilson or former-great Michael Vick are able to force their way past the defense and force them to abandon man-coverage in order to shut down this type of offensive threat.
Another part of containing a dual-threat is the development of the “QB spy.” This is when a defense has someone watching a quarterback to see how he moves around and whether he takes off running or doesn’t. This tactic has been used to contain some running quarterbacks, but it’s not the best use of a defensive player’s time.
A dual-threat quarterback can also be a risk to the longevity of their football career, as they may not be able to sustain an injury if they take off running or throw the ball. This is especially true for young players, who can’t afford to become injured if they want to play the game at a high level.
Those who are interested in becoming a dual-threat quarterback should practice hard, watch lots of film and work with private trainers that specialize in developing speed and mobility. This will help you develop your ability to move through the line of scrimmage and extend plays with your legs. You’ll also learn how to read defenses and find the best opportunities to run. There is a lot of work involved, but the payoff will be well worth it. It will set you apart from other quarterbacks and help you stand out in the field and on film.
He’s a good passer
Dandy Don is in the news today as he succumbed to a long bout with cancer. As one of the original Tiger fanatics, Don’s contributions to LSU sports were awe inspiring. From his earliest days as a reporter to his last, Don was one of the most respected and sought after voices in the room. His illustrious career is one of the most storied in school history. Those that were fortunate enough to meet the man himself can attest to his kindness, wisdom and unabashed enthusiasm.
As a former collegiate athlete, you can’t help but be impressed by his vast knowledge base of the game and his willingness to share it with others. His passion for the sport is evident not only in his writing, but also in his interactions with fans of all ages and walks of life. His affable nature and his willingness to give back to the game have endeared him to LSU alumni and the general public alike.
He will be missed. He will be remembered as a great guy and as a true grizzled veteran who served his country with distinction.
He’s a good athlete
At just 10 years old, Danny Etling was the only one of the five Etling children who wanted to play football. His father, Joe, was a high school football coach in his home state of Indiana. He showed up at their home with a bag of balls and asked the five kids to pick a ball. Each child took a different type of ball, including soccer and basketball balls. But it was the football that stuck with Danny, and he never gave it up.
He had no idea that this would lead him to the top of the football world. He grew up in a town that was very basketball-oriented, but he realized his love for the sport when he started playing quarterback. He thought it was similar to being a point guard in basketball, where he got to distribute the ball.
After he was introduced to Steve Englehart, a quarterbacks coach at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, he began to realize that the position was more than throwing the ball. It was about leadership skills, footwork and dedication.
As he continued to grow, he began to think about the future and what his life might be like. He also wondered about the impact he could have on others. Eventually, he decided that he wanted to play quarterback professionally.
When he was in high school, Danny was recruited to Purdue. He was considered a top recruit in his class.
It was during his freshman season that he became a starter. He started the final seven games of his rookie year and posted an impressive collegiate record.
The next year, he won the Indiana State Championship with his teammates and he was named the tournament’s most valuable player. His love for the game was solidified, and he committed to Purdue the following year as a quarterback.
He spent the rest of his time at Purdue as a backup. He started his sophomore year, but was benched for the remainder of the season. He then transferred to LSU, and he hasn’t looked back since.
He’s a dual threat, an excellent passer and a great leader. He’s one of the most talented players to ever play for the Tigers. Hopefully, he can become the next LSU quarterback to win a national title.
He’s a good leader
In addition to being a great football player, danny don lsu is also an excellent leader. He is a leader by example and by helping his teammates to succeed, even when they don’t feel like it.
He is one of the top leaders in college football, and his success has helped him earn a reputation for being a good coach who can motivate his players to perform at their best. This is a hugely important role in a head coach, and it’s something that he has shown he can do time and again.
During his time at LSU, he led the Tigers to two Final Four appearances and a trip to the NCAA tournament in 1981 and 1986. He also led the Tigers to a national championship in 2006, which is another impressive feat that he has accomplished.
Danny is a hard-working guy who never gives up and always strives for the best. He is a role model for his players and has a heart of gold. He also has a lot of experience, which makes him a great coach to have.
In his career at LSU, he has been known for being a great motivator and a good teacher of the game. This is a good thing because it’s important to teach your players how to win games, and that takes practice and hard work.
As a senior, he is ready to make an impact on the field. He is a big, strong player who can be counted on to put up big numbers.
It is no secret that LSU has a number of needs on the offensive side of the ball, and Danny can help fill some of those gaps. He will be a great addition to the team and should be able to lead the way in the passing game for years to come.
If he can continue to improve his downfield passing, he could be a huge asset to the team in the future. He will need to get better at running the ball, though, as that is a major weakness for the Tigers.
