NEXT VOICES: LADAINIAN TOMLINSON

You may need a dish to find TCU's offensive threat. But if you see this LT, you'll know why he's the hardest-running Heisman dark horse.

I have my own Web site (www.LTfor2000.com). Back in Kenneth Davis' time [Davis was a Horned Frog running back in the '80s], no one got to see his games or his highlights, so people didn't really know him. Today, with the Internet, I have an advantage. People can check out our games, and since I have my own Web site, they can keep up with me. Plus, it helps not having a common name. I imagine there aren't too many guys named LaDainian out there. People will remember it.

My style? One word: Determined. In my mind, I won't allow myself to get tackled. I can't be stopped. That's the way I approach everything. And it's not just football.

When I was 6, our house burned down. When I was 8, my parents got divorced, and my older brother Charles was killed in a knife fight. We were pretty close, and it was all really hard to deal with. My mom explained to me, though, that you have to take life one day at a time. And that having a bad attitude won't get you anywhere in life.

I think all of that has taught me to be more cool-headed. It also motivates me to work harder to take care of my family.

This year I'm going for 2,000 in 2000. My goals are to lead TCU to the WAC title and into the Top 10 and to lead the nation in rushing again. I know it's going to be tougher this year because everyone's going to be gunning for me. But I believe it can happen. I believe I can make it happen.

Texas is the best state to play football in. Football is important here, and you know that people are always watching. I feel good about the expectations. It makes me feel good that people believe in me. But I still have to play hard every play.

Print Article . Email Article. Subscribe to The Magazine