Sucura Battles For Respect
10/25/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 25, 2000
By Dina Karwoski
MSU Sports Information Intern
Senior left guard Dave Sucura looks like an offensive lineman - a look that would stop men dead in their tracks. So just imagine what an opposing defensive back thinks when Sucura is the lead blocker for running back T.J. Duckett.
Not many defenses have chosen to go head to head with the Spartans' "running of the bulls". Sucura anchors a line that makes the holes for the Duckett, the nation's eighth-ranked rusher and fourth-best in the Big Ten.
Starting in 31 consecutive games, one would think Sucura is tough as nails, a fighter. And while that's true, there's another side to that rough exterior. A side that rides a scooter.
Sucura is as sweet and friendly as he looks when scooting around campus on his moped. While he may look menacing, he's a thoughtful person whose opinions about the position he plays are intriguing.
"Everyone who knows me knows I am a soft-spoken, friendly guy," explained Sucura. "Not at all what you would think of a lineman. We have feelings, too."
Those feelings can range over a wide spectrum of emotions. For example, the normally level-headed Sucura was flagged for a personal foul against Wisconsin two weeks ago.
"It seemed like the right thing to do at the time," said Sucura as recounted the incident with a Badger defensive back. "When I look back on it, it probably wasn't the best decision. But you play on emotion and adrenaline and I guess I just had too much of a good thing at that time. Plus it's hard to stop 300 pounds on a dime."
Sucura has begun a crusade to educate fans about offensive linemen and the importance of the role they play.
"Fans don't know what it's like to have to go full steam every play," said Sucura. "I think they might just see us as big, heavy guys. The skill position guys know what we go through and respect us for getting the job done every down."
Sucura acknowledges the offensive line, like Aretha Franklin, is looking for a little respect. He says the trenches may not be the most exciting part of a football game, but it may be the place where the outcome is decided.
"Fans have a tendency to follow the action, whether it's a receiver with an amazing catch or the tailback breaking out for 20 yards," said Sucura. "I don't think people realize we are the ones that allow the time for it to happen, the gaps to start that awesome run. On the goal line effort, it's the big boys that are going to make that push forward to score."
A position misunderstood and often overlooked is routine for an offensive lineman. Where is the glory for those that take hit after hit, down after down, game after game?
"It all comes in seeing your offense produce," said Sucura. "You know you played a part in all of that. Maybe it was your block that sprung the run or your protection that gave the quarterback that extra second to complete the pass. That's the reward."
Sucura has proven there is more to the position than brute force. His discipline and commitment has earned him several team awards, including last season's Tommy Love Award given to the team's most improved player.
Regardless of how the Spartans finish the season, Sucura will close his MSU career knowing that he has broken the mold of linemen and smashed the stereotype of the trenches. Most importantly, he will have earned the respect he deserves.