Spring Break
Dan O's 1st great start for UConn
Kevin Duffy
Issue date: 10/13/08 Section: Sports
Orlovsky's rise-by-attrition to the top of the depth chart will only help the Huskies' recruiting. UConn is now on a relatively exclusive list of programs who can claim an NFL starter.
Depending on how well he does, Orlovsky - who spurned scholarship offers from Michigan State and Purdue to sign with UConn - could help Edsall land prized signal-callers that can operate UConn's pro-style offense.
The pressure to build the reputation of UConn football isn't squarely on Orlovsky, however. A solid crop of young Husky alumni are in the process of earning some notoriety in the NFL as well.
Cornerback Tyvon Branch has proved he's more than a workout warrior. The rookie fourth-round pick has received some valuable playing time with the Oakland Raiders. In addition to recording his first career interception in Week 2 versus Kansas City and returning it 36 yards, Branch has returned kickoffs as well.
Second-year fullback Deon Anderson has paved the way for Marion Barber and Felix Jones in Dallas.
Then, there's Danny Lansanah. After a productive college career, the former UConn middle linebacker was deemed too small and too slow to make the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers signed him as an undrafted free agent, which is almost always followed by a "thanks, but no thanks" release after training camp.
Lansanah was just promoted to the active roster last week and is now listed as the Packers' back-up middle linebacker.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though. A few backups and a one-time starter won't launch UConn into the national spotlight. But at least it's a start.
Darius Butler is the No. 19 overall prospect on Mel Kiper Jr.'s Big Board, and Donald Brown has been mentioned as a possible early second-round selection if he wants to forgo his senior year and jump to the NFL.
These two, along with current Huskies Will Beatty, Scott Lutrus and Cody Brown all have the chance to add to what Orlovsky has started.
Ten years ago, most people in the Northeast didn't even know UConn had a football program. Today, the Huskies have produced a starting NFL quarterback, a viable Heisman trophy contender and legitimate national exposure.
In another 10 years, that might not even seem like a big deal. Who knows where the program will be by then? But wherever it is, UConn fans should always remember that Orlovsky was the man who started it.
Depending on how well he does, Orlovsky - who spurned scholarship offers from Michigan State and Purdue to sign with UConn - could help Edsall land prized signal-callers that can operate UConn's pro-style offense.
The pressure to build the reputation of UConn football isn't squarely on Orlovsky, however. A solid crop of young Husky alumni are in the process of earning some notoriety in the NFL as well.
Cornerback Tyvon Branch has proved he's more than a workout warrior. The rookie fourth-round pick has received some valuable playing time with the Oakland Raiders. In addition to recording his first career interception in Week 2 versus Kansas City and returning it 36 yards, Branch has returned kickoffs as well.
Second-year fullback Deon Anderson has paved the way for Marion Barber and Felix Jones in Dallas.
Then, there's Danny Lansanah. After a productive college career, the former UConn middle linebacker was deemed too small and too slow to make the NFL.
The Green Bay Packers signed him as an undrafted free agent, which is almost always followed by a "thanks, but no thanks" release after training camp.
Lansanah was just promoted to the active roster last week and is now listed as the Packers' back-up middle linebacker.
Let's not get ahead of ourselves, though. A few backups and a one-time starter won't launch UConn into the national spotlight. But at least it's a start.
Darius Butler is the No. 19 overall prospect on Mel Kiper Jr.'s Big Board, and Donald Brown has been mentioned as a possible early second-round selection if he wants to forgo his senior year and jump to the NFL.
These two, along with current Huskies Will Beatty, Scott Lutrus and Cody Brown all have the chance to add to what Orlovsky has started.
Ten years ago, most people in the Northeast didn't even know UConn had a football program. Today, the Huskies have produced a starting NFL quarterback, a viable Heisman trophy contender and legitimate national exposure.
In another 10 years, that might not even seem like a big deal. Who knows where the program will be by then? But wherever it is, UConn fans should always remember that Orlovsky was the man who started it.
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