Navy football - the right answer

It amazes me that I still get email from the unbalanced fans of that tax-payer money sponge, former Ensign Eckel, defending him as such a great "man," but in the end, he just doesn't matter.

What you need to do is to keep a sharp eye to see a real leader - a man who understands those things in life that are important - and football isn't it.

Even with NFL scouts coming to practices to observe his abilities as a fullback, Adam Ballard remains grounded and loyal.

There’s no denying the thought of playing professional football has crossed his mind, a time or two. He’s even been invited to show off his talents at the 2008 East-West Shrine game in Houston.

But Ballard, a Marcus graduate and senior at the United States Naval Academy, is driven by deeper convictions and beliefs. His desire to be an officer in the United States Marine Corps, possibly leading a combat platoon in Iraq or Afghanistan, is greater than his love of football.

“When I’m older, I want to be able to look at my kids and tell them why they can go to any church and why your mom doesn’t have to wear a burqa,” Ballard said.

In a few weeks, Ballard will learn if he will become a Marine officer after graduation in the spring.

This man is well grounded - and is one heck of a ball player.

This season, he has carried 102 times for 456 yards and four touchdowns. He is averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He is eighth all-time on Navy’s career rushing list with 1,916-career rushing yards and needs 34 yards to pass Craig Candeto to reach seventh place.

Ballard had 11 carries for 24 yards in Navy’s 46-44 triple overtime victory against Notre Dame on Saturday that snapped a 43-year losing streak.

See 'ya in the Fleet.