by Joey Papania
LSUsports.net
The spring season takes on different meanings for different people.? For football fans, the month of April means the start of Spring Football.? For track fanatics, it means the heart of the outdoor season.? For athletes like Craig Nall, it means both.
Not only is the Alexandria native competing for the starting quarterback position next football season, but he is also currently ranked No. 4 in the SEC in the javelin throw.
It is not uncommon for high school football players to moonlight as track athletes; however, it is rare for this trend to carry over into the collegiate level.? Craig Nall is not only participating in these two sports, but he is excelling at both.? In his first throw in three years, competing for the Tigers at the SEC Quadrangular in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he threw the javelin 214 feet — simply the sixth best throw in LSU history.
Nall considers the fact that he even picked up the javelin a chance happening.? As a high school freshman, he was present when the starting quarterback at the time was participating in the track and field tryouts.
“I walked by, and they started teasing me.? They asked me if I thought I could throw it further than him,” said Nall.? “So I did, and it all started from there.”
As a junior at Alexandria Senior High School, Nall finished second in the state meet. ? As a senior, he captured the state title with a throw of 208 feet.? However, his track career was put on hold in his first three seasons at LSU.? Dual sport participation was not encouraged by the Tigers’ football coaching staff at the time, so Nall set aside his track career and concentrated only on football.
“I wanted to throw the javelin when I got to LSU,” said Nall.? “Seeing how guys like Chris Cummings and Eddie Kennison handled the responsibilities of being a dual athlete, I thought it would be a good opportunity for me.? But Coach (Gerry) DiNardo didn’t really believe in it, and there was an unspoken understanding that I wasn’t going to do it.”
However, the arrival of new head football coach Nick Saban has brought a new understanding between the sports of football and track & field..? Nall did not hesitate to approach the newly appointed coach about his interest in throwing the javelin for the Tigers.? In their first meeting, Nall inquired about the possibility of competing with the track team.? He stated that Saban supports his decision, as long as it does not hinder his performance on the football field.
“The atmosphere (on the football team) seems to be a little more relaxed, yet all of our goals are in focus.? Last year seemed chaotic at times,” Nall said. ? “When things were going bad, people panicked, both players and coaches. ? This new staff communicates well.? Personally, that gives me confidence that they know what they’re doing.? In turn, I can go out there, perform, and be more relaxed.”
Nall and counterpart Josh Booty continued to battle for the starting quarterback job in the spring.? Nall wrapped up a successful spring season by leading the Purple squad to a 24-21 win over the White team.? Nall completed 14 of 25 passes for 225 yards, throwing touchdown passes of 49 yards to wide receiver Reggie Robinson and 37 yards to running back Josh Reed to build an insurmountable 24-7 lead in the fourth quarter.
And after track season, Nall will set his sights on continuing his improvement in the fall. Once the injured Rohan Davey returns to the field, the three-way battle that ensued last season at the quarterback position will begin again.
The pressures of one sport can be hard enough.? The pressures of being in the spotlight at quarterback can be even more demanding.? But add to that the difficulty of juggling two sports and academic career, and Craig Nall is certainly looking at a full plate.
“It’s tough knowing that everyday you have to go out and compete for a starting job. ? And even if you get the starting job, it’s not etched in stone that you’ll be the starter for the rest of the year.? Just look at last year.
“So I decided not to focus on the javelin until after (spring) football was over,” Nall explained.? “I found myself worn out mentally and physically at night.? Working on technique requires a lot of concentration.? In football, we spend a great deal of time studying the playbook and watching film.? And then trying to juggle classes makes it really tough.? I admire people that can do it all.”
The spring football session this year took place after the school’s spring break holiday, which coincided with the prime of the outdoor track season.
With the possibility that spring football could be moved earlier in the year next season, it would make it much easier for Nall to juggle both sports.
Also competing in the javelin throw is SEC leader Blake Theriot.? Nall met and competed against Theriot in high school during the ’97 state meet.
Advice from his new teammate and athletes like Boris Henry, the 1997 world champion, could provide the technique Nall needs to compete for the SEC title.
“He’s been beneficial to me.? Blake (Theriot) is a technician in what he does, he does it well,” Nall said.? “I’ve been teasing him that I would be coming out there soon.? Now I finally get my chance.”
LSU is hosting the SEC Outdoor Championships this weekend at Bernie Moore Stadium. ? Nall will be competing Sunday evening at 7 p.m.