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Despite NFL’s lure, Ballard remains loyal to the Corps
BY RICKY MOORE, Staff Writer
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.
In a few weeks, Ballard will learn if he will become a Marine officer after graduation in the spring.
“Being a Marine fits my mentality,” Ballard said. “I don’t see myself as one who sits back. I like to be down in the dirt with a gun in my hand.”
If he isn’t accepted as a Marine, the possibility of a professional football career still exists. The Navy does have a policy in place that allows its athletes in any sport who sign a pro contract to serve two years active duty and six in the reserves upon graduation. But, the Marines aren’t as lenient.
“From my understanding, The Marine Corps are a little stricter,” Ballard said. “I’ll know in a few weeks. After that I’ll let the chips fall where they may.”
On Saturday, Ballard’s runshing skills will be on display in Denton when the Navy takes on North Texas at 3 p.m. at Fouts Field.
It will be Ballard’s final chance to play close to his home in Lewisville. Ballard has played in Texas once before in a victory at Rice as a sophomore.
“When I heard in January we were going to play at North Texas, I was so excited,” Ballard said. “I went to weight room that day and starting working hard. I wanted to be able to play in that game.”
After a sophomore season that included a huge effort in a win against Army, Ballard suffered a season-ending injury as a junior against Army.
Ballard broke his right tibia on the second play of the game. He walked off the field thinking he would get right back into the game. When he learned the extent of his injury, Ballard was more than a little disappointed.
“The first thing I thought was my whole family had taken the time of come to Philadelphia for the game, and I get hurt on my second carry,” he said.
Surgery was required to repair damage. A metal plate and seven screws were needed repair the break. Two week’s ago, an X-ray revealed the surgery was a success, even though six of the screws are now broken from playing eight football games.
The injury won’t affect Ballard’s military career. After looking at the x-ray, a surgeon signed a waiver stating Ballard was cleared for action duty.
At Marcus, Ballard played tight end, running back and even saw playing time at linebacker as a sophomore. Ballard has had a memorable career in the Navy’s triple-option attack. 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.
“I like playing fullback, but I don’t like waking up on Sunday morning’s with aching shoulders,” Ballard said. “That’s the price you pay to get your name in the paper.”
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