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Class Clown Gets An A
Class Clown Gets An A
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Nov. 17, 2003
By Jeff Burdett, Sports Information Student Assistant
Though he is 6-2, 315-pounds, Utah offensive lineman Thomas Herrion refers to himself as "cute." Actually "cute" is one of just several nicknames this tough player bears. Head Coach Urban Meyer calls him "the meal ticket." Fellow players refer to Herrion as "Big T", "Train" and also call the duo of Herrion and fellow guard Chris Kemoeatu "Bebop and Rocksteady." Herrion is "Bebop". This all-conference candidate may have more nicknames than anyone in the history of Utah football, but amidst all the nicknames and joking one thing is very clear-Herrion is a leader.
He's a student of football, who is constantly studying game footage to see what he needs to work on in an effort to become a better player. At the same time, he creates a positive attitude on the field through humor. He's the player that younger guys look to for an example of what Utah football is all about.
With the phrase 'work hard and have fun' imbedded in his mind, it's no surprise that Herrion loves playing the game of football even though it's definitely a tough job. After practice he's sure to be seen joking around with players, coaches and the media. "Big T" is a people's person and people respond to his good humor. As a team leader, he knows players must remain focused, but recognizes you don't always have to be serious in doing so.
In elementary school, Herrion was a leader and didn't even notice it. He was a class clown who always set the tone in the classroom. "If I came into class acting like a fool, the teacher wasn't going to be able to teach," relates Herrion. "But if I came into the classroom cool and calm, the class went by smoothly."
At the end of the year, his teachers were reminding him to keep polishing his leadership skills. "I never thought I was a leader, just a regular guy," Herrion says.
When he's not on the field throwing around opponents, Herrion enjoys playing the drums. He plays in his church band and enjoys jazz, hip-hop and the blues. "I love playing the drums, that's my world," admits Herrion. "When I'm playing, it's like I'm in my own world and no one can touch me. It's the same feeling I get when I play football."
Herrion began his collegiate football career at Kilgore Junior College. Fresh out of high school, he had to earn respect all over again from a new group of people. The transformation from high school athletics to college was a long and tedious path, but Herrion made it successful with hard work and humor of course. "Nobody on that team knew who I was and I had to work my way up and earn their respect," states Herrion.
His determination later paid off with a slew of honors, including a juco All-America honorable mention nod, along with first-team all-conference honors and the Most Outstanding Lineman award. He also gained loads of experience on field for the Rangers as they finished No. 2 in the nation with a 12-0 record in 2001. During the 2000 season, they were conference champions and won the Red River Bowl. "We had a lot of fun that year, we worked really hard," says Herrion. "We had to measure out our time between school and football."
Herrion attributes much of the success at Kilgore to the relationships he built with members of the team. One relationship in particular still holds to this day. Fellow Ute star Brandon Warfield also began his college career at Kilgore. The two seniors often worked out together at Kilgore, but their relationship began to grow as Division I colleges began recruiting them. "I'm glad Warfield came to Utah," says Herrion. "We motivate each other to work harder and play harder."
Herrion was worried about his transition to Utah. "I didn't know if the guys would accept me," says Herrion. "But everyone has been so cool. I wish I had another year. I've met so many great people"
Coming into his final year as a Ute, Herrion had to adapt to a new coaching staff and a new offensive scheme. Already comfortable in Utah's old offense and with the old staff, he found it hard to make the transition. "It was hard learning a new offense under new coaches. I'm stubborn and I don't like change," confesses Herrion. "But I learned that in order to be a better player and person, I had to be able to make that change."
Utah's new explosive offense has worked well for the veteran. The new balance of passing and running attacks is an offensive lineman's dream. Herrion has found himself more involved than he ever could have imagined. "I love it," Herrion claims. "People come to see our offense make big plays. We have a great offensive line and I couldn't play with a better group of guys."
This season, Herrion enjoyed proving that even bigger named opponents, such as Oregon and Texas A&M are just like all other teams. "Big T" claims that playing big name teams is no different than the players he's played against his entire career. "I don't care what team we are playing," says Herrion. "Even if I'm lining up against a No. 1 draft pick, they are human just like me. They haven't seen what a Utah offensive lineman can do. We want our respect."
In his final year as a Ute, Herrion looks back on his football career with feelings of pride and accomplishment. In two years, he has become a team and fan favorite, not to mention a standout leader. Named a team captain and to the Utah Football Leadership Committee, he believes he must set an example for the whole team. "When we're practicing, a lot of younger guys watch me to see what they should be doing. I let them know when it's time to joke around and when it's time to be serious."
In the future Herrion has dreams of making it in the NFL, but would also like to become a counselor. There are few others who would make a better role model to younger kids than this "cute" 315-pound man. Herrion has proved that with the right attitude and dedication, it is possible to achieve any goal and have fun while doing it.