Murray State University Athletics
Pre-season All-OVC selection Gallishaw ready for senior season
8/4/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
If the Murray State Racers are to return to the championship status of two years ago, an improved defense will be a key. That puts a lot of pressure on the defensive unit to improve over the 28.2 points per game allowed last season, but that is just fine with defensive back Laroni Gallishaw.
The University of Louisville transfer made quite an impact last season while making the All-OVC second-team, recording 35 tackles, breaking up 11 passes and picking off two.
Gallishaw also saw action offensively, rushing six times for 26 yards and catching 11 passes for 105 yards.
But the most memorable Gallishaw play came in the Racers' game at Kentucky, when he drove a receiver into the sideline with a bone-crushing hit that brought head coach Joe Pannunzio onto the field with approving slaps and shouts of approval.
“In high school, all I played was running back, and I always got hit,” said Gallishaw. “Now I get my chance to hit people, and I love to come down and hit.”
Gallishaw was named to the pre-season All-OVC first team this year as a cornerback, but he admits he loves to play safety, too. This year's unit will sport an aggressive new style that he believes can take them all the way to another OVC championship and beyond, an accomplishment that he believes may have hindered last season's progress.
“Last year, we really didn't come together as a team," he said. "There were too many individuals. This summer, we had almost 40 guys here working out on our own, with everything from seven-on-seven to one-on-one, and that has really helped us come together as a team.”
With players working out on their own, leadership is a key, since coaches play no role directly or indirectly. Gallishaw feels that when the team begins practice this week, the coaches will be able to spot players who have assumed leadership roles over the summer.
“This year, we have leaders," he said. "Guys are stepping up to fill those roles. I'm trying to lead the secondary and be sure I have everybody on the same page. I want our secondary to be the best in the OVC.”
Once again this season, Gallishaw expects to play on both sides of the football. He admits it taxes him physically, and to adjust, he has worked harder than ever before to stay in shape.
“I do get tired sometimes," he said. "Usually when I come in on offense, I am getting the ball. If we punt, I'm on that squad, and then it's back on defense.”
As a senior, Laroni Gallishaw and his teammates have several goals. The most obvious is an OVC championship. Individually however, he couldn't care less.
“I don't care about all of the individual awards, pre-season or post-season” said Gallishaw, “I just love to play football.”
