http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/15290645.htm
- - - - -
UM FOOTBALL | GLENN SHARPE
PUTTING PAINFUL PAST BEHIND HIM
Cornerback Glenn Sharpe, whose career has been shortened by injuries, is eager to return to the field.
BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
[email protected]
http://www.miami.com/images/miami/miamiherald/15289/233768518509.jpg
GLENN SHARPE: 'I can't believe I'm finally here, ready to go.'
It was the play seen 'round the world -- or at least 'round the nation. And to some extent, it has defined the career of University of Miami cornerback Glenn Sharpe.
But the controversial, fourth-down pass-interference call during the 2003 Fiesta Bowl national-championship game was just the beginning of Sharpe's agony.
Torn anterior cruciate ligaments in both knees and another arthroscopic knee surgery are what Sharpe has endured the past three seasons as he awaits his chance to return to the field for the first time since Sept. 18, 2004.
''I can't believe I'm finally here, ready to go,'' Sharpe said. ''I know a lot of the other guys are ready to get started, too. But for me, especially, it's been a long time.''
Sharpe, a fifth-year junior who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA because of his medical history, wants his career to be defined by the future.
''It's only natural a lot of things run through your head,'' he said. ''Is the game really for me? Am I doing all I can to prepare myself to play? Is my time up?' But basically, I stayed strong because my parents gave me all the support in the world and told me to keep fighting for my dreams.''
A Miamian who graduated from Carol City High in 2002, the 6-0, 187-pound Sharpe has played in 21 games, with three starts, since his 2002 UM debut.
Defensive backs coach Tim Walton called Sharpe, cousin of former Canes Santana and Sinorice Moss, the most athletically gifted UM player. That's one reason coaches have been especially careful, opting to rest him this week because of a sore hamstring and tender knee.
''The best athlete we have on the whole field is Glenn Sharpe,'' Walton said. ''He's fast, quick hits, quick twitch, great change of direction -- he's heads above all the guys in that area. We're just making sure we do the right things to let him slowly get back into the groove.''
UM coach Larry Coker said Wednesday he believes Sharpe will be ready when Florida State comes to the Orange Bowl on Sept. 4.
''Maybe that's my wishful thinking,'' Coker said, ''but from what I've seen, he's [still] got great speed. I don't see any reason why he can't do everything that he's done before.''
Sharpe, who lines up opposite Randy Phillips, said he owes his strength to a tight family core and reassuring teammates.
Doubts, he said, have been part of the process.
'HEADSTRONG'
''You go through trials and tribulations in life, and if you want to accomplish something you have to stay headstrong,'' he said. ''Everything I've gone through has made me a much stronger person.''
Sharpe's sad saga began Jan. 3, 2003, when he was flagged by official Terry Porter several seconds after batting away a pass intended for Ohio State's Chris Gamble. In the time it took to make the call, fireworks erupted over Sun Devil Stadium and UM players spilled onto the field in celebration of what they thought was their sixth national title.
But the flag finally fell and OSU tied the score 24-24 to send the game into double overtime. The Buckeyes then won the title the Hurricanes to this day believe they earned.
NO REGRETS
''In my memory I couldn't have played it any better,'' Sharpe said. ''I kept my distance from the guy. When he went up, I went up with him. I knocked the ball out of his hands -- or he dropped it. Whatever the case may be, he didn't catch it.
'People still tell me, 'Man, you did nothing wrong.' But that's how things go.''
Sharpe tore his left ACL against Tennessee on Nov. 8, 2003.
After arthroscopic surgery in 2004 to further repair the reconstructed left knee, Sharpe tore his right ACL three weeks before the start of last year's fall camp.
''He was cheated out of so many things and I feel really, really bad for him,'' defensive tackle Kareem Brown said. ''The guy plays with heart. He has to be admired.''
After practice Wednesday, Coker admitted he felt especially bad for Sharpe, considering his football past. But he's hoping better things are ahead.
''In fact, I told him today,'' Coker said, 'You know, I think about you every day and just really wish that you're going to have a great year because I think you deserve it.'
''Hopefully, he will.''