All along, LaDainian Tomlinson had his sight set on San Diego, albeit more for the climate than for the coaching.
Likewise, the Chargers thought highly of Tomlinson, too, even considering using the No. 1 overall pick on the TCU halfback. But still, until Friday, the Chargers seemed inclined to take Michael Vick, the 20-year-old Virginia Tech quarterback.
However, with contract talks stalled between the Chargers and Vick, Tomlinson suddenly re-emerged in San Diego’s always sunny picture. And before the Chargers dealt their top pick to Atlanta for the No. 5 overall pick Friday, Vick told Tomlinson that he might be going to Sea World after all.
“Me and Vick had talked about this yesterday, about him going to Atlanta and me to San Diego,” Tomlinson said.
And Vick’s words came true yesterday, when the Chargers took Tomlinson with the fifth pick.
“I was kind of hoping I’d go to San Diego,” a relieved Tomlinson said at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. “It’s kind of warm weather, which is what I’m used to.”
Of course, he’s also grown accustomed to running at will. An All-America first-team selection by several outlets and a Heisman Trophy finalist, the powerful 5-foot-10, 221-pounder led the nation in rushing for the second consecutive year with 2,158 yards (fourth all-time in Division I-A) and 22 touchdowns. In addition, he ranked second in the nation in scoring (12.0 points per game) and all-purpose yards per game (199.8).
Despite his spectacular senior season, in which he outscored TCU opponents 132-106 by himself, Tomlinson had been tabbed by NFL scouts as a probable second-rounder – based in part to having played in TCU’s option offense.
But after the season, Tomlinson, an Emmitt Smith-type back, showed unexpected ability and speed in the NFL combines. His stock continued to rocket when he also proved that he could catch the ball in personal team workouts.
By going to the league-worst Chargers, Tomlinson, a Dallas native, said this won’t be the first time he has joined a rebuilding project. He said that during his freshman season at TCU the team finished 1-10.
While Vick and the Chargers couldn’t come to terms on a contract, Tomlinson said he doesn’t worry about agreeing to a deal.
“Money’s really not a factor for me,” Tomlinson said. “I’ve been playing all my life for free.”