Making his own impression
(Created: Tuesday, May 29, 2007)
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Plano West graduate David Lofton signs with Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins picked up 6-foot-4, 215 lb. David Lofton on the free agent market following the 2007 NFL Draft.
Lofton, son of NFL Hall-Of-Famer James Lofton, attended Plano West and more recently graduated from Stanford. He established an impressive career for the Cardinal, and now hopes to continue building upon his success as a Dolphin.
"Right now I am just concentrating on making the team," Lofton said. "My best chance to make it is on special teams, so I have to work hard everyday to learn the defense and get all of the little things down. As opposed to college, this is your main priority now. You just have to concentrate on football now."
Lofton doesn't have to worry about classes, or all of the other time consuming duties of college. All day and all night, his mind is on Dolphins football.
Veteran safeties Renaldo Hill, Travaras Tillman and Yeremiah Bell all have established a reputation in the NFL. Lofton also understands that he is now competing with these players, while also absorbing the nuances of the game from each of them. The young safety recognizes an excellent opportunity to also learn the NFL profession from such reputable names such as Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas and Joey Porter.
"Renaldo Hill has helped me out in learning the defense," Lofton said. "I just observe how they play the game. Guys like Zach Thomas, who have been in the league for a while, are true students of the game. That is what I want to become. I want to have a passion to be a student of the game."
Though the Dolphins have only participated in a few practices thus far, the coaches and team management is keeping a keen eye open for standouts with talent. Just as every team is looking to find key elements right now, Miami will utilize the June 8-10 mini-camps as a time to find guys who will head to training camp for a chance to compete for a spot on the 53-man regular season roster.
Lofton is knowledgeable that if he is to make the roster, he must make an impression on the Dolphins organization. There are no more red-shirts being passed out. He is being paid to do a job, and to be the best at it.
"I have to be assertive," Lofton said. "Coach Cam Cameron emphasized that I'm taking this job from somebody. There are only so many slots available and if you don't fit into one of those slots, if you don't make yourself known, then you won't get one. That is why I am always asking the coaches questions, and always asking other players. I want the team to know that I am getting better and always trying to get better."
As a graduate from Stanford, Lofton attributes the curriculum at Plano West for his ability to adapt to one of the top educational programs in the country. Lofton was one of the top prep players in Texas in 2001, throwing for more than 1,700 yards, rushing for more than 600 yards and accounting for 17 touchdowns as the Wolves starting quarterback. He was named a Gridiron Great following his senior season, and an Academic All-State selection.
"It was definitely beneficial to be able to have such a great academic situation at Plano West," Lofton said. "The classes truly helped me prepare for college. Texas high school football is probably the best in the country and we take pride in that fact."
Former West Head Coach Mark Reeve remembers Lofton as a dedicated leader at the Wolves helm.
"We always knew he was a special player," Reeve said. "The thing he had was character. When you combine that character with great athletic ability and an outstanding work ethic, then you know a player will be successful."
At Stanford, Lofton did not see extensive playing time until his junior season. After bouncing around from quarterback to receiver, Lofton finally settled in at free safety in 2005 where he played in eleven games, and recorded 35 tackles in five starts.
In 2006, Lofton finished the season seventh in total tackles with 47 (23 solo) while only playing in eight games.
Lofton majored in urban studies, and was a National Achievement Scholar Finalist and a National Merit Scholar Semifinalist.
His father, James, who is now an assistant coach for the San Diego Chargers, has always had a large impact on his career. Weather in his studies or in teaching him the little things that would help him become a better player, Mr. Lofton has helped keep his son on the right track.
Lofton says that one of the biggest thrills in his life was inducting his father into the NFL Hall of Fame.
And though he has always had somebody to look up to, Lofton wants to emulate nobody, while letting his own play define who he is.
"You have to make the adjustment to the NFL quickly," Lofton said. "I think my size is going to help me in hitting these big tight ends and running backs who are twice the size they were in college. Everybody here is bigger, faster and stronger. The number might work out in your favor, but you have to go all out to find out."
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