Faith Lutheran linebacker packs mighty punch despite small frame

By Christopher Drexel

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 | 11:52 a.m.

Christian Lopez's football coach estimated he stood 5 feet 8 inches tall. His position coach thought he was 5 feet 7 inches tall. Lopez himself revealed he actually stands 5 feet 5 inches tall.

All three can agree he weighs about 150 pounds. But no matter how much size he gives away to opposing players, Lopez doesn't let it become a disadvantage.

The senior linebacker is still one of the most productive players for Faith Lutheran, which has begun 2008 with a 4-3 record.

"I think a lot of guys underestimate me," Lopez said. "They just think I will be an easy block and I won't be able to take people down. But I still bring big hits. After the last game I had a few guys come up to me and said I did a really good job, and even with my size I hit pretty hard and played hard."

Through seven games, Lopez has registered 52 tackles and two sacks while often blitzing from his weak side linebacker spot.

Coaches think Lopez is versatile enough that he has seen plays at middle linebacker and safety and has also played running back and wide receiver.

"He's smart enough with limited reps to be able to pick up and get a full grasp of the offense and defense, which is nice," Faith coach Jacob Kothe said. "He's not the biggest football player in the world, but he plays big. We see him as a scrapper. He sticks his nose in there."

After a 33-20 loss to Virgin Valley on Oct. 3, Kothe said Lopez was in the coaches' office early the following Monday morning, trying to get a head start on learning the game plan for the next opponent.

"You have to have that mental edge over the other team — knowing what they're going to do before they do it," Lopez said. "It's important to have those little keys to help you out."

Another key for Lopez is playing as aggressive as possible. He said he can't be afraid of tackling bigger players, for the simple fact almost every other player is bigger than him.

Lopez remembers a game last season when he took down an opposing fullback that weighed about 280 pounds. It was a swing pass and Lopez hit him in the backfield.

That play gave him confidence to tackle anybody.

"It's essential to use every pound in your body to deliver that hit," Lopez said. "I may not have the size but I stay aggressive, ready my keys and go 100 percent every play. I'm just doing my job, but it's also some extra satisfaction when I take a guy down that's almost twice my size."

Faith Lutheran linebackers coach Dan Dolby said Lopez's style of play is suited for his size.

"One of the things with him being kind of compact is he has the perfect tackle for us, which is low to high and to deliver a blow on the way up," Dolby said. "It's very effective. He surprises other teams."

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].