The end of an era: Larry Izzo reflects on his career at Rice

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by John Fredland

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Perhaps a similar story could be made about the last four years of Rice football, showing how the Owls would have fared without the services of Larry Izzo.

If Izzo had not been playing outside linebacker for Rice, the Owls and their followers probably would not have been able to enjoy some of the greatest team and individual accomplishments in recent history.

In Izzo's freshman year, Rice recorded its first winning season in 29 years. In his second campaign, the Owls notched their first back-to-back winning seasons since 1960-61.

Last year, Rice earned its first Southwest Conference title since 1957 and defeated the University of Texas for the first time since 1965.

Izzo has carved a niche in Owl history with his spirited play. He holds the Rice record for most tackles for a loss with 43. Izzo's 290 career tackles rank him fourth on the all-time Owl list, and he has been on several all-SWC squads.

"Larry is the epitome of a tough football player," Rice Head Coach Ken Hatfield said. "He plays with all his heart. When it comes to game time, it's like going to war. I want Larry Izzo on my side."

Not bad for a guy considerably smaller than the prototypical college-star/pro-prospect linebacker.

Although Izzo, listed at 6-0, 210 pounds, doesn't have to go through life in fear that people will try to pick fights with him on the street, he lacks the size of, say, Illinois' two pro prospects Kevin Hardy and Simeon Rice -- both of whom measure in at about 6-4, 250 pounds.

"Although I am not the prototype NFL-caliber outside linebacker, I still feel my abilities are enough to get the job done," he said. "In the position I play at Rice, bandit, the coaches always are calling stunts to put me in a position to make big plays. There, size is not a factor."

Izzo spent his youth traveling, thanks to his father's military career. From his father and his older brother -- both of whom played college football -- Izzo developed his interest for the game.

"Basically, as long as I can remember, my family has always been interested in football," Izzo said. "My father and my older brother have always given me little techniques and pointers about how to play."

When he arrived at McCullough High School in The Woodlands for his junior year, Izzo had the opportunity to play for Highlander coach Weldon Willig.

Izzo provided Willig and Mc-Cullough, which won the district championship his senior year, with strong play. In return, Izzo gained the aid of an advocate for his football aspirations.

"Fortunately, I've had coaches throughout my career who believed in what I could do," Izzo said.

"My high school coach pushed me hard to the recruiters. He defended my ability, in spite of my lack of size. Luckily, there were four or five schools who believed in what I could do because of what he said."

Former Rice Head Coach Fred Goldsmith was one of the believers.

"I really didn't hear much about Rice until my senior year," Izzo said. "Throughout the recruiting process, Rice was pretty much the one who seemed the most interested in me. When I came on my visit, I saw how it was with the players and the coaching staff who was here before. It was a good staff, and it had a lot to do with my decision to come here."

Despite the relative success Rice has achieved during his career, Izzo is disappointed that the Owls have not done better.

"The career, as far as the team, hasn't turned out the way it would have liked," Izzo said.

"We haven't reached a bowl game. We had two winning seasons in my first two years, but the last two years have been pretty disappointing. Especially last year -- people had the idea that we had a great year, but it was a disappointing year. We underachieved as a team."

Izzo does take satisfaction in last season's streak-snapping triumph over the University of Texas.

He also regards the experience of playing Division I football as a lifetime highlight.

"It's a great game, getting to be out there with your buddies," he said. "To go to [Louisiana State University], in front of 70,000 people, to go to Austin, to go to Ohio State [University], even though we lost the games, have been highlights."

Izzo's collegiate career will end with tomorrow's game. He hopes to extend his football life, though.

"Hopefully, I will play football as long as I can," Izzo said. "I will not be sitting there on draft day, waiting for a phone call from the NFL. But there's a lot of leagues out there, like the [Canadian Football League] and the World League. I'm going to keep all of my options open."

This item appeared in the Sports section of the December 1, 1995 issue.

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