FSU offensive lineman Ron Lunford will get a rare start Saturday. And the 'Noles want him to fulfill his vast potential.
By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published November 25, 2005
TALLAHASSEE - Ever since he was 6, Florida State fifth-year senior offensive lineman Ron Lunford has been known as "Lucky."
He was playing with his younger friend from across the street, Michael, each one furiously but unattentively pedaling a three-wheeler around a swimming pool.
Suddenly, Lunford was in over his head. "I fell into the pool," he said, in part blaming being a "pretty fat kid" and riding a bike too small for him. "I couldn't swim. I was trying to get to the surface, and things went black."
Fortunately, Michael's father, Tom Fleming, saw Lunford take the plunge into the 81/2-foot deep end.
"As soon as he went in, I went in," he said. "My brother-in-law was out there. And he ran around to the side of the pool, and I was pushing him up. He was heavy. I bet he weighed 100 pounds. But we got him out of the pool."
A sobbing and sopping Lunford didn't need CPR but was understandably scared.
"I got a towel and wrapped it around him, and he gave me a big old hug around the neck," Fleming said, adding he teases him to this day that he shouldn't forget who saved his life.
Whether it was life threatening or not, it was a defining moment in Lunford's life. A short time afterward, his aunt and mother started calling him "Lucky." It caught on, and most in his Jacksonville neighborhood didn't use Ron or didn't know him by that name.
"I feel my nickname really has a purpose," said Lunford, who celebrates his 23rd birthday Saturday against Florida by making just the sixth start of his career, his first at left tackle, in yet another shakeup to an injury-riddled line. "It was special in my eyes. It wasn't anything to play around with. I really am lucky to be here."
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During his five years at FSU, Lunford has been a lot like he was as a youngster: big (6-foot-5 and listed at 358 pounds) for his age, fun loving with an ever-present, disarming smile and the timing and wit of a stand-up comedian.
"He's a clown," said senior nose guard Brodrick Bunkley, the former Chamberlain High star. "Luck is crazy."
"I've got charisma, you know," Lunford said with a laugh.
But there also has been a precociousness about him when it comes to football. Hailed as one of the nation's top prospects, he sat out his freshman season in 2001 and played sparingly the next. He became a key reserve in 2003 and started three times at guard, then started the first two games last season.
Yet for all of his natural ability, he seemingly lacked a seriousness to stay focused on his job and his surroundings.
"He's got a lot of talent," coach Bobby Bowden said. "But he hasn't played up to his potential yet."
So even with graduation claiming three of last season's starters, tackles Alex Barron and Ray Willis and guard Bobby Meeks, and an injury ending senior guard Matt Meinrod's season in early October, the Seminoles moved younger players into a starting role and kept Lunford as a backup at guard and tackle.
"I never get frustrated (with him), but I talk to Luck on serious notes all the time," Bunkley said. "Luck, he's my workout buddy.
"He knows what he can do."
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Looking back, Lunford can admit maturity, or a lack thereof, shouldn't be an excuse for past performance. He told his teammates as much when he had his opportunity as a senior to address them on the eve of the North Carolina State game Nov. 5.
"I had to learn. Everybody has to learn coming to college, there's a big difference between 18 and 21," he said. "Those three years are a stepping stone from being a young teenager to becoming a young man."
He now knows those same lessons translate to life on the field as well as off. Many young players are taken aback when they meet players of equal or greater size, strength and skill.
The luck of god-given gifts isn't enough. You have to work. You have to study.
"You have to mature," he said.
He's fortunate, again, in that he has the chance to put those words into actions. On the final play of the loss at Clemson on Nov. 12, junior Cory Niblock, the starter at left tackle all season, tore the ACL in his left knee.
Suddenly Lunford was in his spot and had to sink or swim.
"He's got to fcus on every play," offensive line coach Mark McHale said. "He hasn't played a full game yet, and he's got to deal with focus every snap of the game. But I trust him."
"I think Lucky's attitude has changed drastically," junior tailback Lorenzo Booker added. "Not just since I've been here, I mean from last year to this year. Drastically. Luck was a guy you sometimes had to get on. You never have to get on Luck. He gave us all a speech in Thomasville ... about him being content with his position and he was going to do whatever it takes. Now he's been given an opportunity to really be a leader in terms of producing on the field."
Rest assured, Lunford can recognize one of life's defining moments.
After the Florida showdown the Seminoles head to Jacksonville on Dec. 3 for the inaugural ACC championship game and, if they win there, a Bowl Championship Series berth in most likely the Orange Bowl against Penn State.
"I just want to go out there and play my heart out," he said. "I want to be remembered as a player who, wherever his team needed him, whenever they needed him, he was there for them."
Maybe then, he forever will be known as "Lucky" and good.
