Nov. 11, 2001

By Bob Houchin
MU Media Relations Office

Even at an early age, Eric Earthly loved to compete. It never mattered how much older, bigger or stronger the opponent was. He never backed down.

"I always had that love for competition," Earthly said. "I always wanted to be better than my older brother. That always pushed me."

As a child growing up in Humble, Texas, Earthly, a senior on the MU football team, was quickly introduced to a sport that would allow him to unleash that competitive drive and, at the same time, clash with his older brother.

"I started playing football when I was 5 or 6. My older brother and I played this little game called 'over the top.' I would dress up in my little football pads and hop over the couch and try and get over the top of him, and he would slam me down to the ground," Earthly said.

Over the course of the next 12 years, Earthly's love for football and his competitive nature continued to grow.

He soon became a standout linebacker at Nimitz High School. From his sophomore to his senior year, Earthly was named three times to the all-district team as he amassed over 300 career tackles.

College scouts from all over the country wanted the services of Earthly. He was living the life that all young Texas boys grow up dreaming about - he was being recruited to play big-time college football within his great home state.

Despite the allure of the Texas and Texas A&M, Earthly was attracted to the University of Missouri.

"When I was in high school, I had visits to the other Texas schools, but Coach (Ricky) Hunley sat down with my parents and really talked to them," Earthly said. "Plus, Caldrinoff Eastern and Adrian Cole were here. I visited here, liked it here, so I stayed."

But, before Earthly could join his fellow Texans in Columbia, Hunley suggested a quick stop at Kemper Military Academy.

"When Coach Hunley recruited me, I was kind of a wild man. I don't think that he felt like I was ready to come to a major university," said Earthly. "He didn't want to see me slack off."

At Kemper, Earthly continued to shine. He racked up 79 tackles, nine quarterback sacks, two interceptions and caused four fumbles. Earthly also realized that to be successful he was going to need more than his pure athletic ability.

"I learned at junior college football that you just can't get by with your talent," Earthly said. "You have to start lifting weights. Weights were a big thing to becoming a big-time football player at the college level."

More importantly, Earthly grew up.

"Being at Kemper, away from your parents, especially in that military environment, it really wakes you up. It teaches you a lot," Earthly said.

"In all honesty, coming to Columbia was a load off my chest. In Houston, everything is really fast. You never know what's around the corner. But here, everything is really relaxed. People are very respectful of each other. I just like the atmosphere here. The people welcomed me with open arms."

Three years later, Earthly continues to grow and be a significant contributor to the Missouri football team. Except this time his role is a much different from the one he played in high school and junior college.

Earthly plays defensive end and is a leader on the scout team.Although designated to backup duty, Earthly makes the most of his role on the team. He serves as a mentor to younger players and as a role model.

"I learned a lot going through high school and being a starter for four years, being one of the top recruits out of Texas and then not living up to what I was supposed to be," Earthly said. "The way I look at it now. I still have it in the back of my head that if I can make the younger players we have here better, I will be really satisfied with my stay here."

Despite not being the star player, Earthly still reflects back on his time at MU with great joy and satisfaction.

"One of my greatest memories was walking out on to Faurot Field for the first time, my sophomore year, my first year here. I saw the 50,000 people yelling and screaming for the first time," Earthly said.

"That's the amazing thing. The last couple of years we haven't had a winning season. But the fan base never left. Last year we were 3-8 and there were still 50,000 people out there waiting to see Missouri football. I have really appreciated that."

After graduation, Earthly said he plans on settling down and fulfilling his dream of being a fireman. While his football career will be over, he said he would still be there to offer support and advice to his younger teammates and friends.

"I still have younger friends here," Earthly said. "The only way I'll stay in the game is to try to help them if I see something they need help with. I am just going to stay on them and make sure they to do what Coach Pinkel says. He's going to lead them to successful seasons."