COLUMN: Steve Solloway

Once Orono, today Detroit

Copyright © 2006 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc.

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Associated Press Photo Seattle linebackers Lofa Tatupu, left, and Isaiah Kacyvenski find time to enjoy themselves during a light workout on Saturday, but tonight it will be all business against Pittsburgh.

He's the same guy. Yes, he's bigger than the skinny kid who first stepped onto the practice field at the University of Maine five years ago.

Better known, too. Lofa Tatupu has national name recognition among NFL fans and not because the syllables dance off the tongue.

He's the touted rookie inside linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks. Smart and tough. Oversized motivation and underwhelming ego. This guy got to the Super Bowl by playing big, not by talking big.

Tatupu did the same in his one season at Maine. That's why Black Bears, past and present, will watch the Super Bowl tonight, pulling for a Seattle upset.

"When you play football, everybody has a dream that anything's possible," said Stephen Cooper. "Lofa earned his dream."

Cooper did, too. He just finished his second season at linebacker with the San Diego Chargers. In 2001, he and Tatupu, Brandon McGowan, Brendan Curry and David Cusano were at the heart of a defense that took Maine to the NCAA Division I-AA semifinals.

"We had a lot of talent that came together because Coach (Jack) Cosgrove gave us that opportunity," said Cooper. "That's what every player wants. Give us a chance."

Tatupu took his chance and ran with it, in every sense of the phrase. He had to earn his starting role at Maine. Once he did, his presence freed Cooper to become even more forceful.

Then he was gone. Tatupu transferred to the University of Southern California, where his father, Mosi Tatupu, played years before. Lofa played two seasons, won two national championships and went into the NFL draft a year early.

The Patriots were interested but Seattle grabbed him first. Now he has a chance to add a Super Bowl ring to his two national championship rings and another for winning the Atlantic 10 title in 2001.

"We had him for just that one year, but we're not ashamed to claim him," said Cosgrove. "I've got his picture on my office wall. Right there with Stephen Cooper and Brandon McGowan."

McGowan arrived in Orono with Tatupu. He was a rookie defensive back with the Chicago Bears. He tore his ACL in the playoffs.

"We had a defense," said David Cusano. "From where I played, I had a great seat watching them."

Cusano was understating his own contributions. Another defensive back, he continued his football career in Europe last fall, playing for the Dresden Monarchs.

Like other Black Bears, he tries to keep in touch with Tatupu, who hasn't forgotten the coach or the team that gave him a chance.

"I'm not saying we're in constant contact, but we e-mail each other," said Cusano. "He's still the good guy he was at Maine.

"When I watch him in games, I still see the same mannerisms. The way he runs, the way he tackles and the way he celebrates."

Curry, a defensive end on the 2001 team, watches too. "He's changed, physically. He's bigger (about 40 pounds heavier than his Maine playing weight of 205).

"Personality-wise, I see the same Lofa. With all that success, some guys' heads would expand, know what I mean? Not Lofa."

Curry, by the way, no longer plays. Instead of pushing around offensive linemen, he pushes numbers. He's an accountant, living in his hometown of Braintree, Mass.

Rick Nagy watches Tatupu and shakes his head. "I knew he was capable, I'm just amazed how fast it's happened for him."

Nagy was Cosgrove's defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2001. Now he's an assistant coach at Murray State, a job he took just a few months ago.

"We keep in touch. He's nothing but humble and gracious. That's why he was able to fit in so well with his new teammates. He respects the people around him."

Cooper and the Chargers played Pittsburgh this season, but not the Seahawks. "I see a really physical game," said Cooper. "Everybody talks about Pittsburgh being a blue-collar team, but Seattle is also.

"I'm rooting for Lofa."

Staff Writer Steve Solloway can be contacted at 791-6412 or at:

ssolloway@pressherald.com