The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Griffin and Lokey: A pair who disprove the stereotype
10.01.2007 | Texas Athletics
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| Derek Lokey |
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| Dallas Griffin |
They are different in that they play on opposite sides of the ball, with senior Derek Lokey filling a defensive tackle spot, while senior Dallas Griffin is center on offense.
They are similar in that in their UT careers they have shown that the "dumb jock" stereotype doesn't fit.
They are similar in that they have given time to the community from regularly visiting patients in the Austin Children's Hospital to staffing the phones during the Children's Miracle Network Telethon.
And, they are the Male Student-Athletes of the Month for October.
"To be chosen male student-athlete of the month really means a lot," Lokey said. "We have such a great opportunity at Texas to get the best of both football and academics. It's something you really want to take advantage of."
Lokey, whose junior season ended in Lincoln, Neb., when he broke his right leg, had played in 30 games, starting eight, through the 2006 season.
But more important numbers for Lokey are that he twice has been an Academic All-Big 12 performer, as well as a three-time member of the UT Athletics Director's Honor Roll.
Lokey, a sport management major, was a preseason first-team All Big 12.
"One of my goals is to not only be an All-America on the field, but to be an Academic All-America," he said. "This award (Male Student-Athlete of the Month) follows along those same lines and I am honored to be chosen."
Dallas Griffin, who made a key block on Vince Young's touchdown scamper that led to the National Championship two seasons ago, has stepped into the starting role as center for the 2007 Longhorns.
That his responsibilities are to make certain his line mates are in the proper position to protect quarterback Colt McCoy and open holes for Jamaal Charles is impressive enough.
What Griffin has accomplished in the classroom -- three-time first-team Academic All-Big 12, nine-time member of the UT Athletics Director's Honor Roll and six times posting a perfect 4.0 GPA -- is outstanding.
"It's a great honor to be selected as one of the male student-athletes of the month," Griffin said. "With a school that has such high academic standards, there are a lot of worthy people they could have chosen."
Griffin, who graduated with honors (3.875 GPA) in business in the spring of 2007, is enrolled in UT's prestigious Red McCombs School of Businss MBA program.
"During the season, it's tough to balance both football and school," he said. "I'm glad someone thinks I'm doing a good job."
