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Cuff charges into the record books For a guy who started out as a reserve defensive back with little chance of seeing action, Omar Cuff has charged into Fightin’ Blue Hens football history as Delaware’s all-time leader in touchdowns and points scored. Cuff had an outstanding regular season, which continued into the playoffs. His four touchdowns and UD-record 288 rushing yards powered the Hens to a 44-7 victory over Delaware State University in the first-round NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoff game Nov. 23, the first-ever meeting of the two schools. Through the regular 2007 season, the All-American candidate and Walter Payton Award national player of the year nominee had established school records with 407 points, 67 touchdowns and 59 rushing touchdowns. Cuff also became only the third player in UD football history to rush for more than 3,000 yards. “My teammates encourage me to be the best each and every day,” Cuff says. “I would really like to give credit to my offensive line. They have really come together. They just flow and help me find the holes.” Cuff also credits the efforts of wide receivers like Jon Heydt and a defensive unit that includes such players as cornerback Anthony Walters, as well as a coaching staff that “works together to help us achieve at a level we could not possibly reach on our own.” “The coaches do a great job,” Cuff says. “They really take care of the players.” Cuff grew up in Landover, Md., as an all-purpose young football player whose high school duties included running back, free safety, kick and punt returns and punting. He says he was inspired by the dynamic running style of National Football League Hall of Fame member Barry Sanders and other legendary running backs. “My favorite players are Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders, because they set the standard for running backs in the NFL,” Cuff says. “The explosive running style of Barry Sanders is what made me want to be competitive in football.” While Cuff has changed duties from a defensive to an offensive player, he also has changed his academic focus during his UD career. “When I first came here in 2004, I wanted to be a computer science major. When the first couple of classes were not what I expected, I changed to a history major and started taking some theatre classes as well,” Cuff says. “I found out that theatre was something that I liked and that I did well in, so I decided to make it my major.” Cuff, who also enjoys working on cars, says that while he likes to entertain, his main work in the theatre is behind the scenes, being involved in stage management and building props and sets, especially for productions staged in the Thompson Theatre in the Louise and David Roselle Center for the Arts. What impressed him when he first visited UD, he says, was the look of the campus and the opportunity to meet new people and develop new academic and social interests. “I found that the design of the campus was beautiful. It had that traditional college look that I like,” Cuff says. “I also found that there were a lot of people my age and that they were fun to be around.” While coaches, teammates and friends have helped to make his record-setting athletic career a rewarding experience, Cuff says he also appreciates the strong support of family members who he says inspire him to persevere. “My family has stood by me through thick and thin,” Cuff says. “Because of this, I want to do the right thing. I also want to make sure that I can provide for my family.” Top 10 scorers in Blue Hen football Omar Cuff (407 career points at the end of regular season) Top 10 in rushing touchdowns Omar Cuff (59 after regular season) |