When I was younger, my father used to take me to the railroad, and place a penny on the train track. Later in the day, we would return, only to find the penny flattened into a smooth piece of copper. When I began to think about Penn State running back Larry Johnson, memories of those flattened pennies came rushing back.
This season, Johnson has run over opposing defenses with the force of a speeding Amtrak. He has rushed for over 1,200 yards, scored 11 touchdowns and broken the Penn State single-game rushing record
twice.
Last week, he broke through the Illinois defense for an 84-yard touchdown run, the longest Nittany Lion play from scrimmage since 1986. Virginia must contain Johnson's rushing attack if they want to have a chance on Saturday, because if one thing is for sure, it is that no one has been able to stop him.
"He's a great back," Virginia junior quarterback Matt Schaub said. "He makes holes when they're not there. He runs with speed and he runs with power."
While Johnson's performances this season have been outright scary, his character can be described in one word -- focused. The senior has an endless desire to succeed both individually and in a team sense. Although he has run roughshod over opponents this season, he has not gotten the least bit complacent.
"I don't think I'm satisfied right now," Johnson said. "I don't think I'm at the top of my game."
While Johnson might be down on his play, some have considered him as a possible Heisman Trophy candidate. Should Penn State win the rest of their games, his Heisman potential surely will rise. Still, Johnson has remained focused on team goals rather than on individual accolades.
"It's a prestigious award, but I'm not trying to base my season on that," Johnson said. "Winning the last three games is most important."
Along with his intense hunger and focus, Johnson has exhibited a durability that has allowed him to carry the team through a vicious Big Ten schedule.
While other high-profile backs such as Ohio State's Maurice Clarett and Florida State's Greg Jones have been hampered by injuries, Johnson has been the steady offensive force helping Penn State find its winning ways once again. To him, toughness is an important part of the game, as it always has been at Penn State under coach Joe Paterno.
"That's what football is all about -- who has heart and who doesn't," Johnson said. "I can't tell coach Paterno that I'm tired and want to sit out a couple of games."
Penn State has ridden Johnson's shoulders into the top 25 after a two-year hiatus from top-ranked status. Even though the Nittany Lions are out of the Big Ten race, they could easily win their next three games and go to a major bowl. While Johnson has carried the team on the field, he points to the ageless Paterno as the team's off-the-field inspiration.
"He's pretty anxious about getting the team back to where it should be," Johnson said.
Last season, Virginia rallied to beat Penn State 20-14 in Charlottesville, knocking the Nittany Lions out of bowl contention. This year, it is Virginia who needs one more win to go to a bowl, and Johnson and his teammates would like nothing more than to exact some revenge.
"Coach Paterno is real fired up about" the Virginia game, Johnson said. "We are, too."
The Cavaliers will face a stern test in Happy Valley on Saturday. The offense will have to contend with a raucous crowd of over 100,000 fans. In contrast, the defense will face its toughest challenge on the field as it tries to contain the Lion running game.
In order to win, the Virginia defense must have its best run-stopping performance of the season. If not, it will be sitting squarely on the railroad tracks while the "L-Train" comes through.
"He'll be a tremendous challenge," Virginia coach Al Groh said. "That one facet of their game has the potential to be a tremendous asset for their team."
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