Lawton Sets Trapp for Foes Wolverine Linebacker Loves Hit-Man Role

LAWTON Resembling a rattlesnake that strikes a quick, deadly blow, Lawton middle linebacker James Trapp can't wait for running backs and wide receivers to cross an imaginary boundary line.

"Five yards from the line of scrimmage, sideline to sideline, is my territory. Anyone who comes in there will get hit. I guarantee it," Trapp warns.

"I think a lot about hurting people. I like it when people go down.

I want to intimidate them. There's nothing better than a good, solid hit to let them know you're watching their every move."

Considered to be the state's most coveted defensive recruit, Trapp, like many star linebackers, wants to put fear into opposing players' hearts.

"He's wired differently," says Lawton defensive coach Leroy Horn.

"He may have scored a touchdown on a kickoff return in our first game, but he ran right over two guys instead of trying to use some blocks. He loves to hit."

Vicious hitter. Different look in his eyes. Can't really ever block him. Takes your head off. That's how some coaches describe the 6-0, 175-pound senior, who is leaning toward signing with Oklahoma, Nebraska or Clemson, although Arizona State, Michigan and LSU are still possibilities.

"I know I'll need to add some weight in college," Trapp said. "If I don't I'll have to get one notch meaner."

Many coaches claim he's already as mean as they come. But that's just one side of him.

"Off the field I'm a totally different person. I'm really down to earth," Trapp says. "I study a lot and spend time with my girlfriend.

Owning a 3.6 GPA, Trapp will major in corporate law. He says academics will play a major role in his college selection. He will retake the ACT test this fall. No, he didn't fail it the first time. He simply wants to record a higher score.

It's that tunnel-vision approach that sets Trapp apart. His future is in the secondary, where he can utilize his breathtaking speed. He won the 200- and 400-meter runs at the 5A state track meet and once posted a wind-aided time of 10.08 in the 100 meters. He was clocked at 4.35 in the 40 at the Nebraska football camp, believed to be the fastest-ever by a high school player visiting Lincoln.

"He chases the football better than anyone we've ever had," said Horn, who has coached at Lawton 20-plus years. "He can rush the quarterback and still catch someone downfield before he's gone 20 yards. You rarely see anyone do that very often, at any level."

Many coaches claim he would be a star back on most teams. Lawton, of course, has highly touted Dewell Brewer.

"I love defense, period. I wouldn't enjoy it as much being an I-back. I prefer playing in the secondary, but I'm playing linebacker in high school to help the team. To be honest, I just like to hit people." BIOG: NAME:

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