LOUISIANA La. - - In 36 straight games, opposing defenses have been unable to stop Bill Sampy from catching a football.

That's in contrast to how one mistake several months ago almost braked the bright future Sampy planned for himself.

After a drug arrest nearly ended his final football season at the University of Louisiana before it started, Sampy is once again doing what he does best.

Charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor, on March 24, UL coach Rickey Bustle immediately suspended Sampy for violating team rules.

Despite missing the season opener at Texas because of the suspension, Sampy has become UL's receiving leader for an offense that attacks a tough Troy University defense in a homecoming game at 4 p.m. today.

A fifth-year senior, Sampy has 21 receptions and 260 yards. He also ranks fourth nationally in consecutive games (36) with at least one catch.

Looking back on this season, Sampy said he is glad he's accepted Bustle's punishment and moved on.

"It made me more of a man. Even though I was down for a while, I can hold my head up high now and look toward the future," Sampy said.

After meeting with Bustle and accepting the conditions for reinstatement, Sampy said he made the right decision by playing this season.

"If I wouldn't have come back to play this year, I would have felt down, I would have probably lost my (college) education and been kicked off the team. I have to thank coach Bustle and the deans (at UL) for allowing me to take advantage and giving me a chance," Sampy said.

As the only senior receiver among a group of underclassmen, Sampy has been able to help UL's younger receivers.

"We have a lot of young receivers this year and since I know the offense and the coaching staff, I help if the players get confused with the coverages," said Sampy, who has 147 career receptions. "I've played all the (receivers) positions.

"Early in the season, all the young guys were getting most of the catches, but my situation didn't change. I didn't feel left out of the offense," he said.

Throughout the first three games, freshman Derrick Smith had a team-leading 16 receptions, but in the last three games, Smith has only four.

Sophomore Corey Fredrick didn't catch a pass against Florida Atlantic and Arkansas State, before catching four for 51 yards at Middle Tennessee last Saturday.

Sampy said his veteran's influence has also helped lately as redshirt freshman Michael Desormeaux has had to start the last three games.

"Over the last few games, my job has been to make Mike's job as easy as possible.

"Right now this is not about me, but it's about helping this team come back and maybe win a conference title," Sampy said.

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By BOBBY ARDOIN
Special to The Advocate