Oct 2, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Larry English (52) celebrates following a sack during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

The story of oft-injured college defensive end turned pro outside linebacker, Larry English, is one that is known by fans all around the globe.  Having missed 19 games in the last two seasons, many of those very same fans have labeled English as a complete and total bust.

Not Sam McCranie.  I talk to Sam on the phone all the time.  He and I have been talking Bolts since early April.  McCranie was my very first Fan Perspective interviewee.  Heck, Fan Perspective was his idea.

Shortly after the draft, I received a phone call from Sam in which he wanted to know what I thought about the Chargers draft picks. As most of you know, I was thrilled at the selections made by A.J. Smith and company.

Then it happened. For the first of many, many times, Sam said to me, “Now I know you’re gonna think I’m crazy, but I think Larry English will be a stud this year.” He has maintained that opinion to this day and, more often than not, finds a way to bring up English each conversation we have on the phone.

He doesn’t do so in an effort to say I told you so. Well, not yet anyway. Sam has constantly been singing praises of the former first round draft choice out of Northern Illinois.

“If he can stay healthy…….”, these are words that have been uttered by many a diehard fan. However, I don’t know one person that has “banged the drum” for English as often as Sam.

English has three sacks going into tonight’s final preseason game against San Francisco. He has shown both the power and the speed, while rushing the passer, that you want to see in an OLB in a 3-4.

Although I have not been as low as some on English, I have not exactly been real high on him the last couple of years.  But, with some help from Sam, I must admit that I have jumped feet first onto the Larry English bandwagon.

I feel confident speaking on behalf of Sam and myself, that if English can stay healthy that we could see him and Melvin Ingram as our starting outside linebackers for the forseeable future.

I know I have my fingers crossed in hopes that English can just stay healthy.  If, and it’s a big if, Sam will indeed have every right to say I told you so!

Be sure to follow Sam on Twitter, @BoltsFan1972, and also feel free to leave some comments at the bottom and let him know your thoughts on Larry English.

Thanks a lot for reading!

BoltUp!!!

BoogaP

August 5, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Larry English (left) and inside linebacker Takeo Spikes (51) during a walk through practice at training camp at Chargers Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-US PRESSWIRE

The Chargers drafted Melvin Ingram in the first round this year and also brought in veteran Jarret Johnson to take snaps at outside linebacker. Antwan Barnes will need some playing time and Shaun Phillips is one of the best defensive players on the team. The opportunity for playing time is shrinking, but English will get opportunities in the preseason and it will start Thursday against the Green Bay Packers.

English has already been slowed by injuries during training camp, but he is back and ready to try and make good things happen again.

Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Larry Boy has struggled through injuries since he joined the Chargers and we just have to wonder what his next injury is going to be. I was looking over the Chargers Reddit page and the guys in the comments section had clever suggestions on what his next injury will be: