Ellis facing pressure in New Orleans

By Nikki Bannister  |   Wednesday, August 13, 2008  |  Comments( 6 )

New Orleans Saints
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I don't know if football fans in San Diego, San Francisco or Oakland would rather have their respective teams draft California-based college football players, but those in Louisiana wouldn't have it any other way.

When New Orleans drafted ex-USC defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis instead of LSU homeboy Glenn Dorsey this year, it didn't resonate well with Saints fans. That I-10 connection is something special, and the fans let Saints owner Tom Benson know it.

"When the Saints didn't pick Dorsey, and got Ellis instead, I was upset. We all were upset," said Stan Wiltz, a New Orleans party promoter and longtime Saints fan. "But with Reggie Bush, USC top-notch cats can't be all that bad. It's just that we have good players in-state and I want them at home."

Coincidentally, Wiltz threw a shindig at a swanky Big Easy club a few weeks ago which served as an "Official Welcome Party" for the rookie, and Ellis had not even signed his contract yet. During the party, many fans congratulated him, but some also gave stern expectations and relayed worries.

According to Wiltz and other fans at the party, Ellis is considered key for a defense that is being compared to the Saints' Dome Patrol 'D' of the early 1990s. That means a lot. That defense was hard and proud during a time when Jim Mora didn't cry.

So forget Jon Vilma, Jeremy Shockey, and the others. For some fans, it's up to Ellis to come through to settle the nerves and calm the fears of some supporters who, as in every season, will be outside the Superdome every home game. And they are already prepared to roast him just as much as they're prepared to roast whatever protein-laden animal tailgaters can think of.

Heads up, then, Ellis: There's nothing like 70,000-plus fans draped in black and gold, full of libations and gumbo, urging you to stop the run.

And may you be damned if you don't.

Because they will never let you forget the ineptness of your play, nor will they stop to remind you that you didn't come from LSU. Furthermore, Wiltz will never throw another party in your honor. That's rough, considering you're in the granddaddy of all party towns.

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About Nikki Bannister

Nikki G. Bannister loves sports and New Orleans.
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