AUBURN - Auburn football held its annual NFL Pro Day Tuesday with 15 former Tigers working out in front of NFL scouts for close to three-and-a-half hours.
The group, which was broken up into different sub-groups primarily based on positions, spent time in two different sessions. The first session was held indoors at the John H. Watson Fieldhouse, and consisted of workouts in measurable testing. Those drills included standing long jumps, vertical jumps, 225-pound bench presses, the 40-yard dash and shuttle cone drills.
After spending approximately two hours indoors, the groups moved outdoors where each worked on position specific drills. Groups included defensive backs, linebackers, wide receivers and running backs, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. Each group spent 15 minutes apiece outdoors, and all were staggered so that each could work out on the Sprinturf artificial field behind the Athletics Complex.
The NFL Draft will be held April 25-26 in New York City.
Quoting Auburn Players
Tristan Davis
On his performance...
"I think today went pretty well. I don't know my exact numbers but from the comments I've gotten I think I did pretty well.
On his health...
"My health is very good. I found out another thing that was wrong with my feet. We got that eliminated. It was something very simple that we never thought of. My hamstring is feeling a lot better, my feet, my shoulder, everything I've ever had problems with. I think I just needed a little rest, and I got that, and a lot of good work in."
If he'll try to make it as a free agent if he's not drafted...
"Oh yeah, I'll definitely give that a shot. It's always been my dream to play in the NFL, no matter how I get there, as long as I get there and stay there."
Tyronne Green
On his workout today...
"I was the only offensive linemen, so it definitely wasn't fun, moving drill to drill by myself. I tried to catch a little blow in between, but they were pushing me - trying to see what I could do, I guess. How I could handle being a little tired. But I pushed through it and made it through.
On if he helped himself today...
"Yeah, I helped myself all along throughout the process. There are some teams interested. They like my film, they like the way I move, like my good feet."
Sen'Derrick Marks
On his expectations today...
"I was expecting that my hamstring would hold up and maybe I could go out and put up some numbers that I know I could put up."
On what he did previously at the NFL combine...
"The only thing I did at the combine was do my 40, my interviews and my vertical jump. I was impressed with those numbers, but I wanted to work out at the combine because I knew my numbers would be a lot better."
Jerraud Powers
On his performance today...
"I think it went well. I think I improved on my 40 time a lot. A lot of guys were surprised by my 40 time. The main people were worried about was if I was going to do a lot here today at the workout, but I wanted to show them that I'm a competitor and I think I improved in everything. I think I left on a good note."
On how different Pro Day is from the combine...
"It was more relaxed. The only difference was out here we only had four DBs, and at the combine we had like 30, so every time you took a rep, you weren't tired at all. Up here it was more of a conditioning-type thing. Other than that, the drills are the same, it's just a different environment. It was more relaxed, so that's why I was out there just having fun, just trying to do my best."
Rodgeriqus Smith
On his performance:
"I feel pretty good. I felt like I had a solid two months of training up in Charlotte and I prepared very well for today, so I thought it went pretty well."
On his expectations for draft day...
"You never know what's going to happen, so maybe I can be one of those surprise guys and get picked in a late round. You never know. And if I go free agent, I'll just have to work my way up."
Source: Auburntigers.com
http://www.cstv.com/printable/schools/aub/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031009aaa.html
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Friday, March 20, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Kendall Simmons: Released by Steelers
The Associated Press: Steelers retain OT Trai Essex: "PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed backup offensive tackle Trai Essex to a two-year contract, guaranteeing that four of the team's free agent offensive linemen will return.
The Steelers already had signed left guard Chris Kemoeatu to a five-year contract and starting tackles Willie Colon and Max Starks to one-year contracts.
Essex is entering his fifth season. He can play tackle and guard and has started four times in 33 career regular-season games. He visited the Tennessee Titans last week before re-signing with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh also released guard Kendall Simmons on Tuesday and did not attempt to re-sign tackle Marvel Smith."
The Steelers already had signed left guard Chris Kemoeatu to a five-year contract and starting tackles Willie Colon and Max Starks to one-year contracts.
Essex is entering his fifth season. He can play tackle and guard and has started four times in 33 career regular-season games. He visited the Tennessee Titans last week before re-signing with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh also released guard Kendall Simmons on Tuesday and did not attempt to re-sign tackle Marvel Smith."
Tez Doolittle: Helped Draft Stock At AU's Pro Day
Auburn players show off for NFL scouts at pro day
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By EVAN WOODBERY
Sports Reporter
AUBURN — Tez Doolittle peeled off his shirt and posed somewhat awkwardly for an NFL scout/beefcake photographer who snapped poses of Auburn's muscular nose guard.
What was that all about?
"They just told me to take my shirt off and took two pictures, back and front," he said sheepishly. "I just did it. No questions."
Doolittle isn't complaining about the indignities that come with the not-so-glamorous life of an NFL prospect. He's just happy to have a chance.
If Doolittle is drafted in April — and based on the feedback Tuesday at Auburn's pro day, there's a good chance he will — it would be another chapter in an already incredible comeback story.
He suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in August 2007 and believed his career was finished. But he made a faster recovery than expected, gained a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, emerged as a starter and team leader in 2008 and now is working out in Atlanta with the intention of playing professionally.
"I've been working my tail off, day and night," Doolittle said. "I was trying to come in about 290, but I was five pounds short (285). All these guys were probably happy about that, because most of the teams don't like 315-pound linemen, they like fast, quick 285-, 290-(pounders)."
While Doolittle has been in college seemingly forever, two of the Tigers' top pro prospects are juniors entering the draft a year early.
Cornerback Jerraud Powers was pleased with his performance, and defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks, a Prichard native, said a nagging hamstring injury limited his performance.
"I knocked a lot of my numbers off about two seconds, but it's OK," Marks said.
"I'm gonna go get my hamstring right and have another workout."
Powers is working out in Los Angeles to get away from distractions in Alabama.
"After today, I think a lot of scouts saw I improved a lot," Powers said. "Going into today, I was more of a third-round or fifth-round guy, but who knows? I might have sneaked up into that second round after today. But I'm not going to worry about that. Wherever I get drafted, it will be a blessing. If I go second, if I go seventh round, it'd be a blessing either way. Because I know once I get on a team and get it going, I'll be fine."
At least one former teammate is confident. Former Auburn defensive back and current Green Bay Packer Pat Lee interrupted an interview by throwing his arm over Powers' shoulder and declaring, "You're going to make money. You've got a lot of money coming your way."
Powers said his decision to leave after his junior season had nothing to do with the change in coaching staff.
"I didn't believe my status as a corner was going to change from year to year," Powers said. "A lot of people were saying that the coaches were the factor or this was a factor, and that had nothing to do with it at all. I would have had a great time playing for coach (Gene) Chizik."
More than a dozen other players worked out for scouts, including:
-- Running back Tristan Davis, who said doctors have discovered and corrected the source of some of his chronic foot problems.
-- Linebacker Chris Evans, a Prichard native and former Blount standout. His younger brother Jonathan, who will join the team this summer, was there to watch.
-- Running back Brad Lester, who was so nervous that he threw up Tuesday morning. He calmed his nerves in time for the pro day.
"I'm pretty confident I will (be drafted), but if not that will just motivate me even more," he said.
-- Offensive lineman Tyronne Green, who was exhausted after doing a solo workout for scouts. At the NFL combine, players are in large groups, so there's plenty of rest in between.
"They were pushing me to see how I handle being tired," Green said.
-- Former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in August 2007 due to multiple concussions but is giving pro football one last shot.
-- Former Auburn tight end Cooper Wallace, who was cut by San Francisco last September but is hoping to pick up a camp invitation in 2009. He also said he would be looking at opportunities in the Canadian Football League.
Two players — receiver Robert Dunn and linebacker Tray Blackmon — were conspicuous by their absence. Dunn was originally listed as a participant.
Many former players attended as spectators and supporters, including Lee, Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Palmer, Pat Sims, Marquies Gunn, John Vaughn, Blake Field and Calvin Booker.
Former quarterback Brandon Cox threw passes for receivers and running backs in their drills.
"I told Cox I wish he could have played (in 2008)," said receiver Rod Smith.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By EVAN WOODBERY
Sports Reporter
AUBURN — Tez Doolittle peeled off his shirt and posed somewhat awkwardly for an NFL scout/beefcake photographer who snapped poses of Auburn's muscular nose guard.
What was that all about?
"They just told me to take my shirt off and took two pictures, back and front," he said sheepishly. "I just did it. No questions."
Doolittle isn't complaining about the indignities that come with the not-so-glamorous life of an NFL prospect. He's just happy to have a chance.
If Doolittle is drafted in April — and based on the feedback Tuesday at Auburn's pro day, there's a good chance he will — it would be another chapter in an already incredible comeback story.
He suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in August 2007 and believed his career was finished. But he made a faster recovery than expected, gained a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, emerged as a starter and team leader in 2008 and now is working out in Atlanta with the intention of playing professionally.
"I've been working my tail off, day and night," Doolittle said. "I was trying to come in about 290, but I was five pounds short (285). All these guys were probably happy about that, because most of the teams don't like 315-pound linemen, they like fast, quick 285-, 290-(pounders)."
While Doolittle has been in college seemingly forever, two of the Tigers' top pro prospects are juniors entering the draft a year early.
Cornerback Jerraud Powers was pleased with his performance, and defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks, a Prichard native, said a nagging hamstring injury limited his performance.
"I knocked a lot of my numbers off about two seconds, but it's OK," Marks said.
"I'm gonna go get my hamstring right and have another workout."
Powers is working out in Los Angeles to get away from distractions in Alabama.
"After today, I think a lot of scouts saw I improved a lot," Powers said. "Going into today, I was more of a third-round or fifth-round guy, but who knows? I might have sneaked up into that second round after today. But I'm not going to worry about that. Wherever I get drafted, it will be a blessing. If I go second, if I go seventh round, it'd be a blessing either way. Because I know once I get on a team and get it going, I'll be fine."
At least one former teammate is confident. Former Auburn defensive back and current Green Bay Packer Pat Lee interrupted an interview by throwing his arm over Powers' shoulder and declaring, "You're going to make money. You've got a lot of money coming your way."
Powers said his decision to leave after his junior season had nothing to do with the change in coaching staff.
"I didn't believe my status as a corner was going to change from year to year," Powers said. "A lot of people were saying that the coaches were the factor or this was a factor, and that had nothing to do with it at all. I would have had a great time playing for coach (Gene) Chizik."
More than a dozen other players worked out for scouts, including:
-- Running back Tristan Davis, who said doctors have discovered and corrected the source of some of his chronic foot problems.
-- Linebacker Chris Evans, a Prichard native and former Blount standout. His younger brother Jonathan, who will join the team this summer, was there to watch.
-- Running back Brad Lester, who was so nervous that he threw up Tuesday morning. He calmed his nerves in time for the pro day.
"I'm pretty confident I will (be drafted), but if not that will just motivate me even more," he said.
-- Offensive lineman Tyronne Green, who was exhausted after doing a solo workout for scouts. At the NFL combine, players are in large groups, so there's plenty of rest in between.
"They were pushing me to see how I handle being tired," Green said.
-- Former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in August 2007 due to multiple concussions but is giving pro football one last shot.
-- Former Auburn tight end Cooper Wallace, who was cut by San Francisco last September but is hoping to pick up a camp invitation in 2009. He also said he would be looking at opportunities in the Canadian Football League.
Two players — receiver Robert Dunn and linebacker Tray Blackmon — were conspicuous by their absence. Dunn was originally listed as a participant.
Many former players attended as spectators and supporters, including Lee, Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Palmer, Pat Sims, Marquies Gunn, John Vaughn, Blake Field and Calvin Booker.
Former quarterback Brandon Cox threw passes for receivers and running backs in their drills.
"I told Cox I wish he could have played (in 2008)," said receiver Rod Smith.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Jason Campbell: Skins Affirm That He "is our quarterback"
'Jason is our quarterback' - Redskins 360 - Washington Redskins Blog - The Washington Times: "That was the word from Redskins front office boss Vinny Cerrato this afternoon when I questioned him about the rumors flying around the Internet about Washington trading Jason Campbell, whose contract is up after this season, to Denver for unhappy fellow quarterback Jay Cutler.
Cerrato added, 'We haven't talked to anyone' when asked about Cutler and re-iterated that 'Jason is going to be our quarterback this season.'"
Cerrato added, 'We haven't talked to anyone' when asked about Cutler and re-iterated that 'Jason is going to be our quarterback this season.'"
Draft Class 2009: Robert Dunn, Tray Blackmon Miss Pro Day
NFL inspects Tigers' talent
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By EVAN WOODBERY
Times Auburn Writer Evan.woodbery@htimes.com
Doolittle hopes his comeback story ends with pro selection
AUBURN - Tez Doolittle peeled off his shirt and posed somewhat awkwardly for an NFL scout/beefcake photographer who snapped poses of Auburn's muscular nose guard.
What was that all about?
"They just told me to take my shirt off and took two pictures, back and front," he said sheepishly. "I just did it. No questions."
Doolittle isn't complaining about the indignities that come with the not-so-glamorous life of an NFL prospect. He's just happy to have a chance.
If Doolittle is drafted in April - and based on the feedback Tuesday at Auburn's pro day, there's a good chance he will it would be another chapter in an already incredible comeback story.
He suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in August 2007 and believed his career was finished. But he made a faster recovery than expected, gained a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, emerged as a starter and team leader in 2008 and now is working out in Atlanta with the intention of playing professionally.
"I've been working my tail off, day and night," Doolittle said. "I was trying to come in about 290, but I was five pounds short (285). All these guys were probably happy about that, because most of the teams don't like 315-pound linemen, they like fast, quick 285-, 290-(pounders)."
While Doolittle has been in college seemingly forever, two of the Tigers' top pro prospects are juniors entering the draft a year early.
Cornerback Jerraud Powers was pleased with his performance, and defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks, said a nagging hamstring injury limited his performance.
"I knocked a lot of my numbers off about two seconds, but it's OK," Marks said. "I'm gonna go get my hamstring right and have another workout."
Powers is working out in Los Angeles to get away from distractions in Alabama.
"After today, I think a lot of scouts saw I improved a lot," Powers said. "Going into today, I was more of a third-round or fifth-round guy, but who knows? I might have sneaked up into that second round after today. But I'm not going to worry about that. Wherever I get drafted, it will be a blessing. If I go second, if I go seventh round, it'd be a blessing either way. Because I know once I get on a team and get it going, I'll be fine."
At least one former teammate is confident. Former Auburn defensive back and current Green Bay Packer Pat Lee interrupted an interview by throwing his arm over Powers' shoulder and declaring, "You're going to make money. You've got a lot of money coming your way."
Powers said his decision to leave after his junior season had nothing to do with the change in coaching staff.
"I didn't believe my status as a corner was going to change from year to year," Powers said. "A lot of people were saying that the coaches were the factor or this was a factor, and that had nothing to do with it at all. I would have had a great time playing for coach (Gene) Chizik."
More than a dozen other players worked out for scouts, including:
?Running back Tristan Davis, who said doctors have discovered and corrected the source of some of his chronic foot problems.
?Linebacker Chris Evans, a Prichard native and former Blount standout. His younger brother Jonathan, who will join the team this summer, was there to watch.
?Running back Brad Lester, who was so nervous that he threw up Tuesday morning. He calmed his nerves in time for the pro day.
"I'm pretty confident I will (be drafted), but if not that will just motivate me even more," he said.
?Offensive lineman Tyronne Green, who was exhausted after doing a solo workout for scouts. At the NFL combine, players are in large groups, so there's plenty of rest in between.
"They were pushing me to see how I handle being tired," Green said.
?Former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in August 2007 due to multiple concussions but is giving pro football one last shot.
?Former Auburn tight end Cooper Wallace, who was cut by San Francisco last September but is hoping to pick up a camp invitation in 2009. He also said he would be looking at opportunities in the Canadian Football League.
Two players - receiver Robert Dunn and linebacker Tray Blackmon - were conspicuous by their absence. Dunn was originally listed as a participant.
Many former players attended as spectators and supporters, including Lee, Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Palmer, Pat Sims, Marquies Gunn, John Vaughn, Blake Field and Calvin Booker.
Former quarterback Brandon Cox threw passes for receivers and running backs in their drills.
"I told Cox I wish he could have played (in 2008)," said receiver Rod Smith.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
By EVAN WOODBERY
Times Auburn Writer Evan.woodbery@htimes.com
Doolittle hopes his comeback story ends with pro selection
AUBURN - Tez Doolittle peeled off his shirt and posed somewhat awkwardly for an NFL scout/beefcake photographer who snapped poses of Auburn's muscular nose guard.
What was that all about?
"They just told me to take my shirt off and took two pictures, back and front," he said sheepishly. "I just did it. No questions."
Doolittle isn't complaining about the indignities that come with the not-so-glamorous life of an NFL prospect. He's just happy to have a chance.
If Doolittle is drafted in April - and based on the feedback Tuesday at Auburn's pro day, there's a good chance he will it would be another chapter in an already incredible comeback story.
He suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in August 2007 and believed his career was finished. But he made a faster recovery than expected, gained a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, emerged as a starter and team leader in 2008 and now is working out in Atlanta with the intention of playing professionally.
"I've been working my tail off, day and night," Doolittle said. "I was trying to come in about 290, but I was five pounds short (285). All these guys were probably happy about that, because most of the teams don't like 315-pound linemen, they like fast, quick 285-, 290-(pounders)."
While Doolittle has been in college seemingly forever, two of the Tigers' top pro prospects are juniors entering the draft a year early.
Cornerback Jerraud Powers was pleased with his performance, and defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks, said a nagging hamstring injury limited his performance.
"I knocked a lot of my numbers off about two seconds, but it's OK," Marks said. "I'm gonna go get my hamstring right and have another workout."
Powers is working out in Los Angeles to get away from distractions in Alabama.
"After today, I think a lot of scouts saw I improved a lot," Powers said. "Going into today, I was more of a third-round or fifth-round guy, but who knows? I might have sneaked up into that second round after today. But I'm not going to worry about that. Wherever I get drafted, it will be a blessing. If I go second, if I go seventh round, it'd be a blessing either way. Because I know once I get on a team and get it going, I'll be fine."
At least one former teammate is confident. Former Auburn defensive back and current Green Bay Packer Pat Lee interrupted an interview by throwing his arm over Powers' shoulder and declaring, "You're going to make money. You've got a lot of money coming your way."
Powers said his decision to leave after his junior season had nothing to do with the change in coaching staff.
"I didn't believe my status as a corner was going to change from year to year," Powers said. "A lot of people were saying that the coaches were the factor or this was a factor, and that had nothing to do with it at all. I would have had a great time playing for coach (Gene) Chizik."
More than a dozen other players worked out for scouts, including:
?Running back Tristan Davis, who said doctors have discovered and corrected the source of some of his chronic foot problems.
?Linebacker Chris Evans, a Prichard native and former Blount standout. His younger brother Jonathan, who will join the team this summer, was there to watch.
?Running back Brad Lester, who was so nervous that he threw up Tuesday morning. He calmed his nerves in time for the pro day.
"I'm pretty confident I will (be drafted), but if not that will just motivate me even more," he said.
?Offensive lineman Tyronne Green, who was exhausted after doing a solo workout for scouts. At the NFL combine, players are in large groups, so there's plenty of rest in between.
"They were pushing me to see how I handle being tired," Green said.
?Former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in August 2007 due to multiple concussions but is giving pro football one last shot.
?Former Auburn tight end Cooper Wallace, who was cut by San Francisco last September but is hoping to pick up a camp invitation in 2009. He also said he would be looking at opportunities in the Canadian Football League.
Two players - receiver Robert Dunn and linebacker Tray Blackmon - were conspicuous by their absence. Dunn was originally listed as a participant.
Many former players attended as spectators and supporters, including Lee, Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Palmer, Pat Sims, Marquies Gunn, John Vaughn, Blake Field and Calvin Booker.
Former quarterback Brandon Cox threw passes for receivers and running backs in their drills.
"I told Cox I wish he could have played (in 2008)," said receiver Rod Smith.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Draft Class 2009: Tristan Davis Blazes 4.38 40yd at Pro Day
Auburn Pro Day: Tristan Davis fastest of all - The Gold Mine - al.com: "Auburn Pro Day: Tristan Davis fastest of all
Posted by Charles Goldberg -- Birmingham News March 10, 2009 4:52 PM
Categories: Football
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Tristan Davis turned in the fastest time at Auburn's Pro Day on Tuesday. The oft-injured running back turned in a time of 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to times provided by Auburn.
Todd Van Emst/Auburn
Sen'Derrick Marks makes his moveDavis was always a step away from greatness -- if he was on the field. It seems he was always slowed by something, like foot injuries. We would like to see somebody take a shot on him. Receiver James Swinton was a blink behind, at 4.39.
Funny, Davis had eight carries and Swinton caught two passes last season.
Davis said his injuries are behind him.
'I think today went pretty well. I don't know my exact numbers but from the comments I've gotten I think I did pretty well,'' he said.
'My health is very good. I found out another thing that was wrong with my feet. We got that eliminated. It was something very simple that we never thought of. My hamstring is feeling a lot better, my feet, my shoulder, everything I've ever had problems with. I think I just needed a little rest, and I got that, and a lot of good work in.'
Defensive back Jerraud Powers went 4.44. Running back Brad Lester ran it in 4.48 seconds. Defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks, who is leaving Auburn a year early, doesn't show a 40 time because of a bad hamstring, but did the bench press and broad jump and we have photo evidence of the shuttle run.
Here are the results of Pro Day:Numbers provided by Auburn:
Only the best time/mark is listed
Heights are rounded up or down to the neares"
Posted by Charles Goldberg -- Birmingham News March 10, 2009 4:52 PM
Categories: Football
It shouldn't come as a surprise that Tristan Davis turned in the fastest time at Auburn's Pro Day on Tuesday. The oft-injured running back turned in a time of 4.38 seconds in the 40-yard dash, according to times provided by Auburn.
Todd Van Emst/Auburn
Sen'Derrick Marks makes his moveDavis was always a step away from greatness -- if he was on the field. It seems he was always slowed by something, like foot injuries. We would like to see somebody take a shot on him. Receiver James Swinton was a blink behind, at 4.39.
Funny, Davis had eight carries and Swinton caught two passes last season.
Davis said his injuries are behind him.
'I think today went pretty well. I don't know my exact numbers but from the comments I've gotten I think I did pretty well,'' he said.
'My health is very good. I found out another thing that was wrong with my feet. We got that eliminated. It was something very simple that we never thought of. My hamstring is feeling a lot better, my feet, my shoulder, everything I've ever had problems with. I think I just needed a little rest, and I got that, and a lot of good work in.'
Defensive back Jerraud Powers went 4.44. Running back Brad Lester ran it in 4.48 seconds. Defensive end Sen'Derrick Marks, who is leaving Auburn a year early, doesn't show a 40 time because of a bad hamstring, but did the bench press and broad jump and we have photo evidence of the shuttle run.
Here are the results of Pro Day:Numbers provided by Auburn:
Only the best time/mark is listed
Heights are rounded up or down to the neares"
Monday, March 16, 2009
Draft Class 2009: Pro Day Update
It was nearing the end of Pro Day when we noticed the very strange sight of nose guard Tez Doolittle removing his shirt and offering front and back poses for an NFL scout/amateur photographer.
So what was that all about?
Doolittle just shrugged. Ahh, the glamorous life of an NFL prospect.
In fairness, the scout probably wanted to show others in his organization (the Oakland Raiders) just how ripped Doolittle was. Tez said he's been working out like a maniac, and it showed.
Doolittle seemed to have a solid performance Tuesday. If he gets drafted in April, it would add another chapter to what has already been an incredible comeback story. Doolittle tore his Achilles tendon in August of 2007 and thought his career was done. But he made a faster than expected recovery, gained a sixth year of eligibility to play in 2008 and is now a potential draftee in 2009.
"I never thought I'd be standing here," Doolittle said.
Some more notes and quotes from Pro Day...
* Cornerback Jerraud Powers is working out in Los Angeles, where he said the weather is fantastic. Powers said he's hoping to be a mid-round pick.
He left Auburn early because he didn't expect his draft status to change much between his junior and senior year.
"A lot of people were saying that the coaches were the factor or this was a factor, and that had nothing to do with it at all," Powers said. "I would have had a great time playing for coach Chizik."
Current NFL-er Pat Lee interrupted at one point to give Powers a hug.
"You're going to make money," Lee said. "You've got a lot of money coming your way."
* Defensive lineman Sen'Derrick Marks, another early draft entrant, was disappointed with his day.
He's still recovering from a hamstring injury and didn't feel like he was able to go as fast as he wanted to. He said he's hoping to get some personal workouts with NFL teams that are interested in him.
* Receiver Rod Smith said he felt good after two months of training in Charlotte. A former uninvited walk-on, Smith is hoping to be a similar surprise in the NFL.
"The NFL draft is a crazy thing," he said.
* Running back Tristan Davis, who had chronic foot issues in college, said that problem is now solved.
* Linebacker Chris Evans was disappointed in his times. He thought he could have run a faster 40.
* Running back Brad Lester was so nervous he threw up this morning.
"I'm pretty confident I will (be drafted), but if not that will just motivate me even more," he said.
Lester has been training in New Jersey.
* Offensive lineman Tyronne Green was exhausted after doing a solo workout for scouts. At the NFL combine, players are in large groups, so there's plenty of rest in between.
"They were pushing me to see how I handle being tired," Green said.
He's training in Phoenix, Ariz., and said he is getting solid feedback from teams.
* Former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in August of 2007 due to multiple concussions, worked out for scouts.
* Former Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox, now in pharmaceutical sales, came out of retirement to throw passes for receivers and running backs.
"I told Cox I wish he could have played (in 2008)." Smith said.
A lot of Auburn fans (and former coach Tommy Tuberville) probably feel the same way.
* In addition to Cox, former quarterbacks Blake Field and Calvin Booker were on hand to watch. Other former players included Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Palmer, Pat Sims, Pat Lee, Marquies Gunn , John Vaughn and many others.
* Basketball power couple Quantez Robertson and Sherell Hobbs were on hand.
* Conspicuous in their absence were linebacker Tray Blackmon and Robert Dunn.
* Former Auburn tight end Cooper Wallace participated in the hopes of getting an NFL camp invitation. Wallace was cut by San Francisco last September and wasn't able to latch on with another team. He also plans to pursue possibilities in Canadian Football.
* Here are some numbers courtesy of Auburn media relations. These are unofficial, hand-timed numbers. Only the best time is listed. Broad jump is a standing broad jump, not like long jump in track and field. Bench press is number of reps at 225 pounds. Some players elected not to participate in all drills.
Name Ht. Wt. 40-yd Vert. Broad Jump Bench
Tristan Davis 5-9 212 4.38 31.0 9-9 18
Tez Doolittle 6-2 285 4.92 29.5 8-8 22
Chris Evans 5-11 222 4.95 29.5 9-2 14
Steve Gandy 6-0 218 4.65 31.5 9-6 14
Tyronne Green 6-2 308 N/A 28.5 8-6 N/A
Ryan Hastie 5-11 239 4.85 34.5 9-5 17
Merrill Johnson 5-11 206 4.60 40.0 10-5.5 17
Brad Lester 5-9 190 4.48 38.5 10-4 18
Sen'Derrick Marks 6-1 301 N/A N/A 9-6 16
Charles Olatunji 6-1 194 4.62 37.5 11-1.5 14
Jerraud Powers 5-9 187 4.44 35.0 10-3 N/A
Robert Shiver 6-1 233 4.74 30.5 9-9 13
Rodgeriqus Smith 6-0 200 4.63 33.0 10-3 6
James Swinton 5-11 174 4.39 42.0 10-11 8
Cooper Wallace 6-3 254 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Source: Evan Woodbury blog from al.com
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2009/03/tez_doolittle_jerraud_powers_h.html
So what was that all about?
Doolittle just shrugged. Ahh, the glamorous life of an NFL prospect.
In fairness, the scout probably wanted to show others in his organization (the Oakland Raiders) just how ripped Doolittle was. Tez said he's been working out like a maniac, and it showed.
Doolittle seemed to have a solid performance Tuesday. If he gets drafted in April, it would add another chapter to what has already been an incredible comeback story. Doolittle tore his Achilles tendon in August of 2007 and thought his career was done. But he made a faster than expected recovery, gained a sixth year of eligibility to play in 2008 and is now a potential draftee in 2009.
"I never thought I'd be standing here," Doolittle said.
Some more notes and quotes from Pro Day...
* Cornerback Jerraud Powers is working out in Los Angeles, where he said the weather is fantastic. Powers said he's hoping to be a mid-round pick.
He left Auburn early because he didn't expect his draft status to change much between his junior and senior year.
"A lot of people were saying that the coaches were the factor or this was a factor, and that had nothing to do with it at all," Powers said. "I would have had a great time playing for coach Chizik."
Current NFL-er Pat Lee interrupted at one point to give Powers a hug.
"You're going to make money," Lee said. "You've got a lot of money coming your way."
* Defensive lineman Sen'Derrick Marks, another early draft entrant, was disappointed with his day.
He's still recovering from a hamstring injury and didn't feel like he was able to go as fast as he wanted to. He said he's hoping to get some personal workouts with NFL teams that are interested in him.
* Receiver Rod Smith said he felt good after two months of training in Charlotte. A former uninvited walk-on, Smith is hoping to be a similar surprise in the NFL.
"The NFL draft is a crazy thing," he said.
* Running back Tristan Davis, who had chronic foot issues in college, said that problem is now solved.
* Linebacker Chris Evans was disappointed in his times. He thought he could have run a faster 40.
* Running back Brad Lester was so nervous he threw up this morning.
"I'm pretty confident I will (be drafted), but if not that will just motivate me even more," he said.
Lester has been training in New Jersey.
* Offensive lineman Tyronne Green was exhausted after doing a solo workout for scouts. At the NFL combine, players are in large groups, so there's plenty of rest in between.
"They were pushing me to see how I handle being tired," Green said.
He's training in Phoenix, Ariz., and said he is getting solid feedback from teams.
* Former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in August of 2007 due to multiple concussions, worked out for scouts.
* Former Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox, now in pharmaceutical sales, came out of retirement to throw passes for receivers and running backs.
"I told Cox I wish he could have played (in 2008)." Smith said.
A lot of Auburn fans (and former coach Tommy Tuberville) probably feel the same way.
* In addition to Cox, former quarterbacks Blake Field and Calvin Booker were on hand to watch. Other former players included Marcus McNeil, Jonathan Palmer, Pat Sims, Pat Lee, Marquies Gunn , John Vaughn and many others.
* Basketball power couple Quantez Robertson and Sherell Hobbs were on hand.
* Conspicuous in their absence were linebacker Tray Blackmon and Robert Dunn.
* Former Auburn tight end Cooper Wallace participated in the hopes of getting an NFL camp invitation. Wallace was cut by San Francisco last September and wasn't able to latch on with another team. He also plans to pursue possibilities in Canadian Football.
* Here are some numbers courtesy of Auburn media relations. These are unofficial, hand-timed numbers. Only the best time is listed. Broad jump is a standing broad jump, not like long jump in track and field. Bench press is number of reps at 225 pounds. Some players elected not to participate in all drills.
Name Ht. Wt. 40-yd Vert. Broad Jump Bench
Tristan Davis 5-9 212 4.38 31.0 9-9 18
Tez Doolittle 6-2 285 4.92 29.5 8-8 22
Chris Evans 5-11 222 4.95 29.5 9-2 14
Steve Gandy 6-0 218 4.65 31.5 9-6 14
Tyronne Green 6-2 308 N/A 28.5 8-6 N/A
Ryan Hastie 5-11 239 4.85 34.5 9-5 17
Merrill Johnson 5-11 206 4.60 40.0 10-5.5 17
Brad Lester 5-9 190 4.48 38.5 10-4 18
Sen'Derrick Marks 6-1 301 N/A N/A 9-6 16
Charles Olatunji 6-1 194 4.62 37.5 11-1.5 14
Jerraud Powers 5-9 187 4.44 35.0 10-3 N/A
Robert Shiver 6-1 233 4.74 30.5 9-9 13
Rodgeriqus Smith 6-0 200 4.63 33.0 10-3 6
James Swinton 5-11 174 4.39 42.0 10-11 8
Cooper Wallace 6-3 254 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Source: Evan Woodbury blog from al.com
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2009/03/tez_doolittle_jerraud_powers_h.html
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Draft Class 2009: Pro Day Overview, Players Present & Results
AU FOOTBALL: Former Tigers show off on Pro Day | Opelika-Auburn News: "Two distinct groups emerged at Tuesday’s Pro Day at the Auburn University practice fields.
In one corner, you had the trio of Tigers who already went through a thorough evaluation in front of hundreds of scouts and rubbed elbows with college football’s elite at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February.
“We was like naked everywhere we went,” cornerback Jerraud Powers said of the national combine. “It’s just a different environment (at Auburn). It was more relaxing. That’s why I was just out there having fun, trying to do my best.”
In the other corner, though, were the newbies.
“I actually threw up like two or three times before I got here,” tailback Brad Lester said.
But once the festivities were under way, it was gameday for the 15 former players.
“Coming from Jordan-Hare and seeing so many fans, you’re used to the eyes,” linebacker Chris Evans said of the 100 or so onlookers and scouts from all 32 NFL teams. “You’re just not used to the clock.”
Some players, such as Powers, Sen’Derrick Marks and Tyronne Green, came into the day knowing they will be drafted at some point the
weekend of April 25 and 26. Others, such as Tez Doolittle and Lester, have reason to believe they’ll get a call, but still need every
opportunity to impress.
And then there were players who weren’t even on the team in 2008, such as Cooper Wallace and Steve Gandy, out to give it one last shot.
“Sometimes, your body gets to a point where it needs a break,” said former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in 2007 after multiple concussi"
In one corner, you had the trio of Tigers who already went through a thorough evaluation in front of hundreds of scouts and rubbed elbows with college football’s elite at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in February.
“We was like naked everywhere we went,” cornerback Jerraud Powers said of the national combine. “It’s just a different environment (at Auburn). It was more relaxing. That’s why I was just out there having fun, trying to do my best.”
In the other corner, though, were the newbies.
“I actually threw up like two or three times before I got here,” tailback Brad Lester said.
But once the festivities were under way, it was gameday for the 15 former players.
“Coming from Jordan-Hare and seeing so many fans, you’re used to the eyes,” linebacker Chris Evans said of the 100 or so onlookers and scouts from all 32 NFL teams. “You’re just not used to the clock.”
Some players, such as Powers, Sen’Derrick Marks and Tyronne Green, came into the day knowing they will be drafted at some point the
weekend of April 25 and 26. Others, such as Tez Doolittle and Lester, have reason to believe they’ll get a call, but still need every
opportunity to impress.
And then there were players who weren’t even on the team in 2008, such as Cooper Wallace and Steve Gandy, out to give it one last shot.
“Sometimes, your body gets to a point where it needs a break,” said former linebacker Steve Gandy, who retired in 2007 after multiple concussi"
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Sen'Derrick Marks: Combine DTs Averaged Just 2.76 Recruiting Stars From High School
Lots of different topics in this week's mailbag:
From Duane in Tustin, Calif.: The Pro Bowl analysis got me thinking about how overrated recruiting rankings really are. I know you did a book about what really goes on during the evaluation process, but how closely do these staffs monitor the accuracy of the recruiting sites as well as do their own studies to learn if there is a smarter way to go about their recruiting pursuits?
Feldman: Many programs do conduct post-mortems and various studies like what you're talking about when it comes to recruiting because so much time and money are spent in the process and obviously jobs depend on it. Kent McLeod, Duke's director of football relations, is one of the brightest people I know. He had worked in Ole Miss' recruiting office for years, starting out under Tommy Tuberville and then staying through David Cutcliffe and Ed Orgeron. I probably picked McLeod's brain more than anyone's in all my time down in Mississippi. This week, he finished doing a project charting every player at the NFL combine that included what position they were supposedly projected at and their star ranking by the two major Internet recruiting sites, Rivals.com and Scout.com. The results of the spreadsheets are fascinating.
QB: There were 21 listed. Four didn't even receive one star. Fifteen received three stars or fewer. The average rating was 2.67 stars. The two top prospects, Georgia's Matt Stafford and USC's Mark Sanchez were two of the three five-stars. (Rhett Bomar was the other.)
RB: There were 31 listed. The average tailback star rating was 2.81. The average FB was 2.50. The only players who got any five-star ratings were Beanie Wells, LeSean McCoy and Mike Goodson. Fourteen of the backs had ratings of two or fewer stars, including UConn's Donald Brown, Boise State's Ian Johnson, Liberty's Rashad Jennings and Syracuse FB Tiny Fiammetta.
WR: There were 44 listed. Ten had ratings of fewer than two stars, including Rice's Jarrett Dillard, Penn State's Deon Butler and Cal Poly's Ramses Barden. Michael Crabtree was rated by one of the sites as a four-star and as a two-star by the other site. The average rating was 2.63.
TE: There were 21 listed. The physical growth was from an average high school weight of 222 to 250 for the Combine. The average rating was just 2.12, and McLeod points out that's probably partly because there is so much projection going on with this position. It's also curious to see that only one-third of these guys were actually projected by the recruiting sites to play tight end. Six were QBs; five were wide receivers. Two of the guys pro scouts tout as the top blockers -- NC State's Anthony Hill and Fresno State's Bear Pascoe -- were a defensive end and a QB/LB.
OT: There were 27 listed. Three were unanimous five-stars: Ohio State's Alex Boone, Alabama's Andre Smith and Virginia's Eugene Monroe. The guy many scouts project as the top OT, Baylor's Jason Smith, was a two-star, who has reportedly gone from being 225 pounds to 309. Average rating: 2.74.
OG: There were 19 listed. The average rating was 2.29. The biggest gainer was BYU's Travis Bright, who was listed at 210 from newspaper reports during high school and showed up at the combine at 321.
C: There were 13 listed. The group's size went from an average of 272 in high school to an average combine weight of 302. Stanford's Alex Fletcher boosted the star ratings, as he was a four- and five-star guy. The three top-rated guys according to most scouts now were all two-star guys: Oregon's Max Unger, Cal's Alex Mack and Louisville's Eric Wood. Average rating: 2.38 stars.
DT: There were 23 listed. Only Texas' Roy Miller got five stars. He was a four-star on the other site. SJ State's Jarron Gilbert, the guy who became a YouTube phenom for his jumping-out-of-the-pool stunt, was a 240-pound no-star recruit who is now a 288-pounder.
B.J. Raji from BC, the consensus top DT, was just a two-star. In looking at this bunch, most of the top college performers weren't considering big guys. Georgia Tech's Vance Walker, now 304, was a 255-pound two-star; Sen'Derrick Marks from Auburn, now 306, was a 265-pound two-star; Ole Miss' Peria Jerry, now 299, was a 280-pound two-/three-star and Mizzou's Ziggy Hood, now 300, was a 230-pound two-/three-star DE recruit. Average rating: 2.76.
DE: There were 30 listed. The average weight has jumped from 237 to 268. There were no five-stars. Some of the top-rated pro prospects came in as the lightest: Texas' Brian Orakpo, then a 213-pound three-/four-star, now 263; Penn State's Aaron Maybin, then a 211-pound four-star, now 249; and Tennessee's Robert Ayers, then a 230-pound four-star LB, now 270. Average rating: 2.25.
LB: There were 27 linebackers. The ILBs panned out better than the outside guys. The ILBs had a 3.11 rating, while the OLBs were 2.50. The fastest riser has been Wake's Aaron Curry, who went from being a 210-pound two-star to a 254-pound possible top overall pick.
S: There were 24 listed. There were two guys who came in as four-stars: Mississippi State's Derek Pegues and Oklahoma's Lendy Holmes; neither was touted as a safety initially. Pegues had been a QB/CB, and Holmes was a WR. Average rating: 2.56.
CB: There were 35 listed. Average star rating is 2.23.
McLeod says he searched for documented weights because those would be the weights colleges would have on their recruiting boards unless the recruits came to their camps. He adds that this should serve as a reminder to staffs that might be tempted to dismiss some players in the recruiting process who might seem too light.
It also shows that schools that take projects, like Jason Smith at Baylor or Aaron Curry at Wake, where you have players who can run but don't possess the bulk in high school, often get rewarded because in time they can develop past those hyped-up bigger guys who might not move as well.
Source: espn's Bruce Feldman Blog
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3958324&name=feldman_bruce&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3958324%26name%3dfeldman_bruce
From Duane in Tustin, Calif.: The Pro Bowl analysis got me thinking about how overrated recruiting rankings really are. I know you did a book about what really goes on during the evaluation process, but how closely do these staffs monitor the accuracy of the recruiting sites as well as do their own studies to learn if there is a smarter way to go about their recruiting pursuits?
Feldman: Many programs do conduct post-mortems and various studies like what you're talking about when it comes to recruiting because so much time and money are spent in the process and obviously jobs depend on it. Kent McLeod, Duke's director of football relations, is one of the brightest people I know. He had worked in Ole Miss' recruiting office for years, starting out under Tommy Tuberville and then staying through David Cutcliffe and Ed Orgeron. I probably picked McLeod's brain more than anyone's in all my time down in Mississippi. This week, he finished doing a project charting every player at the NFL combine that included what position they were supposedly projected at and their star ranking by the two major Internet recruiting sites, Rivals.com and Scout.com. The results of the spreadsheets are fascinating.
QB: There were 21 listed. Four didn't even receive one star. Fifteen received three stars or fewer. The average rating was 2.67 stars. The two top prospects, Georgia's Matt Stafford and USC's Mark Sanchez were two of the three five-stars. (Rhett Bomar was the other.)
RB: There were 31 listed. The average tailback star rating was 2.81. The average FB was 2.50. The only players who got any five-star ratings were Beanie Wells, LeSean McCoy and Mike Goodson. Fourteen of the backs had ratings of two or fewer stars, including UConn's Donald Brown, Boise State's Ian Johnson, Liberty's Rashad Jennings and Syracuse FB Tiny Fiammetta.
WR: There were 44 listed. Ten had ratings of fewer than two stars, including Rice's Jarrett Dillard, Penn State's Deon Butler and Cal Poly's Ramses Barden. Michael Crabtree was rated by one of the sites as a four-star and as a two-star by the other site. The average rating was 2.63.
TE: There were 21 listed. The physical growth was from an average high school weight of 222 to 250 for the Combine. The average rating was just 2.12, and McLeod points out that's probably partly because there is so much projection going on with this position. It's also curious to see that only one-third of these guys were actually projected by the recruiting sites to play tight end. Six were QBs; five were wide receivers. Two of the guys pro scouts tout as the top blockers -- NC State's Anthony Hill and Fresno State's Bear Pascoe -- were a defensive end and a QB/LB.
OT: There were 27 listed. Three were unanimous five-stars: Ohio State's Alex Boone, Alabama's Andre Smith and Virginia's Eugene Monroe. The guy many scouts project as the top OT, Baylor's Jason Smith, was a two-star, who has reportedly gone from being 225 pounds to 309. Average rating: 2.74.
OG: There were 19 listed. The average rating was 2.29. The biggest gainer was BYU's Travis Bright, who was listed at 210 from newspaper reports during high school and showed up at the combine at 321.
C: There were 13 listed. The group's size went from an average of 272 in high school to an average combine weight of 302. Stanford's Alex Fletcher boosted the star ratings, as he was a four- and five-star guy. The three top-rated guys according to most scouts now were all two-star guys: Oregon's Max Unger, Cal's Alex Mack and Louisville's Eric Wood. Average rating: 2.38 stars.
DT: There were 23 listed. Only Texas' Roy Miller got five stars. He was a four-star on the other site. SJ State's Jarron Gilbert, the guy who became a YouTube phenom for his jumping-out-of-the-pool stunt, was a 240-pound no-star recruit who is now a 288-pounder.
B.J. Raji from BC, the consensus top DT, was just a two-star. In looking at this bunch, most of the top college performers weren't considering big guys. Georgia Tech's Vance Walker, now 304, was a 255-pound two-star; Sen'Derrick Marks from Auburn, now 306, was a 265-pound two-star; Ole Miss' Peria Jerry, now 299, was a 280-pound two-/three-star and Mizzou's Ziggy Hood, now 300, was a 230-pound two-/three-star DE recruit. Average rating: 2.76.
DE: There were 30 listed. The average weight has jumped from 237 to 268. There were no five-stars. Some of the top-rated pro prospects came in as the lightest: Texas' Brian Orakpo, then a 213-pound three-/four-star, now 263; Penn State's Aaron Maybin, then a 211-pound four-star, now 249; and Tennessee's Robert Ayers, then a 230-pound four-star LB, now 270. Average rating: 2.25.
LB: There were 27 linebackers. The ILBs panned out better than the outside guys. The ILBs had a 3.11 rating, while the OLBs were 2.50. The fastest riser has been Wake's Aaron Curry, who went from being a 210-pound two-star to a 254-pound possible top overall pick.
S: There were 24 listed. There were two guys who came in as four-stars: Mississippi State's Derek Pegues and Oklahoma's Lendy Holmes; neither was touted as a safety initially. Pegues had been a QB/CB, and Holmes was a WR. Average rating: 2.56.
CB: There were 35 listed. Average star rating is 2.23.
McLeod says he searched for documented weights because those would be the weights colleges would have on their recruiting boards unless the recruits came to their camps. He adds that this should serve as a reminder to staffs that might be tempted to dismiss some players in the recruiting process who might seem too light.
It also shows that schools that take projects, like Jason Smith at Baylor or Aaron Curry at Wake, where you have players who can run but don't possess the bulk in high school, often get rewarded because in time they can develop past those hyped-up bigger guys who might not move as well.
Source: espn's Bruce Feldman Blog
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3958324&name=feldman_bruce&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fentryID%3d3958324%26name%3dfeldman_bruce
Friday, March 6, 2009
Jonathan Wilhite: Will Compete Against Pro Bowler To Start
(Shawn) Springs will also serve as competition for second-year cornerbacks Jonathan Wilhite, who started the final four games of the season at left corner, and Terrence Wheatley, whose season was ended by a dislocated left wrist.
Source: Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/03/06/patriots_acquire_depth/?page=full
Source: Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/03/06/patriots_acquire_depth/?page=full
Heath Evans: From Patriot to Saint
The Patriots lost a free agent when venerable fullback Heath Evans signed a two-year deal with the Saints.
The 30-year-old Evans was signed by the Patriots midway through the 2005 season after being released by the Dolphins and his most memorable game came that season, when he had a career-high 84 yards on 17 carries in a 23-16 win over his former team.
Evans was a valuable and versatile back, as well as a key special teams contributor. In three-plus seasons in New England, he rushed 123 times for 453 yards and three touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 224 yards and a score. Last season, Evans rushed 11 times for 23 yards and caught three passes for 59 yards. He added four special teams tackles.
Evans's departure leaves the Patriots without a true fullback. Evans had visited with the Saints Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Heath is a versatile and fundamentally sound fullback who can help our offense in a variety of roles, whether it be as a lead blocker, as a runner, or receiving option out of the backfield as well as on special teams," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement.
"He has played in a few different offensive systems and has adapted quickly and been a contributor to all of them."
Source: Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/03/06/patriots_acquire_depth/?page=full
The 30-year-old Evans was signed by the Patriots midway through the 2005 season after being released by the Dolphins and his most memorable game came that season, when he had a career-high 84 yards on 17 carries in a 23-16 win over his former team.
Evans was a valuable and versatile back, as well as a key special teams contributor. In three-plus seasons in New England, he rushed 123 times for 453 yards and three touchdowns and caught 24 passes for 224 yards and a score. Last season, Evans rushed 11 times for 23 yards and caught three passes for 59 yards. He added four special teams tackles.
Evans's departure leaves the Patriots without a true fullback. Evans had visited with the Saints Tuesday and Wednesday.
"Heath is a versatile and fundamentally sound fullback who can help our offense in a variety of roles, whether it be as a lead blocker, as a runner, or receiving option out of the backfield as well as on special teams," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said in a statement.
"He has played in a few different offensive systems and has adapted quickly and been a contributor to all of them."
Source: Boston.com
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/03/06/patriots_acquire_depth/?page=full
Sen'Derrick Marks: Option For Panthers' Move to Tampa-2 Defense
Panthers Move to Tampa-2 Defense Might Be Complicated - Cat Scratch Reader: "So who does that leave as possible Cover 2 DT's the Panthers might pursue? It still leaves highly rated Peria Jerry (299, 2.94), Ziggy Hood (300, 291) and Jerron Gilbert (288, 4.87). Borderline considerations might lie with Sen'Derrick Marks (306, 5.01) and Dorell Scott (312, 4.92) among the Top 12 on Walter Football."
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Ronnie Brown: He & Wildcat Formation Rejuvinated Dolphins Season After 1-16 Disaste
Oakland Raiders Personnel Tailor-Made for a Savage Wildcat Hybrid | Bleacher Report: "In 2008, the Miami Dolphins introduced the incorporation of the Wildcat formation to the NFL—a variation on the 'single-wing' of the 1940's, and a scheme once considered to be a 'gadget-play', or only applicable at the college level.
New GM Bill Parcells and rookie coach Tony Sparano recognized the few strengths of the 1-15 team that they inherited: that being a stable of two Pro Bowl caliber running backs in Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and decided to focus a large part of their offense to utilizing both backs simultaneously (as opposed to the increasingly popular rotating two-back systems dominating the NFL recently).
In this set, the direct snap could go to either back, who could either: run directly, hand it off to the other back, do a contrary version of play-action and misdirection, flip it to a receiver for an end-around, or option and then pass it downfield.
More often than not, Ronnie Brown took the snaps, due his being an ex-high school quarterback, and a proven, competent passer.
In so doing, the the Dolphins became a successful offense, one that was puzzling to all defensive coordinators, and made a complete 180—ending the season 11-5. Due to their success, they inspired copycats sprouting up in NFL playbooks around the league."
New GM Bill Parcells and rookie coach Tony Sparano recognized the few strengths of the 1-15 team that they inherited: that being a stable of two Pro Bowl caliber running backs in Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, and decided to focus a large part of their offense to utilizing both backs simultaneously (as opposed to the increasingly popular rotating two-back systems dominating the NFL recently).
In this set, the direct snap could go to either back, who could either: run directly, hand it off to the other back, do a contrary version of play-action and misdirection, flip it to a receiver for an end-around, or option and then pass it downfield.
More often than not, Ronnie Brown took the snaps, due his being an ex-high school quarterback, and a proven, competent passer.
In so doing, the the Dolphins became a successful offense, one that was puzzling to all defensive coordinators, and made a complete 180—ending the season 11-5. Due to their success, they inspired copycats sprouting up in NFL playbooks around the league."
Karlos Dansby: Signs Cardinal's One Year 9.7M Franchise Tender
Scout.com: Karlos Dansby Profile: "Arizona Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby has signed his one-year franchise tender, Scout.com has confirmed. The non-exclusive tender carries a one-year, guaranteed salary of $9.678 million.
Dansby was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2004 draft. This is the second year in a row that Arizona has used their franchise tag on him."
Dansby was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2004 draft. This is the second year in a row that Arizona has used their franchise tag on him."
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Tony Richardson: Key Road Paver FB Signs One Year Deal With Jets
Richardson, 37, paved the way for Thomas Jones to lead the AFC in rushing last season.
The three-time Pro Bowl selection helped Priest Holmes to three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Kansas City from 2001-03, and Larry Johnson in 2005. He did it again the following season in Minnesota with Chester Taylor, and was instrumental in Adrian Peterson becoming a star with 1,341 yards as a rookie in 2007.
Richardson is also in his second two-year term as a member of the NFL Players Association's executive committee, the group in charge of finding a replacement for the late Gene Upshaw as the union's executive director.
Source: AP
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/jets.new.york.2.947524.html
The three-time Pro Bowl selection helped Priest Holmes to three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in Kansas City from 2001-03, and Larry Johnson in 2005. He did it again the following season in Minnesota with Chester Taylor, and was instrumental in Adrian Peterson becoming a star with 1,341 yards as a rookie in 2007.
Richardson is also in his second two-year term as a member of the NFL Players Association's executive committee, the group in charge of finding a replacement for the late Gene Upshaw as the union's executive director.
Source: AP
http://wcbstv.com/topstories/jets.new.york.2.947524.html
Rudi Johnson: NFL Veteran Still The Fifth Best Available Free Agent RB
Without a sure-thing running back coming out of college this year, needy NFL teams probably will have to turn to free agency to fill holes in the backfield. So if nothing else, expect a couple of the guys listed below to get a chance to success - and that's all you can ask for at this point.
Here's how I would rate the group:
1. Derrick Ward. With the Giants having re-signed Brandon Jacobs, the chances of Ward leaving increased. He is the clear frontrunner to be this year's Turner if he decides life as a backup no longer suits him. Thrust immediately into a leading role as Turner was last year, Ward would warrant second- or third-round fantasy consideration.
2. Darren Sproles. As mentioned earlier, it's unlikely he will be anything but a Charger next season. And as LT's backup, he has little value to any fantasy team that doesn't also employ Tomlinson. But if a team were willing to pay the huge price to pry him out of San Diego, that would be a serious "buy" sign and immediately vault him into the fantasy-starter category.
3. LaMont Jordan. I'm still not convinced that Jordan wasn't the Patriots' best back last season, not that that's saying much. If he could stay healthy for a full year - big IF, I know - he could relive his fantasy glory days. Maybe the ideal situation would be for him to stay in New England and become the starter. He'd certainly be more productive than Laurence Maroney was two years ago.
4. Fred Taylor. OK, it's clear this year's group features a bunch of has-beens after the two list-toppers, but don't be surprised if Taylor has a little left in the tank. If he were smart, he'd try to land a similar gig to the one he had in Jacksonville - backing up a guy who tends to get hurt a lot. In the NFL these days, there's a surprisingly high number of these guys.
5. Rudi Johnson. If you can't make it in Cincinnati and Detroit, what does that say for you? To me, it says you need a better situation in which to demonstrate your deteriorating - but not necessarily depleted - skills. Keep an eye on Johnson in training camp. He could latch onto a nice role that could expand as the season progresses, making him someone to consider storing on your roster.
Also potentially on the move: Maurice Morris, Cedric Benson, Warrick Dunn, Correll Buckhalter, Ahman Green, Dominic Rhodes, Michael Pittman, Kevin Jones, Deuce McAllister.
Source: examiner.com fantasy football
http://www.examiner.com/x-604-Fantasy-Football-Examiner~y2009m3d2-Ranking-2009-Free-Agent-Running-Backs
Here's how I would rate the group:
1. Derrick Ward. With the Giants having re-signed Brandon Jacobs, the chances of Ward leaving increased. He is the clear frontrunner to be this year's Turner if he decides life as a backup no longer suits him. Thrust immediately into a leading role as Turner was last year, Ward would warrant second- or third-round fantasy consideration.
2. Darren Sproles. As mentioned earlier, it's unlikely he will be anything but a Charger next season. And as LT's backup, he has little value to any fantasy team that doesn't also employ Tomlinson. But if a team were willing to pay the huge price to pry him out of San Diego, that would be a serious "buy" sign and immediately vault him into the fantasy-starter category.
3. LaMont Jordan. I'm still not convinced that Jordan wasn't the Patriots' best back last season, not that that's saying much. If he could stay healthy for a full year - big IF, I know - he could relive his fantasy glory days. Maybe the ideal situation would be for him to stay in New England and become the starter. He'd certainly be more productive than Laurence Maroney was two years ago.
4. Fred Taylor. OK, it's clear this year's group features a bunch of has-beens after the two list-toppers, but don't be surprised if Taylor has a little left in the tank. If he were smart, he'd try to land a similar gig to the one he had in Jacksonville - backing up a guy who tends to get hurt a lot. In the NFL these days, there's a surprisingly high number of these guys.
5. Rudi Johnson. If you can't make it in Cincinnati and Detroit, what does that say for you? To me, it says you need a better situation in which to demonstrate your deteriorating - but not necessarily depleted - skills. Keep an eye on Johnson in training camp. He could latch onto a nice role that could expand as the season progresses, making him someone to consider storing on your roster.
Also potentially on the move: Maurice Morris, Cedric Benson, Warrick Dunn, Correll Buckhalter, Ahman Green, Dominic Rhodes, Michael Pittman, Kevin Jones, Deuce McAllister.
Source: examiner.com fantasy football
http://www.examiner.com/x-604-Fantasy-Football-Examiner~y2009m3d2-Ranking-2009-Free-Agent-Running-Backs
Bo Jackson: Sends Roses For Auburn's Fortner And Her Lady Tigers
As the No. 7 Auburn women's basketball team prepares for the SEC tournament this week, one legendary Auburn figure wanted players to know he was thinking of them.
Bo Jackson, a celebrated Auburn athlete in football and baseball, sent head coach Nell Fortner a bouquet of flowers this morning (on her 50th birthday). He also sent red roses to each of the players on the women's basketball team. The accompanying note wished them good luck in the post-season and offered his ring size for when they win it all.
It was, to the say least, an incredibly nice gesture and Fortner said the players were thrilled.
How did Bo become such a big women's basketball fan? Fortner met him for the first time last summer at a golf tournament. To her surprise, Jackson said he followed the team and knew all about the players. Fortner invited him to visit anytime. He did that last week, giving an inspirational speech to the team.
There's another connection. Jackson's daughter Morgan is a freshman at Auburn and lives on the same floor with Auburn freshman Chantel Hilliard. The two have become good friends.
Auburn opens the conference tournament Friday in North Little Rock, Ark., against the winner of a first-round game between Arkansas and Ole Miss. More on that in the days to come.
Source: al.com's Goldmine blog
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2009/03/auburn_legend_bo_jackson_has_s.html
Bo Jackson, a celebrated Auburn athlete in football and baseball, sent head coach Nell Fortner a bouquet of flowers this morning (on her 50th birthday). He also sent red roses to each of the players on the women's basketball team. The accompanying note wished them good luck in the post-season and offered his ring size for when they win it all.
It was, to the say least, an incredibly nice gesture and Fortner said the players were thrilled.
How did Bo become such a big women's basketball fan? Fortner met him for the first time last summer at a golf tournament. To her surprise, Jackson said he followed the team and knew all about the players. Fortner invited him to visit anytime. He did that last week, giving an inspirational speech to the team.
There's another connection. Jackson's daughter Morgan is a freshman at Auburn and lives on the same floor with Auburn freshman Chantel Hilliard. The two have become good friends.
Auburn opens the conference tournament Friday in North Little Rock, Ark., against the winner of a first-round game between Arkansas and Ole Miss. More on that in the days to come.
Source: al.com's Goldmine blog
http://blog.al.com/auburnbeat/2009/03/auburn_legend_bo_jackson_has_s.html
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Stanley McClover: Remains A Texan For One Year
DE Stanley McClover, a restricted free agent, re-signed with Houston. Terms were not disclosed. McClover (6-2, 263) was a restricted free agent following his third NFL season. McClover joined the Texans on August 31, 2008 and saw action in the season opener at Pittsburgh (9/7). He was placed on injured reserve four days later with a knee injury.
Source: Scout.com
http://det.scout.com/a.z?s=93&p=2&c=843376
Source: Scout.com
http://det.scout.com/a.z?s=93&p=2&c=843376
Bo Jackson & Ronnie Brown: Rumored to become NFL's First Bankers?
You Talking to Me? Will Bo know banking the way Bo knew football? | Philadelphia Inquirer | 02/25/2009: "Bo Jackson and Ronnie Brown are reportedly teaming up to start banks. As in buy and run them. Because, you know, banks - like the automotive industry and real estate - are thriving right now"
Monday, March 2, 2009
Heath Evans: Free Agent On Bronco's Radar
Sticking to Who & What You Know - Mile High Report: "Heath Evans, Fullback, NE - Evans has been primarily a blocking fullback with the Pats, getting the occasional carry or reception. Over 9 seasons with three teams, Evans has carried the ball 157 times for 561 yards, along with 40 receptions for 328 yards. Evans has scored 4 touchdowns during his NFL career."
Rob Bironas: Most Valuable Titan?
Special Teams- Some may say that K, Rob Bironas is perhaps the most valuable player on the team. He is consistent and reliable and scores much needed points for the conservative Titans. The Titans may g place the franchise tag on Bironas or try and put a long term deal in place. Either way he will be on the roster n 2009 as will veteran P, Craig Hentrich. This position is solid and doesn’t warrant much of a look on draft day.
Source: studyofsports.com
http://www.studyofsports.com/?p=1685
Source: studyofsports.com
http://www.studyofsports.com/?p=1685
Kendall Simmons: OG Starter Released from Pittsburg
· It's a head scratcher to me as to why the Steelers would release guard Kendall Simmons when their offensive line remains an area of concern based on contracts, if not on performance as well. Simmons has been a starter, when healthy, since his rookie year. In fact, he had started 30-straight games at right guard before getting hurt last September. Health may be the issue here again, as money doesn't seem to be. The team takes a bigger cap hit this year by releasing him, so that can't be the motivation. Perhaps his torn Achilles tendon will keep other teams from trying to sign him and the Steelers can bring him back under new terms later. Or, perhaps, that injury and other health issues make him expendable. Even that seems strange though, considering the tenuous contract situations surrounding other offensive linemen such as free agents Marvel Smith, Chris Kemoeatu and Trai Essex at the time of Simmons' release. The Steelers always have a plan. I just don't know what this one is.
· For anyone not convinced the offensive line is an issue (all due respect Willie Colon), there is some interesting reading on footballoutsiders.com. While guards, centers and tackles are not usually positions evaluated by statistics, footballoutsiders.com has come up with formulas to rate offensive lines and how they run and pass block. For the 2008 season, the Steelers offensive line ranked 24th in run blocking and 29th in pass blocking.
Source: Pittsburglive.com
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_614009.html
· For anyone not convinced the offensive line is an issue (all due respect Willie Colon), there is some interesting reading on footballoutsiders.com. While guards, centers and tackles are not usually positions evaluated by statistics, footballoutsiders.com has come up with formulas to rate offensive lines and how they run and pass block. For the 2008 season, the Steelers offensive line ranked 24th in run blocking and 29th in pass blocking.
Source: Pittsburglive.com
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/s_614009.html
Dontarrius Thomas: Unrestricted Free Agent Searching For A Team
The Associated Press: 2009 Remaining Unrestricted Free Agents: "Minnesota
Kenderick Allen, DT; Matt Birk, C; Michael Boulware, S; Heath Farwell, LB; Napoleon Harris, LB; Marcus Johnson, T; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; Benny Sapp, CB; Darren Sharper, S; Dontarrious Thomas, LB; Ellis Wyms, DT."
Kenderick Allen, DT; Matt Birk, C; Michael Boulware, S; Heath Farwell, LB; Napoleon Harris, LB; Marcus Johnson, T; Jimmy Kennedy, DT; Benny Sapp, CB; Darren Sharper, S; Dontarrious Thomas, LB; Ellis Wyms, DT."
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Sen'Derrick Marks: Ranked #6 DT by Scout.com
(Sen'Derrick) Marks is an explosive interior lineman who plays with leverage in the trenches. He plays low to the ground, possesses a powerful lower body and displays the ability to stand tall against double teams. He’s quick off the line and jolts the opposition with a quick initial punch that allows for instant penetration up the middle. He uses his hands well, blades through blocks and makes plays in the backfield. – Chris Steuber, Scout.com
Source: Scout.com
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3638070
Source: Scout.com
http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=8&c=1&nid=3638070
Jason Campbell: Big Bama OL To Protect AU QB's Back?
The Football Expert: 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 Rounds: "13. Washington Redskins - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Andre Smith is going to fall down the draft charts, but it is going to be hard for the Skins to pass on him. The Skins have an aging OL and will take the last of the 'elite' OTs in the draft. Jon Jansen is near the end of his career, Chris Samuels is coming back from an injury. There are also questions at guard. Basically if you care about your quarterback Jason Campbell you worry about his protection and draft Smith and that is just what the 'Skins do. The Skins don't have a 2nd round pick so look for them to try to move down and get a later 1st round pick in addition to a 2nd round pick. If Smith has a poor pro day at Alabama, look for him to continue to drop."
Andre Smith is going to fall down the draft charts, but it is going to be hard for the Skins to pass on him. The Skins have an aging OL and will take the last of the 'elite' OTs in the draft. Jon Jansen is near the end of his career, Chris Samuels is coming back from an injury. There are also questions at guard. Basically if you care about your quarterback Jason Campbell you worry about his protection and draft Smith and that is just what the 'Skins do. The Skins don't have a 2nd round pick so look for them to try to move down and get a later 1st round pick in addition to a 2nd round pick. If Smith has a poor pro day at Alabama, look for him to continue to drop."
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