featured site on the
I think I found it this past weekend in a small town in Rockland County, NY.
It’s called the “Collegiate Development Football League.” Based in the little town of Hilburn, the CDFL really is the “second chance” for 18-24 year olds who feel they can still play the game at a high level. The brainchild of Father and Son football coaches George and Peter St. Lawrence, The League has held “combine-like” workouts for the last several months, and has a growing following.
“Our objective is not to get you beat up,” said the elder St. Lawrence to the assembled players at Saturday night’s workout. “It is to expose your skill or lack of it, and we mean that in a good way.” Here is a man who understands that injured players can’t do anything to help your status in getting a developmental football skills program started. Nor can they say anything good about how they are treated if the suspect they are being used as training camp fodder. Not the case here as everyone is treated fairly, and like family. Even the Reporter/Scout who shows up for the first time gets the VIP treatment.
While we will examine the Coaches in the next installment, let’s focus on some of the players. All have interesting backchannel stories that deserve telling, but here are four, plus an honorable performance mention.
Anthony Carillo is a QB who has gotten used to adversity on and off the field of play. After his High School playing days, Anthony went on to what he hoped would be four more years of football at Frostburg State. After injuring his shoulder, and his father surviving a near fatal accident, Anthony had to put both his college and football careers on hold to go home and help out. The CDFL has truly represented a “second chance” for Anthony, and that makes his Dad, now mostly recovered happy as well. Anthony also has the skills needed to succeed at the next level. He was already a polished football player coming in, and has steadily improved his game. He also admitted that the playbook looked like “Chinese” to him the first time, but he has studied hard.
La’Ron Davenport is a receiver from southern New Jersey. Even though he attended Grambling State University, things just didn’t work out for La’Ron down south. He was determined not to give up on his goal of playing football. So determined that he took two trains from South Jersey to get to the workout on Saturday. When he got off the train at the Suffern, NY station of NJ Transit, he realized he still had a distance to go. He walked the two and one half miles from the railhead to the practice field! “I’ve been doing lost of resistance training recently,” he told us “so 2-1/2 Miles walking is really nothing.” He is truly thankful for another chance to play the greatest game ever played. “I’m not trying to act like I’m all that. I just want to go out there tonight and every night and showcase what I can do.” La’Ron had a good night, catching a few slick balls in traffic during the 7-on-7 Drills.
Next we have the story of Olsen St. Louis. Olsen was a Kicker at Spring Valley High School, but then attended Hudson Community College, where there was no football program. Olsen didn’t give up either, and Saturday night during warm-ups he was hitting them with ease from 40 yards out. In a moderate rain with a slight crosswind no less. On top of that, Olsen has not kicked steadily in over four years. You couldn’t tell that by watching him prep for each kick. To say he has a cannon for a kicking leg is putting it mildly.
This last player has a bit of history that includes me as well. Jonathan Fox is a receiver from Hawley Pa. who recently graduated High School. No one thought enough of Jon to give him a look at the college level, possibly because of his size (5’10” & 160 lbs), but if they did give him a look they would know what I have known for close to a decade. You see, I met Jon when he was at the NFL Draft as a youngster many years back. At that time he was “the Youngest Expert in the History of the NFL Draft.” I know because that’s what I wrote about him in a feature piece at the time. I also predicted that an NFL team would someday hire him as a scout. While that has not become a reality yet for Jon, The CDFL is his reality. That, and a promise I made to him all those years ago to look me up when he was ready to be a football scout. I’m now happy to say that no matter what happens playing wise for Jon, I will keep my promise and help him in his scouting career.
Finally, I can’t let this piece end without an honorable mention for Willie Calhoun, a Fullback/Linebacker from Newburgh, NY. Willie showed me moves the likes of John Mackey and Howard Cross Saturday night. He broke so many tackles on his way to the end zone after the catch that I lost count at 5. A Strong Safety would have no way to match up against Willie, as he looks to be about 6’1” or 2” and about 250 or 260 pounds. I doubt anyone would want to get hit by him when he’s got a head of steam built up.
The CDFL Slogan is “Are you Ready?” well, Saturday night at the field of dreams, these players are ready.
Is It June or September? The latest on NFL QB's Merry-Go-Round-Plus Plaxico Burress (again)
The N.Y. Jets latest wunderkind, QB Mark Sanchez finally got his deal done this week. It's worth 50 Million over 5 years, and with incentives could push 60 million. 28 Million of it is gauranteed money. I guess Woody Johnson will be able to sell off the rest of those PSL's now. Rex Ryan can talk all the smack he wants, butt hey still have to make their RB's happy (Shonn Greene still needs to be signed, as well as Jones and Washington deserving new deals), because they will take the pressure off whomever the starting QB is. Don't just think Kellen Clemens will just roll over and play dead.
A lot of Jets players think it's a great idea for the team to go after Ex-Giant receiver Plaxico Burress. Newsflash: he's going to be in jail for at least a few months if not more. He turned down a plea deal that would have limited his jail time to 60 days, plus 1,500 hours of community service. But Plax balked at the idea because it seems he is deathly afraid of serving time on Rikers Island. Sorry Plax: they don't put player's numbers on the back of correctional facility jumpsuits. The Jets players (and fans!) have yet to factor into the equation that Mr. Goodell will also suspend him for play as well. Just ask Mike Vick, because he'll be playing in the UFL this year. Plax is due in court this coming Monday.(Late Update: we have reports that the case will be continued until September)
Down I-95, it looks like the Eagles finally have shown Donovan McNabb some love, but only so much. Reports are that he has a multi-million dollar raise(5.3 million), but no extension past 2010. This is surely because of a lack of a new CBA between the players and the NFL. You can be sure no veteran players will earn long extensions until the new deal is in place. Translation: Donovan, you have two seasons to win or find somewhere else to whine about losing.
Out in Minnesota, the Brett Farve waiting game continues. Did coach Brad Childress give Farve a deadline or not? Does it matter? If The "Farvelous" one wants to play, he will. His Agent Bus Cook says "Brett is at a different level then most." Which level is that? The level that he's finally realized he should hang it up for good this time? Or the level that says " i could still make a few dollars and be competative for at least a few games." Earth To Brett, come in Brett: please stop trying to embarrass yourself. We Know you were one of the greatest ever to play the game. the sooner you retire the sooner you get the gold jacket and the bust in Canton.
REX GROSSMAN sighting!! Rex has been spotted in Houston Texas, where it is reported that he will compete for the third string QB job against Alex Brink, and behind Matt Schaub and Dan Orlovsky. Now you know why half the population of Houston roots for Dallas instead.
In Denver, head coach Josh McDaniels has named QB Kyle Orton the starter during the teams' mini-camp. I had looked like it would be between Orton and Chris Simms as to who would get the nod for the 2009 season. Orton was part of the Jay Cutler deal with the Bears.
Finally, We have reports that Former all pro QB Trent Green Retired late this week after 15 seasons. When interviewed by Foxsports.com Green said "I feel this is finally the right time, I've talked about it with (the family) for a while, especially with the concussions over the last few years. We all felt it was the time to do it." Green returned to the St. Louis area where he was raised for the 2008 season. He also played for the Chargers, Redskins, Dolphins, and
Chiefs over his career.
http://vimeo.com/5097875
UFL HOLDS COURT In NY: Introduces New Owner and head coach to local media
If you had said to me three years ago that a new professional Football league would start up and play games during the fall, when the NFL and College Football (not to mention High School Football) were in full swing, i would have suggested some sort of substance abuse recovery program. two years ago if you were one of the co-founders of this joint venture and you would have polled veteran sports media types, weather traditional print, or electronic/new media, someone might have said " it might work for a year or two, but it will go the way of the USFL and XFL." Six Months ago I might have said to you "If the economy were different...."
With many in the business world saying that the worst of the financial down turn could be over before the end of the coming holiday season, it just might be the perfect time to launch a new Pro Football league. So today myself and a small but experienced group of football journalists, along with several executives involved with the UFL came together for their first New York based press conference at the Cornell Club in Midtown Manhattan. Commissioner Michael Huyghue opened the media meet and greet with about 6 or so minutes of information commentary, after which he turned it over to the New York franchise' head coach, Ted Cottrell.
Don't let Cotrell's calm business like demeanor fool you. This man is excited to finally have a shot as a head coach, something it looked like he would never get in the NFL, even with 24 years of experience as a position coach and defensive coordinator. To say that he got a raw deal in his last two stops (with San Deigo & the NY Jets) would be an understatement. He warmed up the crowd almost instantly with" Only in NY would a head coach get a round of applause before he's coached a game." He stated that he was truly honored to be in this position.
"If you ask me what kind of team we will have in NY, it will be the kind of team that gives you it's all on the field today."
"I expect to see players playing hard from start to finish, that's what i expect"
Later he told a smaller group of us. " We are trying ti watch the age of the Veteran players we bring in, with the concern that players get worn down"
On Being in NY: " aside from this being the team i was assigned, I love it here. I was here for three years with the Jets, and as an assistant with Rutgers for 9 years, plus i worked in the NFL offices for a year."
On Being a 3-4 Defensive Guru and innovator: "well, this year we will run the 4-3 based on the fact that we want to change things up a bit."
On his assistants: "I had to find a group of guys i could trust, guys i knew well. with the exception of one coach, everyone on this staff has worked with me before.
On His Offensive coordinator: "Wes Chandler" (that's good enough for me!)
Chandler played 11 seasons in the NFL, and was a big part in the 1981 "Epic in Miami" playoff game (6-106-1TD on a 56 yd. punt return). His Coaching career includes stops in NFL Europe, and in the NFL with Dallas, and most recently with Cleveland.
We also Heard from the NY franchise Owner Bill Mayer, the Founder of Park Avenue Equity. Probably the most interesting thing Mr. Mayer let drop is that he was a former NY Jets season ticket holder, and that after a few years of traveling to New Jersey for games He was just plain fed up. "This team will play somewhere east of the east river" said Mayer. Hmmmm...do the math. The New Facility at Citi field would be perfect, but it's playing surface is just not set up for football. That leaves...Hmmm...That college in Hempstead Ny when the Jets used to hold their training camp and practices. We think Hofstra would be a great place, but we will have to wait for a formal announcement.
Final Notes: Every good sports endeavor needs a good P.R. person, and the UFL has a very good one In Rachel Gary. She was fantastic today, and so far in every contact this reporter has had with her. It was also my pleasure to meet and report today with fellow examiner Andy Kossak who is the National Pro Football examiner.
| FROM NFLMedia.com Record 39 Million Fans Tune Into 2009 NFL Draft On NFL Network, ESPN & ESPN2 |
| 04/28/2009 |
Below are this years Photos From DRAFT WEEKEND
Matt Cassel Talks with us at the 2009 EA sports NFL DRAFT EVENT
Baltimore's Ray Lewis clue's us in to what it's really like for a young player on Draft Day
Above: Mr. Goodell at the Play 60 Event in NYC's Central Park on 4/24/09
Below: Giants RB Brandon Jacobs Tells us "the Giants are built to win Now," At the EA SPORTS DRAFT EVENT: This Section's Photos By A.C.F.Chachkes for FRO/GIDG/SBS Media
Above: Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald-Below Kansas St. QB Josh Freeman
Photos By A.C.F. Chachkes for FRO/GIDG/SBS Media
Brian Cushing and Dr. Bill Share a "JOKE" at the Play 60 Event
Photo By A.C.F. Chachkes for FRO/GIDG/SBS Media
Above: The Main Hall at Radio city early on Day two-Photo by Dr. Bill Chachkes for FRO/GIDG/SBS Media
The Thursday After: a Draft Wrap up part 2-BY Dr. Bill Chachkes for
Football Reporters Online/GridIron Draft Guide/SBS Media
I will admit you have to give the Giants credit for getting as many needs filled as possible. GM Jerry Reese knew he would need not one, but two receivers in this draft. In Hakeem Nicks(Rd1-29th overall), they get a natural talent at the position who runs pass routes well, has excellent speed, both before and after the catch. The one knock on Nicks is that he is only 6' 3/4" and some would have thought they would have gotten a taller receiver. Wait, they also got a tall receiver in the third round in Ramses Barden. The tallest receiver in this draft at 6'5-1/2" and 230 pounds, Barden is big enough to fill Plaxico Burress' shoes. he may not have the speed, but he has the body and the hands to play the jump ball game in the back of the endzone. Barden also runs good pass patterns and will help stretch the defenses. 2nd round selection Clint Sintim is an LB from Virginia who will help with depth on the defense. The other #2 selection OT William Beatty, will help the depth on an aging offensive line. 4th round choice TE Travis Beckum of Wisconsin will make the team simply because he will cost less then at least one of Kevin Boss's back ups. 5th round choice Rhett Bomar was a stand out QB at Oklaholma, but was dismissed for rules violations and finished his last two years at Sam Houston State. RB Andre Brown, and CB's DeAndre Wright, and Stoney Woodson will at least get into camp. Grade: B
The rest of the NFC:
Eagles: 7 Picks. Although Philly adds three quality starters in Maclin (Rd1), RB LeSean McCoy (Rd2), and TE Cornelius Ingram (Rd3), but little else after that. These three will contribute, and Maclin will be a star in the NFL like his new teammate DeSean Jackson. Ingram needs to improve run blocking. Grade B-
Cowboys: 12 picks. A half grade off for trading out of round 2 when they already gave up round one choice. LB Jason Williams, OT Robert Brewster, and QB Stephen McGee address needed depth. Large group of picks give camp roster extra bodies, but how much else? Grade D+
Redskins: 5 Picks. After DE Brian Orapko (Rd1) Washington didn't do all that well with only 2 picks in the first 3+ rounds. FB Eddie williams is already a" Bubble" player. CB Kevin Barnes, and LB's Cody Glenn and Robert Henson are reserves at best. Grade: C
Bears: 9 Picks. This group could have even been better if there was a choice in the first two rounds. 6 of the 9 picks should contribute though, and the WR trio of Juaquin Iglesias, Johnny Knox, and Derek Kinder give the receivers depth for new QB Jay Cutler. DT Jarron Gilbert has upside potential as a pass rusher. Grade: B-
Lions: 10 Picks. Give Detroit credit for getting the Stafford deal done, even if they paid a bit over what he's really worth. TE Brandon Pettigrew was the best of a weak class at his position, but could play a crossover role as an end/ receiver. Louis Delmas is a quality safety, but he was the only DB they selected. Grade: B+
Packers: 8 Picks. Six of this group will make the Packers roster this year. BJ Raji (Rd1) should be a force for years to come on the inside of defensive line. LB Clay Matthews is also a quality prospect, and FB Quinn Johnson will contribute. The offensive line will be helped by T.J Lang and Jamon Meredith. The only down side is the lack of a higher rated DB prospect. Grade: A-
Vikings: 5 Picks. The whole ball of wax here is Percy Harvin. "If" is the biggest two letter word in the universe and it applies to Harvin here. OT Phil Loadholt will be a contributor and could quietly be a draft steal, but there isn't much else to get excited about here. Grade: C+ if Harvin gets strait, otherwise, a C
Falcons: 8 Picks. First round pick DT Peria Jerry can play, but can he stay healthy? Atlanta needed defensive help just about everywhere, and they addressed that in this draft, taking only one offensive player in OT Garrett Reynolds. DE Lawrence Sidbury of FCS national champion Richmond university is a gift in round 4.
Grade: B+
Panthers: 7 Picks: Everette Brown could have been a low first or high second round selection in a different year. He will eventually develop into Julius Peppers' replacement. CB's Sherrod Martin and Captain Munnerlyn should provide added reinforcements to the defensive backfield. RB Mike Goodson and FB Tony Fiammetta will take some pressure of the passing game. No selections in the top 50 picks did hurt though. Grade: C+
Saints: 4 Picks (but made deals prior to this for Shockey and Vilma). CB Malcom Jenkins will have almost an instant impact on the defensive secondary.
Punter Tom Morestead will most likely make the team. The other two picks, S Chip Vaughn and LB Stanley Arnoux will be solid reserves. The lack of early selections hurts here. Grade: B-
Buccaneers: 6 Picks: Coach Morris will have his very own QB of the future in Josh Freeman. DL's Roy Miller and Kyle Moore are good selections. WR Sammie Stroughter will pay off down the road, but nothing will come of this class for 2009.
Grade: C-
Cardinals: 8 Picks. Just have to love what the Cards did in this draft. Chris Wells' anguish is Arizona's gain here. OL's Herman Johnson and Trevor Canfield will add depth, although Johnson was touted as the best Guard in the class. his size might force his move outside to tackle. S Rashard Johnson and CD Greg Toler will also help the Cards pass defense. Grade: B
Rams: 7 Picks. OT Jason Smith & LB James Laurinaitis fill glaring needs right off the bat. QB Keith Null(6th Rd) could become the 3rd QB. sadly, the Rams didn't go for a receiver until the 5th round, but got Hakeem NIcks' teammate Brooks Foster of North Carolina, a steady possession receiver, who might be able to develop some moves. Grade: B
49ers: 7 Picks. We can't say enough about Michael Crabtree, even if he can't do the Deion Sanders dance too well. He may wind up to be the lone starter in 2009 from this draft class, But they needed to get help for whomever the starting QB is. Grade B-
Seahawks: 7 Picks. When no one wanted to trade up to the 4th spot, the 'Hawks devided to reinforce their pass rush with Aaron Curry(Rd1). OC Max Unger in round 2 is also an instant starter. the rest of the picks are all contributors in some way this season. WR Deion Butler and TE Cam Morrah are great value picks. Grade: B+
The Monday After: a Draft Wrap up part 1
The NFL Draft is where the wild things are. This year the Jets fans were more then just wild, They were wildly happy that owner Woody Johnson gave GM Mike Tannenbaum and Head Coach Rex Ryan the Green light to trade up for USC QB Mark Sanchez. But Is Sanchez what the NY Jets really need? While the Jets organization, most of the beat media, and even most fans feel that the USC Product was one of the only two QB's in this draft that could start sooner rather then later, I'm not totally convinced. Personally, i don't dislike him, infact he is very likeable, with a great sense of humor and a great personality, which he showed in the draft press conference Sunday when two of my writing partners, SBS media's Zennie Abraham and Yardbarker.com's Dewey Hammond were razzing him about his hair and the CAL-USC rivalry. It's not his ability, he has plenty. I just think the Jets gave up too much to get him in this economy, and the Jets already have three QB's, including one they won't let play the position (Brad Smith) who passed for over 5,000 yards in college. Maybe they will try the wildcat offense with slow guys. Meanwhile they did not address the issue of getting a fast receiver. Had they done so, any QB would have been good enough for one more year. Give the Jets a B to a B+ depending on how long it takes Sanchez to get it together and adjust to the NFL game, which his agent David Dunn says will happen smoothly.
Thoughts on the other AFC teams:
Bills: 8 Picks. LB Aaron Maybin (rd1) and CB Jairus Byrd are good solid choices, But OC Eric Wood wasn't even among the top 2 Centers, and the other Offensive Lineman Andy Levitre was only an after thought on many Draft expert's charts, including mine. Grade: C to C-
Dolphins: 10 Picks. I'd like to give big poppa Parcells the benefit of the doubt here(and so would at least one of my associates who knows him personally and spend a year following him as research on his book) regarding Vontae Davis, But ego runs in the family (see big brother Vernon). I love Pat White as a QB, but they need to add more speed at receiver for the wildcat to work well. Sean Smith is the biggest CB i have ever seen. no addition of a Stout DL would worry the Phins faithful. Grade: C+ unless White gets the help he needs.
Patriots: 12 Picks. S Pat Chung could play anywhere in the defensive backfield, and Butler is a shutdown CB. Got Depth and scored 2 picks next year by smart trades, but no true "impact" players here. Grade: B
Ravens: 6 Picks: Just on Mike Oher alone Ozzie Newsome and his personnel crew get the "A", but i have to take away a half a grade because CB Lardarius Webb could pass for a 15 year old H.S. player in his pads at 177lbs. soaking wet. Rb Cedric Peerman could develop into a good reserve/role player. Grade: A-
Bengals: 11Picks. If Andre Smith doesn't flake out from the stress, he could someday be in that Building in Canton. Rey Maualuga is the Troy Polumalu of inside linebackers, and TE Chase Coffman has the NFL pedigree through his dad. Add OC Jon Luigs and P Kevin Huber(if he continues to improve his hang time numbers). The issue as always in Cincy is will these guys act their age or their shoe size. Grade: B-
Browns: 8 Picks. Alex Mack is the best Center in this class. Add the two receivers, Robiskie & Massaquoi and LB Kaluka Maiava (who we all know is the nephew of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) and you have added enough depth at key positions. Kudos to the Mangeinus for doing the deal with his old team, but there aren't any Real great players here. Grade: C
Steelers: 9 Picks. While i like DT Ziggy Hood, OL Kraig Urbik and OC A.Q. Shipley are back-ups at best for now. CB Joe Burnett is a decent CB for where he was picked. The rest are just back-ups if they make it at all. Grade: C+
Texans: 8 Picks. Houston got one of the steals of round one with Brian Cushing, and Connor Barwin will combine with Mario Williams to greatly improve the Texans D. The only problem here is that no receiver or running back was chosen to help with depth. Grade B+
Colts: 8 Picks. Are you surprised that Donald Brown came of the board before Ohio State's Chris Wells? You shouldn't be, because Brown is more adaptable to more offensive sets. DT Fili Moala, WR Austin Collie, and QB Curtis Painter will help with depth, but they still need another DL from somewhere. P Pat McAfee could get the job on his toughness alone. Grade: B
Jaguars: 9 Picks. Great use of draft slots to get the best players to fill needs. OT's Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton will help Maurice Jones Drew have a "career" year in 2009, plus adding three receivers (Mike Thomas, Jarett Dillard, and Tiquan Underwood will add bench depth, but they are still missing an instant starter at the position to help veteran FA signing Torry Holt. Liberty;s Rashad Jennings is an undiscovered talent at RB. Grade: B+
Titans: 11 Picks. I'd grade them higher if i could but they didn't get someone who could even develop into Al Hanesworth's replacement. Sen'Derrick Marks is good but not good enough yet to do it alone. WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook will add some zest to the passing game, and smallish RB Javon Ringer was a Michigan State stand out and quality person all around, who could be the next Dave Meggett talent wise. Grade: B
Broncos: 10 Picks. Although Ex-Georgia Bulldog Knowshon Moreno was the best RB in the Draft in my mind, Denver did little else to help other need areas, like the defensive line. Also didn't address the offensive line until late in the draft. Grade: D-
Chiefs: 8 Picks. Nice job of starting to rebuild the defense. RB Javarris Williams from Tenn. State in the Ohio Valley Conference was one of our "small school prospect unknown" and another steal at his position in round 7.Still need more help for QB Matt Cassel. Grade: B+
Raiders: 7 Picks. If Al Davis would only retire or at least let someone else handle the personnel side of things, maybe the raiders can move forward. While Darrius Heyward-Bey is a quality receiver he wasn't the 7th pick overall, and who the heck is Michael Mitchell? Grade: D+ if Heyward-Bey develops faster then expected, otherwise they get the big "F" again.
Chargers: 8 Picks. While I really like LB Larry English as a defensive player, there is no way he should have been a 1st round pick no matter how much you are worried about Shawne Merriman not being able to come all the way back. Explain to me why you also pick 2 OG's in a weak class for Guards? LSU's Demetrius Byrd is a better receiver then his slot would indicate. Seems to me like they had a Brain Cluster after Denver picked Moreno ahead of them. Grade: B-
Next: The Giants and the NFC
Live from Day Two of the NFL DRAFT-by Dr. Bill Chachkes
So lets go over some day one stuff. When people ask me 'Why do High Ranked players Drop?" I have to say most of the time it's just a team's preference. such as the case with Ole Miss Offensive tackle Mike Oher. Although at his Presser he told us "don't feel bad for me i was still taken in the first round," we have to feel a little sorry for him because he waited 3 hours(as if he were the Brady Quinn of this Draft).
Brian Cushing dropped a bit as well. We expected him to be a top 10 selection and he went 15th to the Texans. He wanted his doubters to know there was no foundation to their disbelief of his ability to play.
Another surprise was the Chris Wells of Ohio St. didn't go until the 31st. pick to Arizona, and that both Donald Brown of UConn and Knownshon Moreno of Georgia went ahead of him (Brown to the Colts at #27 and Moreno at #12 to Denver).
Cleveland took two Wide outs in round two. Brian Robiskie of Ohio St.
and Mohamed Massaquoi from Georgia. Both weigh about 210. Robiskie is 6'3" and Massaquoi is 6'2". So i guess Braylon Edwards is gone no matter what.
So before anyone starts asking me about Hakeem Nicks to the Giants at 29, they needed more then one receiver and he was the best one on the board. The Giants did address the lack of height at the position by selecting the tallest receiver in this draft, and one of my favorite players, Cal Poly's Ramses Barden. I'm having a great time these two days working with so many great people, like Black Athlete.com's Tony McClean & Yarbarker's Dewey Hammond, as well as our own director of scouting Mike Ingram, and our blogging partner Zennie Abraham of SBS Media.
More Day two stuff later.
The 2009 NFL DRAFT Pre-Events Day-By Dr.Bill Chachkes
What a busy day! First The SBS/FRO-GIDG Team Stopped by the NFL Play 60 Event in Central Park, where we interviewed some of the Top Draftees (9 are here-the most since 1996), but we couldn't get to them all. We did Visit with Brian Cushing, and Eugene Monroe (both NY area local Products), as well as Mike Oher, Matt Stafford, Josh Freeman, and Jason Smith.
All spoke to the youth in attendance at the event to "Stay in School, Eat Healthy, listen to your Parents, and Get 60 minutes of activity play a day."
Next stop was the EA Sports Madden 2010 event, which we attended to get interviews with Matt Cassel, Brandon Jacobs, Ray Lewis, and Larry Fitzgerald (their Photos above as well). Our last stop was the Photo op. where the future draftees and NFL.com's Gil Brant were on top of the Radio City Marque. Some of our off the top impressions from the interviews: Matt Stafford knows he will be playing in he NFL, and it doesn't matter to him where, as long as it gets done tonight (and it has, Stafford will be the first overall selection with a 78 million dollar contract from the Lions according to ESPN.com). More on this later today as all the details are made available to us.
At the Ea Sports Draft event, Fitzgerald spoke about how he hoped Anquan Boldin reconsidered his trade request, as he felt the Cards were ready for another run towards post season. Brandon Jacobs echoed the same feelings."the Giants are not a team under construction, we are already built to win" he told us. Ray Lewis told us when he talks to young players coming out in the draft and they ask for advice he tells them to "make sure they act wisely with their newfound wealth."
It was a long Day and the Next two will be longer.
Our Audio interviews will be up after the weekend, but enjoy these photos for now.
