Undrafted Free Agent Time
- Thread starter libertadrocks
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Yamahopper
Hall of Fame
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- Jul 31, 2010
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If Ray Ray still has it he could end up as a starter sooner or later. He was once predicted as least a 2nd round choice. A better prospect than Elam or McDonald once upon a time. But he screwed up. Blah Blah Blah.lockdnram21 said:
He can flat put the wood on people. Decent in coverage. I'm looking forward to see what he has left.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18NS59HOEGA[/youtube]
Ran a 4.7 forty at his pro day?
- Joined
- Jul 15, 2010
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- 13,792
- Name
- Bo Bowen
Mike Gilliard, ILB, UGA is a local boy from here in Valdosta, Ga. I hear he is a good kid. When asked what is the first thing he would buy when he signs a contract, he replied a new washer and dryer for his mom.
-X-
Medium-sized Lebowski
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2010
- Messages
- 35,576
- Name
- The Dude
Jorgen Hus goes from Regina Rams to NFL'S St. Louis Rams
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/Jorgen+goes+from+Regina+Rams+Louis/8308229/story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/footba ... story.html</a>
Consistency is a must for any long-snapper. Jorgen Hus already has that down pat.
The Saskatoon-born Hus, who spent the past three Canada West football seasons with the University of Regina Rams, signed with the NFL's St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent on Saturday.
"When they called, the first words were, 'Are you ready to keep wearing a Ram uniform?' '' Hus said. "I said, 'Yeah, let's keep it on as long as possible.'
"It's kind of funny how that worked out, going from Rams to Rams. It's awesome.''
That was evident from talking to Hus.
"I couldn't be happier right now,'' he said. "It has been an eight-year grind - an eight-year plan - and it's all starting to come together now. My emotions are all over the place right now. I'm just so super-happy. I can't even describe it.
"I had a good idea that they were going to call, but once they actually did and I saw the area code and I knew it was for real, I just started shaking.''
Hus, 23, was among two Rams who signed with NFL teams after the draft concluded Saturday. Defensive lineman Stefan Charles signed on with the Tennessee Titans.
Whereas there was plenty of pre-draft speculation about Charles, Hus generally flew under the radar until Saturday - and that was fine with him.
Ideally, long-snappers are never noticed. Their names are seldom mentioned unless snaps go awry.
In the case of Hus, his snaps are invariably on target, much like a plan he formulated while in his second year at St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon.
"I just envisioned it from Grade 10,'' he said. "I remember a coach told me in Grade 10 that you can make a life-long career and a lot of money if you can learn how to snap a ball. He said it's a good position that has a lot of longevity.
"I took that seriously and I've been doing that and I've always planned (for the NFL). I've just stuck to my guns and focused and did all the right things all along the years. I knew that one day it would pay off.''
On the surface, it seems far-fetched that someone from Saskatchewan can end up signing with an NFL team. Hus shrugged off the skeptics.
"There were doubters,'' acknowledged the 6-foot-1, 233-pounder, who is also a linebacker. "I don't want to say any names, but there were some people who always thought (his goal was unattainable). My whole life, it has always been, 'You're too small ... not big enough,' and I've even had teams tell me that now.
"But at the end of the day, it just takes one coach to fall in love with you, one coach to like you enough to sign you, and that's what happened here. All those doubts have just fuelled me throughout the years.
"It has always been like that. I've never been at the top of anything. I've never been the first guy picked. I've never been starting at this or that. It has just been, 'Keep to the grind and snap and one day it will work out.' Now, all of a sudden, it's starting to work out.
"I love the way it has all unfolded. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad it worked out like this - just being that under-the-radar guy.''
With a contract secured, Hus hopes to emulate one of his role models, Regina-born Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan.
Ryan is one of only three Saskatchewan-born players to suit up in the NFL, the others being former New Orleans Saints running back Rueben Mayes (from North Battleford) and ex-New York Giants defensive tackle Arnie Weinmeister (from Rhein).
Hus played high school football for the St. Joseph Guardians before spending three seasons with the PFC's Saskatoon Hilltops. Then it was off to the Rams, who named him their special-teams player of the year last season.
In addition to performing the long-snapping duties, Hus made 11 solo tackles and 10 assisted tackles on special teams in nine games (playoffs included) in 2012. His ability to make tackles downfield, in addition to handling the snapping, added to his marketability down south.
Having signed a three-year contract with St. Louis, the next step for Hus is to make the team. He is preparing for a three-day rookie mini-camp, slated for May 10-12.
"It's a dream come true,'' Hus said. "Hopefully it all pans out.
"It has been a fun journey and I don't want it to end anytime soon.''
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/football/roughriders-football/Jorgen+goes+from+Regina+Rams+Louis/8308229/story.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.leaderpost.com/sports/footba ... story.html</a>
Consistency is a must for any long-snapper. Jorgen Hus already has that down pat.
The Saskatoon-born Hus, who spent the past three Canada West football seasons with the University of Regina Rams, signed with the NFL's St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent on Saturday.
"When they called, the first words were, 'Are you ready to keep wearing a Ram uniform?' '' Hus said. "I said, 'Yeah, let's keep it on as long as possible.'
"It's kind of funny how that worked out, going from Rams to Rams. It's awesome.''
That was evident from talking to Hus.
"I couldn't be happier right now,'' he said. "It has been an eight-year grind - an eight-year plan - and it's all starting to come together now. My emotions are all over the place right now. I'm just so super-happy. I can't even describe it.
"I had a good idea that they were going to call, but once they actually did and I saw the area code and I knew it was for real, I just started shaking.''
Hus, 23, was among two Rams who signed with NFL teams after the draft concluded Saturday. Defensive lineman Stefan Charles signed on with the Tennessee Titans.
Whereas there was plenty of pre-draft speculation about Charles, Hus generally flew under the radar until Saturday - and that was fine with him.
Ideally, long-snappers are never noticed. Their names are seldom mentioned unless snaps go awry.
In the case of Hus, his snaps are invariably on target, much like a plan he formulated while in his second year at St. Joseph High School in Saskatoon.
"I just envisioned it from Grade 10,'' he said. "I remember a coach told me in Grade 10 that you can make a life-long career and a lot of money if you can learn how to snap a ball. He said it's a good position that has a lot of longevity.
"I took that seriously and I've been doing that and I've always planned (for the NFL). I've just stuck to my guns and focused and did all the right things all along the years. I knew that one day it would pay off.''
On the surface, it seems far-fetched that someone from Saskatchewan can end up signing with an NFL team. Hus shrugged off the skeptics.
"There were doubters,'' acknowledged the 6-foot-1, 233-pounder, who is also a linebacker. "I don't want to say any names, but there were some people who always thought (his goal was unattainable). My whole life, it has always been, 'You're too small ... not big enough,' and I've even had teams tell me that now.
"But at the end of the day, it just takes one coach to fall in love with you, one coach to like you enough to sign you, and that's what happened here. All those doubts have just fuelled me throughout the years.
"It has always been like that. I've never been at the top of anything. I've never been the first guy picked. I've never been starting at this or that. It has just been, 'Keep to the grind and snap and one day it will work out.' Now, all of a sudden, it's starting to work out.
"I love the way it has all unfolded. I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm glad it worked out like this - just being that under-the-radar guy.''
With a contract secured, Hus hopes to emulate one of his role models, Regina-born Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan.
Ryan is one of only three Saskatchewan-born players to suit up in the NFL, the others being former New Orleans Saints running back Rueben Mayes (from North Battleford) and ex-New York Giants defensive tackle Arnie Weinmeister (from Rhein).
Hus played high school football for the St. Joseph Guardians before spending three seasons with the PFC's Saskatoon Hilltops. Then it was off to the Rams, who named him their special-teams player of the year last season.
In addition to performing the long-snapping duties, Hus made 11 solo tackles and 10 assisted tackles on special teams in nine games (playoffs included) in 2012. His ability to make tackles downfield, in addition to handling the snapping, added to his marketability down south.
Having signed a three-year contract with St. Louis, the next step for Hus is to make the team. He is preparing for a three-day rookie mini-camp, slated for May 10-12.
"It's a dream come true,'' Hus said. "Hopefully it all pans out.
"It has been a fun journey and I don't want it to end anytime soon.''
-X-
Medium-sized Lebowski
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2010
- Messages
- 35,576
- Name
- The Dude
Davis comments on joining Rams
By BRAD KEITH
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sports/pro/article_655f1018-b0e2-11e2-b16d-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=image&photo=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sport ... ge&photo=0</a>
The dust had barely settled from the three-day 2013 NFL Draft when two prospects with local ties were agreeing to undrafted free agent deals.
Texas Tech safety Cody Davis, a 2008 Stephenville High School graduate, agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams, while Tarleton State's Cordell Valentine, a receiver and return specialist, was invited to minicamp with the Oakland Raiders.
Tarleton State head coach Cary Fowler said offensive lineman Adrian Campbell was still in discussions with teams and may also receive a camp invite.
Davis was an all-state defensive back as a junior and senior at Stephenville, helping the Yellow Jackets to the 4A Division I semifinals in 2005 and the 4A Division II area finals in 2006 and 2007.
At Texas Tech, Davis was a Freshman All-American and went on to make various All-Big 12 teams throughout his career. He led the conference in solo tackles per game as a junior and was second in total solo tackles as a senior, when he was also a first-team selection Capital One Academic All-America Team.
Davis said the final day of the draft - Saturday - was a stressful one that he spent with family.
"You're just on the edge of your seat the whole time, getting calls all day from teams saying they might pick you here, might pick you there," Davis said. "Then a lot of free agency deals get done 10 to 15 minutes after the draft, so it happens fast. The Rams actually called me in the fourth or fifth round because they didn't have any picks left and were already expressing interest in me as a free agent."
The Rams weren't the only ones vying for Davis.
"During the last round my phone was ringing off the hook with free agent offers," he said. "I had 10 or 11 free agent offers and in 15 minutes or so had to figure out which was best for me. I figured that was with the Rams, so I went with it.
"It was exciting, a real breath of fresh air to have a home and a team," he added. "I'm excited to be a St. Louis Ram and I believe there is a great opportunity there for me. (Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher and secondary coach Chuck Cecil) both called and told me they were excited to get me there and get me started."
And it starts with rookie mini-camp, followed by organized team activities.
"Finding a team is just the first step. Now comes the football part and making the team. I still have a long road ahead of me," said Davis. "But just getting back to the football part of all this is exciting. After the season you go into the crazy process of the draft with lots of politics involved, 40 times, drills, height and weight; football kind of gets lost in there. Now I'm just ready to get into my playbook and back on the field."
Davis credits much of his success to being raised in Stephenville.
"That's always been a key factor in my success. You realize even more when you leave Stephenville what a great community it is and how awesome of a football program it is," Davis said. "Everywhere I go, when I say I'm from Stephenville all people want to talk about is the great program and the football culture around the town.
"My work ethic, how I approach the game, my character and morals, all that comes from my background there in Stephenville," he added.
Another player with local ties did hear his name called out during the draft. Tarleton defensive end Rufus Johnson, an All-American and the 2012 Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year, was picked 183rd overall by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round.
Johnson joins a Saints franchise that also includes former Texan receiver Saalim Hakim, who was on the team's active roster for the final two weeks of the 2012 season.
Rookie mini-camp begins May 11 for the Rams and Saints and May 14 for the Raiders. Organized team activities are sporadic and continue through early June for each team.
Davis plans to spend the entirity of that stretch with his new team.
"I'm leaving (May 9) and I'll be there for 6-7 weeks," Davis said. "Rookie mini-camp is only a few days, and then we'll have OTA's. I'm just excited to see what it's all like. You go in with all these expectations, but you don't really know what it's like until you get there.
"I'm just going to do whatever I can to make the team," Davis said. "I'm trying to earn a starting position on both defense and special teams, so that's the focus now."
By BRAD KEITH
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sports/pro/article_655f1018-b0e2-11e2-b16d-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=image&photo=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sport ... ge&photo=0</a>
The dust had barely settled from the three-day 2013 NFL Draft when two prospects with local ties were agreeing to undrafted free agent deals.
Texas Tech safety Cody Davis, a 2008 Stephenville High School graduate, agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams, while Tarleton State's Cordell Valentine, a receiver and return specialist, was invited to minicamp with the Oakland Raiders.
Tarleton State head coach Cary Fowler said offensive lineman Adrian Campbell was still in discussions with teams and may also receive a camp invite.
Davis was an all-state defensive back as a junior and senior at Stephenville, helping the Yellow Jackets to the 4A Division I semifinals in 2005 and the 4A Division II area finals in 2006 and 2007.
At Texas Tech, Davis was a Freshman All-American and went on to make various All-Big 12 teams throughout his career. He led the conference in solo tackles per game as a junior and was second in total solo tackles as a senior, when he was also a first-team selection Capital One Academic All-America Team.
Davis said the final day of the draft - Saturday - was a stressful one that he spent with family.
"You're just on the edge of your seat the whole time, getting calls all day from teams saying they might pick you here, might pick you there," Davis said. "Then a lot of free agency deals get done 10 to 15 minutes after the draft, so it happens fast. The Rams actually called me in the fourth or fifth round because they didn't have any picks left and were already expressing interest in me as a free agent."
The Rams weren't the only ones vying for Davis.
"During the last round my phone was ringing off the hook with free agent offers," he said. "I had 10 or 11 free agent offers and in 15 minutes or so had to figure out which was best for me. I figured that was with the Rams, so I went with it.
"It was exciting, a real breath of fresh air to have a home and a team," he added. "I'm excited to be a St. Louis Ram and I believe there is a great opportunity there for me. (Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher and secondary coach Chuck Cecil) both called and told me they were excited to get me there and get me started."
And it starts with rookie mini-camp, followed by organized team activities.
"Finding a team is just the first step. Now comes the football part and making the team. I still have a long road ahead of me," said Davis. "But just getting back to the football part of all this is exciting. After the season you go into the crazy process of the draft with lots of politics involved, 40 times, drills, height and weight; football kind of gets lost in there. Now I'm just ready to get into my playbook and back on the field."
Davis credits much of his success to being raised in Stephenville.
"That's always been a key factor in my success. You realize even more when you leave Stephenville what a great community it is and how awesome of a football program it is," Davis said. "Everywhere I go, when I say I'm from Stephenville all people want to talk about is the great program and the football culture around the town.
"My work ethic, how I approach the game, my character and morals, all that comes from my background there in Stephenville," he added.
Another player with local ties did hear his name called out during the draft. Tarleton defensive end Rufus Johnson, an All-American and the 2012 Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year, was picked 183rd overall by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round.
Johnson joins a Saints franchise that also includes former Texan receiver Saalim Hakim, who was on the team's active roster for the final two weeks of the 2012 season.
Rookie mini-camp begins May 11 for the Rams and Saints and May 14 for the Raiders. Organized team activities are sporadic and continue through early June for each team.
Davis plans to spend the entirity of that stretch with his new team.
"I'm leaving (May 9) and I'll be there for 6-7 weeks," Davis said. "Rookie mini-camp is only a few days, and then we'll have OTA's. I'm just excited to see what it's all like. You go in with all these expectations, but you don't really know what it's like until you get there.
"I'm just going to do whatever I can to make the team," Davis said. "I'm trying to earn a starting position on both defense and special teams, so that's the focus now."
-X-
Medium-sized Lebowski
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2010
- Messages
- 35,576
- Name
- The Dude
Former Auburn receiver Emory Blake to sign with St. Louis Rams
as undrafted free agent
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/04/former_auburn_receiver_emory_b_1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index. ... y_b_1.html</a>
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Former Auburn receiver Emory Blake is expected to sign a deal with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent, according to his agent.
Blake was previously scheduled to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's rookie minicamp this week, but the Rams stepped in at the last minute and signed him to a deal. He is the third former Auburn player to sign a deal as an undrafted free agent since the conclusion of the NFL Draft on Saturday. He joins tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and linebacker Daren Bates.
St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher has a strong connection to the Auburn football program. His son, Trent, is a backup safety for the Tigers and the longtime NFL coach has attended games at Auburn.
Blake was Cam Newton's favorite receiver in 2010, leading the team with eight touchdown catches on only 33 grabs during the Tigers' run to the BCS national championship. He led the Tigers with 50 catches for 789 yards and three touchdowns last season, when the passing game sputtered under offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler.
Blake thrived in the hurry-up, no-huddle system implemented by Gus Malzahn in 2009 and 2010.
"He is not the fastest guy," Malzahn said last week. "He knows how to get open and he's a great competitor, wants the football, does a lot of the dirty work and what I mean by that is he loves to block. He's got an understanding of the game and he's one of the more mentally tougher receivers I've had a chance to coach."
Blake had scheduled two trips to rookie minicamps, and was expected to travel to New Orleans next week to attend the Saints camp before signing with the Rams.
as undrafted free agent
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2013/04/former_auburn_receiver_emory_b_1.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index. ... y_b_1.html</a>
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Former Auburn receiver Emory Blake is expected to sign a deal with the St. Louis Rams as an undrafted free agent, according to his agent.
Blake was previously scheduled to attend the Tampa Bay Buccaneer's rookie minicamp this week, but the Rams stepped in at the last minute and signed him to a deal. He is the third former Auburn player to sign a deal as an undrafted free agent since the conclusion of the NFL Draft on Saturday. He joins tight end Philip Lutzenkirchen and linebacker Daren Bates.
St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher has a strong connection to the Auburn football program. His son, Trent, is a backup safety for the Tigers and the longtime NFL coach has attended games at Auburn.
Blake was Cam Newton's favorite receiver in 2010, leading the team with eight touchdown catches on only 33 grabs during the Tigers' run to the BCS national championship. He led the Tigers with 50 catches for 789 yards and three touchdowns last season, when the passing game sputtered under offensive coordinator Scot Loeffler.
Blake thrived in the hurry-up, no-huddle system implemented by Gus Malzahn in 2009 and 2010.
"He is not the fastest guy," Malzahn said last week. "He knows how to get open and he's a great competitor, wants the football, does a lot of the dirty work and what I mean by that is he loves to block. He's got an understanding of the game and he's one of the more mentally tougher receivers I've had a chance to coach."
Blake had scheduled two trips to rookie minicamps, and was expected to travel to New Orleans next week to attend the Saints camp before signing with the Rams.
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2010
- Messages
- 12,111
- Name
- Rambeau
Found this info.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Getting-to-know-your-signed-UDFAs.html?xid=si_nfl
St. Louis Rams
Brett Baer, K, Lousiana Lafayette
Braden Brown, OT, BYU
Benny Cunningham, RB, Middle Tennessee State
Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech
Michael Gillard, MLB, Georgia
Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn
Gerald Rivers, DE, Ole Miss
Philip Steward, LB, Houston
Garrett Goebel, DT, Ohio State
Don Unamba, CB, Southern Arkansas
Jonathan Stewart, ILB, Texas A&M
Ray-Ray Armstrong, SAF, Faulkner/Miami
Kevin Saia, G, Louisiana Tech
Christian Robinson, LB, Georgia
Eric Stevens, DE, Cal
CJ Akins, WR, Angelo State
Drew Thomas, CB, Texas El-Paso
J Washington, DE, Oklahoma
Jorgen Hus, LS, University of Regina
Cannon Smith, SS, Memphis
Emory Blake, WR, Auburn
http://www.optimumscouting.com/draf...book-lone-star-conference-september-18th.html
#15 WR, C.J. Akins, 6’1 200 (UFA)
The only real bright spot for the Angelo State Rams, had to be the play of senior receiver C.J. Akins. Passing the eye test for an NFL receiver with size, speed, and length to both separate in route and at the point of the catch, Akins impressed in a variety of ways on Saturday –working both sides of the field as an X, Z, and slot receiver in trips; covering punts as the left gunner; and contributing on punt returns. As a receiver, Akins is an outstanding blocker that keeps his hands inside, latches onto the chest plate, and drives out with physicality. He consistently fired off the line of scrimmage with a convincing release, while exhibiting the plus change of direction and suddenness to break down, mirror the cornerback, and sustain his block. Sticking with his ability to change directions, Akins displayed the fluid hips and sudden burst to separate underneath with a variety of pass routes, including the pivot, slant, hitch, 5-yard in, 10-yard dig, and bench route. Dipping and bending his shoulders to avoid contact with the initial stem of the route, Akins continually attacked the leverage of the opposing corner to set up his route breaks. On top of all that, Akins excelled in the vertical passing game and at the point of the catch by showcasing elite body control and ability to extend and snatch the football cleanly off his frame. Akins caught all four fade targets thrown his way, with one coming in the red zone and resulting in a touchdown, while the other three each went for more than 35 yards. His catch point focus showed itself throughout the game, as he caught multiple targets in heavy traffic, being the only legitimate threat on the ASU offense.
NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams
Cannon Smith...awesome name.
edit: Watched the highlights. He's a very instinctive kid, reads QB's eyes very well, and seems to be in a good position most of the time. What looks like a very big problem is that he loves to stick, but he doesn't have enough in his back pocket, or explosion to do that. Now, in the NFL, I can see him getting hurt, because too many times he gets bent over backward at the knees. Needs a strength program stat.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX1rvuB2258[/youtube]
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Getting-to-know-your-signed-UDFAs.html?xid=si_nfl
St. Louis Rams
Brett Baer, K, Lousiana Lafayette
Braden Brown, OT, BYU
Benny Cunningham, RB, Middle Tennessee State
Cody Davis, S, Texas Tech
Michael Gillard, MLB, Georgia
Philip Lutzenkirchen, TE, Auburn
Gerald Rivers, DE, Ole Miss
Philip Steward, LB, Houston
Garrett Goebel, DT, Ohio State
Don Unamba, CB, Southern Arkansas
Jonathan Stewart, ILB, Texas A&M
Ray-Ray Armstrong, SAF, Faulkner/Miami
Kevin Saia, G, Louisiana Tech
Christian Robinson, LB, Georgia
Eric Stevens, DE, Cal
CJ Akins, WR, Angelo State
Drew Thomas, CB, Texas El-Paso
J Washington, DE, Oklahoma
Jorgen Hus, LS, University of Regina
Cannon Smith, SS, Memphis
Emory Blake, WR, Auburn
http://www.optimumscouting.com/draf...book-lone-star-conference-september-18th.html
#15 WR, C.J. Akins, 6’1 200 (UFA)
The only real bright spot for the Angelo State Rams, had to be the play of senior receiver C.J. Akins. Passing the eye test for an NFL receiver with size, speed, and length to both separate in route and at the point of the catch, Akins impressed in a variety of ways on Saturday –working both sides of the field as an X, Z, and slot receiver in trips; covering punts as the left gunner; and contributing on punt returns. As a receiver, Akins is an outstanding blocker that keeps his hands inside, latches onto the chest plate, and drives out with physicality. He consistently fired off the line of scrimmage with a convincing release, while exhibiting the plus change of direction and suddenness to break down, mirror the cornerback, and sustain his block. Sticking with his ability to change directions, Akins displayed the fluid hips and sudden burst to separate underneath with a variety of pass routes, including the pivot, slant, hitch, 5-yard in, 10-yard dig, and bench route. Dipping and bending his shoulders to avoid contact with the initial stem of the route, Akins continually attacked the leverage of the opposing corner to set up his route breaks. On top of all that, Akins excelled in the vertical passing game and at the point of the catch by showcasing elite body control and ability to extend and snatch the football cleanly off his frame. Akins caught all four fade targets thrown his way, with one coming in the red zone and resulting in a touchdown, while the other three each went for more than 35 yards. His catch point focus showed itself throughout the game, as he caught multiple targets in heavy traffic, being the only legitimate threat on the ASU offense.
NFL Teams represented: Carolina Panthers, St. Louis Rams
Cannon Smith...awesome name.
edit: Watched the highlights. He's a very instinctive kid, reads QB's eyes very well, and seems to be in a good position most of the time. What looks like a very big problem is that he loves to stick, but he doesn't have enough in his back pocket, or explosion to do that. Now, in the NFL, I can see him getting hurt, because too many times he gets bent over backward at the knees. Needs a strength program stat.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX1rvuB2258[/youtube]
JIMERAMS
Pro Bowler
- Joined
- Mar 23, 2013
- Messages
- 1,017
- Name
- Bill
The Dude said:Davis comments on joining Rams
By BRAD KEITH
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sports/pro/article_655f1018-b0e2-11e2-b16d-0019bb2963f4.html?mode=image&photo=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.yourstephenvilletx.com/sport ... ge&photo=0</a>
The dust had barely settled from the three-day 2013 NFL Draft when two prospects with local ties were agreeing to undrafted free agent deals.
Texas Tech safety Cody Davis, a 2008 Stephenville High School graduate, agreed to terms with the St. Louis Rams, while Tarleton State's Cordell Valentine, a receiver and return specialist, was invited to minicamp with the Oakland Raiders.
Tarleton State head coach Cary Fowler said offensive lineman Adrian Campbell was still in discussions with teams and may also receive a camp invite.
Davis was an all-state defensive back as a junior and senior at Stephenville, helping the Yellow Jackets to the 4A Division I semifinals in 2005 and the 4A Division II area finals in 2006 and 2007.
At Texas Tech, Davis was a Freshman All-American and went on to make various All-Big 12 teams throughout his career. He led the conference in solo tackles per game as a junior and was second in total solo tackles as a senior, when he was also a first-team selection Capital One Academic All-America Team.
Davis said the final day of the draft - Saturday - was a stressful one that he spent with family.
"You're just on the edge of your seat the whole time, getting calls all day from teams saying they might pick you here, might pick you there," Davis said. "Then a lot of free agency deals get done 10 to 15 minutes after the draft, so it happens fast. The Rams actually called me in the fourth or fifth round because they didn't have any picks left and were already expressing interest in me as a free agent."
The Rams weren't the only ones vying for Davis.
"During the last round my phone was ringing off the hook with free agent offers," he said. "I had 10 or 11 free agent offers and in 15 minutes or so had to figure out which was best for me. I figured that was with the Rams, so I went with it.
"It was exciting, a real breath of fresh air to have a home and a team," he added. "I'm excited to be a St. Louis Ram and I believe there is a great opportunity there for me. (Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher and secondary coach Chuck Cecil) both called and told me they were excited to get me there and get me started."
And it starts with rookie mini-camp, followed by organized team activities.
"Finding a team is just the first step. Now comes the football part and making the team. I still have a long road ahead of me," said Davis. "But just getting back to the football part of all this is exciting. After the season you go into the crazy process of the draft with lots of politics involved, 40 times, drills, height and weight; football kind of gets lost in there. Now I'm just ready to get into my playbook and back on the field."
Davis credits much of his success to being raised in Stephenville.
"That's always been a key factor in my success. You realize even more when you leave Stephenville what a great community it is and how awesome of a football program it is," Davis said. "Everywhere I go, when I say I'm from Stephenville all people want to talk about is the great program and the football culture around the town.
"My work ethic, how I approach the game, my character and morals, all that comes from my background there in Stephenville," he added.
Another player with local ties did hear his name called out during the draft. Tarleton defensive end Rufus Johnson, an All-American and the 2012 Lone Star Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year, was picked 183rd overall by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round.
Johnson joins a Saints franchise that also includes former Texan receiver Saalim Hakim, who was on the team's active roster for the final two weeks of the 2012 season.
Rookie mini-camp begins May 11 for the Rams and Saints and May 14 for the Raiders. Organized team activities are sporadic and continue through early June for each team.
Davis plans to spend the entirity of that stretch with his new team.
"I'm leaving (May 9) and I'll be there for 6-7 weeks," Davis said. "Rookie mini-camp is only a few days, and then we'll have OTA's. I'm just excited to see what it's all like. You go in with all these expectations, but you don't really know what it's like until you get there.
"I'm just going to do whatever I can to make the team," Davis said. "I'm trying to earn a starting position on both defense and special teams, so that's the focus now."
Man i really like this kid. he closes really well and runs through his tackles. speed and smarts. :cheese:
-X-
Medium-sized Lebowski
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NDSU's Andre' Martin, Jr. Receives Invite to St. Louis Rams Mini-Camp
FARGO, N.D. -- Former North Dakota State University defensive back and sprinter Andre' Martin, Jr. has received an invitation to the St. Louis Rams' rookie mini-camp following the completion of the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 27. The Rams' rookie mini-camp is scheduled to begin on May 9 in St. Louis.
A 5-foot-10, 191-pounder originally from St. Louis, Martin started 13 games at cornerback for NDSU in 2012. He led the Division I FCS national champion Bison with six pass break-ups, and his 51 total tackles were the sixth-most on the team.
Martin registered an interception and 37-yard return in the fourth quarter of NDSU's 39-13 win over Sam Houston State in the FCS championship game on Jan. 5.
Following the conclusion of the football season, Martin joined the NDSU track & field team, where he currently owns the fastest 100m dash time (10.66 seconds) by a Summit League athlete this season. According to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), Martin's 100m time is the 16th-fastest in the nation for a Division I football player.
Martin also owns the top 200m dash time for the Bison in 2013.
Martin began his collegiate football career at the University of Northern Iowa, where he started all 23 games in his first two seasons -- 11 at cornerback as a freshman in 2009 and 12 at safety as a sophomore in 2010. He joined NDSU for his senior season after graduating from UNI with a bachelor's degree in gerontology in May 2012.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=207506370" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml ... =207506370</a>
FARGO, N.D. -- Former North Dakota State University defensive back and sprinter Andre' Martin, Jr. has received an invitation to the St. Louis Rams' rookie mini-camp following the completion of the NFL Draft on Saturday, April 27. The Rams' rookie mini-camp is scheduled to begin on May 9 in St. Louis.
A 5-foot-10, 191-pounder originally from St. Louis, Martin started 13 games at cornerback for NDSU in 2012. He led the Division I FCS national champion Bison with six pass break-ups, and his 51 total tackles were the sixth-most on the team.
Martin registered an interception and 37-yard return in the fourth quarter of NDSU's 39-13 win over Sam Houston State in the FCS championship game on Jan. 5.
Following the conclusion of the football season, Martin joined the NDSU track & field team, where he currently owns the fastest 100m dash time (10.66 seconds) by a Summit League athlete this season. According to the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), Martin's 100m time is the 16th-fastest in the nation for a Division I football player.
Martin also owns the top 200m dash time for the Bison in 2013.
Martin began his collegiate football career at the University of Northern Iowa, where he started all 23 games in his first two seasons -- 11 at cornerback as a freshman in 2009 and 12 at safety as a sophomore in 2010. He joined NDSU for his senior season after graduating from UNI with a bachelor's degree in gerontology in May 2012.
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=2400&ATCLID=207506370" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.gobison.com/ViewArticle.dbml ... =207506370</a>
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Just saying a big thank you to everyone who made an effort in this thread. It has been a great read and simply fantastic, incredibly awesome, and just got better all the time for updates.
For all you folks did, this Bud's for you..
:cheers:
For all you folks did, this Bud's for you..
:cheers:
Memento
Your (Somewhat) Friendly Neighborhood Authoress.
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Rams have signed Al Lapuaho, a defensive lineman out of Utah State, as reported by the school:
http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042713aad.html
Apparently, he had 33 reps on the bench press at his Pro Day, which would've placed fourth among the lineman at the Combine. Not bad for a guy who's 292 lbs. Source is this article:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsususports/55969847-55/nfl-drills-davis-austin.html.csp
http://www.utahstateaggies.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042713aad.html
Apparently, he had 33 reps on the bench press at his Pro Day, which would've placed fourth among the lineman at the Combine. Not bad for a guy who's 292 lbs. Source is this article:
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsususports/55969847-55/nfl-drills-davis-austin.html.csp
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The Dude said:
Brodine's not 285lbs ourlads has him at 252lbs and the Ram website has him at 270, but IMO a DE more than a DT, however, with Fisher you never know. If you line-up him next to Matt Conrath one would surmise that it would be difficult to pass over them.
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The Dude said:
One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer
nighttrain
Legend
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And drinking alone.den-the-coach said:
train
nighttrain
Legend
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Love the way this Front Office and & Coaches work together. Far cry from the Ziggy daysRamhusker said:
train