http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/hyde/blog/2011/02/hello_again_many_thanks_for.html This week, Richard Lines finally makes a reappearance after having to deal with family issues back on the home front. We decided that heading into the Combine we would take a look at 6 players each that really interest us one way or another, and how they could fit in with the Miami Dolphins on draft day. We have again spruced in some video work to drive the point home for us.
Ellis was suspended for the game last year because of a fight he got into..He was at a party, some dude started it up with one of Ellis's teammates, and Ellis lumped him up pretty good.
CK was apprehensive about Jernigan earlier this year when I was pumping him up. I'm curious if he's changed his mind or if he still feels Jerrel is a 4.5 guy on the field. I see a burner out there, but that's just me. He's had some great games (and big plays) vs the big boys so I'm not worried about him coming from Troy. I'm not sure whether or not he'll be a great vertical threat b/c he wasn't used that way at Troy, but at least his speed needs to be respected. The kid is a serious competitor and a leader, so I'd love to have him (and his talent) here.
The 6 guys I'll be looking out for are RB Daniel Thomas RB Jamie Harper WR Greg Little HBack Charles Clay OLB Chris Carter QB Tyrod Taylor (if they have him do WR drills)
During this offseason, at least 5 times I have said How much I respect the talent of newton, however its ''mouth thats gonna get him in trouble''.. I haven't been shy about my feeling about this particular players intelligence.. Recent quote from Peter King... Peter King reports that Newton told him in a phone interview today, “I see myself not only as a football player, but an entertainer and icon.” As King notes, that’s the kind of comment that makes old-school football coaches blanch. Newton’s talent is undeniable, and yet I have a feeling there are more than a few NFL coaches who see comments like that and wonder if Newton is the kind of guy they want in their locker rooms. Now like I said, ive been pretty liberal with my adjectives when describing his brain, and I dont claim to know the player and how his confidence will translate to NFL players, but I do know that I dont like his vibe..and my gut thinks that he thinks that hes here on a mission from god, and seriously does not understand the difference between lucky and blessed.
He hasn't even been drafted yet and he already calls himself an icon? WTF. Can we squirt some cement through his ears to hopefully keep those few marbles from rattling around so much. I honestly believe the hamster running the wheel in his brain is missing a leg or two, and b/c of it, I do not trust him operating an NFL offense. Just sayin.
if I was a coach I would want him to see himself as an icon. Especially if he has the work ethic to back up his words. Entertainer is just being realisitic. All football players are entertainers.
I agree with this, but at the same time I agree with Deej. I don't think it's the player that should be anointing himself an Icon before he's even proven himself. He's putting the cart before the horse, and it's a little bothersome IMO. I have no problem with a franchise hyping up a guy as an icon...... as long as he's earned it like Manning, Brees, Brady, Andre Johnson, or AP.
he is in college football. Last I checked he was the quarterback who won the heisman and the national championship. If he called himself a NFL icon, then I would agree with you.
I cant disagree with that. My interpretation of it is that he's speaking of himself in the present and future, but I could be wrong. I'm just not sure if he's building up too much false sense of anticipated NFL success (or early success). He could be in a for a seriously bumpy road for his first few years, and I'm not sure if he comprehends that yet.
I think it's hilarious... but it's like a mash-up of American Pie and football... more American Pie than football. So if you're into that...
To know that for sure you would have to read his mind. What he said, taken at face value is all true. I do not know if he is saying he will have instant success in the NFL or if he is saying he is an amazing college football player. Also for his ability to comprehend it, I do not think ANY college football player can comprehend what it is like playing in the NFL. That is like no one can comprehend what exactly it is like to raise a child.
My feelings haven't changed on him. But I still haven't gotten hold of much more footage on him. I wonder if this famed 4.3 speed is going to turn out more like 4.47 or 4.49 speed in Indy.
Seeing yourself as an icon is a sign that you realize that there are a lot of eyes on you and that every little thing you do or say will carry consequences, negative and positive. To me, it's encouraging that Cam realizes this and is so willing to accept that kind of responsibility. Other guys that just want to keep their head down, ostensibly because they want to just work hard and not be a distraction, you're not all that surprised when what they really want is to be low profile enough for the public not to notice when you're caught choking kids that asked for your autograph, or having a gun you own used in a shooting. Yes, I'm talking about the ultimate "keep your head down and work hard" player, Marvin Harrison. Bottom line though is this is a quote that people that liked Newton will not see as any big deal, and a quote that people who already disliked Newton will harp on about. In other words, it doesn't move anyone's needle.
He's already an icon. He's a Heisman Winner, a National Champion, undefeated at Blinn and I believe he just signed with Under Armor the biggest endorsement deal any football player has ever signed, or something like that. I think this thing where we want to say he's not "yet" an icon takes blinders to the simple fact that the NFL is not the end-all, be-all of sports...that college football has many fans, a lot of whom couldn't give a rat's arse about the NFL, and that Cam Newton has indeed earned his place as a college football sports icon.
Thanks Grid. So what you're saying is I'll be watching it tonight. lol. Works for me since since Spartacus is only 55 minutes. grrrrr.
I'm still a little curious too b/c at times he "appears" to be separating from the field..... and other times he seems like he's fast but not elite fast. I wonder how much of that is him not kicking it into another gear.
If this is what he meant, then I definitely wouldn't have a problem with him saying it. The only thing that bothers me is him assuming this early that he'll be a leading figure in his sport (which to me is part of what defines a sports icon). This I completely agree with you on. I'd rather have a guy who has the confidence to embrace this type of role. I just dont want him getting ahead of himself. If he can tie his entire game together, then I think he's the type of person (as I feel he's grown immensely) that I'd want as the face of an organization as I can see him growing into a player who impacts more than just the football field, a guy who greatly gives back to the community. Despite my teasing of him, I'm really neither for nor against Cam at this point which is why I question the aspects of his game and persona that are still unknown. But I guess you could technically say that I'm against him (only b/c of the unknowns), however I could move to the pro-Cam side of the fence if he reassures me of some of these unknowns.
How can we be sure? Just kidding! Originally I wasn't a fan of him, but the more I see of him the more I'm fairly confident that he could have a Percy Harvin (who I believe ran a 4.4 at the combine) type role in our offense. I don't think he's that level of player, but certainly he could fill that role for us. The thing I'm most torn on is what to do about the running backs this year. I think Ingram is a stud, but it seems like there's a plethora of middle round guys that could turn out great. I'm just not loving the fact that the last two late round running backs we drafted haven't done much.
Roy Helu is a guy I have had an eye on and could be a good mid round pickup. He played very well but was overshadowed by the frosh phenom Martinez in Nebraska. If we don't get Ingram, I think Helu would definitely be a solid 3-4 round guy.
If we trade back or don't grab Ingram, then I can't say any two guys more paired to our needs than LeShoure or Daniel Thomas. It could be LeShoure in the late first or Thomas in the 3rd. There are only 3 WRs that I'd want on our team from this draft: Jernigan, Titus Young, Greg Little, or Julio Jones (and Tyrod Taylor if he'll change positions). I'm not a fan of Torrey Smith even though he's a fast guy. I see more of an athlete than an NFL receiver in him. The rest are mostly possession guys; I'll stab my eyes out if we take another one of them. Baldwin still peaks my interest if he times and interviews well.
I got Little ahead of Jernigan, and Tyrod taylor if Iam the GM, is gonna be a miami dolphin. weef be on the same page my brother.
This is much ado about nothing imo. This is why things need to be taken in context and an example of poor reporting by so called journalists. Jim Rome was ragging on him , but he NEVER mentioned that the reply was to a question about what Cam Newton felt or hoped to accomplish with his under armour deal. That is very different than how it is being portrayed by some. No disagreement that Cam Newton doesn't have himself some swagger and want to self promote , but this should be taken in context and it is irresponsible for journalists to not provide the entire background of this , imo.
That's an excellent point and you're right...people don't bring that up. For all we know, Under Armour flat out told him how to answer that question. They basically own him, and paid top dollar for him, so that wouldn't surprise me at all.
