View Full Version : Sooners in the NFL: 2007 Training Camp
I'll try to keep this one semi-updated too. I missed a few training camps while I was away this weekend, so I'll try to catch up on info.
I'll also try to keep a running tally of our guys in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens: Kelly Gregg, Mark Clayton, Dan Cody(PUP), Corey Ivy, Chris Chester
Chicago Bears: Tommie Harris, Mark Bradley, Dusty Dvoracek, JD Runnels(IR)
Cleveland Browns: Brodney Pool, Travis Wilson
Jacksonville Jaguars: Clint Ingram, Stockar McDougle(IR)
Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson, Rufus Alexander(IR)
Tennessee Titans: Andre Woolfolk(IR), Brandon Jones
Dallas Cowboys: Roy Williams
Denver Broncos: Stephen Alexander
Detroit Lions: Teddy Lehman
Kansas City Chiefs: Jimmy Wilkerson
New Orleans Saints: Jammal Brown
San Francisco 49ers: Brandon Moore
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Davin Joseph
7/31 - Linebacker Teddy Lehman walked off the field with a shoulder injury. (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070731/BLOG21/70731029)
7/30 - Teddy Lehman is pushing Paris Lenon at middle linebacker. (http://lions.scout.com/2/663155.html)
7/28 - Linebacker Teddy Lehman also has looked strong. (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070728/SPORTS01/707280343/1049/SPORTS01)
7/27 - Don't be surprised if he moves Teddy Lehman out of one of those backup nickel linebacker spots. (http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/07/blog_furrey_taken_for_granted.html)
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/9917/lehman01jx3.jpg
Doesn't look good for Q though. The Texans signed Pass today.
7/28 - Chris Taylor's knee injury and Wali Lundy's sore back are forcing the Texans to bring in some backs for tryouts, including veterans Quentin Griffin (http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/5008865.html) and Patrick Pass.
Grimey
7/31/2007, 04:46 PM
My favorite thread! Hate to have to crap it up with this though:(
Former Oklahoma linebacker Dan Cody (http://newsok.com/article/3095319)could miss the entire NFL season with a knee injury, according to a report in the Baltimore Sun.
Cody, who is in his third season with the Ravens, will sit out the next four weeks. He hyperextended his right knee and tore cartilage during a non-contact drill on May 20. He told The Sun he had his knee scoped two weeks ago.
If his knee doesn't improve, he could have surgery, which would force him to miss the season.
"I've just got to wait and see. It's too early to figure out where I'm at," Cody told The Sun. "Hopefully, having surgery arthroscopically will kind of fix it.""We're just trying to help Dan get healthy and see if we can get him back on the field," Ravens coach Brian Billick told The Sun.
7/28 - C.J. Ah You got second team reps at both left and right defensive end positions. (http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4989)
7/24 - Eric Powell, who made the team last year but was inactive every game, will compete with seventh-round draft pick C.J. Ah You and rookie free agent Corey Mace for the fifth end spot, if the Bills keep that many. (http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/story/125982.html) Click here (http://www.buffalobills.com/multimedia/index.jsp?requested=y&file_300=http%3A%2F%2Fplay%2Erbn%2Ecom%2F%3Furl%3D nfl%2Fnfl%2Fopen%2Fbills%2Fwmdemand%2F06billsfocus %2F061107ahyou%2Ewmv%26proto%3Dmms%3Fmswmext%3D%2E asx) for a video about CJ and his family.
From DallasCowboys.com (http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=E0AA9B79-B5EF-DE8D-BE95408E2C8DFC45):
But with virtually no depth behind him, it will be interesting to see what transpires at backup defensive tackle. Last year's sixth-round pick Montavious Stanley was released on the final cut, and then began a tour of the NFL, getting signed to the St. Louis practice squad, then signed by Jacksonville to the 53-man roster off the Rams practice squad and then claimed by the Cowboys off waivers when released again in mid-November by Jacksonville. He might be the favorite to win the job, although he hasn't played much in the NFL, only getting into three of eight games with the Jaguars. So that shouldn't give him much of an edge over Remi Ayodele, who played this past spring in NFL Europa, or Ola Dagunduro, a rookie free agent from Nebraska.
From Jacksonville.com (http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/073107/jag_187999242.shtml):
Rookie defensive tackle Derek Landri seemed to have the toughest day of practice. Twice, Vince Manuwai manhandled him during the Oklahoma drill. Then later during a team drill, Stockar McDougle pinned Landri to the ground during a scuffle and held him there.
From SJ-R.com (http://www.sj-r.com/Sports/stories/13169.asp):
We released (rookie tackle) Chris Messner to open up a spot.” Messner was a free agent acquisition earlier this year out of Oklahoma.
-Rams HC Scott Linehan
From JagNation.com (http://jaguars.scout.com/2/661539.html):
Playing opposite Smith will be last season's third round draft pick, Clint Ingram, who hits anything that moves.
From PackersNews.com (http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070723/PKR01/707230496/1989):
Unless the Packers pick up another quarterback after final cuts, second-year pro Ingle Martin appears likely to return as the No. 3 quarterback. The only other quarterback on the roster is undrafted rookie Paul Thompson of Oklahoma, who has excellent size (6-4, 216) and a decent arm but is extremely raw. http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/364/thompson03gs0.jpghttp://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1927/thompson04cb1.jpg
From AcmePackingCompany.com (http://www.acmepackingcompany.com/story/2007/7/3/012/48260):
Last week, PackersNews.com reported that in a poll asking which undrafted free agent was most likely to make the team, a majority picked DE Larry Birdine.
Birdine is a pretty good choice, along with DE DeVon Hicks because the Packers should keep four defensive ends and incumbent backup DE Mike Montgomery hasn't shown much on the field the last two seasons. http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/584/birdine02ve3.jpg
sooner n houston
7/31/2007, 07:40 PM
Thx for the info!
Why is PT Ride'n Dirty on that kids bike?
jk the sooner fan
7/31/2007, 07:52 PM
great stuff
i've been scouring the internet looking for anything on Rufus, havent found a single thing
goingoneight
7/31/2007, 08:05 PM
From PackersNews.com (http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070723/PKR01/707230496/1989):
http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/364/thompson03gs0.jpghttp://img505.imageshack.us/img505/1927/thompson04cb1.jpg
GOOOOOO ENA!!! :cool:
BudSooner
7/31/2007, 08:56 PM
Rhino, do ya have the skinny on Davin or Donte?
Why is PT Ride'n Dirty on that kids bike? It's one of the Packers' training camp traditions.
i've been scouring the internet looking for anything on Rufus, havent found a single thing There isn't much out there, but here's a picture.
http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/9085/rufus02yq9.jpg
7/30 - The two most impressive players after three days of camp have been ex-Colt linebacker Cato June and guard Davin Joseph, last year’s first-round pick. Joseph has been dominating in practices thus far. (http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/NFL_Czar/2007/07/30/Breaking_down_the_Bucs)
7/29 - One player who appeared more than ready for the return to pads was second-year guard Davin Joseph. Yesterday, the big right guard couldn’t help but crack his trademark grin when discussing his anticipation for strapping on the pads and hitting something. Finally back in his environment, last year’s first-round pick looked at home slamming into opposing defensive linemen.
“There might not be many guards in football who are going to be as physical as him,” Gruden said of Joseph. “That’s one thing he’s going to be. He’s going to be a physical guy for us at right guard. Last year was a huge transition for him. He played left tackle at Oklahoma. He came in here and played right guard and had an injury and missed four games. And I don’t care who you talk to, that’s tough sledding in this league. He’s a leader on the football team. He’s as strong a man as we have, and he’s in great shape. And he is very athletic for a man of his size. I’ve got a real high standard for him to live up to. He should be a great player if we don’t screw it up.” (http://www.buccaneers.com/news/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=5890) http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/3949/joseph01xz2.jpghttp://img125.imageshack.us/img125/9760/joseph02al0.jpg
From The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/SPORTS0101/708010379/1004):
Teddy Lehman , who is competing for a job at middle linebacker, sustained a shoulder injury in practice. The injury was in the front of the joint and happened when Lehman took on a lead block.
Tests were taken to determine the severity. The results are expected today.
"It swelled up right away," Millen said. "As far as I know, it's a sprain."
From MusicCityMiracles.com (http://www.musiccitymiracles.com/story/2007/7/31/142127/997):
Andre Woolfolk, Chris Brown and Roydell Williams all sat the practice out. From TitansInsiders.com (http://titans.scout.com/2/663437.html):
Andre Woolfolk- I would say this season make or break season for Woolfolk but that would be a lie. It is all about camp for Andre. He is a former first round pick who has never lived up to his billing. He got one start last season for a suspended Pacman Jones and looked very bad. If he doesn’t do something to impress the coaches in camp it is very likely that he will be one of the guys that doesn’t make the opening day roster.
From Jacksonville.com (http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/080107/jag_188251772.shtml):
Clint Ingram started in 11 games last season as a rookie. But for the past two days at camp, he's spent a little time working with the second-team defense. Ingram and Pat Thomas seem to be alternating reps with the starting defense. Thomas was expected to vie for a starting job last season, but he suffered a hamstring injury that forced him onto the injured-reserve list.
7/29 - Day's best: Safety Brodney Pool made a good read to intercept a pass by quarterback Derek Anderson in stride. Pool returned it approximately 10 yards before running out of bounds. http://img170.imageshack.us/img170/9106/pool01lc9.jpg
stoopified
8/1/2007, 11:14 AM
Good stuff
From THEOBR.com (http://browns.scout.com/2/663478.html):
7/31 - Travis Wilson struggled more than I would have expected. He is blowing a golden opportunity to seize a spot. From The Plain Dealer (http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/118578432850950.xml&coll=2):
7/30 - Not dropping responsibility: Second-year receiver Travis Wilson was hard on himself after practice for dropping a deep ball from Charlie Frye that was right in his hands.
"It's accountability," Wilson said. "When I get chance to make a play, whether it's a hard one or easy one, to me, when the ball's your way, you [have] got to catch it. Whether it hits my hand or it's the defense going to make a good play, I'm going to get mad at myself. Because I felt I let my teammates down and my coaches, so that's why I demand excellence, 100 percent out of me all the time. That's why I'm so critical of myself."
NormanPride
8/1/2007, 01:15 PM
From Jacksonville.com (http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/080107/jag_188251772.shtml):
I thought Clint was a playmaker last season? He was a real bright spot on that D.
From The Detroit News (http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/UPDATE/708010428/1004):
Injury update: Middle linebacker Teddy Lehman was held out of drills Wednesday morning. He suffered a slight separation in a running drill Tuesday morning. He is not sure when he will return, Lehman said.
Linebacker Teddy Lehman has not gotten his MRI results yet, but he said his shoulder problem wasn’t serious and wouldn’t cost him much time. (http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070801/BLOG21/70801032)
7/31 - Finnegan apparently will get the shot at taking over as punt returner for Pacman Jones, though Brandon Jones and rookie Chris Davis will get looks as well.
"Cortland needs as many (reps) as he can get right now," special teams coach Alan Lowry said. "We know what Brandon can do. He did some good things for us ... the year before (last)." (http://www.herald-citizen.com/NF/omf.wnm/herald/sports_story.html?rkey=0045512+cr=gdn) 10 guys ready to have breakout years (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7011378)
8. Brandon Jones, WR, Titans: When Drew Bennett signed with the Rams and Travis Henry left for Denver — most NFL fans assumed Tennessee would go out and bring in a big free-agent signing on the offensive side of the ball. A playmaker for Vince Young. Who'd they acquire? Well, Justin Gage. Hmm ... not exactly Jerry Rice. One of the reasons Tennessee stayed relatively quiet was their comfort at the wideout spot with who they already had on the roster. The likely No. 1 target? Mr. Jones. The former Oklahoma Sooner only had 27 receptions last season, but showed some real flashes. In the Titans' Week 16 win over Buffalo, Jones grabbed five balls for 101 yards and scored a touchdown. Tennessee drafted three wide receivers in April. Each rookie should get some touches. But Young-to-Jones should be the go-to combination in '07. http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/6713/jones02gv9.jpghttp://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8927/jones01ws9.jpg
7/31 - Nose guard Kelly Gregg left the field with a bag of ice wrapped around his right knee, an injury that Ravens coach Brian Billick described as a thigh bruise. However, the bag was placed around the knee.
As he left the field in response to a question about his leg, Gregg replied: "I'm good." (http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2007/07/31/sports/sports_blogs/ravens/aaron873.txt)
Ravens' Gregg tackles age in weight room (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravens23jul23,0,4346327.story)
Though bigger than ever before, lineman's profile remains low
By Edward Lee | Sun reporter
July 23, 2007
Opposing offensive linemen aren't the only ones who can't slow Ravens defensive tackle Kelly Gregg.
Gregg, who will turn 31 on Nov. 1 and is one of 13 Ravens 30 or older, has tried to defy some of the physical limitations that come with age by adding about 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot, 310-pound frame in preparation for the start of training camp Sunday.
"I'm stronger than I've been in about four or five years," Gregg said during the team's mandatory minicamp last month. "I really wasn't sore this offseason, so I got into the weight room. I'm 30 years old, and I'm pushing weight like I'm 25. I feel good about that, and I'm looking forward to the season."
Another factor is the sense of security Gregg gained this offseason when he agreed to a four-year contract extension worth about $20 million that could keep him with the Ravens through the 2011 season.
Gregg had been signed through 2008, but team officials decided to reward him for posting his third 100-tackle season in the past four years.
"It was the one thing that they didn't have to do," Gregg said. "I had a couple of years left on my deal, and I can't thank them enough. It's truly a first-class organization, and it's a good thing for the young guys to show them that if you work hard for the organization, they'll work hard for you."
Said coach Brian Billick: "He's always there and underrated from the standpoint that he doesn't get a lot of publicity. Not a lot of people talk about him. But if you check around the league and check with the coaches around the league, they'll tell you that Kelly Gregg's as good as there is in the middle."
Many of the Ravens and their fans thought so last year, when Gregg ranked fourth on the defense with 101 tackles and registered 3 1/2 sacks, three recovered fumbles and one forced fumble. Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher singled out Gregg during both of his conference calls with the Baltimore media last season.
Despite those numbers, Gregg was left off the Pro Bowl team - an omission he said didn't perturb him then and doesn't bother him now.
"I never really care about individual stuff," he said. "The only thing that sticks out with me is the loss to Indianapolis [in the AFC playoffs]. You play this game to win and go to the Super Bowl. That's the only goal you should have. The individual stuff will come. If we had won the Super Bowl, I wouldn't have cared what anybody said."
Defensive line coach Clarence Brooks said he thinks Gregg has been overlooked because of a lack of flair to his game.
"He didn't come into the league with a big bang," Brooks said. "He was a low draft choice [sixth round in 1999 by the Cincinnati Bengals] and was released a couple of times and played in Europe. Rex [Ryan, Ravens defensive coordinator] got him here on the practice squad. He's had that kind of way to go.
"He's had to move around and survive, but at every step and every year, he's gotten better and better, and I think it's because of who he is. He's a very unassuming guy. If you saw him, you wouldn't say that he's flashy about anything that he does - except that he does play football very, very well at a high level."
Gregg said he hopes to maintain that level of performance in the coming years, joking he wants to prove wrong the saying that the NFL stands for Not For Long. And if that takes flying under the radar for the rest of his career, what's wrong with that?
"I've always been told that it's better to be underrated than overrated," he said. "When people start saying that you're overrated, that sort of makes you think. So I'd rather be underrated than overrated every time. I'll take that as a compliment." http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/5541/gregg02mw9.jpg
7/31 - Once again, the offensive line worked well together for the most part. While they struggled to be consistent with running ball, they did have some success. Mike Flynn anchored the center with Chris Chester and Jason Brown at guard. Adam Terry and Marshall Yanda handled the right and left tackle positions respectively. (http://extremeravens.com/columnists/tim_sylvester/baltimore_ravens_training_camp:_day_2_20070731681/) Chester is on the right.
http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/7025/chester02ll0.jpg
Corey Ivy looked to be in midseason form. The cornerback drilled rookie wide receiver Damien Linson to force a dropped ball and then made an over-the-shoulder interception of Kyle Boller's pass to Romby Bryant in the end zone. More plays like those will solidify Ivy's role as the team's nickel back. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.campbox31jul31,0,6348069.story) Ivy is #35
http://img183.imageshack.us/img183/6330/ivy02ve0.jpg
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3941/ivy01vf6.jpg
7/31 - Wide receiver Mark Clayton had an abscess on one of the fingers on his left hand, which he said was from biting his nail, and did not participate in the afternoon session. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.campbox31jul31,0,6348069.story) From his blog (http://yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Excitement_Cut_Short_By_Finger/21617):
You might notice that this post looks different than my last one. That's because I had to telephone it in and have someone write it for me. I wanted to type it myself, but couldn't.
I had a pretty sore left ring finger during the first day of practice. It was kind of on the inside edge, like a little black sore. I went through the whole morning practice with it, but then I hit my hand against Chris McAlister's helmet. I almost started crying. I ended up finishing practice, but when I took my glove off, it was completely swollen. That little black spot moved all the way to the top of my fingernail. It hurt so bad that they brought the doctor in. He said they were going to have to do something about it before it spread down my entire hand. We tried to poke it to get it to drain, but they came back and ended up cutting half of my fingernail off and then cutting back into my finger to get it to drain. They numbed my whole hand and did it right there at training camp.
I like practicing so I'll be out there tomorrow morning. I know that we can meet our expectation level this year. I felt outstanding and everyone looked great. It felt like we hadn't stepped off the field since last year. It was sweet.
7/30 - Mark Clayton also had a very good day, showing quickness and speed in and out of his routes. (http://extremeravens.com/columnists/tim_sylvester/baltimore_ravens_training_camp:_day_1_20070730650/) http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/9318/clayton01jx2.jpg
From NOLA.com (http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2007/07/saturday_morning_report.html):
7/28 - Some of the best moments over the first two days have come when Pro Bowl defensive end Will Smith goes head-to-head with Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jammal Brown.
Brown pancaked Smith during 2-on-2 drills in Saturday morning's practice after Smith lost his footing a little bit. But both of these behemoths have looked good so far in camp.
7/31 - Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer provided defensive gems with pass deflections on successive plays. Receiver Mark Bradley turned one of those into his own highlight, grabbing the deflected ball just before it could hit the ground, getting his feet down in bounds and then hurdling the sideline ropes without catastrophe. (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-070731bearsbits,1,7265559.story?coll=cs-home-headlines)
7/27 - Mark Bradley, apparently injury-free, made a personal highlight reel with a number of spectacular catches against reserve cornerback Dante Wesley—although Wesley got revenge with an interception later. (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-070727bears-camp,1,7604699.story?coll=cs-bears-headlines)
7/25 - Mark Bradley needs to prove he can stay healthy. The second round pick hasn’t managed to stay on the field in any of his three previous seasons. If he doesn’t contribute in a big way, he’ll have to fight to stay on the field in front of this next man: Devin Hester. (http://www.seahawkshuddle.com/v1/portal.php?topic_id=15674) http://img244.imageshack.us/img244/4673/bradley02ty9.jpghttp://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1432/bradley03az4.jpg
7/31 - Although Dusty Dvoracek started camp with the first team, Darwin Walker received a number of reps with the starters by the end of Tuesday's practice. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070731walker,0,5559944.story)
7/30 - Bears coach Lovie Smith said the trade should not affect 2006 third-round pick Dusty Dvoracek, who sat out last season with a foot injury but was the leading contender to replace Johnson in the starting lineup. Veteran Anthony Adams, signed as a free agent during the offseason, and third-year pro Antonio Garay also will compete for playing time.
''We talk a lot about our defensive line and how it starts up front,'' Smith said. ''Adding another player like that to the mix will help a lot. We're pleased with what a lot of other guys like Dusty Dvoracek have done so far, but to get a guy who has proven that he can rush the passer inside like Darwin can help a lot.'' (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/489352,CST-SPT-bear30.article)
7/29 - Although (http://www.soonerfans.com/forums/)Dusty Dvoracek (http://www.nwherald.com/blogs/bearsinsider/blog.php?id=697) is a promising player who generates plenty of enthusiasm among the defensive coaches, Walker is a good bet to supplant him as a starter by the end of the preseason.
7/29 - Dusty Dvoracek and Anthony Adams: Smith can call the plan at this spot a rotation, but it's clear who the ace is.
"Right now, it's my position," Dvoracek said after Friday's first practice.
The loss of Tank Johnson, whose stature seemed to grow inexplicably with each off-the-field incident, leaves a hole but not a gaping one. Johnson was on the field, after all, when the Colts gained 191 yards rushing in the Super Bowl.
Dvoracek reported committed, fit and talking about his "motor." He fretted about getting too comfortable, another good sign.
Adams provides solid depth and experience, but Dvoracek's sense of urgency probably gives him an edge. (http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cs-070729haughonbears,1,3158407.column) http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/6617/dvoracek02nt8.jpg
He's a changed lineman
SECOND CHANCE | DT Dvoracek learned from mistakes and turned his life around
July 31, 2007
BY NEIL HAYES
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- This is a story about Dusty Dvoracek and Tank Johnson, but mostly it's about second chances.
Johnson failed to take advantage of his and finds himself out of a job and out of the NFL. Dvoracek treated his second chance seriously and changed his life before his world came crashing down.
Now the untested Dvoracek, who overcame alcohol and anger-management issues during his senior year at Oklahoma, has the opportunity to help prove that the Bears' interior defensive line can be even better without Johnson, who was released last month after his latest brush with the law.
''I'm not going to compare my situation to Tank's situation,'' Dvoracek said. ''We're two different people who were in different situations. I was given a second chance, and I came back and made the most of it. I learned from my mistakes, and I'll never put myself in that position again. Football and my well-being are too important for that.''
Everything happens for a reason. That's what Dvoracek believes. If not for those dark days three years ago, he reasons, he wouldn't have been drafted by the Bears and reunited with former Oklahoma teammate Tommie Harris. He never would've had the opportunity he has today to play a pivotal role for one of the league's top defenses.
The Bears' acquisition of defensive tackle Darwin Walker on Sunday shored up the most worrisome position on the defense. Dvoracek, who missed all of his rookie season with a foot injury, Walker and veteran Anthony Adams will be part of a rotation that has a chance to turn a perceived weakness into a strength.
''We know what Tommie Harris can do,'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''The player who is playing opposite Tommie should get a lot of opportunities. Dusty has played with Tommie before. They know each other well. I like everything Dusty has done since he has come off the injured list. There's no reason to think he can't have a good season for us.''
Dvoracek was one of the best players on an undefeated and nationally ranked Oklahoma team in 2004 when he was involved in a fight outside a bar that resulted in his high school friend spending four days in intensive care. The brawl, sparked by booze and rage, brought two other alcohol-related incidents to light, both of which resulted in Dvoracek paying out-of-court settlements.
The preseason All-American was stripped of his captaincy and suspended from the team. His decorated college career was over, or so it appeared, and his draft stock plummeted. He was criticized in the media and was too embarrassed to show his face in his hometown.
Three years later, what seemed like a nightmare at the time has turned out to be a blessing.
''I'm glad it happened,'' he said. ''You get to a certain point in college and you're an All-American and you're playing for national championships and you think you're untouchable, invincible. I was pretty much to that point. I just needed to slow down and stop and evaluate how I was living my life. It's been the best thing for me in my career and my life.''
Dvoracek entered an alcohol rehabilitation program, but alcohol wasn't all he had to overcome. He always had battled to control his temper, and alcohol exacerbated the problem. He started working with Jim Riley, a former Oklahoma and Miami Dolphins defensive end who dedicated his life to helping people overcome addictions after winning his own battle with alcoholism.
''Dusty is one of those people who, when he drinks, he becomes extremely violent,'' Riley said. ''He's a pathological alcoholic. It's like a Jekyll-and-Hyde syndrome. There are a lot of guys like that, but when you're 6-3, 300 pounds, you can do a lot of damage.''
Dvoracek learned about chemical dependency. He met with Riley weekly. He maintained his sterling academic record (he had the highest score on the Wonderlic test at the 2006 NFL combine). He quit drinking and learned to manage his rage.
''He'd always talk about accountability, responsibility, having dignity and honor, making your words have meaning and being an honorable person,'' Dvoracek said of Riley. ''More than anything, he helped me be the person I wanted to be -- a respectful person who makes the right decisions. The things we talked about will be with me forever.''
There was little thought to Dvoracek returning to the team. Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops figured the other half of his devastating defensive-tackle tandem -- Harris lined up next to Dvoracek -- would enter the draft, and that would be it.
Dvoracek had other ideas. He fulfilled the stringent requirements that were necessary to rejoin the team, and three months later, Stoops and school officials were so impressed with the changes he had made that they petitioned the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility.
Because the Americans with Disabilities Act defines alcoholism as a disease, the medical hardship was granted, allowing Dvoracek to play in 2005. He ended his career ranked fifth in Oklahoma history in tackles for losses.
''When Dusty got dismissed his senior year, he still was high on draft lists,'' said Morris Stone, one of Dvoracek's former coaches at Lake Dallas High School in Texas. ''He still would've been taken in the fourth, fifth or sixth round. But Dusty didn't want his legacy at OU to be that way. He wanted to leave on his terms. Dusty is more concerned about what other people think than most people.''
A few days before the 2006 draft -- when Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said he would stake his reputation on Dvoracek's character after selecting him in the third round -- Dvoracek went back to his high school. He had been asked to address the football team. He spent a lot of time thinking about what he wanted to say.
''My main message was even if something negative happens, you have a chance to turn it into a positive,'' Dvoracek said. ''That's what I've tried to do, and I think I've done a pretty good job of it so far.'' http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1883/dvoracek04kf5.jpghttp://img530.imageshack.us/img530/2417/dvoracek05jn1.jpg
"I'm on a mission. I want to be great," Harris said. "I want to be somebody who is remembered in this game. I want people, when they think of defensive linemen, [to] think of Tommie Harris." (http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/cs-070730haugh,1,3026376.column?coll=cs-bears-headlines)
"I'm basically full tilt, something they better be aware of," he said. "They better watch out for, yes." (http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2007-07-28-111797751_x.htm)
Harris' opening appeal: He's 'Real Deal' (http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/487628,CST-SPT-bearnt28.article)
July 28, 2007
BY NEIL HAYES
[email protected]
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Tommie Harris practiced for the first time since he had surgery to repair the hamstring tendon he tore in Week 13 last season.
He also announced that he had a new nickname.
From now on, just call the two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle ''Real Deal.''
''My name is 'Real Deal' during practice,'' Harris told reporters. ''After practice I'm Tommie, so right now I'm Tommie Harris. Nice to meet you.''
Was Harris aware that ''Real Deal'' also was former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield's nickname?
''OK, but now that's my name,'' he said.
Harris is perhaps as important to the Bears' defense as middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, as evidenced by the defense's steady decline after he was injured last year. Simply put, the Bears weren't the same on defense without Harris.
''He's arguably our best player on the team, so getting him back of course is special,'' coach Lovie Smith said. ''I thought he moved around well today. Tommie, he's got all kinds of talent. He just shows up, and I'm anxious to see what he can do along with the rest of the defensive front. We start off talking about our defensive line, and Tommie is the leader of that group.''
Harris signed autographs for several minutes after practice, playing with fans who called his name by feigning disinterest before cupping his hand to his ear, provoking fans to scream louder. Then he stopped and signed before repeating the act.
''It's back to business and back to feeling just like the first day of camp last year -- you're getting out there, your stance isn't quite right, everything is not polished up yet, so I'm working it off right now. I've got the sandpaper and I'm filing everything down, so pretty soon I'll put on the finisher.'' http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/7923/harris02ms9.jpghttp://img255.imageshack.us/img255/2032/harris03ng1.jpg
Stitch Face
8/1/2007, 06:59 PM
Tommie Harris? Pffft. I could take him.
colleyvillesooner
8/3/2007, 08:48 AM
http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2007/08/thursday_evening_update.html
The Saints made two roster moves on Thursday afternoon. They signed receiver Chris Jackson and guard Tim Duckworth, while waiving receiver Rhema McKnight and guard Wes Sims.
JohnnyMack
8/3/2007, 09:31 AM
http://blog.nola.com/saintsbeat/2007/08/thursday_evening_update.html
:les:Bombs Away!!!!!!
The Redskins released Zach Latimer on July 28.
The Chargers signed him on Wedneday.
From Packers Insider (http://www.packersnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070803/PKR01/708030508/1989):
It was more of the same on Thursday night, when rookie offensive lineman Pat Murray got beat by rookie free agent Larry Birdine and again by Hicks.
soonersweetie
8/3/2007, 02:23 PM
I hope all these guys get healthy. How am I going to follow all our guys in the NFL if they are hurt? ugh
Falconnius
8/3/2007, 06:08 PM
THUMBS DOWN
Last year, one scout said of Oklahoma DE Larry Birdine: "Shuts it down when fatigued. Will hit the wall in tough workouts and struggle to finish. Questionable mental toughness. Likes to play on Saturdays." Give that man a raise. On Thursday morning, the rookie free agent barely made it through one of defensive line coach Robert Nunn's taxing individual periods. Then Birdine barely made it off the field before collapsing on all fours only 2 or 3 yards out of bounds during a team period. After several minutes, defensive end coach Carl Hairston inconspicuously came over to Birdine, leaned down and gave him a quick, sharp piece of his mind. Other players were snickering as one of the trainers stretched out Birdine, trying to get him up. A few fans in attendance snapped some pictures, prompting one defensive lineman to say later, "You can't let cameras get you like that." After 5 minutes, Birdine slowly walked the 100 yards or so to the cooling area and sat in the shade for the remainder of practice. Birdine was back practicing at night but he almost needn't have bothered. After that embarrassing episode, his career in Green Bay won't have long to last.
85Sooner
8/3/2007, 07:05 PM
THUMBS DOWN
Last year, one scout said of Oklahoma DE Larry Birdine: "Shuts it down when fatigued. Will hit the wall in tough workouts and struggle to finish. Questionable mental toughness. Likes to play on Saturdays." Give that man a raise. On Thursday morning, the rookie free agent barely made it through one of defensive line coach Robert Nunn's taxing individual periods. Then Birdine barely made it off the field before collapsing on all fours only 2 or 3 yards out of bounds during a team period. After several minutes, defensive end coach Carl Hairston inconspicuously came over to Birdine, leaned down and gave him a quick, sharp piece of his mind. Other players were snickering as one of the trainers stretched out Birdine, trying to get him up. A few fans in attendance snapped some pictures, prompting one defensive lineman to say later, "You can't let cameras get you like that." After 5 minutes, Birdine slowly walked the 100 yards or so to the cooling area and sat in the shade for the remainder of practice. Birdine was back practicing at night but he almost needn't have bothered. After that embarrassing episode, his career in Green Bay won't have long to last.
I thought schmittys workouts were supposed to be some of the toughest around. I am not really impressed with our guys progress in the NFL a couple are doing okay but it seems there should be more doing better. What do I know;)
Big Red Ron
8/3/2007, 09:22 PM
He [Dusty Dovocek] had the highest score on the Wonderlic test at the 2006 NFL combine.
Impressive.
Falconnius
8/5/2007, 11:38 AM
From Packernews.com:
Paul Thompson may be closing the gap on Ingle Martin for the No. 3 quarterback job. Thompson (4-of-8 passing for 45 yards) looked more composed and threw the ball more accurately than Martin (2-of-7 for 7 yards).
jk the sooner fan
8/5/2007, 12:23 PM
i watched the packers on NFL tv last nite, at their "family night" scrimmage
PT looked really pretty good, and Birdine got ALOT of snaps.....
Theskipster
8/7/2007, 09:39 AM
August 7, 2007
The first depth chart of the preseason was released Monday, and newcomer Darwin Walker is listed behind Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris at the three-technique. There is some thought that the two will wind up starting next to each other, but for now former third-round pick Dusty Dvoracek is first at nose tackle,
Al mentioned something on the radio last night about Cody being out, again, for the year. I didn't see that in this thread....just wondering.
Theskipster
8/7/2007, 09:47 AM
Al mentioned something on the radio last night about Cody being out, again, for the year. I didn't see that in this thread....just wondering.
Yep. From the Baltimore Sun:
Linebacker Dan Cody will miss most of the Ravens' preseason and possibly the entire season because of a knee injury.
Cody, who hyperextended his right knee and tore a piece of cartilage during a noncontact pass-rushing drill May 20, said yesterday that he had the knee arthroscoped two weeks ago and will have to sit out four weeks before doctors can assess its stability.
If the knee does not improve, Cody said, the next step would be microfracture surgery, a procedure during which tiny fractures are created in adjacent bones to give room for new cartilage to grow.
The recovery period after micro- fracture surgery is at least four months, which would keep Cody out for the regular season.
"I've just got to wait and see. It's too early to figure out where I'm at," he said after yesterday's morning session of Ravens training camp at McDaniel College in Westminster. "Hopefully, having surgery arthroscopically will kind of fix it."
birddog
8/7/2007, 10:12 AM
THUMBS DOWN
Last year, one scout said of Oklahoma DE Larry Birdine: "Shuts it down when fatigued. Will hit the wall in tough workouts and struggle to finish. Questionable mental toughness. Likes to play on Saturdays." Give that man a raise. On Thursday morning, the rookie free agent barely made it through one of defensive line coach Robert Nunn's taxing individual periods. Then Birdine barely made it off the field before collapsing on all fours only 2 or 3 yards out of bounds during a team period. After several minutes, defensive end coach Carl Hairston inconspicuously came over to Birdine, leaned down and gave him a quick, sharp piece of his mind. Other players were snickering as one of the trainers stretched out Birdine, trying to get him up. A few fans in attendance snapped some pictures, prompting one defensive lineman to say later, "You can't let cameras get you like that." After 5 minutes, Birdine slowly walked the 100 yards or so to the cooling area and sat in the shade for the remainder of practice. Birdine was back practicing at night but he almost needn't have bothered. After that embarrassing episode, his career in Green Bay won't have long to last.
wtf? that is embarrassing. it seemed to me that he had a decent motor in college. maybe he showed up unprepared.
GO PLAY INTRAMURALS, BROTHA!
From ESPN.com (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp07/news/story?id=2964457):
Saints' Brown hurt in practice with apparent knee injury
ESPN.com news services
Updated: August 7, 2007, 12:14 PM ET
JACKSON, Miss. -- New Orleans Saints starting left tackle Jammal Brown was injured in practice Tuesday and was carted off the field. Trainers appeared to be examining his right knee.
The injury occurred during a contact drill during practice. The Saints had originally been scheduled to do a walk-through Tuesday, but Saints coach Sean Payton was unhappy with their play on Sunday night.
Brown stayed down for about 20 minutes before being taken off the field in a cart.
No details on the injury were immediately available. Payton was expected to talk to reporters later Tuesday.
Brown was drafted in the first round out of Oklahoma, 13th overall, in 2005. He started at right tackle as a rookie and was moved to left tackle last season, when he was selected for the Pro Bowl.
Brown was part of an offensive line that allowed only 23 sacks in 2006, fourth lowest in the league. Coming into training camp, all five starters were expected to be back for the 2007 season.
jk the sooner fan
8/7/2007, 11:31 AM
damn, what is it with sooners in the NFL and knee/leg injuries.....
BudSooner
8/7/2007, 05:25 PM
Damn that sucks, thanks for the updates Rhino!
Gandalf_The_Grey
8/7/2007, 09:23 PM
No one can doubt that Stoops has made the NFL more entertaining for all of us. Remember when it was like Kelly Gregg and Barron Tanner and that was about it :P
oumartin
8/7/2007, 11:07 PM
Maybe Bob gets the most out of them while they are in college and they are just spent by the time the hit the NFL. His job is to win football games. Not make NFL players
47straight
8/8/2007, 12:21 AM
Sorry, I just don't see how that translates into knee injuries.
Jammal Brown's injury isn't very serious.
Bone bruise - no ligament or structural damage. Should be out about a week.
KantoSooner
8/8/2007, 07:42 PM
Does anyone have a link or information regarding which schools provide the most NFL players? Who are the factories? Not really meaningful, but interesting.
critical_phil
8/9/2007, 07:14 PM
Pasha Jackson's name was on the NFL Network today in the birthday section. i thought the Raiders cut him last year. anyone know where he's at?
Pasha Jackson's name was on the NFL Network today in the birthday section. i thought the Raiders cut him last year. anyone know where he's at? Last I heard, he was released in February.
colleyvillesooner
8/10/2007, 06:42 AM
Perkins fielded a punt in the Colts Cowboys game last night. Only got 5 yards, but it was good coverage.
jk the sooner fan
8/10/2007, 06:49 AM
Remi Ayodele got quite a bit of playing time with the Cowboys 2d defensive unit as well
soonerlaw
8/10/2007, 04:23 PM
Anyone have any updates on JD Runnels?
jk the sooner fan
8/10/2007, 04:25 PM
JD was cut by the bears after injuring his knee
colleyvillesooner
8/10/2007, 04:29 PM
Maybe they should get him back since they just suspended their FB for steroids:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070810.NFLNOTES10-3/TPStory/Sports
Bourbonnais, Ill. -- Chicago Bears fullback Obafemi Ayanbadejo said he might sue the maker of an over-the-counter supplement after the NFL suspended him for the first four regular-season games without pay for violating the league's policy on anabolic steroids and related substances yesterday. The suspension will begin Sept. 1 and end following the game against Detroit on Sept. 30.
He is eligible to participate in preseason games and practices.
Ayanbadejo insisted he did not take steroids, did not knowingly "infringe on the rules of the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy" and that he had passed "60-plus drug tests and never failed one."
Scott D
8/10/2007, 04:31 PM
it's wierd, one source is claiming that the Bears waived him because they couldn't put him on IR until the season was going to start, so they're saying technically he's still a member of the Bears.
Yeah, I heard the plan all along was to release him, but put him on the IR when they could.
critical_phil
8/10/2007, 05:04 PM
the NFL Network has the Vikes/Rams game @ 9:00 Hillbilly Standard Time tomorrow.
i guess AP is still questionable?
jk the sooner fan
8/10/2007, 05:27 PM
the bills are on tonite, on cbs - should be able to watch C.J. Ah You
oumartin
8/10/2007, 06:06 PM
They shouldn't play AD he is injury prone ;)
Scott D
8/10/2007, 06:09 PM
the bills are on tonite, on cbs - should be able to watch C.J. Ah You
what.....Eric Bassey don't exist no more? :P
oumartin
8/10/2007, 06:12 PM
yeah, that kid that sealed the win against Bama.
OU-HSV
8/10/2007, 06:35 PM
Last I saw AD was a "gametime decision" for tonight. I wish the game was on live t.v. tonight
Salt City Sooner
8/11/2007, 11:57 AM
Looks like Rufus blew his ACL:
Rookie linebacker Rufus Alexander, the Vikings' fifth-round draft choice and a rising special teams star, could be lost for the season after suffering a serious injury to his right knee in the Vikings' 13-10 preseason loss to St. Louis.
Coach Brad Childress said the injury would be re-evaluated today. But Alexander, who suffered the injury while covering a kick in the third quarter, likely suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He declined to comment.
http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1356751.html
soonersweetie
8/11/2007, 11:59 AM
Ah man, that sucks. I guess that explains why I couldn't find him while watching the game this morning.
Seamus
8/11/2007, 12:12 PM
the NFL Network has the Vikes/Rams game @ 9:00 Hillbilly Standard Time tomorrow.
i guess AP is still questionable?
Why do they call him AP? Does it have anything to do with a ringtone? ;)
Looks like Rufus blew his ACL:
http://www.startribune.com/vikings/story/1356751.html
My gosh Sooners in the NFL seem to get hurt a LOT:confused: :confused: :confused:
I think more people should make more comments about how frequent they think our players seem to get hurt in the NFL.
oumartin
8/11/2007, 08:59 PM
sure seems our players get hurt alot in the nfl!
jk the sooner fan
8/11/2007, 09:01 PM
it is kind of strange......is there a reason we cant talk about it?
oumartin
8/11/2007, 09:03 PM
so the NFL game tonight. I just found in the fouth quarter. any sooners done well?
jk the sooner fan
8/11/2007, 09:04 PM
bradley has 2 catches for 47 yards, brandon jones had 3 for 34, and travis wilson had 2 for 27ish
oumartin
8/11/2007, 09:05 PM
thanks!
Gandalf_The_Grey
8/11/2007, 09:10 PM
Does anyone know why we seem to have so many players get hurt ???
sooneron
8/11/2007, 09:43 PM
D Strait is looking pretty good right now against the Jints. He had two pass break ups in a row.
I'm going to see AD play (hopefully play) on Friday night- unfortunately, I have to deal with J-E-T-S fans, ugh.
oumartin
8/11/2007, 09:48 PM
the cleveland k/c game was good to the end
jk the sooner fan
8/11/2007, 09:50 PM
Thompson got 3 snaps at the end of the game, all running plays
oumartin
8/11/2007, 10:03 PM
So his chances aren't looking so hot?
jk the sooner fan
8/11/2007, 10:32 PM
So his chances aren't looking so hot?
i wouldnt say that, ingle martin only had one series, they gave most of the game to aaron rodgers
oumartin
8/11/2007, 10:36 PM
oh okay, thats good. I am watching NFL network and they just seem to be useless for information. Don't they wanna know I need to know about OU guys?
Scott D
8/11/2007, 11:21 PM
So his chances aren't looking so hot?
it's generally hard to say with quarterbacks in preseason. Usually the only guarantee is that the starter will play about 2-3 series at most in the first game, unless there's a coaching turnover and they're trying to install a "new offense". Second game is usually more of a competition between the 3rd and possibly 4th qb. 3rd preseason game is mostly a "dress rehearsal" for the regular season with the starters getting about a half or so. 4th game is throwaway, so it's pretty likely that the Thompson/Martin showdown will be a majority of the snaps in that game.
oumartin
8/11/2007, 11:23 PM
thnkx. i just want him to make the squad. pulling for him hard
trwxxa
8/12/2007, 09:51 AM
bradley has 2 catches for 47 yards, brandon jones had 3 for 34, and travis wilson had 2 for 27ish
Bradley had the two catches and played on both kickoff coverages, but did not do so well there. The Bears are loaded at receiver.
Tommie Harris did not play. DD looked good. Played into the 2nd quarter, made a couple of tackles and showed good range.
http://soonersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081007aaa.html
colleyvillesooner
8/13/2007, 02:32 PM
You're out of a job! ;)
Sooner in Tampa
8/14/2007, 05:53 AM
Davin Joseph is doing great things here in Tampa...he has been praised all thoughout TC. He has even been rumored to be on the short list of potential Captains
http://www.buccaneers.com/media/photos/misc/Joseph08_13_07_1_b.jpg
sooneriniowa
8/14/2007, 08:43 PM
Stockar McDougle out for season with ruptured Achilles tendon. :confused:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=AiKnqRztMwHCPp1AEHYBIytDubYF?slug=ap-jaguars-mcdougle&prov=ap&type=lgns
Phantasm
8/15/2007, 08:46 PM
This is from the Chicago Sun Times:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/510297,CST-SPT-bearnt15.article
Even with sore knee, Bradley has that swagger
August 15, 2007
BY BRAD BIGGS (
[email protected])
[email protected]
BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- A year ago, he would not have been in a joking mood after a missed practice.
But wide receiver Mark Bradley was able to be light-hearted Tuesday after he missed the Bears' workout with a sore left knee.
''That's just my swagger,'' Bradley said when it was suggested he had been limping around campus at Olivet Nazarene University. ''It just built up from Day 1 -- two-a-days, working hard, pushing Bernard [Berrian], pushing Moose [Muhammad], pushing Rashied [Davis], trying to get back in that starting lineup. It just got a little sore, and [we're] just being smart about it.''
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Bradley was in and out of camp last summer after coming back from a torn ACL in his right knee. He had the left knee reconstructed when he was in college, and he also missed five games last season with a high ankle sprain. Bradley hauled in a 31-yard catch from Brian Griese on Saturday at Houston, but getting back into the starting lineup will be difficult.
''He's done a really great job,'' receivers coach Darryl Drake said. ''He's had his best camp by far since he's been here. He's been going hard, and he needed a day.''
colleyvillesooner
8/15/2007, 08:53 PM
:(
Harry Beanbag
8/15/2007, 08:54 PM
All these injuries are kind of bumming me out.
KC//CRIMSON
8/16/2007, 12:09 AM
One supremely athletic individual effort on Tuesday night justified this confidence.
Quarterback Paul Thompson took a five-step drop and fired a 30-yard go-route to Shaun Bodiford, who had a step on Dendy. But as the ball dropped in Bodiford’s lap, Dendy quickly closed in and punched it out for an incompletion.
Stock is Rising
Saturday night against Seattle, McCarthy plans on putting Paul Thompson to the test for a full fourth quarter of reps.
Tuesday night, he gave him a preview, as the ex-Sooner received extensive 11-on-11 work. After starting with two poor throws, Thompson got hot.
On his third pass, he zipped a 10-yard in to Carlton Brewster with Antonio Malone guarding the receiver closely. The next play, Thompson completed the exact same pass to James Jones on the other side, in stride again.
Thompson wasn’t perfect. A couple of his throws in the drill were high, but his arm strength is definitely a cut above. After battling the No. 2 defense for awhile, McCarthy threw the No. 1 ‘D’ at Thompson’s third team. And Thompson threaded the needle to James Jones. One more pat of the ball and the pass would have easily been picked off by Marquand Manuel.
Thompson is adapting to the speed of the pro game.
"I think he's getting better," said McCarthy. "He was up and down today. He's got to get ready. He's got a big night ahead of him. Saturday night will be a big opportunity for him, playing the fourth quarter. There are some things he's comfortable doing. The ball comes out of his hand with anticipation and urgency, but he's not comfortable yet. He's probably not where he wants to be right now, but he's getting better."
oumartin
8/16/2007, 12:22 AM
I'll be pullin' for him!
Gandalf_The_Grey
8/16/2007, 07:56 AM
That is really great for him. It sounds like even if he doesn't get the third string thing, that they really think he has potential down the road so it seems at the very least that may either get him on a practice squad or a European team. Either way, he has been amazing at always proving people wrong.
okieballin
8/16/2007, 09:19 AM
where's Q at now?. last i heard, the Texans gig didn't pan out.
where's Q at now?. last i heard, the Texans gig didn't pan out. Free agent still.
okieballin
8/17/2007, 07:45 AM
what does he have to do to get a second chance. he had a stellar nfl Europe season. whats the problem?
colleyvillesooner
8/18/2007, 08:15 AM
http://www.titansonline.com/news/titans_news_detail.php?PRKey=4948
Titans place Woolfolk on injured reserve
NASHVILLE, TN, Aug. 15, 2007 — The Tennessee Titans have enough depth in the secondary that they placed cornerback Andre Woolfolk, their No. 1 draft pick in 2003, on injured reserve because of a strained hamstring that had sidelined him for most of training camp.
Woolfolk visited with a specialist Monday and was put on the list the next day, coach Jeff Fisher said Wednesday.
"It's tough. Nobody likes to get hurt in those situations. We've all said it's very, very competitive, and it looks like this injury is going to last at least a few more weeks. We just felt at some point we're going to need that spot," Fisher said.
The Titans drafted Woolfolk with the 28th pick overall in 2003 out of Oklahoma where he had been converted from receiver to cornerback. They liked his 6-foot-2 size and speed clocked at 4.45-seconds in the 40-yard dash.
But Woolfolk struggled with injuries that limited him to 39 games over the past four seasons. He had 12 starts with 115 tackles and three interceptions. Before he strained the hamstring about two weeks ago, he was already struggling for a spot on the roster while working with the third-team defense.
colleyvillesooner
8/18/2007, 08:18 AM
and then this:
http://www.kffl.com/team/36/nfl
Titans | Team hopes to agree on injury settlement with Woolfolk
Jim Wyatt and Paul Kuharsky , of the Nashville Tennessean, report the Tennessee Titans would likely to reach an injury settlement with CB Andre Woolfolk (hamstring) so they can release him.
oumartin
8/18/2007, 04:41 PM
yeah, I had been hearing they wanted to release him. I think he hasn't caught a good break out in Tennessee. Hopefully he will get another shot and make the most of it somewhere else
bluedogok
8/18/2007, 07:32 PM
That is really great for him. It sounds like even if he doesn't get the third string thing, that they really think he has potential down the road so it seems at the very least that may either get him on a practice squad or a European team. Either way, he has been amazing at always proving people wrong.
NFL Europe was shut down, the season that just finished was its last.
ESPN.com - NFL folds Europe league, to focus on regular-season games abroad (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2920738)
colleyvillesooner
8/19/2007, 07:53 PM
Mark Clayton just headed to the Lockeroom to get Xrays on his fresh, brand new sprained ankle.
:mad: x 20
Scott D
8/19/2007, 07:59 PM
I think we need to sacrifice colleyvillesooner so that our boys don't get injured in the nfl anymore.
colleyvillesooner
8/19/2007, 08:03 PM
I vote for a double sacrifice. Rus and Stu.
colleyvillesooner
8/19/2007, 09:30 PM
Derrick Strait (Carolina) led all tacklers with 6.
olevetonahill
8/19/2007, 10:04 PM
I vote for a double sacrifice. Rus and Stu.
Thro in Sicem the Gods Like Virgin sacrifices :cool:
colleyvillesooner
8/20/2007, 07:35 AM
Mark Clayton just headed to the Lockeroom to get Xrays on his fresh, brand new sprained ankle.
:mad: x 20
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-sp.ravens20aug20,0,7037884.story
X-rays on Rolle and Clayton, both injured in the first quarter, revealed no breaks. Team officials said they suffered sprains, and neither returned to the game.
Neither player was in the locker room after the game, but Ravens coach Brian Billick said he didn't think the injuries were serious.
"One of the good things about preseason is that we still have three weeks before the opener," Billick said. "So whatever the injuries are, hopefully they can bounce back from them."
NormanPride
8/20/2007, 10:29 AM
Can they transfer some of Clayton's injury to Rolle? He sucks anyway.
Way to go, Birdman.
Moment to shine (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=650481)
Rookie defensive end Larry Birdine had four tackles, a sack, two quarterback hits and a forced fumble Saturday night against Seattle.
That earned him the right to play some with the No. 1 defense Thursday against Jacksonville.
Birdine came to camp unprepared for the fast pace of training camp and couldn't keep up with the rest of the defensive line early on. But over the last week or so, he has caught up some and the former Oklahoma Sooner is opening some eyes with his aggressive play.
He will receive snaps with the No. 1 unit this week to find out whether he's for real. The coaches like what they see but the high-energy Birdine gets exhausted too quickly and must show he has more staying power.
"He's got a legitimate shot," defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn said of Birdine making the team. "He's definitely on track. "
colleyvillesooner
8/23/2007, 03:10 PM
good.
Boomer.....
8/23/2007, 03:16 PM
great news.
trwxxa
8/27/2007, 08:05 PM
The Redskins released Zach Latimer on July 28.
The Chargers signed him on Wedneday.
Chargers released Zach today.
colleyvillesooner
8/28/2007, 08:35 AM
Any other Sooners not survive 1st Cut day?
jk the sooner fan
8/28/2007, 08:39 AM
i didnt see any others cut, Remi made the first round of cuts at Valley Ranch
bluedogok
8/28/2007, 09:48 PM
From the NFL.com - Transactions (http://www.nfl.com/transactions) list.
Baltimore Ravens
Dan Cody (LB) Placed on the physically unable to perform list.
San Diego Chargers
Zach Latimer (LB) cut.
KC//CRIMSON
8/30/2007, 03:24 AM
Whew! Damn, son.:cool:
http://www.nfl.com/videos?videoId=09000d5d801d121e
Uh, training camps are over.
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