Tough as nails, stubborn as an ox and as skilled as CJ Gable.

Gable sat with me after working out with his old team. Instead of wallowing in his own distraught from the lack of media recognition, or stewing in the uncertainty with the NFL labor talks, Gable continues to go to work. He continues to practice with his former team as they prepare for their Spring game.

“I’m training everyday”, he explained after both a field and weight workout, “keeping in Keep Reading...]]> How strong do you have to be to be a RB in FBS? How tough must you be to attend a school that produced Heisman trophy award winners, OJ Simpson and Marcus Allen? If that wasn’t enough, how determined do you have to be to overcome an early injury, mid–career coaching change and sanctions that will prevent you from playing in possibly 2 bowl games?

Tough as nails, stubborn as an ox and as skilled as CJ Gable.

Gable sat with me after working out with his old team. Instead of wallowing in his own distraught from the lack of media recognition, or stewing in the uncertainty with the NFL labor talks, Gable continues to go to work. He continues to practice with his former team as they prepare for their Spring game.

“I’m training everyday”, he explained after both a field and weight workout, “keeping in shape…not trying to fall out of the system”.

And what a system it is.

He went from being the first freshman ever to start in the Trojans’ backfield (neither Bush, Simpson nor Allen accomplish this) to virtually being an unknown in just a few years.

This “system” has him as a project free agent, who will “fight for a roster spot”.

Gable doesn’t want to fall out of this system, but will not allow it to discourage him.

“I questioned myself a little. But when I focused on me, I quickly got out of that. I knew that I was the best and my work will speak for itself.”

Gable’s freshman campaign was magical. As a first-year freshman in 2006, he was spectacular as a tailback and kickoff returner. He started 5 games and was USC’s rushing leader in 4 of them. While appearing in all 13 games, he had 434 yards (3rd on the team), averaged 4 yards per carry with 4 TDs. He added 9 receptions for 90 yards and averaged 27 yards per kickoff return. He was second in Pac-10 in kickoff return yardage. He made 2006 Rivals.com Freshman All-American second team (as a kickoff returner), The Sporting News Freshman All-American honorable mention (as a tailback and kickoff returner), All-Pac-10 honorable mention (as a kickoff returner) and The Sporting News Pac-10 All-Freshman first team (as a tailback and kickoff returner).

He continued racking up fantastic numbers (11 yards per carry) until the 3rd game of the 2007 season where he was forced to have season-ending surgery on a strained abdomen.
“Man, it was hard”, Gable reminisces about the injury, “”I’m a competitor…
I did what I had to do to get back on the field.”

And Gable roared back in 2008. He started 11 games, rushed for over 600 yards, while averaging 6 yards per carry. He had 10 total TDs – 8 rushing, 1 receiving and another one on a 93 yard kickoff return.

After such a successful ’08 campaign, the 2009 season was a trying one. In his junior year, Gable was amidst an extremely talented and equally crowded backfield.

The 2009 season also marked the end of a coaching era when Pete Carroll left USC for the NFL. He had always kept a crowded, yet talented backfield and spread the carries around. The result was a system that did not feature or illuminate one single back, while at the same time, not fully utilizing the backfield’s explosive potential.

CJ Gable was amongst this frustrating system. Instead of accepting this frustration and allowing it to affect his play, he chose to learn from it:

“All the tailbacks knew we could have gone to any school and been the main guy. But we came here to be part of a winning team. It makes it worth it when you win Pac-10 titles and go to the Rose Bowl all the time. We all contributed. Everybody put in his part.”

His role was diminished and saw limited action, but still manage to average 4 yards per carry, while leading all USC players with 18 yards per kickoff return.

The 2010 season looked much like the prior. He got less looks, carries and attention, but decided to take a very professional approach to it:

“It was rough….not as much playing time as I wanted….instead of complaining about it, I ¬went hard because I didn’t know when I was gonna get another chance.”

He went hard every play. After having a team-high 13 carries for 72 yards deep into the fourth quarter in the game against Cal, Gable went down on what was considered a season sending knee injury.
“I was getting my opportunity to get out there, and then that happened. I was determined to not let it keep me down.”

His character was noted by head coach Lane Kiffin, “what a great kid,” Kiffin said, “he walked by and said, ‘Coach, I’m sorry I didn’t finish today’… that says a lot about what kind of person he is.”.

He is the determined and hard-working kind of person.

At what was once considered a season ending injury, Gable endured and fought back to appear in the Oregon game the next week, and for every game the rest of the season.

The season and Gable’s USC career ended rather quietly. For someone whom Scout.com toted as, “Carroll’s Diamond in the Rough”, his prolonged underuse made him a virtual unknown.

Supremely skilled as a dynamic running back with reliable hands and an explosive kickoff returner, Gable had a solid performance at his Pro Day.

“I gave my all”, he explains, “I felt great and performed well all around. The 1-on-1 with the coaches was great and I caught everything they threw at me.”.

Gable professionally took all his trials and setbacks and really learned from them. A new coaching staff provided more challenging expectations, which he picked up immediately.

“The system demanded more details and better execution. My RB coach taught me how to read the play, rather than just go through holes…to know our escape routes and what our linemen are doing…to know everything before going out there.”

Through the new USC coaching regime, Gable learned what he needed to improve both on the field and in the classroom.

“I’m better at reading plays…when to cut back and when to use other moves and when to hit the hole. I can read defenses now. There are more tempo in my runs and I can set up my runs and my blocks.”

Gable’s overall journey has prepared him for the NFL. He enjoyed an outstanding freshman season, suffered a crushing injury, accepted a reduced role, adjusted to a new coaching staff and is currently experiencing little to no press. As he once was referred to as “The People’s Choice” and had the USC faithful chanting his name, Gable has taken being “under the radar” quite well.

He shrugs off the notion of being snubbed by the media and noted that, “there are lots of RBs that can do a lot, but get no press.”

This lack of press will in no doubt, allow Gable to be the Steal of the Draft. An NFL team will get a fast (4.5), shifty RB that will find holes and make guys miss. He has exceptional hands and is very experienced in catching the ball. He can contribute in the return game, as he is an explosive kick returner who will always find daylight (averaged 21.5 yards per kickoff return while at USC).

If it’s his skills at a variety of positions that will land him on a NFL roster, his determination and work ethic will get his last name printed on a back of a jersey. He put on over 10lbs of solid muscle from his freshman year, while still maintaining his speed. He used this extra strength to do what he loves the best, blocking.

As most RBs dread pass blocking, Gable embraces it, “I love going against bigger guys and hitting them in the mouth! I love hitting; during practice I go up against defensive linemen. I love the contact and competition.”.

If CJ Gable’s name is not in a many circles as it should be, it doesn’t faze him one bit. “I don’t care what people say, I’m gonna do what I gotta do to get there and stay there, because an NFL team that signs me will get a determined player that’s not gonna back down and will fight and compete”.

The secret will be out soon enough.

If with trials and tribulations come the opportunity for growth and learning, Sherman is standing much taller than his own athletic 6’3” height would suggest. The Stanford Cardinals went a dismal 1-11 in his freshman year, the most losses in school history. They were shut out twice, Keep Reading...]]> Richard Sherman is well educated. More educated than what his Stanford education or childhood in Compton, California would suggest. More educated than one would have to be to excel at two different positions on both sides of the ball. Even more educated than what his own articulation and diction would lead you to believe. He is educated in the rollercoaster ride of the game of football. Throughout his high school and college career, Sherman has learned how to win, lose, and become a better athlete, student and person. The evolution, growth and maturation that this young man has experienced are remarkable.

If with trials and tribulations come the opportunity for growth and learning, Sherman is standing much taller than his own athletic 6’3” height would suggest. The Stanford Cardinals went a dismal 1-11 in his freshman year, the most losses in school history. They were shut out twice, lost to San Jose State and ended up being ranked 118th in the nation in scoring (10.6 points per game) and 108th in scoring defense (31.4 ppg); meaning they lost by an average of 3 TDs. Quite the transition for a player who was ranked the #6 athlete in California, #8 wide receiver in the state and led his high school to a division title, just 1 year prior.

“It was rough coming from high school,” Sherman told ESPN, “you don’t really know what to expect and then you come into that. It’s rough to not get wins. You work hard every week, you game plan every week, and things just don’t work out for you.
It’s obviously frustrating.”

If Sherman’s freshman year was the worst of times, then this past season was the best of times. The team literally turned it all around. Their embarrassing 1-11 mark 4 years earlier, was now one of the nation’s best at 11-1. Their record number of losses was now a record number of wins. That anemic offense was now ranked 9th in the nation in scoring and porous defense was now 10th.

Things had changed for Sherman and Stanford after 2006; a new head coach, star QB and a new position. When asked what prompted the move from WR to CB, in 2009, Sherman explained that it was based solely on team needs. That the team “needed help on defense. It was first on a temporary basis and then turned into a more permanent basis after spring ball.”

To many it seemed odd that a freshman WR that enjoyed the kind of year that Sherman did would voluntarily move positions 2 seasons later (one of which he only played 4 games due to a knee injury). After playing in 12 games and starting in 5, Sherman earned first team Pac-10 All-Freshman honors and Honorable Mention Freshman All-American honors from The Sporting News and was also named the team’s most outstanding freshman. He led the team in catches, receiving yards, and tied for the team led in both touchdowns and touchdown receptions. Sherman was also named Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Week following his performance against Washington when he caught six passes for 177 yards and a TD.

“The whole time I felt like I was a better corner than I was a receiver”, Sherman explained, “I thought I would get a chance to do both when I got (to Stanford). Obviously, I’ve gotten that chance, and I’m happy about that. But I’ve always liked defense better than the offense. You can control your destiny; you can control a lot more things on defense. But on offense, you can be open and want the ball, but have no impact on the game. But on defense, if you break up a deep ball, Hey, it’s a great day.”

The move was indeed odd to many onlookers, but definitely not to Sherman. He was very confident in taking all the football skills he had amassed playing QB, WR, CB, returning kicks and even lettering in track at Stanford (his 50’ jump in Triple Jump is 9th All-Time), that he would excel at the corner position for his junior and senior years.

With all the positions he had played, Sherman always brought a pencil and pad to the field. On commenting on what skills he had learned that would make him an elite corner, he pointed that, “ball skills and route recognition, come to mind first. It’s easier to know what routes are possibly coming if you’ve been in a receiver’s shoes. You can only do certain routes with certain splits and alignment, if a receiver’s foot is up, that changes things”

“Running track helped me tremendously with my burst and hurdles helped me loosen my hips. I also learned that individualized sports provide a different kind of competitiveness.”.

What resulted from all of these positions and skills, is a very unique corner. Scouts praise his athleticism, natural football instincts, leaping ability and tight footwork. Sherman can anticipate the opposing QB and WR, moves and thought processes, as he has been there. He had learned to be an excellent corner.

So great and respected, that in the 2010 Orange Bowl Sherman forced a Virginia Tech team that averaged over 400 yards of offense, to look elsewhere for plays.

“During my first year at CB, no one really knew who was the best; who would take the best WR. This year I stepped up; I took out the best players, especially in the Arizona and Notre Dame games and in the bowl game they threw to my side once. Shutting down one side of the field is the best thing that a corner could do.”.

Sherman enjoyed an outstanding senior year. After only having 1 full season at corner under his belt, he went on to start every game making 49 total tackles, with 4 INTs, 6 passes defended and 1 fumble recovery, cumulating in an All-Conference Honorable Mention; not bad for a second year CB.

It is difficult to pinpoint the one facet of his game where he accredits his success the most, but his attention to detail caches scouts’ eyes first and Sherman agrees, “I make sure my foot is in the ground and pointed in the direction I want to go; I make sure my eyes are perfect, I make sure I’m deep in this coverage. It’s more of the things within myself that I can control, that I focus on.”

The star corner’s learning process did not end at the conclusion of his senior year at Stanford. Training for the Senior Bowl, NFL combines and Stanford’s Pro Day, meant that he had to learn more about training and his own body.

“During the season we train for football. After, we train for drills and personalized techniques. As Pro Day and Combine drills are not the same, I have to train my body completely different.

“The Senior Bowl was a tremendous experience. It was the best against the best, with NFL coaches and it shows who is competitive. We had a great team. I learned a lot about how the NFL works, the coaches and the system and how I measure up against the best.”

And he definitely stands up against the best. Ted Miller from ESPN.com praised him, “Stanford CB Richard Sherman is very big but also real fast. Showed great instincts in the red zone drill, understood where the receiver was going and had enough skill to redirect and/or impede without committing a penalty. Made a couple of good adjustments on the fly, has the balance to change direction quickly and charge under control. He is visibly better than Chris Cook, a CB with similar size who went at the top of the 2nd round last year. The coaches in attendance gushed over him.

NFL.com’s Pat Kirwan definitely agrees, “Sherman has an outstanding back pedal and could excel as a zone corner. Once he sticks his foot in the ground and closes, he gets to the ball almost immediately.
He was so quick in his break one time, that he actually forced a quarterback to come off his first read — not all that common in a Senior Bowl practice, where the conditions benefit the offense.
Sherman is one of the main prospects on the North team who has jumped out at me as I watch the defensive backs practice, and he deserves some more attention moving forward.“

It may have been due to the traditionally non-football college he attended and/or the mass assumption that his coach got a bunch of average players to overachieve, but Sherman did not get the attention he deserved, even after solid Pro Day and Combine performances.

But even here, he has learned to take it all in stride, “I was frustrated at the beginning. They (the media) hold the position change and going to Stanford against me. I showed what I can do and teams can see what I believe – that I am one of the best out there.

When asked what class made that largest impact on him, Sherman answered, “Sign Language. The art of signing is a very unique skill to have. Working with a teacher who is deaf and trying to interact, and learn at the same time, is an experience. It was such a different way of looking at things. Of all the classes I’ve taken, that was one that really brought me in to that kind of learning.”

Sherman’s journey has been extraordinary. He has learned to survive in arguably one of America’s toughest neighborhoods to learning at of America’s most prestigious colleges. He learned a new position, new techniques and philosophies on one of the best teams in the nation and in a very competitive conference.

But most importantly, it’s what Richard has learned about himself that is most impressive, “I ‘ve learned that I have come a long way. A long journey from high school to now. I learn a lot about myself and my body through the training process. About dedication and patience because you never know what’s gonna happen with the CBA, the team, the workouts so you just gotta stay confident through it all.”.

The NFL needs rookies who can learn new positions, techniques and philosophies as quickly and thorough as how Sherman has. He has a tremendous amount of skill and technique to add to most team’s secondary and will be a mid round steal for any team that wants a true student of the game.

And what team wouldn’t?

Each year the Pro Bowl is decorated with athletes that kept highlight reels running and the competition sweating. Being unstoppable, unblockable or unguardable means to have at easy dispose, a litter of moves, skills and techniques, which the opposition has no answer for.

Versatility will keep a player on top. It will keep his name on an NFL jersey. It will keep pens writing and checks coming. Today’s Keep Reading...]]> Gone are the days of the single-faceted player. The evolution of this great game of football has gone from slow and bruising, to quick and dynamic. Offensive linemen have abs and DEs can keep up with RBs. A pocket passer must know how to ”buy time”, runners have to “make somebody miss” and receivers have to “lay out”. To excel in this league means to add to this evolution by bringing yet another facet to the position and game.

Each year the Pro Bowl is decorated with athletes that kept highlight reels running and the competition sweating. Being unstoppable, unblockable or unguardable means to have at easy dispose, a litter of moves, skills and techniques, which the opposition has no answer for.

Versatility will keep a player on top. It will keep his name on an NFL jersey. It will keep pens writing and checks coming. Today’s linebacker is expected to have many, many skills in his toolbox. He will have to run, shuffle, tackle, catch, lateral, read, react, engage, shed, cover, back-pedal, sprint, shuffle, dodge, pile, jump; all while not being blocked, trapped, cut, chipped, pancaked and most importantly, beat.

Versatility is going from quarterback to safety to inside linebacker to outside linebacker, to record 83 total tackles, a sack, an interception, a blocked punt, a pass defended and a touchdown last season.

Versatility is Illinois’ LB Nate Bussey

“From the very beginning, Nate has played extremely well,” coach Ron Zook praised in a Chicago Tribune interview, “He’s always the first one (at practice) and the last one to leave. “

The compliment of all compliments from a head coach and exactly what a scout wants to hear. Bussey had to spend a lot of time transferring his immense skill from position to position.

Coming into Champaign as a decorated 3-time Bowl champion, Bussey played quarterback, safety and return kicks for his DC high school. Not your average 3 way player – he has a career QB rating of 102.7, passed for 28 TDs, rushed for 12 and had 4 interceptions in his senior year.

He turned down offers from Louisville, Colorado, Syracuse and UCLA, to choose the program that offered him a scholarship while still in the 10th grade…the University of Illinois.

While Kent State heavily pursued him to play QB, the Fighting Illini offered him a defensive back role. Quite the change from the electrifying QB/RB/R that led his team to 3 consecutive titles. But by accepting this offer for a new position, in a new system, in a new state, in a new league, Bussey was showing off one of his many outstanding qualities.

It may not just be due to his flamboyant dress code why his teammates call him, “Pastor”, but maybe subconsciously it’s a salute to his faith. His positive energy and spirit resonated through his voice as he detailed his career at Illinois, “my career was a testament in faith for me. In ’07 I started as a true freshman on special teams and played special teams all 4 years. It was not until after my sophomore year when I got my break at LB. A few of our LBs went down and they needed help at this position. Then I started at LB in my senior year because of the numbers I had put up and my special teams play.”

Damn right. Bussey was all over the field, all of the time. He has blocked a punt, forced and recovered a fumble, scored a TD, made interceptions, and has bone crushing tackles and sacks (ask the Missouri QB who was nearly decapitated by Nate).

He kept working harder than everyone else while still believing in himself. He accepted any and all challenges, whether they were new positions or different variations, as he knew what his goal was – starting linebacker at the college where the great Dick Butkus played.

Bussey went on to have a remarkable 2010 campaign. He was second on the team with 83 total tackles with a sack and interception for touchdown. The resulting domination at the linebacker position was due the amalgamation of his immense skills from the other positions he dominated at. His ball-hawking skill reciprocated from his days as a QB, speed and burst from his RB time, his ability to find holes and pursuit are attributed to returning punts and his field awareness is credited to his safety play.

The result? The most well-rounded and versatile player in the draft.

When speaking about the transition, Bussey pointed out that it was, “more ‘different’ than ‘new’. I had to l

earn the playbook plus learn techniques for that position. I really had to buckle down and learn it, while using proper technique. It really turned me into a student of the game.”

“I already had the footwork and skills that can transfer from position to position”, he added, “whatever the coach needed me to do, I did it”.

Bussey admitted that it was tough to sit and watch and patiently wait for his “time”. But he had no shortage of motivation. He looked no further than his family and an adorable little girl.

“I always wanted to make my mother proud. I came from a single-parent household and my Mom raised me and my younger and older brother. But it’s my daughter that keeps me motivated everyday, I’m with her everyday she asks questions and we talk about football. I pray everyday I play football and I pray that I’m doing this for my daughter…she’s the key to all my motivation and success.”

Bussey’s blog, natebussey.tumblr.com, is a collection of Nate’s press, interviews and game photos, but it’s the many pictures of a proud and happy father with a beaming daughter that is most eye-catching (a caption under one of their photos reads, “Someday I’ll meet my Prince Charming but MY DADDY will always be my King.”)

It was no surprise that on this momentum of success and motivation, that Nate continued to impress, in preparation for his Pro Day. His critics complained that he was too small for the NFL, so he gained 11 pounds of muscle. His detractors warned that with the new weight, his speed would suffer; he clocked his fastest 40 at his Pro Day at 4.49. Athletically, he wowed his onlookers – at 228lbs., he had a 39” vertical, a 10’1” broad jump and a ridiculous 4.2 shuttle.

Showing his power, quickness, speed and agility all came through the work he put in with Clif Marshall at Ignition.

“Clif Marshall taught me the technique of how to diet and how to workout to gain weight. He had me on a great plan on gaining weight at a pro rate over a period of time.”

“Nate, what’s the one word you would use to describe your training regiment leading to your success at the Pro Day?”

“Tremendous”

“I went to Naples, FLA with Clif Marshall, and Team Ignition, and the experience I had with those guys, training with those guys, high spiritual guys that really like to train definitely helped my progress. They all came from different programs and are great athletes. This was a blessing. I got the confidence that I needed. My strength coach always knew that I would be a top performer come pro day and to find out that I was a top performer, I teared up. That was a goal I had set on January 6th and it came true March 16th “.

Not only is versatility the act and process of being multi-faceted, it is also the ability to be different people. From fashion guru to father, offensive pistol to defensive hammer, punt blocker to fumble recoverer, Nate Bussey has done and can do it all. Only the highest of the highly skilled can excel on both sides of the ball and on every specialty team. His top grade skills include speed, quickness, play-making ability, pursuit and open-field tackling. His most sought after skill and accomplishment should be his versatility, as he has excelled at every position he has played, even with a few years experience (he was a Big Ten Honorable Mention at LB, even though he only started in his Junior year).

Any 3-4 team, with needs in kickoff or punt coverage with a veteran OLB, should giggle with glee, as they select this unsung steal of the draft, as no player has this combination of maturity, work ethic and dedication as Nate Bussey.

Chykie Brown was a 3-year starter for the Texas Longhorns and helped lead the team to the BCS Championship Game vs. No. 1 Alabama in 2010. He appeared in 47 career games, starting 29 and tallied a total of 106 tackles (71 solo), two INTs. 24 pass break-ups, four sacks, nine TFL Keep Reading...]]> AUSTIN, TX, MARCH 29, 2011 – When it comes to the NFL, speed is what makes coaches & owners salivate. Clocking a forty time of 4.45 at the recent NFL Combine, former Texas Longhorn CB Chykie Brown elected to have a “do over” in today’s Texas Pro Day to improve his time. Clocking times of 4.37 & 4.35 it’s safe to suffice that Chykie made the best and MORE of his “do over.” He proved he has speed to burn in his last showing in burnt orange. Additionally, Chykie was fluid and consistent on his position drills.

Chykie Brown was a 3-year starter for the Texas Longhorns and helped lead the team to the BCS Championship Game vs. No. 1 Alabama in 2010. He appeared in 47 career games, starting 29 and tallied a total of 106 tackles (71 solo), two INTs. 24 pass break-ups, four sacks, nine TFL and two forced fumbles during his career for the Longhorns.

Being in LA, it’s commonplace for actors, singers, talk show hosts being forced to do this, but rarely does an athlete have to. Such is the case in USC’s WR, Ronald Johnson. He went from being a highly recruited high school All-American to virtually forgotten in just 4 years. Yet, he has battled and fought through frustrations and injuries, to being a player that everyone must watch for come USC’s Pro Day and NFL Draft in April. Rojo is in the midst of re-inventing Keep Reading...]]> One can’t open a magazine, skim a website or watch the daily news, and not hear of another celebrity having to “re-invent him/herself”. This usually comes after a movie that bombs, an album that does the same, or even upon release from rehab. Stars have to almost go through a “re-birth”; urging the public to forget what it already knows and accept a new direction.

Being in LA, it’s commonplace for actors, singers, talk show hosts being forced to do this, but rarely does an athlete have to. Such is the case in USC’s WR, Ronald Johnson. He went from being a highly recruited high school All-American to virtually forgotten in just 4 years. Yet, he has battled and fought through frustrations and injuries, to being a player that everyone must watch for come USC’s Pro Day and NFL Draft in April. Rojo is in the midst of re-inventing himself into a draft steal.

“I’m not an emotional guy”, Johnson admitted, with an even louder admission of his own disappointment and despondency , “I was frustrated, even though I would never (have) show(n) it. I worked my butt off every off-season to be that guy; to be the man and it didn’t happen like I thought it would in my senior year.”. As RoJo commented on his senior year at USC, his voice echoed the downfall in his production and his sulkened shoulders mimicked his dwindled contribution to the offense.

His frustrations are completely warranted; he went from returning 25 kick-offs in his freshman year, to 4 in his Senior and had to further share duties with freshman Robert Woods, as they both had 64 receptions.

Even after missing 5 games with a broken collarbone at the beginning of his Junior year, Johnson still led the team in receptions

As part of a potentially explosive offense, new coach Lane Kiffin had a hard time getting him involved. Johnson was not used in the vertical game, but was optioned for hitches and swing passes; 2 plays that do not utilize RoJo’s blazing speed as an advantage. He caught everything, but could not rack up those yards after catch that resulted in long TDs years before (45, 47, 49 & 63 yards).

So after what many had would described as an underperforming USC career, Johnson headed to the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine, after the 2010 season.
“I was very excited for the Senior Bowl. It was a glimpse of what the Combines would look like. It was a transition from football to a job interview. It was also a test for my concentration and focus.”.

What Johnson didn’t expect the Senior Bowl to test, was his patience.
Although he was one of the top skilled WRs at the Senior Bowl, an obviously weak class of South QBs could not hit him. Displaying his great speed and reliable hands were not enough as he went virtually unnoticed during practices and just caught 1 pass for 12 yards in the game.

“I just didn’t get the looks”.

As easily as he had been forgotten, Johnson had to forget the Senior Bowl and move on to the NFL Combine. He hit his training at Elite Sports Factory hard; maybe a little too hard.

RoJo focused on his best asset – his speed. But, the accumulation of his career and final season at USC, coupled with the Senior Bowl experience, caused Johnson to train too aggressively and he injured his hamstring.

“I was so bent on running 4.3…bursting out as fast as I could, tensing up when I’m supposed to be loose…that what caused my hamstring to go.”

Adjusting his training for an injured hamstring, the speedy WR headed to Indy nonetheless, and still ran an impressive 4.4.

“I only tested it once to see if it would hold. I kept running consistent 4.4s in training. I went to the Combine and ran the same thing I ran here (in training), with a messed up hamstring. “

After running the 40-yard dash and catching just one route, Johnson tweaked the same hamstring again and had to pull himself out of the Combine.

“I felt so bad. I saw all the other guys running routes. As a technique player at a detailed position, I figured I would have made my money at that time. Everyone’s there and everyone’s watching and being the great route runner that I want to be, I felt that I would have outshone a lot of players.”.

“I was on myself a lot. I was on myself hard. To the point where I felt disappointed, like I didn’t go out there and do what I was supposed to do.”.

Frustrated and injured, but not dejected, Johnson decided to re-invent himself.

After understanding that his biggest weakness was his strength, he targeted his upper body in his training.

“When I came back, I decided that I needed to gain weight. So I began eating, lifting weights hard, dong everything I needed to, even though I couldn’t run hard.”

“I eat a lot; 2 meals here; then 2 more at home. I was frustrated from the Senior Bowl so I had to improve in that area.”

The result is a body and upper body strength that finally equals his scorching speed. Gone is his once wiry, lanky frame and in is a solid, muscular build. His powerful and well-built chest, shoulders and arms are an impressive answer to the request that many scouts had for Johnson. It was the only thing that he lacked to go up on draft boards. Such an attention to detail and sharp improvement are both areas that are coveted by NFL teams, as it is important to know that a young player can accept criticism, and more importantly, improve himself.

His reinvention started at the Senior Bowl, where when given a chance to speak with his team coaches, he inquired about his performance and urged for areas to improve.

“I picked their brains. I always asked how I could do better, even if I did it right. I can always perfect.”.

Now, a player whose strength was in question, RoJo repped 225lbs a much improved, 25 times.

And this was in training.

Impressive.

“I am in a great part in my life regarding football. I’ve seen so many results; I’ve gotten faster, stronger, bigger. I know a lot more about myself now. “

Relentless on his pursuit of improvement, RoJo trains up to 3 times per day, including weights at Elite, speed with former Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record holder, Maurice Green and film.

“Everyday I’m doing something to make myself better. Watching guys like DeSean Jackson and other guys that are successful. Lifting weights at my condo, pushups, sit-ups, P90x…I wanna be great. I see Jerry Rice and what he did as a 6-foot receiver. I wanna bring something new to the game.”.

Johnson’s reinvention may already be complete. When he worked out privately for the Philadelphia Eagles, the coaches told him that, he is “well polished and like an NFL player already.”.

As Ronald Johnson looks forward to his March 30th Pro Day at USC, he is doing so without the frustrations of his past Trojan seasons, an underwhelming Senior Bowl or even a disappointing Combine. He is doing so with a new excitement and confidence, knowing that he has done all that was needed of him, and more, to evolve into an exciting NFL receiver and electrifying returner.

“I look back over the Senior Bowl and Combine and know why coaches are not looking at me like they should, or why there are guys ahead of me that shouldn’t be. I take it as when and where I go (in the 2011 NFL Draft) doesn’t matter. I got the mindset that whatever team I go to we’re gonna have a great chance (at winning the Super Bowl).”

“I do things that other receivers don’t do, while they’re sleeping, I’m working. Working with my trainers and picking their brains constantly. I wanna be perfect at what I do and if you give me an opportunity, I promise I won’t let you down. That’s a promise that I can keep.”

Be prepared for the unveiling of the “new” Ronald Johnson, March 30th.

Summary

Ronald Johnson makes plays. He is a tremendous athlete, yet raw enough in some areas to develop. His quickness and elusiveness are 2 of his many qualities, as he always found himself behind defenders and found open field. His offense relied on him for big plays and he always came through. As tough as he is speedy, he has no problem going over the middle and absorbing hits. The return game is where his value rises. As a punt returner he is dangerous; oftentimes being one block away from 6 points. He explodes through holes and easily finds open space. Upper body strength and route running are both areas of where he must improve, as he has Keep Reading...]]>

Summary

Ronald Johnson makes plays. He is a tremendous athlete, yet raw enough in some areas to develop. His quickness and elusiveness are 2 of his many qualities, as he always found himself behind defenders and found open field. His offense relied on him for big plays and he always came through. As tough as he is speedy, he has no problem going over the middle and absorbing hits. The return game is where his value rises. As a punt returner he is dangerous; oftentimes being one block away from 6 points. He explodes through holes and easily finds open space. Upper body strength and route running are both areas of where he must improve, as he has all the makings of a solid NFL slot receiver.

Speed

Excellent speed. His 40 time is not a real indication to his explosiveness, as seen in the return game, where he attacks holes and gets up field quickly. Johnson is more quick than fast, but will pull away from defenders. He is a very efficient runner; using perfect running form to make his speed look effortless. In time, with his tools, he will run a faster 40 yard dash.

Route Running/Separation

As Johnson can easily get separation, his routes can use some work. He tends to slow down before his cuts and even stand up a little. This allows defenders to break earlier and can quickly get into his back pocket, as he gets out of his cuts. His acceleration out of his cuts is very good, but because he draws defenders with his upper body movement prior, it seems like he is not sprinting out of them. Attention to his upper body movement will reveal how great his footwork is, as well.

Hands

Although he literally has small hands, his offense looks to them for big plays. Johnson understands proper hand placement and holds on to the ball with his strong hands. Bottom line: USC looked to him for big plays and Ronald Johnson did not disappoint.

After the Catch

Here is where Johnson is really special. Always utilizing his quick steps to elude defenders in then find open field, Johnson is very explosive and productive after the catch. Excellent cuts and quick, precise moves makes him a very dangerous open-field threat.

Athleticism/Body Control

Johnson’s quickness and hands are his biggest attributes. Overall he is very athletic, as definitely seen in the return game, where he can dart in and out of traffic, elude tacklers and find green. This elite athleticism will aid him when he learns to improve the other parts of his game, such as, getting off the line and coming down with the ball with more consistency. Although his vertical may be average, his ability to make plays has hidden this weakness, but when improved, will add yet another tool to his arsenal.

Blocking

A definite area of improvement. Johnson’s lack of overall size and upper body strength, doesn’t allow him to routinely stop defenders. Although his hand placement and positioning is satisfactory, he just does not have the strength, and therefore the fight, to battle opponents.

Over the Middle

Another area of strength for Johnson. Very comfortable on slant, hook-in, or just plain in routes, he positions his body for impact and catches the ball. He doesn’t have the biggest, strongest frame, but uses what he has to make plays. This is nothing more that an excellent competitive spirit.

Durability

Johnson has had a few injuries during his career. Johnson missed spring practice in 2010 with elbow and wrist injuries. In 2009, he missed the first 5 games of the season with a broken collar bone.

Potential

Johnson is a young, raw-in-some-areas receiver that can be taught what his game is missing. His explosion and quickness are both NFL ready, as he has the tools to develop to be a very productive slot receiver and returner on any roster. He has sure 3rd down, or “big play” hands and the quickness to make would-be tacklers miss.

Production/Experience

He contributed heavily to a USC offense that averaged over 400 yards per game, while personally ranking 2nd in the Pac-10 in punt return average. He has had an 90 yard punt return for touchdown, along with 20 career receiving TDs. Yet, he was still underused, especially in the vertical game. Johnson’s USC numbers are not an indication of skill and/or potential.

Academics

Sociology major at USC.

Awards & Honors

N/A

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Are they really? How can we grade someone on a test that we didn’t prepare them for?

Enter Martez Wilson. He stands tall not because he’s a lean 6’4″ 250lbs., but because he overcame a crippling injury, 2 surgeries, media assassination Keep Reading...]]> One of the many overused sports-related catch phrases that are haphazardly thrown around is “mental toughness”. It’s used when an athlete needs a little something more to overcome adversities; when his/her body breaks down, the weather is unbearable or circumstances may point to defeat, “mental toughness” is employed to rise above these hardships. Most times, coddled and protected collegiate football players never get to experience hard times, so their mental toughness is never developed. When they are then thrown into a playoff game in a snowstorm, with a sore knee and asked to lead a 4th quarter comeback and fail, there are then called “mentally weak”.

Are they really? How can we grade someone on a test that we didn’t prepare them for?

Enter Martez Wilson. He stands tall not because he’s a lean 6’4″ 250lbs., but because he overcame a crippling injury, 2 surgeries, media assassination and sentiments of being a “bust” to being a projected 1st round draft pick.

Highly recruited out of Simeon Career Academy in Chicago, Illinois, Wilson enjoyed all the accolades and awards one could handle. He was a USA Today All-American, #6 on ESPN’s Top 150 and was a 5 Star Recruit on Rivals.com, just to name a few.

After an illustrious HS career, he shocked many when he turned down Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Miami (FL), Florida and Michigan to stay home and attend the University of Illinois.

To him, the choice was simple, “The decision involved my parents a lot. My parents felt that the Illinois coaches showed me the most love and was the most honest with me, as well. We all felt more confident about it. It was close to home, too. Notre Dame is close too, but (Illinois) is closer. The coach is what really made me commit. Coach Zook talked to me and I felt that he was the one I really wanted to play for.”

Unbeknownst to him, these 3 years in Champaign, is where his “mental toughness” would be developed, disciplined and championed.

During his sophomore year in 2008, Wilson was hospitalized after being stabbed while breaking up a fight. It was his testimony that he stepped in to help a defenseless former teammate and current friend, as a group of men were punching and kicking him. He was stabbed in the back twice and received surgery that night.

The media dubbed him as a “thug” and “trouble-maker” that has “off-field” and “character” issues. Martez took more positives out of the situation than negatives, “Laying in the hospital bed, a lot of things changed for me mentally,” Wilson said. “I could have easily been taken away, off the planet Earth. I tuned in real close to myself and said, ‘I really have to focus. Take advantage of my scholarship and football. Take it real serious.’ ”

Wilson said the thoughts came to him as he woke up in the hospital.
“It just happened,” Wilson said. “I was just shaking my head, catching myself crying a little bit, and saying, ‘I know I can’t let this take me down. I’m going to bounce back from this.’ ” (Asmussen, IlliniHQ.com, 2009)

Then, after moving over to Middle Linebacker before the 2009 season, he suffered a neck injury in the season opener against Missouri, that required season ending surgery.

This had to have been crushing to Wilson. After appearing in all 13 games as a true freshman and amassing 73 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and a forced fumble in ‘08, he’ll miss the remainder of the 2009 season.

First the “incident”, now the “injury”. This is when the “bust” sentiments began circulating.

Yet, Wilson still remained strong.

He put into motion the promise he made to himself while laying in a hospital bed a year ago – he will make the best of his opportunity by working hard. Outworking everyone else; in the weight room, on the track and in the film room.

The result? Dick Butkus Award watch list, 2nd in the Big Ten in forced fumbles, 4th in the Big Ten in tackles and led all Big Ten LBs with 15 tackles for loss, all on his way to being named to the All-Big Ten Second Team.

And most importantly, an invite to the NFL Combines.

Not bad for a guy who had 2 surgeries in 9 months.

Looking back, Wilson is thankful and grateful for his time at Illinois. When asked if he had lived up to his hype coming out of Simeon, with a smile he replied, “Yes. I’m in a wonderful situation. I’m here training for the combines. That’s a big accomplishment because not anyone gets invited. That’s a blessing to be recognized as one of the best in the nation to play college football.”

Unlike coming out of high school, Wilson didn’t garner a lot of hype when he declared for the NFL draft. Not showing up on any Top Ten or Players to Watch list, he has taken being under the radar with maturity and professionalism, again finding positivity amongst negativity.

Humbly, he planned to “take everyone by surprise”.

And he sure did.

He was the fastest LB at the Combines, running a ridiculous 4.49 (unofficially at 4.44) and was at the top of all LBs in the Broad Jump with an astounding 10’4” leap. He used that big, yet ripped and lean 6’4”, 250lb. frame to further impress in the position drills.

Highly respected Mike Mayock of The NFL Network, exclaimed that Wilson is “blowing up athletically”.

Still standing tall.

He may have surprised NFL scouts, coaches and GMs everywhere, but his trainer Billy Miller of Elite Sports Factory saw it coming.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete. I expect him to be one of the best LBs at the Combines. He’s gonna bench in the 20s (23) and have the fastest 40 (4.49).

In fact, the only surprise that Miller got, was the size of Wilson when he first entered the facility, “his frame is a lot bigger than I expected”.

Miller and the staff at Elite Sports Factory (that includes 4-time Olympic gold medalist and former World’s Fastest Man, Maurice Green) improved an already athletically gifted Wilson and turned him into a head-turning machine.

“We noticed that his weaknesses were his stiff hips, footwork, quick steps and flexibility. We implemented these into his workout. He is now loose, with great feet.”

Working at Elite for 3 times per day for 12 weeks, Wilson gained 12 lbs. of muscle and dropped to a miniscule 2.2% body fat.

With his improvements courtesy of Elite Sports Factory, Wilson is standing taller and stronger.

Martez absolutely dominated the NFL Combines. Scouts everywhere were blown away. Stating that he may have been the biggest Combine gainer, they called his performance ”impressive” and Mock Draf writers have him being the first LB taken off the board. With another solid performance at his Pro Day, Wilson is poised to solidify his #1 LB ranking by NFL Network’s Mike Mayock and creep into the 1st round of the upcoming NFL Draft.

It has been a long and windy road, with more than a few potholes and speed bumps. But, Wilson was strong enough to steer his way through it all. He admitted that he learned and grew every inch of the way, noting that his leadership, mental toughness and drive for the game were areas that were most affected. “Being away from the game for so long, I watched people. Watched their motors, energy levels, watch film and studied me. I was the hardest person to critique myself than anyone. That is one of my biggest advantages.”

And this is how you Stand Strong.

Stephean Paea, DL, Oregon State – Knee injury Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian – Hamstring injury Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin – Ankle injury Ahmad Black, DB, Florida – Illness Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma – Undisclosed injury

*Leonard Hankerson showed his versatility everywhere; offensive MVP with 5 catches for 100 yards and 1 TD and also covered punts and kickoffs. *Von Miller may be the best pure athlete here and should not stay long on the board. *Danny Watkins was very effective and looked Keep Reading...]]> After a long week of practicing, interviewing and tailgating, the actual game came upon us. I predicted a North win, as they had a much better defense throughout the week of practices, with the South’s QBs proving ineffective. So with a whole lotta southern sunshine and down south cooking, two planes flew over Ladd-Peebles Stadium and we finally had kickoff.

GAMEDAY SCRATCHES

Stephean Paea, DL, Oregon State – Knee injury
Edmund Gates, WR, Abilene Christian – Hamstring injury
Gabe Carimi, OL, Wisconsin – Ankle injury
Ahmad Black, DB, Florida – Illness
Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma – Undisclosed injury

BIGGEST WINNERS

*Leonard Hankerson showed his versatility everywhere; offensive MVP with 5 catches for 100 yards and 1 TD and also covered punts and kickoffs.
*Von Miller may be the best pure athlete here and should not stay long on the board.
*Danny Watkins was very effective and looked great playing Guard.
*Colin McCarthy flew all over the field. Made plays from sideline-to-sideline, showcasing great speed.
*Christian Ponder looked good today, but awful all week; don’t be fooled St. Louis Rams.
*Brooks Reed‘s motor made him some great plays in the game, but still needs more work on his play in space. A solid pass rusher who only uses 1 move; he was silenced all week during practice.
*Vincent Brown was a constant look and reliable target as he easily gained separation.
* Derrick Locke is really quick.
*Sam Acho‘s motor and toughness makes him seemingly unstoppable.
*Ryan Kerrigan tough, solid game

BIGGEST LOSERS

*Demarcus Love was abused by Brooks Reed at tackle and just looked awful overall. Please, someone move him inside.
*Anthony Castonzo couldn’t keep up with faster lineman.
*DeMarco Murray‘s first steps are way too slow and was bottled up pretty quickly. He has got to get lower to the ground.
*Greg McElroy was inconsistent during the week and was inconsistent today – his accuracy “issues” have now become a problem.
*Kendric Burney was picked on all day, with Hankerson getting the best of him.
*Andy Dalton couldn’t keep up with his speedy receivers.
*The South’s coaching staff (Buffalo Bills) thought that Noel Devine (5’8″, 180lbs) was a goaline back, as they tried to run him between the tackles 3 times in a row from inside the 5.

Return to the Senior Bowl coverage page

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Hankerson made a believer out of all by week’s end. His reliable hands and precise routes made him a favorite target of the QBs. And just when you thought that all he could do was go deep, he impressively beat double teams and found open spaces in zone today. Add in great focus and you have a real winner.

5.Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M What an athlete. A perfect mix of speed and strength; very effective pass rushing moves too. Excellent, quick feet gave linemen a lot of trouble on the line. Looked very good in space as well. Very active Keep Reading...]]> College football’s Friday practices are entirely “walked-through”, in shorts and tees. As there was nothing to do but sit in this ‘Bama sun, here’s my list of Surprises and Disappointments from both teams.

Surprises

Honorable Mention

Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami
Seemingly coming out of nowhere, Hankerson made a believer out of all by week’s end. His reliable hands and precise routes made him a favorite target of the QBs. And just when you thought that all he could do was go deep, he impressively beat double teams and found open spaces in zone today. Add in great focus and you have a real winner.

5.Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
What an athlete. A perfect mix of speed and strength; very effective pass rushing moves too. Excellent, quick feet gave linemen a lot of trouble on the line. Looked very good in space as well. Very active and will prove very valuable in the NFL.

4. Gabe Carimi, OL Wisconsin
Carimi had a tough Day 2, but stormed back with impressive performances on Days 4 and 5. He tightened up his footwork and really improved his blocking at the point of attack. Took on the more active and strong DL in 1-on-1s and came out on top numerous times.

3. Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State
Vincent Brown enjoyed a fantastic week. He put on a performance that will have him flying up draft boards as he made the top DBs and CBs look bad. He looked very comfortable running reverses and end-arounds as he even cut inside and took on some hits. Brown turned heads all week with his consistency, excellent hands, quick feet and crisp patterns.

2. Roy Helu Jr., RB, Nebraska
Helu was quiet the first 2 days, but took instruction from his coaches and stepped it up. He has prototypical size and began throwing it around. He was surprisingly tough in blocking and blitz pick-up drills. Helu’s quick and tight footwork allows him to be the most fluid and smooth runner in camp. Helu also showed that he has great nose for holes and always found himself in open space, sprinting away from would-be tacklers.

1. Titus Young, WR, Boise State
Almost unheralded, Young took his underrated name and shoved it in all the scouts face. He made plays all day, everyday. Exceptional hands and routes. Even the underperforming QB group had no trouble finding him 5-8 yards behind coverage. Young makes sharp cuts and accelerates well out of them. He never dropped a ball and was badly beating DBs on short, medium and deep routes all week.

Disappointments

5. Pierre Allen, DL, Nebraska
Allen has great height, but is a little light. His poor technique and footwork came to haunt him all week as his high stance allowed OL to get under him. He is definitely not aggressive enough during his bull rush as he was stood up way too often. Didn’t make enough plays during the team drills.

4. Kristofer O’Dowd, OL, USC
A great athlete who had a great season, but O’Dowd was outmatched. Being asked to take on much stronger and quicker linemen was too much. He was regularly embarrassed in 1-on-1s, being put on roller skates often. He is a smart player but lack of strength and reliable technique is too much to overcome.

3. Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma
All-American status and 4 picks didn’t help Carter at the Senior Bowl. His speed is very questionable. May be carrying a little too much weight and the receivers ran past him all week. Did not make enough plays in 1-on-1s or team to help his stock.

2. Dane Sanzenbacher, WR, Ohio State
Obviously outmatched. Sanzenbacher’s poor performance all week proved that he did not belong amongst the elite. He dropped way too many passes. When he did pull one in, it was with odd hand placement, or with his body. His patterns need a lot of work.

1. Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa
Stanzi led an unimpressive QB group. His accuracy and decision making was put to the test and failed miserably. Also displayed bad QB-IQ as he had a lot of trouble anticipating cuts and breaks and allowed DBs to make plays on his passes. Stanzi couldn’t put any zip on his passes as they labored to reach awaiting receivers. He needs a lot of work if he wants to be considered to be able to contribute at the next level.

Return to the Senior Bowl coverage page

QB Ricky Stanzi continues to underimpress. His ball is still floating on the intermediate routes, causing his receivers to wait for it.

QB Colin Kaepernick is still having accuracy issues in the 2 minute offense drill. Big wind up had DBs breaking on him quickly and making plays.

FB Owen Marecic is able to use his quick feet to get into 5 and 6 holes on dives…very impressive.

RBs – Da’Rel Scott doesn’t look too comfortable in pass routes and catching the ball. May be his stiff footwork being highlighted in another area. Needs to be more aggressive on the draw.

Roy Helu Jr. had an awesome day. He showcased what you need to in helmets and shorts – Keep Reading...]]> Today’s practices were in helmets and shorts, so not a lot of work being done; so minimal scouting was done, as well.

NORTH

QB Ricky Stanzi continues to underimpress. His ball is still floating on the intermediate routes, causing his receivers to wait for it.

QB Colin Kaepernick is still having accuracy issues in the 2 minute offense drill. Big wind up had DBs breaking on him quickly and making plays.

FB Owen Marecic is able to use his quick feet to get into 5 and 6 holes on dives…very impressive.

RBs – Da’Rel Scott doesn’t look too comfortable in pass routes and catching the ball. May be his stiff footwork being highlighted in another area. Needs to be more aggressive on the draw.

Roy Helu Jr. had an awesome day. He showcased what you need to in helmets and shorts – feet. He has exceptional footwork and fluid hips helps him glide in and out of cuts.

Demarco Murray – Great size, excellent feet; sharp, crisp and precise. Great in deep patterns; very effective double move on a LB.

LBs – Ross Homan stays tough after jam and I able to break with the receiver after it. He provides great back pocket – blanket coverage with receiver after jam on the line. Showed off his excellent feet in a few different drills

Mike McNeil had trouble covering after jam.

Lawrence Wilson looked a little lost in coverage at times.

Casey Matthews has excellent closing speed.

DBs – Jalil Brown has great feet and fluid hips. He stayed in receiver’s hips and made plays.

Kendric Berney was on fire. He had 2 interceptions, as he broke out of his backpedal very quickly. He was all over the field.

SOUTH

QBs – Greg McElroy finally looked consistent. His balls were tight and precise.

WRs – Courtney Smith was on fire. He showed that he can get use his speed to get separation. He also used his large frame to shield and bully the DBs.

Greg Salas continues to drop balls and looks very out-of-place.

RBs- Bilal Powell showcased his exceptional hands and will be a threat and asset out of the backfield. Excellent hands and catching ability.

OLs – Rodney Hudson great strength and he drops his hips very well.

DBs- Shareece Wright still blanketing reveivers with a supposed bad toe.

Return to the Senior Bowl coverage page