Mike Garafolo of The Star-Ledger has a story on Victor Cruz who was a member of the NFL's unveiling of Nike's new uniforms for the league.
"I'm not frustrated at all. I'm just trying to go in there and play football," he said of his current contract. "When I was young it wasn't about money, it wasn't about fame and fortune. It was just about playing football. So regardless of how short-term this career can be, I just want to go out there and play. All of that stuff will take care of itself."
Earlier, he said, "You just gotta remain humble and remain yourself and understand that all the good things are going to come to you in time. So you just have to keep doing what you're doing, remain positive at all times and the good things will come."
Kevin Goheen also contributed this story on James Ihedigbo's experience as he prepares for the Super Bowl and how his NFL career has unfolded over the last four seasons.
Kevin Goheen contributes this story to the Daily Hampshire Gazette on how Victor Cruz is savoring the Super Bowl experience. He will face fellow alum James Ihedigbo of the New England Patriots on Sunday.
Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe has a feature today on how the success of James Ihedigbo and Victor Cruz has helped recruiting for Charley Molnar and the UMass football program.
Charley Molnar hasn't spent much time in the football offices at the University of Massachusetts since he became head coach in December.
With the program moving up to the Football Bowl Subdivision next season and joining the Mid-American Conference, Molnar has been on the road recruiting. But he did find time to do a little interior decorating.
Hang a left when you walk through the doors, and there on the wall are super-sized photographs of Patriots defensive back James Ihedigbo and Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz.
The display is a reminder to the current players and recruits visiting campus that the Minutemen have two players in the Super Bowl.
"I want every player who comes through our program to know they can do great things, just like Victor and James did,'' Molnar said. "They were on the same practice fields and in the same weight room and look where they are now.''
As the Super Bowl draws closer, James Ihedigbo of the New England Patriots and Victor Cruz of the New York Giants have both been in the media spotlight - both here in Massachusetts and nationally.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on how the success James Ihedigbo and Victor Cruz are having in the NFL has served as an inspiration and a blueprint to pro-football hopefuls Julian Talley and Tyler Holmes. Talley and Holmes are currently in Florida working out to prepare for various NFL scouting combines.
Zach Schonbrun of Newsday has a story on Victor Cruz's appearance at a Modell's store in Times Square where he gave out salsa-dancing lessons, signed autographs and promoted a new t-shirt with "Cruuuuuuuuuuuuz!" on the front and salsa steps on the back - his trademark touchdown celebration.
No matter if you are a Giants fan or a Patriot fan, if you are a UMass fan, then this year's Super Bowl will be a win for you. Congratulations to Victor Cruz and James Ihedigbo who will both be playing in the title game.
UMass' Victor Cruz once again put on a show for New York Giants fans - this time adding an on-side kick recovery to his resume - in Sunday's win over the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
UMass alum James Ihedigbo will be playing in his third career AFC Championship Game after he helped the New England Patriots defeat the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Ihedigbo made two appearances in the AFC title game with the New York Jets prior to joining the Patriots.
Several stories looking at the Cincinnati Bengals defense have mentioned the play of Jeromy Miles and his success as a member of the special teams units.
Jeromy Miles is one of the best special teams players on the Bengals. I don't think he has much of a shot at being the future at safety, but he is certainly a contributor to this team. He is a restricted free agent this year, and will probably be back in 2013 for another year of dominance on coverage teams.
The 6-2, 210-pound Miles had 15 tackles on special teams as part of the NFL's No. 1 kick coverage...Miles is conscientious and reliable enough to be one of the team's most dependable players.
Erik Matuszewski of Bloomberg.com has an extensive piece on the meteoric rise of Victor Cruz with the New York Giants. As he closes in on a new contract negotiation, Matuszewski points out:
Cruz has emerged as one of the Giants' most valuable and popular players. His No. 80 jersey is the team's second-best seller for the season behind Manning and the 13th-best seller in the league last month, according to NFLShop.com. Cruz is ninth on the ranking of rising sports stars issued today by Irvine, California-based Brand Affinity Technologies, which calculates consumer appeal based on performance, media exposure, popularity and other indicators among more than 45,000 athletes and celebrities.
Steve Serby of the New York Post has a story on the amazing season that Victor Cruz has put together this year for the Giants.
"It's amazing, man," Cruz said. "It's something you dream of when you grow up and you hear all the chants that different stadiums have for different people. For me to have one in New York, it's just a surreal feeling. I get goose bumps every time I hear it."
New York gets goose bumps every time he takes a short pass from Manning and takes it to the house.
After putting together an unbelievable regular-season performance, Victor Cruz has been selected as a second alternate for this year's NFL Pro Bowl in Honolulu.
An amazing game by Victor Cruz against the Jets over the week where he had a 99-yard pass reception-and-run to help him set a new Giants single season receiving record. Along with his season total, the 99-yard play also ties a franchise record putting the UMass standout's name in the Giants record book twice.
CBS Boston (WBZ) has a feature story on former Minuteman and current New England Patriot James Ihedigbo that focuses on his life growing up and his HOPE Foundation which helps students in Africa gain a college education in the United States.
Chris Herring of the Wall Street Journal has a story on Vladimir Ducasse and his recent success with the Jets who are using him exclusively in "Jumbo Formations" where he plays as a third tackle/tightend.
UMass alum Mike Reiss has a profile of James Ihedigbo up on ESPNBoston.com. Included in the Q&A session is Ihedigbo recounting some of his favorite memories while at UMass including the 2006 win over Montana in the NCAA Playoffs in 2006.
Victor Cruz of the New York Giants was a guest on Colin Cowherd's show on ESPN Radio yesterday. The former UMass standout talked about the win over the Cowboys, his season so far, and playing with Eli Manning.
GangGreenNation.com ran a story yesterday on Vladimir Ducasse and the New York Jets mixing him in the offensive line as an extra tight end in power sets.
With 7 catches for 83 yards in last night's win over Dallas, Victor Cruz of the New York Giants continues to show why he is one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
*Cruz had seven receptions for 83 yards in Dallas. His 1,159 yards is the seventh-highest single-season total in Giants history. Cruz needs 185 yards in the final three games to top Amani Toomer's franchise record of 1,343 yards, set in 2002.
UMass alum Dan Duggan has a story on New England Patriots' safety James Ihedigbo and how the veteran has contributed not just on the field but also in the locker room.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has a feature on James Ihedigbo has quickly become a key part of the New England Patriots defense and a spokesman in the locker room.
Dan Salomone of Giants.com has a feature on Victor Cruz who was just shy of his career-best performance in last night's loss to the Saints. On a 72-yard touchdown catch, Cruz refrained from his now-famous Salsa dance in the endzone - a sign of his maturity as a professional football player.
Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com has a Q&A session with James Ihedigbo as the New England Patriots head to the New York Jets on Sunday. Ihedigbo started his NFL career with the Jets and will face fellow Minuteman Vladimir Ducasse his former teammate in New York.
For the game, Cruz led New York with six catches for 91 yards, while Ihedigbo had five tackles including four solo stops.
At 17.3 yards per catch, Cruz ranks 8th in the NFL among players with 20 or more receptions. Overall, his 73.5 yards per game ranks 19th in the league.
Geoff Hobson has a recap from Cincinnati's win over Tennessee yesterday in NFL action and mention's former UMass standout Jeromy Miles served as one of the game captains.
The Titans won the toss and took the ball with the Bengals captains looking on: Jeromy Miles, Kyle Cook, Domata Peko, Brandon Johnson, and Donald Lee.
Be sure to check out the Giants/Patriots game today as UMass alums Victory Cruz and James Ihedigbo are almost certainly going to face each other.
Fellow UMass alum Jeff Howe has a great piece on the two of them playing against each other on the pro level and how they refined their games at UMass.
Former UMass football standout Jeremy Horne was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs practice squad on Wednesday after being put on waivers on Tuesday. Horne had played in three games on the active roster this season after playing in three the previous season as well.
Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News has a terrific feature on UMass alum and current New York Giant Victor Cruz and the obstacles he had to overcome in life.
Victor Cruz was center stage again for the New York Giants in their 36-25 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The former UMass wide receiver led the Giants with eight receptions for 161 yards, including a juggling one-handed 68-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. Cruz was also involved in a pair of late turnovers by the Giants. All of that leads to lots of Cruz headlines today:
James Ighedibo made the first start of his career at safety for the New England Patriots, helping lead them to victory over his former team, the New York Jets, 30-20. The Amherst Regional High and UMass alum played the first four seasons of his career with the Jets, so Sunday's first start took on extra meaning. Ighedibo finished with six tackles on four solos and two assists.
Former UMass standout Jeremy Horne has been promoted to the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs active roster as a wide receiver heading into this weekend's action.
UMass football alum and current New York Giant Victor Cruz (80) performed on the big stage last night - Monday Night Football. The wide receiver caught the first two passes of his career for a total of 17 yards to help the Giants to their first victory of the season, 28-16 over the St. Louis Rams at the Meadowlands, not far from his hometown of Paterson, N.J.
Cruz could be seeing even more action to come as two Giants receivers, Mario Manningham and Domenik Hixon left Monday's game with injuries, and another starter, Hakeem Nicks, played but is still recovering from an injury suffered in Week 1.
In this blog post from the Cincy Jungle, Jeromy Miles is mentioned for leading the Cincinnati Bengals with a pair of special teams' tackles in the 27-17 win over Cleveland.
Former University of Massachusetts and Amherst Regional standout James Ihedigbo made the New England Patriots final roster as the Patriots cut two-time Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather to trim their roster to the limit of 53 on Saturday.
Ihedigbo was one of five Minutemen to survive cutdown day. Victor Cruz, who is expected to see regular playing time in the New York Giants wide receiver rotation after missing most of last year with an injury, made the roster out of camp for the second straight season. Jeromy Miles, who started last year on the Cincinnati Bengals practice squad before being elevated during the season, made the 53-man roster out of camp this year.
Jeremy Cain starts his sixth NFL season and his third with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He's primarily a long snapper.
Vlad Ducasse begins his second season as a reserve guard for the Jets.
John and Beth Niland face an interesting dilemma this weekend. The East Bridgewater couple are long-time New England Patriots season ticket holders. Their son, Greg, is a rookie with the Detroit Lions.
The Lions host the Patriots in a nationally televised game at Ford Field this Saturday night.
So, whom do the Nilands root for?
"That's a good question," Greg Niland laughed during a telephone interview from the Lions' training facility in Allen Park, Mich. "I'm going to have to ask them."
Even when James Ihedigbo didn't have a job he always had HOPE. Because of that, so do a lot of struggling kids from Africa who want the same thing he hopes to find in New England -- a chance to prosper.
Not a week goes by, it seems, that the excesses of big-time sports aren't in the headlines -- greedy owners, amoral and sometimes immoral players, cheating, law breaking, rude behavior, slovenly disregard for their blessings and their talents. It happens so often there are websites that keep track of how many days it's been since a professional athlete was last arrested, a sad reality that can blind us to other things.
Ihedigbo, the newly signed safety and special teams maven formerly of the hated Jets, is a shining example of those other things. Although obsessively dedicated to his trade -- which is the sledge hammer side of football -- he is a guy who long ago was taught to see a world exists beyond the end zone, a world where much can be done if one man is willing to try.
Rich Garven of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette has a feature on former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin who is fighting for a spot with the New England Patriots.
While he knows the chance of the Patriots carrying two kickers is slim, Koepplin says the experience is a great opportunity.
"I'm getting some film out there," Koepplin said today while standing in front of his metal locker, a temporary one that will soon be taken away and placed in storage until next year. "I'm doing whatever they're asking of me -- right now, it's kicking off -- and it's just been a great learning experience."
It was announced last night that James Ihedigbo has signed with the New England Patriots after playing three seasons for the New York Jets. That places two former UMass players on the Pats current roster as Chris Koepplin has been handling the kick-off duties this preseason for New England.
Koepplin gets a shot Rookie Chris Koepplin, a UMass product, handled the kickoffs for New England. His first, to open the game, went nine yards deep in the end zone. His second sailed over the end zone. Koepplin has had some struggles with field-goal kicking in camp as he has gotten a lot of work with Stephen Gostkowski slowly being worked back from injury, but has shown a powerful leg throughout.
Koepplin's first three kicks were touchbacks before the Bucs were able to return the fourth when it went only two yards deep in the end zone.
Matt Vautour has a football notebook up today mentioning UMass being ranked No. 25 in The Sports Network FCS Top 25 preseason Poll, Tyler Holmes and Emil Igwenagu being named team captains once again and a recap of several alums from NFL preseason training camps.
In its last season playing in the Championship Subdivision, the University of Massachusetts football team was ranked No. 25 in the Sports Network FCS Top 25 preseason poll, which was released Monday.
The Minutemen were one of seven Colonial Athletic Association teams ranked. They were picked fifth in the CAA preseason poll. Villanova and Richmond, which were ranked lower in the CAA poll, were above UMass in the national poll.
Two more CAA teams - Rhode Island and Maine - as well as Central Connecticut State, which UMass faces in nonconference play, were among the teams "also-receiving votes."
Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger has a feature today on Vladimir Ducasse and the upside of his career with the New York Jets.
"In the future, Vlad is going to be a much better football player than me," Matt Slauson said last week at Jets camp. "God-gifted, just a freak. If he knew the in's and out's of the playbook like (a veteran), he'd be an All Pro."
Former UMass wide receiver Victor Cruz continues to get a lot of attention at New York Giants training camp. Cruz is competing for the No. 3 wideout spot in addition to a place on the active roster, but as you can read in the links below, he continues to impress his coaches.
According to the Jets Insider, Vladimir Ducasse will be switched to tackle this year after getting most of his reps at guard last season. That is reflected in a preseason depth chart on New York Sports Today which lists Ducasse as the No. 2 left tackle.
Despite a crowded wide receiver situation at New York Giants training camp, former Minuteman Victor Cruz continues to impress coaches and teammates as the No. 3 receiver position, or slot receiver, job is up for grabs. ESPN New York writes that Cruz is in the mix for the job.
"He's a baller," Mario Manningham said. "He fits right in with our receiver group. He's not tall, but he's big and strong, he's got good hands, he's quick and he's fast."
"I think I'm understanding coverages better and reads as far as route running," Cruz said. "I think it's coming together for me a little better this year, and hopefully I can get that third spot."
Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican reports this morning on the Philadelphia Eagles signing former UMass defensive tackle Brandon Collier. The Eagles, who have made plenty of news with big free agent signings in the last couple weeks, have seen their defensive line decimated by injuries already in training camp, creating a good opportunity for Collier, who last played at UMass in 2009.
The Hampshire Daily Gazette and the Springfield Republican report this morning that an AP source with knowledge of the situation says that former UMass safety James Ihedigbo will not be resigning with the New York Jets. The Amherst product has been with Gang Green since 2007, but will be looking for a new team for 2011.
Ihedigbo led the Jets with 27 special teams tackles in 2010.
Make it one more UMass football alum at an NFL training camp this summer. The Philadelphia Eagles have signed former Minuteman defensive tackle Brandon Collier. CSN Philadelphia reports that due to injuries, the Eagles had just one healthy defensive tackle in camp, leading to the signings of Collier and Charlie Noonan as undrafted free agents.
Collier was an All-CAA defensive tackle as a senior in 2009, recording 38 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 8.5 TFLs.
Former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin (2) continues to handle most of the kicking duties at New England Patriots training camp as Pro Bowler Stephen Gostkowski recovers from a torn quadriceps that ended his 2010 campaign.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports that former UMass guard Greg Niland, who was signed by the Arizona Cardinals as an undrafted free agent, was released earlier this week but was scooped up quickly by the Detroit Lions.
New York Jets GM and UMass alum Mike Tannenbaum was on Ruocco and Lundberg on ESPN Radio 1050 in New York on Tuesday talking about Jets training camp and several player personnel topics. Among those, Tannenbaum pointed out former UMass lineman Vladimir Ducasse as someone that could surprise everyone this season and also spoke about the contract situation with former Minuteman and free agent safety James Ihedigbo. Follow the link above and go to the 8:00 mark for Ducasse and 8:45 for Ihedigbo.
Former UMass wide receiver and current New York Giant Victor Cruz has been in the news lately as the Giants' wide receiver situation begins to work itself out. After a breakout preseason last year, Cruz missed most of the season on injured reserve. This year, he is competing for a spot in a crowded corps. Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham appear to be the starters, but with Steve Smith still unsigned and recovering from an injury, the No.3/slot position is up for grabs as well as the remaining wideout roster spots. Those competing with Cruz are Dominek Hixon, Jerrel Jernigan, Devin Thomas, Ramses Barden, and the newly signed Michael Clayton. Check out the stories below.
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette as a nice feature today on former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin and his efforts at Patriots training camp to make the roster. It also points out that Koepplin's path to the NFL was not he traditional route, as his final season at UMass was 2007 and, after playing two seasons in the Arena 2 league, did not kick professionally last season.
Koepplin says of when he got the news the Patriots wanted him, "I was in my car. It was a surprise, a happy surprise," said Koepplin, who immediately called his parents and tweeted "Today Was A Good Day... #understatement."
ESPN.com reports that former Minuteman and New York Jet James Ihedigbo remains an unsigned free agent.
NBC New York speculates that money the Jets saved by losing out on cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha not only allowed them to resign Antonio Cromartie, but could allow them to resign players such as Ihedigbo.
Former UMass running back John Griffin, who was signed last week as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals, has taken advantage of his early opportunities at training camp. According to CincyJungle.com, he has gotten the attention of Head Coach Marvin Lewis.
"(Williams and Griffin) both guys caught my eye in what they were doing," Lewis said.
Former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin continued to handle most of the kicking duties at New England Patriots training camp over the weekend as Pro Bowler Stephen Gostkowski is out with an injury. Reports from camp on Sunday said Koepplin had a couple struggles early, but redeemed himself with a strong showing late. Check out coverage below.
ESPN Boston Sunday: Patriots Practice 7 Observations
ESPN BostonSaturday: Patriots Practice 5 Observations
At New England Patriots practice yesterday, newly signed former Minuteman Chris Koepplin was handling all of the kickoff duties. Pro Bowl kicker Stephen Gostkowski was held out of practice while recovering from a thigh injury. MassLive.com and the Boston Herald has coverage.
Former UMass running back John Griffin was in Cincinnati yesterday, passed his physical and was signed by the Bengals. Cincinnati.com reports thats 17 players in all were signed as free agents by the Bengals on the same day they sent wide receiver Chad Ochocinco to the Patriots.
Former UMass kicker Chris Koepplin (2006-07) was signed as a free agent by the New England Patriots on Wednesday. He is the third former Minuteman to be signed since the free agent signing period opened this week, joining undrafted free agents Greg Niland (Cardinals) and John Griffin (Bengals).
Koepplin, who transferred to UMass after two years at Nassau Community College, was a Honorable Mention All-American in both 2006 and 2007 with the Minutemen, while also earning All-Conference honors both years. He holds the UMass record for PAT percentage (98.0) on 99-of-101 and ranks second in field goal percentage (71.0) on 27-of-38.
Koepplin's most memorable field goal was the 43-yarder he hit at No. 2 Montana on Dec. 8, 2006 in the NCAA Semifinals which proved to be the game-winner and send the Minutemen on to the Championship game for the first time since 1998.
Koepplin played two seasons of arena football for the Manchester Wolves in 2008-09.
Former UMass football players John Griffin and Greg Niland benefitted quickly from the NFL lockout ending as both signed contracts as undrafted free agents on Tuesday. Griffin, a running back, signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, the same team former Minuteman Jeromy Miles plays for, while Niland, a guard, signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Below is coverage of their signings.
Hampshire Gazette: Lockout's end opens door for ex-Minutemen Niland, Griffin
MassLive.com: UMass football players Niland & Griffin signed by NFL teams
Matt Vautour of the Hampshire Gazette reports that former UMass football players Greg Niland (pictured, right) has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals and John Griffin (left) has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Wall Street Journal has a story on the company Player Protect that provides security and transportation services for professional athletes when they are attending social events.
Jets safety James Ihedigbo said ceding control has never been an issue. The Jets signed with Player Protect this past September, and Ihedigbo said he has used the service both as part of a large group of teammates going out after a game, and on his own. He has never been in a situation where his assigned officer indicated he was unsafe, but if he was, he said, "I wouldn't even hesitate to listen. It's what they're there for. Their ears can pick up things mine can't."
The goal of the company is to not only keep the player physically safe but also for the agents to keep the player informed of anything that might come up during the event which could put him in harm.
Kansas City has a look at some of the team's position groups and where certain players will fit and where the Chiefs will need to add with free agents. UMass' Jeremy Horne is mentioned among the top-five receivers on the team.
The Chiefs had hoped Jerheme Urban would be their possession-type receiver last year, but a preseason hand injury proved otherwise. Verran Tucker came out of seemingly nowhere to make some big plays and Jeremy Horne is a burner, but both are probably cut out best for roles on the outside and so is Urban.
New York Jets linebacker Bart Scott is quoted as saying the NFL lockout is actually helping some veteran players because they can focus on preparing their bodies better than they can during a normal offseason.
Scott said one Jets veteran, second-year offensive lineman Vladimir Ducasse, is an example.
"Vlad Ducasse is ripped up right now," Scott said of his sometime training partner in New Jersey. "I've watched Vlad on the inclines with almost 400 pounds and he's worked off all that baby fat. All gone. He's working ridiculous. He's lean. He's 345 pounds. If I can say a lean 345, he's a lean 345."
New York Jets saftey and former UMass All-American James Ihedigbo was a guest on the B&C Morning Show in New York yesterday. In the interview, Ihedigbo talked about how players are dealing with the current lockout situation, his future with the Jets and the leadership of Mark Sanchez.
The Stanford Times has a good story on Vladimir Ducasse and his journey so far with the New York Jets. The article looks at his transition to the NFL along with how the lock out has affected the players so far this summer.
Another story on James Ihedigbo out of Newsday.com today. This one looks at his contract status as a restricted free agent under the terms of the old collective bargaining agreement. Because of the NFL lockout many players similar to Ihedigbo are uncertain as to what the future will hold.
James Ihedigbo can't bear to sit back and do nothing, watching those in need struggle to cope and slowly begin the process of rebuilding their lives.
Tornadoes ripped through central and western Massachusetts earlier this month, leaving extensive damage, taking the lives of at least four people and injuring several others.
If you had the chance to ask a professional football player one question, what would it be? The 100 kids who met Vladimir Ducasse and Alex Joseph at the Stamford YMCA on Friday afternoon asked the athletes for their opinion on Justin Bieber's music and whether they knew LeBron James.
It was impossible to miss the close friendship between the two Stamford High School graduates. They constantly made jokes at the other's expense and playfully shoved each other around.
"Vladdy was my little brother," Joseph, a linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers, said of the two back in high school. This got the kids to laugh because even at 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, Joseph looks tiny next to the 6-foot-5 Ducasse, who weighs in at 325 pounds.
The two explained the importance of having good friends and told how it helped them reach their goals on and off the football field.
James Ihedigbo can't wait for "Beast Mode" time again.
The Jets' safety is spending the offseason much like the rest of his teammates, training without coaches' supervision as they wait for the lockout to be lifted. Ihedigbo is also waiting for the second coming of "Beast Mode," the term he uses to describe the mentality of the Jets' top-notch secondary in 2010.
"Our mentality is that we hit you because in this game, it is you hit them or they're going to hit you," Ihedigbo told Metro. "That's what 'Beast Mode' is and I know that whoever is back there with me in the secondary, that guy has my back and I've got his back."
Dale Grdnic of FootballNewsNow.com has a piece on the impact of undrafted free agents on the Cincinnati Bengals. He makes mention of former UMass standout Jeromy Miles who moved into the game-day lineup last season for the final six games.
This coming season, the Bengals are expected to have a handful of
former undrafted free agents in starting spots. Nate Livings (2006) from
LSU has started 31 games at left guard the past three seasons, while
Cosby (2009) is the top punt returner and backup wideout.
Linebacker
Dan Skuta (2009) from Grand Valley State should start on the strong
side after leading the Bengals in special teams tackles last year.
Second-year safety Jeromy Miles from Massachusetts came off the practice
squad for final six games last season with five special teams tackles
as a gunner on the punt-coverage unit that led the NFL last season.
SB Nation: New York has an update on the New York Jets and Vladimir Ducasse as the players continue to hold informal player workouts during the NFL Lockout.
First it was "Jets West" which featured the quarterbacks, running backs and receivers led byMark Sanchez in California.
Then it was "Jets Southwest" which was Jets cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Kyle Wilsonworking out in Arizona.
With the NFL lockout still continuing, articles pop up everywhere about groups of players gathering to hold informal summer workouts. Tania Ganguli of The Florida Times-Union has a story on several Jacksonville Jaguars, including UMass' Jeremy Cain, and how their player workouts have been going.
Cain missed this particular practice, however, because he was out of town.
Normally, long snapper Jeremy Cain drives up from Fort Lauderdale to practice with them on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but this week Cain is on his honeymoon in Hawaii.
Several reports today on the New York Jets have them bringing back Damien Woody to play right tackle because the coaching staff has not been able to work with Vladimir Ducasse during the offseason due to the lockout.
John Eisenberg of Ravens Insider looks at the running back situation for Baltimore heading into 2011. An uncertain future for Willis McGahee could provide an opportunity for Matt Lawrence once a new collective bargaining agreement is reached.
+ Who backs up Rice if McGahee goes? The candidates on the roster include Jalen Parmele, Matt Lawrence, Curtis Steele and seventh-round pick Anthony Allen. The first three have been around for a couple of years without making inroads as ball carriers, leaving Allen as the likeliest option, at least for now. But as a locked-out rookie who hasn't gone through OTAs, he might not be able to contribute much right away.
Jeremy Horne is mentioned in this article on KCChiefs.com about the success the franchise has had recently with signing undrafted rookies.
Undrafted rookies have had plenty of time to study this off-season. Ordinarily fast and furious, the post-draft signing process has slowed to a calculated waiting game.
College free agents have more time than ever to analyze which franchises provide the best fit. Which teams can offer the best opportunity for growth and development? Some 300 college prospects have had longer than a month to study.
If the future pros go beyond analysis of depth charts and recent draft picks, they'll find a pattern familiar to many player agents. The pattern leads to a place that allows rookie free agents, regardless of position, to thrive.
Word is spreading fast. The undrafted can make a big impact in Kansas City.
The Arizona Cardinals recently had 17 former players return to help with their Football Skills and Education Camp. Included in the Alumni who came back were UMass standouts Steve Baylark and Marcel Shipp.
The Cardinals' Football Skills and Education camp held May 14 featured 17 former Arizona Cardinals, including running backs Stump Mitchell and Marcel Shipp, cornerbacks David Macklin and Robert Tate, wide receivers Frank Sanders and MarTay Jenkins and offensive linemen Derek Kennard and Jerome Daniels.
While they are ex-players, it didn't necessarily feel that way.
That's just part of being alumni for the Cards, taking part in teaching youth players about the game. Those that take part aren't players anymore, but they are close to it. The kids don't care their careers are over. And for the players, it can be a trip back in time when they all get together.
"It's similar to a homecoming," former running back Damien Anderson said. "It's almost like a family reunion. You see guys that have lived the same type of life you did, and we're all making that transition."
On the NFL's website, this picture of James Ihedigbo is one of 13 submission's from various photographer's for the 43rd Annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Photo Contest. It was shot be Al Pereira of the New York Jets.
You hear stories all the time about players hoping to get that special "Call from the Hall," and trust me it's just as exciting for us photographers when it happens. Having your photograph singled out for recognition among the galleries of great NFL pictures really is something else. Truth be told, it is an honor just to be able to toss a few shots in with the other folks who cover the NFL. I really do feel I am swimming with the big fish, each and every week. I was happy to see that my photo of James Ihedigbo preparing to go out on the field was one that caught people's fancy. "Dig," as he is known, is both serene and intense and I feel like this image captures that. He's shown getting himself in the right frame of mind to play, and his quiet determination is something I try to call up every week in covering my beloved Jets. - Al Pereira
Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star mentions in his blog that Jeremy Horne was a handful of players who organized an informal workout yesterday. First-round draft pick Jonathan Baldwin, Matt Cassel, and Jerheme Urban were some of the other players at the workout.
According to Teicher, "That doesn't mean those guys won't see benefits. Horne, a player who has plenty of potential, will be a better player for having worked with Cassel when some of his competition for roster spots are off on their own."
Chris Herring of the Wall Street Journal has a piece on the New York Jets and several players, including Vladimir Ducasse, who have headed to Boca Raton, Fla., to hold informal workouts because of the NFL lockout.
...entering his second year with the Jets, (Ducasse) said workouts are critical for young players. "We're still trying to learn everything. I see this as my chance to get ahead and to learn how to avoid the mistakes I made last year," he said Tuesday while working out at the TEST Football Academy camp.
Jets LB Bart Scott and OL Vladimir Ducasse are planning to be in Miami next week to work out with a group of Dolphins in what is being billed as a "Lockout Camp." In reality, it's a gathering of clients from the TEST Football Academy, which has facilities in Boca Raton, Fla., and Martinsville, N.J. Scott and Ducasse have been regulars this offseason at the Martinsville location.
Scott and Ducasse will be joined by Dolphins Channing Crowder, Randy Starks, Benny Sappand rookie RB Daniel Thomas, according to The Star-Ledger of Newark. Scott and Crowder are two of the most notorious trash talkers in the league, so that should be interesting. Crowder is best remembered for his war of words with Rex Ryan in 2009.
The players will work out for four days, spending an hour in the weight room, followed by position-specific drills on the field. The players reportedly will pay their own way to Florida; the sessions will take place on the campus of Florida Atlantic.
Eight Chiefs players gathered on Tuesday including UMass alum Jeremy Horne for a throwing session at a Kansas City area high school. There was no doubt about the one in charge.
Matt Cassel, practicing in sunglasses and a ball cap turned backward, wasn't necessarily dressed for the part. But he was the one calling out orders, giving all the play calls, directing traffic. Practice started when he arrived and concluded when he left.
"This,'' wide receiver Jeremy Horne said, stating the obvious, "is Matt's deal.''
Cruz became an overnight fan favorite when he made his pro debut with six receptions for 145 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-16 preseason-opening victory over the Jets last August.
Tony Kurdzuk/The Star-Ledger/US PresswireVictor Cruz played in just three games last season for the Giants.
The undrafted free agent out of UMass finished the preseason with 15 catches for 297 yards and four touchdowns and made the final roster. However, his rookie season consisted of just three regular-season games of special-teams duty because of a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve prior to the sixth game of the season.
Eli Manning simulated taking a snap, backpedaled in the pocket and then rolled to his left and hit receiver Hakeem Nicks on a pass to the sideline.
It's what one would expect in a New York Giants' minicamp at this time of year.
The only problem was this pass took place on a high school field in the shadow of New York City and not under the watchful eyes of coach Tom Coughlin and his staff at the Giants' practice facility.
Welcome to lockout football, where one gets to watch eight players try to stay in shape under the supervision of Manning and his trainer.
Manning and Nicks were joined on the field by quarterback Sage Rosenfels, tight end Kevin Boss and receivers Michael Clayton, Duke Calhoun, former University of Massachusetts standout Victor Cruz and Samuel Giguere.
UMass alums and football stars Victor Cruz and James Ihedigbo will be guest stars on the Rachael Ray Show on Wednesday morning. The duo are part of a segment on the show called, "Human Lab." Here's the promo from the show's website: Rachael Ray Show, May 4, 2011.
Can what you cook up help you hook up? It's a new twist on TV dating when sexy star Taye Diggs plays matchmaker to two bachelors who are trying to win a woman's heart with their food! Then, sparks will fly in your house with Rach's date-night dinner, and it's a beefed up "Human Lab" with NFL stars testing grilling gadgets.
Check out this interview of UMass alum and New York Jets safety James Ihedigbo. He was on the show "WheelHouse" to discuss the state of the Jets during the NFL lockout.
The blog website GiantsGab.com has a feature on UMass alum Victor Cruz. Check it out Victor Cruz Player Profile.
There were two hundred and twenty-five players named called during the 2010 NFL draft. Not one of those names was Victor Cruz. He'd have to try and make it as an UDFA. Cruz received calls from many teams, but the UMass standout opted to sign with the Giants. He'd try and make the roster as a player not drafted something very difficult to do.
With the release of veteran Damien Woody this offseason, the competition for starting jobs along the right side of the offensive line is wide open. A second lineman out of the UMASS, Ducasse has shed eight pounds this offseason working his way down to a spry and limber 317. Ducasse was quick to credit the training program developed by trainers at TEST Sports Clubs.
"I'm doing everything: working on strength, speed and agility and trying to gain more flexibility," Ducasse told GWR. "We are doing exercises over and over again until it becomes muscle memory."
Rich Cimini of ESPN New York.com has a look at the New York Jets offensive line heading into the 2011 season. He writes a lot about UMass alum Vladimir Ducasse, who is expected to start this season.
The microscope will be focused intensely on Ducasse, who attempts to replace the popular Damien Woody as the starting right tackle. Ducasse has a lot stacked against him -- virtually no experience, new position, small-school background -- but the Jets' brass believes he can get it done.
