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Buster Skrine conf. call transcript - 4/30 Posted 18 hours ago The transcript of DB Buster Skrine's Saturday afternoon conference call with the Cleveland media. Browns defensive back Buster Skrine conference call 4-30-11 (On how he got the nickname Buster)- “Me and my dad have the same name and his mother started calling me ‘Buster’ for no reason just as a nickname. That’s how I got it.” (On running a 4.22 40-yard dash in college)- “I ran a 4.22 the summer of my junior year and I was running 4.2’s that whole summer so I thought I was going to run a 4.2. When I came to the Combine I was looking for the same, but they had 4.37.” (On how he will fit in the NFL including special teams)- “I definitely want to contribute in the return game, both punt returns and kick returns, and on defense of course.” (On his 360 lbs. bench press in college)- “I bench pressed 360 lbs. when we maxed at school. The last time I max bench pressed was right before I left school and I got 360 lbs.” (On the type of cornerback he is)- “I am a tough corner. I play bigger than my height. I am fast, I can cover well and I am coachable.” (On if he has ever played against anyone who is faster than he is)- “No sir.” (On how he compensates for his lack of height)- “I just play bigger than what I am. The size thing doesn’t really get to me so I see myself as a player just like any other player on the field. I go out there and play my game and try to play better than everyone else out there.” (On if he has been underestimated)- “Coming out of high school I was 5-7, 145 lbs. so I had a lot of Division I schools call me and come to my school and say they were going to offer, but they would leave not offering. Coming out of high school I had 11 Division I-AA offers and that’s how that went.” (On if he thinks he should have been drafter higher because of his speed)- “I prayed that God would put me in the best position so I am not going to complain about being a fifth-round pick at all. Before the draft I was getting a lot of three and four, but I am happy for where I am and I am just ready to get started.” (On what skills he has to play against taller receivers)- “I am definitely going to be able to run with taller receivers and I can jump so jump balls shouldn’t be an issue. Also, I am physical and I have good technique so that helps me with the tall receivers.” (On anyone who he looks up to as a player)- “I really don’t have any role models, but I can tell you who I like that plays and that was undersized. I like watching Asante Samuel. He is an undersized corner and he just seems to have the ball in his hand all the time.” (On working out or visiting with the Browns)- “I did a private workout with the Browns with coach (Jerome) Henderson.” (On the biggest adjustment from FCS to the NFL)- “It’s probably the speed and people will be a little bigger, but I can make the adjustment. It shouldn’t be any problem.” (On where his jumping ability and vertical ranked at the combine)- “I think it was ninth, maybe. I was looking to jump a little bit higher than 37 because during training, I was jumping 40-41 inches. I felt like I didn’t warm up enough right before the jumps because that was our first event.” (On considering professional track because of his quickness)- “I’ve always been a football player so football has always been my number one goal to play professionally. In college, I ran on the 4x100 team and I was the anchor.” (On slipping while he ran a 4.37 at the combine)- “My second attempt, I actually slipped. It was about 10 yards out of my start and I stumbled so yes, I did.” (On what he would have ran at the combine without the stumble)– “4.2.” (On where he’s at right now watching the NFL Draft)– “I’m in Atlanta, Georgia with my family, training.” (On his best time in the open 100)– “I haven’t ran the open 100 in college and when I was in high school, I was undersized but I was a 10.7 100.” web page
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Owen Marecic conf. call transcript - 4/30 Posted 18 hours ago The transcript of FB Owen Marecic's Saturday afternoon conference call with the Cleveland media. Browns fullback Owen Marecic conference call 4-30-11 (On what position he will play in NFL)- “I’ve been training as a fullback. I always tried to train to be a football player but fullback may be the place I feel at home best.” (On if the Browns consider him a fullback)- “Yes, I believe so.” (On what he knows about Cleveland and if he thinks he will be a good fit in the West Coast offense)- “After talking with the coaches briefly, they said it would be a great fit with the West Coast offense. I was a part of a similar offense for four years in college so it can be a great fit. I think the schemes and systems are very similar to what I’ve been used to running so hopefully, it won’t be too much time, too much of a shock to learn a new system. I’ll kind of have some experience with it from my college years.” (On if he still stays in touch with his Pop Warner Coach, Clay Matthews)- “I’m great friends with his son, Casey Matthews, who was actually just drafted by the Eagles I believe. We still keep in touch. It’s been fun, this process, through the Combine, the Senior Bowl. We’ve kept running into each other and catching up so it’s fun.” (On if he has talked to Browns tight end Evan Moore)- “He was here training here earlier in the quarter. I didn’t have a chance to talk to him too often, but he was here working hard. I haven’t seen him for a little bit, so I haven’t had a chance to talk to him. He’s loved his time with the Browns to say the least.” (On where he is)- “I’m on campus. I’m still in school, so I’m at Stanford.” (On his expectations of where he would get drafted)- “I’d say this about where I hoped to be now. I’m really excited. You definitely get anxious, very excited going into the weekend so I’m very, very excited to be a Cleveland Brown.” (On the Notre Dame game last year when he scored an offensive and defensive touchdown)- “It was a great game, very fun. It was awesome to get a win at Notre Dame. We hadn’t done that my time here so it was good to be a part of a team that could do that. For those plays, I always say it’s more a testament to the team than to myself. Stepfan Taylor took the ball, like 40 or 60 yards hard down the very physical Notre Dame defense. He got the ball down to about the one inch line and I just had to get it in from there. Then coming back on defense Matt Masifilo, our defensive lineman, had a great rush on the quarterback and was right in his face when he threw the ball, so all I had to do was catch it. It was a lot of fun. It was great to be a part of a couple plays that kind of clinched the game in our favor, but it was a typical display of what a team has to do collectively to win a ballgame.” (On if playing both ways was the Stanford coaches’ decision)- “It was the coaches’ idea. It kind of came around my junior year. We were pretty thin at linebacker after a couple injuries at the position about halfway through the season. I started to try to learn the defense about halfway through the year and played here and there. But, we switched defensive coordinators for my senior season and I spent all spring ball learning the new system on the defensive side. Being able to learn it with the other guys for the first time helped out a lot from the mental side. We went into training camp seeing if we could make it work and we did and took it from there.” (On if he will miss playing defense)- “Hopefully I can find big ways to contribute on special teams, which is a little bit of defense in itself. It was a lot of fun playing (defense) but I’m fully committed to doing whatever I have to do to help the team.” (On how brutal a job playing fullback can be)- “I think I’ll go into it trying to take it one day at a time. Right now, start pouring everything I have into my training. Once it is time to play football again, taking it a day at a time and I’ll pour everything I have into making this roster.” (On how his physicality might fit into the AFC North)- “There are such great players who have been playing for a very long time. I’m going to do my best, everything I have to do to get ready for it and help out the team.” (On his receiving ability)- “I think I have decent hands. I definitely can work on it as well as any part of my game. I think it’s a job that I can do and I’m excited for that role of the position.” (On academic accolades and if he blew the doors off the Wonderlic test)- “I don’t know about the Wonderlic test. I have no idea. Problem not, I’ve never really tested too well on standardized tests. I’ve taken academics very seriously and it’s a huge part of life being a Stanford student-athlete. Human biology has been an interest of mine more than anything else so it’s been fun to pursue studies in that area during my time in college. I’ll graduate in June and I’m just really excited to pursue a career in football.” (On who he spoke to with the Browns in the pre-draft process)- “In the pre-draft process, I met with the Browns over in Indianapolis at the NFL Combine. I talked with scouts here and there during the process and today I talked to the head coach.” (On his belief that he will make it in the NFL)- “I believe I can. I understand that it’s a huge challenge and that challenge attracts me to the sport and to the opportunity. I know that all of the work is out there to be done and nothing is set right now but I’m going in confident and willing to do the work necessary. I know I have tons to learn and lots to improve on but I’m excited to take the next step in this process.” (On his GPA)- “It’s in the 3.5-3.6 area.” (On people describing him as a throwback player and if that’s his mentality)- “I wouldn’t really say it’s my mentality, but it is kind of a label people put on me. I don’t know, I don’t really consider myself too throwback, I just try to do things the best way that I can.” (On if he’s heard from Clay Matthews since the Browns took him)- “I haven’t but the process has gone pretty quick. It hasn’t been too long since the selection. We may be able to get in touch a little bit later today.” (On blocking for Peyton Hillis and being part of a physical backfield)- “My roommate just came in and said he was going to be on the cover of Madden, I think this year. That is a testament to his talent as a football player. I know watching parts of the season last year, he’s an incredible athlete. He’s just a force of nature. I’m excited. I’m definitely very, very humbled by this whole experience in the last hour or so. Like I keep saying, I’m just excited to get back to work and training and hopefully be able to contribute to the team and help them out in any way that I can.” (On getting a sense from the Matthews’ family how important football is in Cleveland)- “I think so. I know Clay is very proud to be part of the Cleveland Browns family. They are huge football fans and growing up, just the tradition was evident watching Browns games and hearing about the team. I’m very excited to join that whole tradition.” (On what he likes about the game of football)- “I like that in order to be successful, the entire team has to come together to reach this greater goal. That has always been an attractive part of the game to me. I enjoy the challenge and the feeling of winning. Coming off the field victorious with your teammates is second to none. The emotion, it’s a big rush. You learn a lot about yourself and the people around you and it has been a great experience for me playing the game.” web page
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Phil Taylor press conf. transcript - 4/29 Posted Apr 29, 2011 The transcript of Phil Taylor's introductory press conference with the Cleveland media on Friday afternoon. Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor press conference 4-29-11 (On how stressful the draft process was)- “It’s kind of tough. It’s a four month process, but it seemed to be about two years. I am glad to be done with it and ready to get in here and work.” (On the negatives that come out about a player during draft process)- “I take it how it is. I know the true story behind things. The foot thing was just rumors. I am just glad to be here.” (On the foot rumors hurting his draft position)- “I don’t think it did because as soon as it came out my agent got right on top of it and squashed it.” (On what he has learned about the Browns since being drafted)- “Just knowing that it is an up and coming team and I look forward to being out there. It’s a young defense and I look forward to being out there and making plays with the young guys. I just want to get out there as soon as we can.” (On if he watched any Browns games last year)- “No, we didn’t get to watch a lot of the games because on Sundays we are watching film and stuff like that.” (On what he knows about Ahtyba Rubin)- “I’ve heard some things about him from the fans. They say we will be a good tandem in the middle.” (On the rivalry with the Steelers facing Ben Roethlisberger)- “I know how much the Cleveland fans hate Pittsburgh and I look forward to the matchup. He is a great quarterback, but when I am going to play against him, he is going to go down.” (On what he learned from experience at Penn State)- “It was just a learning experience. Everybody makes mistakes. I was young and I just moved on from it. I’m just glad I’m blessed to be in this situation right now.” (On if he would be in the same situation right now if he had stayed at Penn State)- “I don’t know. I just think Baylor was the best move for me and I am glad I made that move.” (On why he transferred to Baylor)- “Coach (Brian) Norwood. He was at Penn State while I was there and he recruited me coming out of high school. He went down to Baylor to be a defensive coordinator and I came down there when he went down there.” (On if coach Norwood attending draft with him)- “Yes, he was in the green room with me.” (On if he had a total transformation of character while in college and if he was going down the wrong road)- “It wasn’t that. I wasn’t going down the wrong road. I just made a mistake as a young guy there and I learned from it. You can only get better from learning from things you do in the past, so I learned from that and I just moved on and it made me better today.” (On his first impressions of Pat Shurmur and he wants from him)- “To be a great athlete and get out there and do what I’ve got to do. He is a great coach and I look forward to being coached by him.” (On what his motivation was to lose weight)- “Not just for football. I know I needed to lose weight to play better on the field, but health wise down the line. A lot of people deal with weight issues in their young age and in their 40’s and I didn’t want to be that way.” (On how much weight he lost)- “Since I have been down at Baylor I have lost about 50 pounds.” (On if it is tough to keep the weight off)- “In the beginning it’s tough, but once the weight starts to come off and you get into the right routine and being more disciplined, it’s easy.” (On what the right weight is for him to play at)- “Between 330-335.” (On how he lost his weight)- “Just eating the right things, not eating too much, not eating late at night and instead of eating out a lot, making a nice healthy meal at home.” (On if his weight loss was the biggest reason for his increased performance from his junior to senior year at Baylor)- “Yes, sir.” (On what the toughest item was to give up in his diet)- “It wasn’t mostly the bad foods, just eating late at night, that’s probably what it was.” (On what kind of player he wants to be in Cleveland)- “A great player all-around. A run-stopping defensive tackle and also a pass rusher as well.” (On if he was allowed to rush the passer much at Baylor)- “I did both. We ran the 4-3 scheme just like here.” (On what happened in the Texas Bowl)- “It was our first bowl game in what, 15 years. We worked hard in practice and things just didn’t go our way in the bowl game.” (On who he would like to see the Browns select in the second round)- “I would like a nice defensive end next to me.” (On if he knows Da’Quan Bowers)- “Yes, I know Bowers.” (O why he thinks Bowers has dropped)- “I think it’s just the media. You know I talked to him. We had a little talk. I mean he checks out fine to me.” (On if he grew up in a tough neighborhood in Washington D.C.)- “No, not really. I was only in D.C. for a short period of time and I moved out to Maryland actually to play football. I started playing football in ninth grade at Gwynn Park High School. One of the other Browns here, Joe Haden, we played at rival high schools.” (On if he read the pre-draft scouting reports on him)- “I try and stay away from that stuff. It’s just media. I love to practice because when you practice hard, you do good in the games.” (On sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules)- “It was tough because I played four years of high school, then I played my freshman and sophomore years at Penn State. Then sitting out for a year and not playing football, just watching. I got to practice, but just watching the guys play in the games, it was tough knowing that I can’t go in there. It humbled me a lot and made me work even harder and it got me better.” (On what in his skill set allows him to rush passer)- “I’m a good run stopper but I’m a good pass rusher as well so given the opportunity out there on the passing downs, I can get to the quarterback as well.” (On the rivalry in high school with Haden)- “He went to Friendly High School and I went to Gwynn Park and I never lost to Friendly High School.” (On if he knows Haden personally)- “Yes, I know Joe on a personal basis.” (On if he has talked to Haden and if he is excited to have him here)- “Yes, we talked. We’re real excited. I’m ready to get to work and he’s ready to get to work as well.” (On what motivates him)- “Winning. I want to win and get to the Super Bowl.” (On the lockout situation)- “As players, we don’t like it. We’re just going to have to take it how it is. If they continue with the lockout, I’m going to just go continue to work out where I was working out at. Then if they lift it, we’ll get in here and learn the playbook and things like that.” (On if he has a playbook)- “No, not yet.” (On who his agent is)- “Peter Schafer.” (On if he knows Jordan Norwood)- “Jordan, we know each other real well too, because when I was at Penn State, we knew each other.” (On his relationship with the Norwoods)- “Oh coach Norwood, he’s just like my father figure away from home and when I needed to talk to him about something I would go to him.” (On if Norwood was the number one reason he went to Baylor)- “Yeas, coach Norwood, he was at Baylor. He came down from Penn State. Also my defensive line coach down there Chris Achuff. He was a GA (graduate assistant) at Penn State before.” (On Baylor’s treatment of players)- “The treated you like adults, but it was up to you to do what you had to do.” (On if he needs to improve a specific part of his game)- “It’s the pro’s, anything you thought was good in college, you’ve got to get better at the pro level. I’m open to all coaching.” (On playing the one and three techniques)- “I did it my entire career playing the one and the three technique. Mostly one technique this year, but I played a lot of three technique as well.” (On if they had a lot of pass rushing opportunities)- “We had a lot of pass rushing opportunities.” (On if he came out on third downs)- “No, I was in a lot on third down. Sometimes we would bring in an extra defensive back and then we would rotate the defensive line in some type of way.” (On his pre-draft conversation with Browns)- “When I came here on my visit it felt like home, so in my mind I wanted to be a Brown. When they called it was like a dream come true.” (On his size and stamina)- “You have to be in good condition and that’s what helped me out a lot. I was doing a lot of other stuff other than practice, doing cardio everyday and running after practice.” (On knowing Casey Hampton and Vince Wilfork)- “No I don’t know them, I just watch film a lot on them, just to learn different things.” (On his intensity and passion)- “I love to win and I hate to lose. I’m going to come in here ready to work and to do what I have to do to play.” web page
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Jordan Cameron conf. call transcript - 4/30 Posted 21 hours ago The transcript of Jordan Cameron's Saturday afternoon conference call with the Cleveland media. Browns tight end Jordan Cameron conference call 4-30-11 (On the type of football player he is)- “I will be a good football player for you guys. I am excited about this. This is awesome.” (On his video with Blake Griffin)- “We are good family friends. We played pickup basketball in the summer. We had this idea of showcasing my athleticism a little bit and getting my name out there and kind of market myself. It kind of evolved into this little skit with my agent being involved with it. It turned out pretty well.” (On what he will be able to bring to the Browns)- “I am pretty athletic. I can move pretty well and I have a lot of improvement to do, but I am willing to learn. I am excited to embrace this process as a tight end and get really into football and really serious about this with good coaching. I can create some mismatches with my athletic ability and stretch the field a little bit.” (On wanting to play in the NBA and giving up basketball)- “It really wasn’t my dream to play in the NBA. I always loved playing football as a kid. I wanted to play both sports in college and it just worked out that basketball was there for me at that time and then I had an opportunity to play under coach (Pete) Carroll at USC and I took advantage of that.” (On if he is scratching the surface of his football ability)- “Yes, sir. I feel like I’m a tip of the iceberg guy and I’ve got a lot to learn but like I said, I’m willing to do so and I’m excited about my future in this league.” (On BYU being his best option coming out of high school)- “Yes, ma’am. At that time, I was a smaller guy. I didn’t weigh too much. I was a late bloomer. I didn’t have too many looks in football at all and I was playing basketball and they had that offer on the table. Like I said, when I had the opportunity to play for S.C., I took advantage of that.” (On credits from BYU not transferring and enrolling at Ventura Junior College)- “At BYU, you take so many religion classes. It’s a private school with a lot of religion classes. It’s an LDS school so they didn’t transfer straight to S.C. so I had to get my AA degree in a year.” (On how big he is and how big he can get)- “Right now, I’m like 6-5, 250. I can add some weight. I’ve got a skinny frame. I can get up to 260 and still be able to move pretty well.” (On if he is surprised that the Browns found him after a short football career)- “Not at all. I think people are a good judge of talent and see that I have the athletic ability to make a difference at this next level with coaching. Like you guys are talking about, I have limited experience in the football aspect of things so they can help me with that and they can kind of see what I can be able to do in the short future.” (On if he came to Ohio for a visit)- “I did not.” (On if he has talked to Mike Holmgren)- “I just talked to him on the phone about 20 minutes ago.” (On if he had talked to Holmgren before then)- “No sir.” (On who he talked to from the Browns before the draft)- “I talked to a regional scout at the combine and that was it. It was a short, 10 minute interview just getting my background information, kind of what they do with all the players that they talk to.” (On if his basketball skills can translate to football)- “I think they definitely translate. At the tight end position, they like to use hybrid, tight end-basketball guys. It’s moving in space and in basketball, you do a lot of that. You’re in space, you have body control jumping for balls and moving laterally. I think the sport definitely transitions well into football.” web page
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Greg Little conf. call transcript - 4/29 Posted Apr 29, 2011 The transcript of WR Greg Little's Friday evening conference call with the Cleveland media. Browns WR Greg Little Conference Call 4-29-11 (On what North Carolina Head Coach Butch Davis told him about Cleveland) - “He said it was a remarkable organization to be a part of and I’m happy to be here.” (On his one year layoff from football) - “It was really tough for me. I learned a tremendous amount of how to deal with success. Just being able to deal with it at such an adverse time, I think I’ve grown a lot from it. A lot of my morals and values have changed so much just from sitting out that year. I’m so hungry and ready to get back and play. It just baffles me sometimes.” (On if he felt that he had to prove to teams that he had learned from his mistakes) - “That was one of the issues or major concerns that a lot of the teams were really talking to me about. I think I did a great job with addressing them and I’m just happy to truly be a part of the Browns right now.” (On his physical nature as a wide receiver) - “I think I developed that a lot from being a running back early on in my career and just being a physical, downhill runner and getting north and south as soon as you catch the ball was really where I got it from. But now, just trying to develop into a complete wide receiver is one of my goals right now.” (On whom he emulates in the NFL) - “I kind of emulate an (Houston Texans wide receiver) Andre Johnson and (Baltimore Ravens wide receiver) Anquan Boldin type of a guy. I watched a lot of film on those guys and (they are) some guys that I can really learn from as well.” (On his overall growth potential) - “I think to me, to be accepted as a second round draft pick, while just playing the position completely one full year, I think the sky’s the limit for me right now. Honestly, I think I have so much upside to wide receiver, not having played the position but one complete year. I’m just ready to get back at it.” (On what he did to stay football sharp during the past year) - “I caught a lot of passes. I kind of prided myself on catching 100 balls a day just to stay sharp and that’s one of the things that our (North Carolina) Offensive Coordinator John Shoop asked guys to do in the offseason at North Carolina. I think that’s basically how I stayed sharp.” (On what makes him a good fit for the West Coast Offense) - “I come from the West Coast Offense. The same terminology, the same verbiage, exact same calls, everything. I think it’s going to be such a smooth transition to where when I met with the Cleveland Browns I knew a lot of their terminology already. I think that’s one of the things that I’m really excited about as well.” (On if he has heard from Browns QB Colt McCoy and if he plans to get in touch with him) - “No. Colt was in a conference after I got drafted, but I sent a text out to him and I’m awaiting his call right now.” (On being the Browns number one receiver) - “Quite frankly, I just feel like that’s something that is earned, especially in this league. I feel like that is a challenge that I am ready to step up to the plate and accept. I think those are some of the things that push me, that I’m always willing to accept the bigger challenges.” (On his speed and 40-yard dash time) - “I think a lot of things come into play as a wide receiver. Route running, ability to separate and not only just straight line speed, but if you can’t break down and cut from that, then that will also hinder you as a wide receiver. I think that is one of the things that I flourish in my game, route running and the ability to separate. I think I wasn’t able to display my growth in that aspect, but I’m completely ready to step on to the challenges of the NFL right now.” (On what he learned his mistakes and from sitting out a year) - “Knowing how to handle success. I think I just learned an abundance from sitting out this season from a maturity standpoint. Rearranging my morals and values as a person and as a player and I think I’m ready to show everyone the guy that I truly am.” (On if playing running back at UNC influenced his style at wide receiver) - “Most certainly it did. It made me a more physical, downhill runner. I think that’s where I can kind of excel from that, just from having played, earlier on, running back in my career.” (On his “diva” reputation and rearranging his morals) - “No, not so much. I think I’ve gotten that just from what people have seen on film, and then kind of not getting to know me as a player or as a person off the field. Meeting with them at the Combine and coming on that visit, I think they got to know exactly the person who I was. Having worked with (Browns Tight Ends) Coach Steve Hagen also on the staff, he kind of saw me develop as a person and as a player as well. He knows exactly the guy that I am right now.” (On what he thinks about the his perceived negative reputation) - “It’s only something that I kind of want to show everybody the real me. I think I will be under a high magnifying glass and everybody’s watching what I’m going to do. I think that’s a great thing. It’s a great opportunity because people will get a chance to see exactly who I am as a person.” (On if he has stayed in touch with Butch Davis and if he is aware of his background as Browns Head Coach) - “Yes, I’m very aware. I received a text message from Coach Davis and his wife and his son. I’m very close with Coach Davis. I know him coming from the Cleveland Browns and I respect Coach Davis so much as a coach and as a man. I think I was really fortunate to be coached by him.” (On if he knows Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi) - “He hosted me at Georgia when I was down there on an unofficial visit. He’s someone I kept in contact with a little bit during the recruiting process. He’s a really great guy and I admire him as a player as well because I got to see him play in high school and some in college as well and watching him in the NFL. I admire him and (Brian) Robiskie and (Josh) Cribbs, all of those guys. I think I’m really a part of a great wide receiver group who are great guys.” (On his basketball career at North Carolina) - “It was a very brief career. I spent some time just learning from Coach (Roy) Williams and every single player from that team. Ty Lawson and Wayne Ellington, Danny Green, all those guys. Everybody that was on that team I learned so much from them and I think I kind of tried to bring their tradition to the football team and just having so much to do with them having a winning program. I think I was able to display my athleticism as well.” (On his tweet about what makes him so excited to be a Brown) - “It was so many people via Twitter pulling for me to come to the Browns and it’s just really exciting to kind of fulfill that. Being able to become a part of the Cleveland Brown nation, I’m just really excited to be a part of them.” (On when he will be in Cleveland and where he is now) - “Right now I don’t know, (it’s) depending on what new issues have risen from the new CBA and what’s going on with the lockout right now. I’m in my hometown, Durham, North Carolina. I’m ready to get ready to come up there with Colt (McCoy) and get ready to play.” web page
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Jabaal Sheard conf. call transcript -4/29 Posted Apr 29, 2011 The transcript of Jabaal Sheard's Friday evening conference call with the Cleveland media. Browns defensive lineman Jabaal Sheard Conference Call 4-29-11 (On how he would describe himself as a player)- “I think I’m an aggressive player. I know you guys are familiar with (James) Harrison. I was next door to the Steelers so I watched them play a lot. I think I’m aggressive. I know how to get to the quarterback. I’m a hard worker and I’m going to get the job done.” (On if he had any idea the Browns would draft him)- “No, I had no idea. Honestly, I kind of didn’t talk to them since I think the combine. I think they came to my pro day. I had no idea it was going to happen. I heard rumors about it today that it was possible. A lot of guys had me getting drafted at 36 or 37. It just so happened that it happened. It’s is right up the street from Pittsburgh where I just went to college at so I think it’s great. It’s awesome.” (On if the Browns had him in for a visit)- “Nope. I didn’t take a visit.” (On his suspension prior to his senior season and then being voted captain at Pittsburgh)- “It was just an incident where I made a mistake and I learned a lot from that lesson. It was going into my senior year and I had a lot on the line and I learned a lot from that. I think it got me matured enough, prepared me for the NFL because there’s going to be a lot more incidents where I’ll be in a case like that and I’ve got to react differently. I think I learned a lot from that. Going into my senior year, I knew I had to make it up to my teammates. I was a senior and my team needed some leadership so I just stepped up and played as hard as I could and tried to prevent my other teammates from getting in trouble. Just doing whatever it took to get done for us to win and that was probably it. I stayed after hours and invited the younger guys to stay with me and catch film or work off the field. I just was always trying to do something to improve our team and I think that’s why my teammates voted me team captain.” (On his elbow injury)- “My elbow was an injury I had since high school. I played with it all through college and it bothered me a little bit at the end of my senior year of college ball. It was just something I had to get surgery on because I talked to a couple doctors and they said that it would get red-flagged at the combine. I got that taken care of just for the simple reason of them. It’s ready to go now. I’m strengthening it, working on getting my strength back and I’m ready to go.” (On what side of the line he played on at Pitt)- “It was mostly the left side of the defensive line. I played across from Greg Romeus. I faced a lot of tight ends and double teams, but I got on the right side a little bit to switch it up and I’m looking this year to play both sides if I can.” (On his bravery medal for helping an elderly woman escape from a burning home)- “I grew up in a pretty rough neighborhood. It was a house that was like smoking and the fire alarm was going off. Nobody reacted, everybody just watched it. I was probably about 11 at the time so me and a couple of my friends were riding bikes around the neighborhood and we happened to see that the house was smoking and the fire alarm going off. We ran over and tried to break in and then we ran to call the police and came back and started breaking in. Just as we were breaking in, the fire truck arrived, so they came and got us out of the way and got in there. It just happened there was an elderly women that had slipped and was unconscious and it just so happened that we did it just in time because it could have been worse than what it was.” (On comparing his style to James Harrison’s)- “Just as far as aggressiveness, his motor.” (On his mentality on the field)- “I’m always thinking of getting to the quarterback or whoever has got the ball in their hands. I’m aggressive. I want to be the hardest hit. I want to make that hit where the crowd goes ‘Oooh’ and then everybody just screams. I want to be the talk of the game so I like to watch him play. He’s very aggressive. He gets off the ball fast. I think guys fear him. Guys really don’t want to go up against him and that’s the guy I want to be. That’s the guy I like to play like when I go up against every week. When I talk to guys that I played in the past, I want them to be like, ‘Man, you we’re something else. I never want to play against you again.’ That’s the kind of feedback I want to get from my game.” (On if he has ever met Harrison)- “I ran into him a couple times, him walking outside of the Southside.” (On if the Notre Dame game last year was a turning point for him)- “Last year, I don’t know, I played hard all year. I guess it kind of helped me out a little bit, but I mean I think I played hard against every team, maybe this brought me attention, and guys noticed me more but I think I’ve been playing hard since I’ve been playing so I always prided myself on playing hard, aggressive, getting to the ball and making plays.” (On expecting to be drafted this high)- “I’m from a praying family so I was always praying for the best, I know it’s probably not possible, praying for the first pick overall, but it always my dream to just be a pick in the draft. I was praying for anything that was possible. I was always preparing for the worst. I was prepared for it either it happening in the sixth round or I can be a free agent, I just take it as I’ve got to improve my game. All the ends that go before me, that just means that they are probably that much better than me or they see something else in me and that’s what I need to improve my game and become better than those other guys that are in the NFL.” (On being a speed rusher or power rusher)- “I think speed sets it up, so the guys that are intimidate them by your speed off the edge it kind of gets them kicking and ask for help or have them nervous even before the snap and maybe get a couple false starts cause they’re nervous about getting off the ball. I think that sets it up, I then I can switch it up, I think I’m pretty powerful. I’ve got a couple of bull rushes in my film and I like to take on the run. I could switch it up and come with the speed and power and I mean knock a guy that’s what 300-some pounds on his back, I think I’ve got both elements of the game. I just need to work to improve them.” (On knowing Browns defensive lineman Phil Taylor)- “I got to meet him at the combine. That a cool guy” (On the Browns taking two defensive linemen first)- “I think that’s great. I would love for him to be in the middle. I know they are going to have to double team him, give me a little freedom on the edge, I think we’re going to be a great package.” (On sacking Ben Roethlisberger)- “You know what I am. I’ve seen him, he’s a pretty big dude. I’m looking forward to playing them. I’ve been around that team, that organization for so long and I got to meet (Mike) Tomlin. I visit the Steelers and he told me whether I’m with him or not playing with them he’s going to come over and say hi and remember me and we’re going to have a talk. I’m going to make sure he comes over and says hi after the game.” (On if playing for Dave Wannstedt prepared him for NFL)- “Definitely I think he got me prepared for the NFL, everything a man takes on in life, I think he got me ready for life period. As far as going against a pro-style offense, pro-style defense and I think he got me prepared for the hours that it takes to put in and how focused you have to be.” (On if he was worried the suspension would ruin his career)- “Oh definitely there was a point when I was suspended from the team indefinitely and I think that’s what made hungry a lot more during the season. I was nervous, I didn’t know what was going to happen, I had let down my team as well as my family and my school. I was definitely nervous. That I get that second chance, I think that really helped me a lot this year. I stepped up my game and proved to everybody that I’m not what they had me as in the paper.” (On if he had to convince teams that he wasn’t a character concern)- “No, I never had any problem prior to that incident. I had coach Wannstedt who was a guy who has been around the league and he wouldn’t lie. That’s the first trouble I’ve ever been in and a lot of people say once you get to meet me you can tell that’s not the guy I am. That’s not the guy I am, on the field maybe I kind of get a little hot and it’s a game it’s football, it’s competition, but off the field I’m not like that I’m a cool laid back dude and I’m not looking for trouble and that’s not what I look for.” (On what happened during the incident that led to his suspension)- “I was just on a date with my girl and we had just left the bar and I kind of ran into a younger teammate getting into a scuffle. I just tried to get in between them and break it up and in doing so, it broke apart. I guess the guy felt some type of weight or he kind of just hit me or took a shot at me, hit me in the back of the head as I was walking away. I just went and defended myself and fought back. The thing about the window, we kind of were both fighting and tussling and we went through the window. I mean he was a pretty big guy so I couldn’t pick him up myself, but the way the papers wrote it, I threw him in through him the window.” (On clarification that it was a tussle where they both went through the window)- “Yes.” web page
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I think Evan Moore is a poor man's Jordan Cameron.
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Quote:
Quote:
We have a clone of Jordan Cameron in Evan Moore
Cameron and Moore are both white tight ends. That doesn't mean they are similar players. Cameron has the potential to be a Kellen Winslow type player.
I agree in the sense he may not play TE. I am thinking he is more a big slot receiver and won't be surprised to see him working more with the wideouts then the TE's.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong ![[Linked Image]](http://www.dawgtalkers.net/uploads/small-gator-chomp.gif)
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If Cameron develops is route running there will be very few players in the NFL that will be able to cover him.
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Vickers surprised Browns drafted a fullback May, 1, 2011 May 1 7:49 PM ET * Email * Print * Comments4 By James Walker Cleveland Browns fullback and pending free agent Lawrence Vickers said his phone began buzzing constantly Saturday afternoon and he wasn't sure why. Soon after, Vickers was notified the Browns drafted Stanford's Owen Marecic in the fourth round, which likely signaled the end of Vickers' tenure in Cleveland. Over the past five seasons, Vickers has developed into one of the NFL's top fullbacks. Most recently Vickers helped pave the way for Browns running back Peyton Hillis to have a career year (1,177 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns) in 2010. [+] EnlargeLawrence Vickers AP Photo/Patrick Semansky"I wasn't asked to catch the ball and go out in the flats and run routes, because that wasn't how our offense was," Lawrence Vickers said. "Now people are lying and people think I can't catch. I guess I shouldn't have started knocking people out." But with the Browns switching to a West Coast offense under rookie head coach Pat Shurmur, they appear ready to move in another direction by drafting Marecic. Vickers, who is training in his hometown of Houston, Texas, told ESPN.com's AFC North blog that he was shocked by the news. "Honestly, my first reaction was 'Wow,'’" Vickers said in a telephone interview Sunday. "I'm amazed. I was amazed I was still a free agent and wasn't signed [by the Browns] before the deadline. I didn't understand it. But at the same time I do understand because nothing has ever come easy to me. So I was prepared for it. "If they want me, they want me. If they don't, they don't. As a man, you have to be prepared for anything. But in the back of my mind I thought I would be in Cleveland." With free agency on ice due to labor uncertainty, Vickers said he's still not 100 percent certain he won't return. But it's sure looking that way. According to Vickers, he was never tendered a contract before the lockout. Cleveland has been unwilling to speak on player contracts since the lockout began in March. But using a fourth-round pick on Vickers' position speaks volumes. With the West Coast offense focusing on multiple receivers and multiple tight ends, there's not enough room for two fullbacks on Cleveland's roster. Vickers, who was used primarily as a run blocker, scoffs at the idea that he cannot play in a West Coast offense. "I wasn't asked to catch the ball and go out in the flats and run routes, because that wasn't how our offense was," Vickers explained. "Now people are lying and people think I can't catch. I guess I shouldn't have started knocking people out (laughs)." Vickers' powerful blocking and blue-collar work ethic made him one of the most popular players with the Browns. Vickers said if this offseason is his farewell to Cleveland, he will always look back fondly on his time with the Browns and especially his bond with the fans. "They love hard-working people and that's what I love about Cleveland: It's nothing but hard-working people there," Vickers said. "I am appreciative of everything I have, and that's why me and Cleveland fans vibe. You will never hear me say anything bad about them, because it's a mutual respect." web page
You know my love will Not Fade Away.........
#gmSTRONG
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This quote from Phil Taylor made me a little tingly inside.  Quote:
(On what motivates him)- “Winning. I want to win and get to the Super Bowl.”
![[Linked Image from i28.photobucket.com]](http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c201/shadedog/mcenroe2.jpg) gmstrong -----------------
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Mike Holmgren makes it clear: Cleveland Browns' draft day trade was 'the right thing' Published: Sunday, May 01, 2011, 7:27 PM Updated: Sunday, May 01, 2011, 7:31 PM Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer By Mary Kay Cabot, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer Follow Share8 25 Share close Google Buzz Digg Stumble Upon Fark Share Email Print holmgren-draft2011-horiz-jk.jpgView full sizeJohn Kuntz / The Plain Dealer"The hard part for you and for my family and anyone else watching the draft is you get to six, and it's 'Who are we going to pick?' and you say 'We're trading back to 27,' and everyone goes 'Ugh,' Browns President Mike Holmgren said at the conclusion of draft weekend. "But it was the right thing to do." CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Despite Mike Holmgren's March proclamation that he wanted a "home run hitter" in this draft, the Browns' president ended the weekend convinced the blockbuster trade with Atlanta was best for his restructuring team. "It was absolutely the right thing to do for our team at this particular time," Holmgren said at Saturday's wrap-up press conference. "The trade was kind of an amazing trade when you count it up. Next year we've got a one and a four and it's what we needed." The Browns traded the sixth pick in the first round to Atlanta for five picks: their first-round choice (27th) plus their second- and fourth-rounders this year and their first- and fourth-round choices in 2012. The Falcons used the No. 6 pick on Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones, who was not believed to be among the Browns' top six players. The Browns then traded up from No. 27 to No. 21 with Kansas City, selecting Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor. With the second- and fourth-round selections from Atlanta, the Browns picked North Carolina receiver Greg Little and Stanford fullback Owen Marecic. Little, the 59th pick overall, sat out all last season after accepting improper agent benefits, but has tremendous size and potential for the new West Coast offense. Marecic, the 124th pick, is a punishing blocker who can also catch out the backfield -- vital for the new scheme. Marecic, who also starred at linebacker in college, will also be an immediate force on special teams. "About every morning I'd come in [to the office of General Manager Tom Heckert] and I'd bang him a little bit to make sure that this is what he wanted to do," said Holmgren. "Finally he said, 'This is what I think I want to do.' It's a big deal because at pick six, there's going to be a good player there." Holmgren acknowledged that trading back so far can be a buzz kill after all the hype. "The hard part for you and for my family and anyone else watching the draft is you get to six, and it's 'Who are we going to pick?' and you say 'We're trading back to 27,' and everyone goes 'Ugh.' You wait and you wait and you wait and you see players come off the board, that's the hard part. But it was the right thing to do." Related stories * What they're saying about the Browns' draft * No reason to doubt Heckert/front office: Shaw * Mary Kay, Tony recap the 2011 draft (video) Holmgren scoffed at the notion that there might not be a draft next year, depending on what happens with the labor agreement. "There will be a draft next year," he said. "I heard someone say, 'What if there's no draft?' Well, what if they take the air out of every football in the United States? Then we can all do something else." He said he was thinking of a couple of guys when he made his "home run" statement, presumably one being Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green. "Because of how the draft fell, we did the right thing, first of all," Holmgren said. "Secondly, in Little, I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised if you don't know him very well. He's a young man who has a tremendous upside. "A home-run hitter isn't necessarily everyone going out for a long one. Yards after a catch and a receiver's ability to break a tackle and move after the catch can be a home run of sorts. That's where one of his strengths is and I'm hopeful we added to our receiver pile." The Browns weren't 100 percent sold on Jones at No. 6, in part because of concern over dropped passes. What's more, they may have saved themselves a bundle of money. If the league ends up operating under 2010 rules -- with no rookie salary cap -- the savings will be substantial. Last year's No. 6 pick, Russell Okung, received a six-year deal worth $48.5 million, including $30 million guaranteed. The 21st pick, tight end Jermaine Gresham, received a five-year deal worth $15.8 million, with $9.6 million guaranteed. "We're very fortunate to have an owner in Arthur Blank who is generous," Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "There aren't that many owners who would be in favor of moving up as far as we did. Financially, it's a bold move as well." Blank also told the paper, "This is the kind of trade that a timid general manager couldn't make or wouldn't make. I would say to you that Thomas is not timid." Heckert told Sports Illustrated's Peter King the night of the trade that they looked for a precedent. "When we started talking about a trade this size about a week ago, we looked for a trade we might be able to pattern it after, and we found one back in 1995," Heckert told King. "Cleveland and the 49ers made a deal where the 49ers moved way up to take J.J. Stokes." It was 1995, the Browns' last year in Cleveland before moving to Baltimore. The Browns had the 10th pick and the 49ers the 30th. Bill Belichick and Mike Lombardi were running the draft for the Browns. The 49ers traded their first-, third- and fourth-round picks in 1995 and first-rounder in 1996 to take Stokes, who averaged just 38 catches a year over nine seasons. Belichick and Lombardi also whiffed, drafting duds with the first- and third-round picks: linebacker Craig Powell (three career starts) and defensive end Mike Frederick (12 starts). But when new Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome got his hands on the 1996 first-round pick, he used it on future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Granted, the Falcons figure to be good this year and the 2012 first-rounder might be low. But Lewis was picked at No. 26. web page
You know my love will Not Fade Away.........
#gmSTRONG
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Man I am going to miss Vickers.
He doesn't really fit the WCO ... but he has been a beast, and has become the best, absolutely the best, blocking FB in the NFL. Everyone else is fighting for 2nd place.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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I am not convinced that he wont be back. Teams that use the FB often, need 2 fullbacks. In the AFC North, you need them just because of the vicious linebackers that rule the north.
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I could see both guys coming back ..... but only if one of them was a running threat.
Neither of these guys are.
I can't think of any WCO teams that carry 2 FB who are mainly blocking backs. Can you think of any?
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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this is my thinking as well.
If I sat in an office at 76 Groza, I'd try to find a way to keep him at a reasonable price. I did see Vickers clang a few passes over the years, but I also saw him haul in a few thrown by DA- who was never known for touch or finesse.
Either way, I won't be surprised.... but I'd be very happy if he stayed. Love me some 47.Always have. Another reason I've always dug him: he was ours from his first day as a player.
I mean really- he's one of a very few homegrown bright spots we've had since The Return... and that has the sentimental sap in me really pulling for a new contract.
"too many notes, not enough music-"
#GMStong
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I hope Vickers doesnt go to a team in our division.
Joe Thomas #73
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Seems like most of those packer teams always had this big huge hybrid back that would come out of nowhere, make big plays when the first 3 running backs went down with injury. It would look like a fullback was blocking for an even bigger fullback.
I hope we can carry both so we can always have a fresh head cracker in the game. Vickers shows that he can catch and I think he can stay. Hell even when Chud was throwing the ball around everywhere we carried 2 fullbacks.
practice squad just makes it easier to carry 2 fullbacks on the active list also. There are always undrafted running backs with talent you can stash on your PS and bring up if needed.
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Watch him go to the damned Steelers.
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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I agree with you ... if Marecic is going to be used as a rushing and passing option as well... then we could potentially carry Hillis, Hardesty, Marecic and Vickers and still have enough runnings backs who can fit the role?
Any thoughts?
"Believe deep down in your heart that you're destined to do great things."
@pstu24
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Quote:
Everyone else is fighting for 2nd place.
Including Vickers. 
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Watch him go to the damned Steelers.
Let him. Maybe he can be properly introduced to Phil Taylor. 
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Quote:
I agree with you ... if Marecic is going to be used as a rushing and passing option as well... then we could potentially carry Hillis, Hardesty, Marecic and Vickers and still have enough runnings backs who can fit the role?
Any thoughts?
Let go of Vickers.
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All Pro
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I found it interesting that Heckert looked at what the Browns did back in 1995 to model this year's trade after. The trades were very similar. The picks that they got that year ended up being busts, but then the team moved to Baltimore and Ozzie used that pick from that trade to draft Ray Lewis. If we are lucky enough to get somebody like Ray for Atlanta's pick next year.....  http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/05/mike_holmgren_makes_it_clear_c_1.htmlHeckert told Sports Illustrated's Peter King the night of the trade that they looked for a precedent. "When we started talking about a trade this size about a week ago, we looked for a trade we might be able to pattern it after, and we found one back in 1995," Heckert told King. "Cleveland and the 49ers made a deal where the 49ers moved way up to take J.J. Stokes." It was 1995, the Browns' last year in Cleveland before moving to Baltimore. The Browns had the 10th pick and the 49ers the 30th. Bill Belichick and Mike Lombardi were running the draft for the Browns. The 49ers traded their first-, third- and fourth-round picks in 1995 and first-rounder in 1996 to take Stokes, who averaged just 38 catches a year over nine seasons. Belichick and Lombardi also whiffed, drafting duds with the first- and third-round picks: linebacker Craig Powell (three career starts) and defensive end Mike Frederick (12 starts). But when new Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome got his hands on the 1996 first-round pick, he used it on future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis. Granted, the Falcons figure to be good this year and the 2012 first-rounder might be low. But Lewis was picked at No. 26.
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I think we are going to need to upgrade our Mike next year there happen to be 2 really good prospects.
1. Don'ta Hightower, Alabama (Jr.)
2. Manti Te'o, Notre Dame (Jr.)
MLBs usually aren't draft that high (exception being Patrick Willis)
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Just noticed this .... Vickers says he was not tendered by the deadline ..... so he's almost certainly gone. http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2011/05/cleveland_browns_am_links_40.html"Honestly, my first reaction was 'Wow,'’" Vickers said in a telephone interview Sunday. "I'm amazed. I was amazed I was still a free agent and wasn't signed [by the Browns] before the deadline. I didn't understand it. But at the same time I do understand because nothing has ever come easy to me. So I was prepared for it. "If they want me, they want me. If they don't, they don't. As a man, you have to be prepared for anything. But in the back of my mind I thought I would be in Cleveland."
Micah 6:8; He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
John 14:19 Jesus said: Because I live, you also will live.
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the majority of us had the same reaction.. I know I did.
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apologies if this was already posted, haven't been on much lately. Quote:
The Perfect Player
Stanford's Owen Marecic is the ultimate throwback—the only I-A player to start on both offense and defense
KELLI ANDERSON
Owen Marecic sits on a wooden stool in Stanford's Athletic Hall of Fame room, his long blond locks twisted into a bun and his 6'1", 244-pound build evoking an odd cross between Grandma Moses and the Incredible Hulk. A few feet away a clutch of cameras and microphones await coaches and teammates to be interviewed, and on either side of Marecic are glass cases containing relics of and tributes to Stanford athletes who rose above the rest. The whole room radiates limelight, which Marecic always does his best to deflect. Asked about the most gratifying aspects of playing football, he doesn't talk about knocking an opponent on his back. What Marecic revels in is "having the whole defense work together to stop a play, or having the whole offense work together to achieve some greater goal." Marecic says this in a voice as soft as a lullaby, the last thing one would expect from a man Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh calls "the perfect football player."
"In 30 years of being in college and pro football, I haven't seen a guy like him," says Harbaugh. "He does everything right, all the time, the first time. He has everything—strength, humility, intelligence. He's everything I envisioned being as a football player."
As the Cardinal's starting fullback and middle linebacker Marecic (pronounced mah-REE-sik) isn't just perfect, he's unique: He is the only player in I-A who is starting on both sides of the ball. In last Saturday's 68--24 blowout of Wake Forest he played 52 snaps in the first half—27 on defense, 25 on offense. (With the game's outcome secure he played sparingly in the second half.) A handful of players have started both ways in the last 20 years, most of them at wide receiver and cornerback, such as Georgia's Champ Bailey (1996--98) and Ohio State's Chris Gamble (2001--03). Unlike those two Marecic, a senior captain, is playing a brutally concussive combination that was the province of such football legends as Jim Thorpe, Bronko Nagurski and, more recently, Chuck Bednarik, the so-called Last 60-Minute Man who had menaced opponents as center and linebacker for Penn back in the 1940s before moving to the NFL. "On a team like ours middle linebacker is the identity of the defense, and fullback is the identity of the offense," says Harbaugh. "That's where real football players play. Vince Lombardi would be proud of Owen Marecic."
Harbaugh wasn't sure Marecic could pull off this particular double duty when he asked him to consider it in the spring of 2009 as a way to beef up Stanford's defensive depth. There are good reasons no one goes both ways anymore: Today's game is far more physical and infinitely more complex than it was even 20 years ago, and because of NCAA-mandated time limits on practice, there is far less time to absorb it all.
"What Owen is doing is really hard," says Harbaugh. "For one thing he is playing the two most physical positions on the field. How many guys are in that kind of shape or are physically talented enough to do that? Then there's the mental part. Most guys couldn't comprehend a pro-style system on offense and a pro-style system on defense. It's multiple packages, fronts, coverages, blitzes, personnel groups, plays, adjustments. Who's smart enough to get all those things the first time and actually go out and do them on the field?"
Underscoring his old school rep, Marecic seems surprised by all the fuss over his double duty. "I like having the opportunity to help out the team in any way I can," he says. "I just like being in the game. You can get into the rhythm of the game a little bit playing both sides."
Teammates and coaches marvel at how Marecic is able to keep his body tuned and his playbooks straight, all while scoring enviable grades in human biology, his interdisciplinary major. (Last spring his 3.887 GPA was the highest on the team.) "He's definitely not a sleep-in kind of guy," says junior tight end Coby Fleener, who rooms with Marecic.
There are classes, weight workouts, film sessions, meetings, practice. Last year when he was filling in at linebacker in short-yardage situations, Marecic carried an offense playbook under one arm and a defense playbook under the other as he scrambled between meetings. This year he focuses on defense one day, offense the next. Whatever the day, he makes stops in the training room to stretch or to get in the tub—"everything he can do to keep playing," says trainer Steve Bartlinski.
Even the evening provides an opportunity to improve something. "We'd have weight workouts in the morning, where we squatted and did all the leg stuff," says Toby Gerhart, who nearly won the Heisman last season while running through holes blasted by Marecic, "and at night a couple of us would go to the student rec weight room to work on our 'pretty' muscles, the arms and stuff. But Owen would be in there loading up the leg press and doing more squats and lunges, all the heavyweight stuff the rest of us were avoiding."
Yet football doesn't completely consume Marecic. "That's the last thing we talk about when we go out to eat," says his mom, Maryfran. Marecic and his parents have breakfast the morning after every game, and the discussions range from the latest in snowboarding equipment to politics to flu outbreaks—an area of interest in his human biology studies.
It's likely Marecic will be hunting NFL linebackers long before he gets to viruses. "He's probably got more of a future as a fullback, but this year's experience as a linebacker is going to make him more attractive to an NFL team," says Cardinal defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who spent 24 years in the NFL. "A guy who can play more than one position is really valuable."
Jeff and Maryfran Marecic couldn't possibly have seen all this unfolding for their older son two decades ago. Yet little Owen was unusual in some respects. "He didn't like to be pushed in the stroller, and he didn't like to be carried," says Maryfran. When his little brother, Ian, came along two years after him, Owen was happy to push him in the stroller.
Marecic loved testing himself physically and mentally—the first words he spelled out loud, says his mom, were Tyrannosaurus rex—and he was flat-out competitive. When Owen was a junior at Portland Jesuit High, an uncle in Boston challenged him to a bet to see who could keep wearing shorts the longest through the winter. And so it was that Marecic, on his official visit to Stanford in May 2006, stood up in front of a gathering of nicely dressed coaches, faculty and fellow recruits and said, "You may all be wondering why I'm wearing shorts... . "
When Marecic was growing up in New Jersey, Boston, L.A. and Portland (the family followed the career of Jeff, an information technology executive), he played soccer, basketball and baseball, but he was never as drawn to those sports as he was to football. In Pop Warner and early high school Owen played mostly quarterback. But when the family moved to Portland before Owen's sophomore year, Jesuit coach Ken Potter suggested Marecic's physique might be a better fit at fullback and linebacker. "Owen just said, 'O.K.,'" says Potter. "There wasn't an iota of a question."
At Jesuit, Marecic distinguished himself off the field with a beastly work ethic, frequently doing lunges for 30 yards up a 15-degree-grade hill while carrying a 45-pound plate. "Most of our athletes couldn't do it more than one or two times," says Potter. "Owen would do 15 sets."
On the field Marecic helped Jesuit win back-to-back state titles in his junior and senior years, earning Oregon's defensive player of the year award at linebacker and second-team all-state honors at running back as a senior. Potter told every coach who dropped by that Marecic was the best football player he had coached in 24 years. Yet only Stanford, Army and Yale made offers. "A lot of the coaches said, 'I'm not sure he can play linebacker, and we don't have a fullback [in our offense],'" says Potter. "Now when I talk to these coaches, they're like, 'Well, we should have had a fullback.'"
A few weeks into his first Stanford training camp Harbaugh asked Marecic to deliver some "wise words" to the team after practice. The freshman was already the team's starting fullback—after steamrolling an upperclassman linebacker on consecutive plays on the first day of practice—but he was still an unfamiliar face. As this group of still mostly strangers gathered around, Marecic began to speak, and many of his teammates, leaning in to focus on his soft voice, heard him for the first time. "Here was a really quiet guy who hadn't said anything to that point," recalls Gerhart. "And he delivered a talk about love for the game, about passion. He referenced Black Hawk Down and talked about not turning your back on others. He gave this profound speech, and it blew everyone away because he never said anything. Whenever he got up there after that, everyone was excited to hear what Owen would say because he always gave these great speeches. People would start chanting, 'The Wisest, the Wisest is coming up!'"
Marecic's value to the team has never been measured in statistics—in three-plus years he has had 19 carries for 38 yards and five touchdowns, 17 receptions for 183 yards, and seven tackles, a fumble recovery and a sack—but in other ways. Offensive coordinator and running backs coach David Shaw likes to pause game film to show other running backs how explosive Marecic is out of his stance. Freeze, and there it is: The ball is being snapped, and Marecic has taken a step, and no one else on offense has moved. "Owen is the fastest fullback out of his stance that I've ever been around," says Shaw.
On those infrequent occasions when he doesn't get it right, Marecic will slap his helmet and mutter to himself to refocus as he reenters the huddle or stands on the sideline. "He always looks at it as people are counting on him to do this, so he is extremely conscientious," says Shaw. "He wants to be as close to perfect as he can be. Players like that are rare, but they are usually the great ones."
After a recent photo shoot on the team's practice field Marecic walked slowly across the turf, filling his helmet with bits of athletic tape and other detritus left behind by his teammates, quietly tsk-tsking their carelessness. His golden mane may seem a rare nod to vanity—he admits that after a lifetime of crew cuts he was curious about how long hair might look on him—but it has a higher purpose. After his tresses reach the requisite 10 inches, he plans to lop them off and donate them to an organization such as Locks of Love that makes wigs for cancer patients.
Harbaugh is so taken with Marecic that the coach recently wrote a 900-word prepping-for-battle tribute to him—peppered with quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson and Ernest Hemingway—and read it to the team before the first day of practice. A sample passage: "Now is the time to think of only one thing, that which I was born for. The thousand times that I've proved it meant nothing. Now I am proving it again."
In his office Harbaugh keeps one of the several helmets Marecic has cracked while at Stanford. At Harbaugh's request Marecic signed the helmet, along with words he lives by: TODAY GIVE ALL THAT YOU HAVE, FOR WHAT YOU KEEP INSIDE YOU LOSE FOREVER.
Marecic doesn't get what the big deal is. "These things happen," he says of the busted helmet. "I don't see the glamour in it." To others, it's obvious: It's just the kind of relic that would look at home in Stanford's Hall of Fame.
i was puzzled at this pick at first, as i remembered vickers being so touted over terrelle smith for his ability to catch the football and his overall quickness. i would've thought vickers was set but then he wasn't tendered and now we picked a 4th rd fb. that being said, the guy blocked for gerhart so he'll definitely do the job for hillis and after reading this article, i can't wait to see him blow up the rest of the AFCN.
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Practice Squad
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J/K
I don't get the doom and gloom on this board about Vickers. You all know very well that good front offices don't just draft for starters they draft for depth to groom starters.
My thought is they will sign Vickers to a 2 or 3 year deal, start him this year and place Mar in a backup role to groom him to be the starter next year. That way you have quality starters and depth. Besides, competition never hurt any GOOD football team, and the Browns are working on building a GOOD football team.
Until I see the front office "NOT" sign Vickers come training camp, I will believe they will sign him.
of course this is just my 2 cents worth.
Last edited by Browns_Lonewolf; 05/02/11 06:01 PM.
Hears to hoping Dorsey is the Browns Ozzie Newsome.
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I suppose you have a good point. we don't really know if it spells the end of his time with the Browns..
#GMSTRONG
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I've got a great story for you to lead the draft weekend column: When Cal defensive end Cameron Jordan was taking a tour through his new business home -- the New Orleans Saints practice facility in Metairie, La. --on Saturday, his cell phone rang. "Hi,'' said the voice on the other end. "Jordan? This is the Cleveland Browns ... '' The call was for some biographical information. "Uh, yeah, this is Cameron Jordan,'' he said. "But the Saints already picked me.'' There was an awkward pause, and Cameron Jordan said: "I think you mean Jordan Cameron, you're looking for Jordan Cameron. That's not me.'' Cameron Jordan, the 24th pick in the draft, then hung up the phone. The Browns actually picked the right person -- USC tight end Jordan Cameron and had phoned him to tell him the good news -- and this was the call back to get biographical information from him. Well, they do have something in common: They're both from the Pac-10. Crazy weekend. Let's get on with it. Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/peter_king/05/01/mmqb/index.html#ixzz1LEfPDhlp
You know my love will Not Fade Away.........
#gmSTRONG
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The front office had their chance to lock Vickers into restricted free agency and didn't. That is a pretty clear sign of their intentions with him.
Also, it's not like Marecic is some raw kid that needs to develop. He played in the West Coast Offense and linebacker at Stanford and he takes classes at Stanford, so it's safe he can handle the playbook.
I like Vickers as much as anyone, but it's was very hard to make a good argument for us keeping him before we drafted a full back in the 4th round.
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Quote:
The front office had their chance to lock Vickers into restricted free agency and didn't. That is a pretty clear sign of their intentions with him.
Also, it's not like Marecic is some raw kid that needs to develop. He played in the West Coast Offense and linebacker at Stanford and he takes classes at Stanford, so it's safe he can handle the playbook.
I like Vickers as much as anyone, but it's was very hard to make a good argument for us keeping him before we drafted a full back in the 4th round.
I agree based on our new NCO and then maybe Heckert has had his eye on Marecic for some time now.
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Thanks for posting this article Dong.
Vickers has been one of my favorite players, but I get the feeling I'm gonna like this guy a lot too. I guess this is just a continuance in great FBs we've had here in Cleveland (loved Terrelle Smith too)
Whatever the deal is with Vickers, I'm welcoming Owen Marecic with open arms. This guy sounds like the type of person you definitely want on your football team. I wonder if Harbaugh is annoyed that we got him (and if he was in the 49ers plans). The guy seems like he is all heart and he has high expectations for himself.
Can't wait to see him on the field this season, and I expect him to quickly show why he was drafted where he was drafted
UCONN HUSKIES 2014 Champions of Basketball
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jc
Didn't know where to put this...here's some film review on Taylor from a paysite
Philip Taylor DT Baylor
STRENGTHS
Philip is a powerful defensive tackle with excellent quickness and strength off the ball. He has very quick hands and uses them to easily get by an offensive lineman when he is rushing the passer. Philip does not just push the pocket. He rushes the passer like a locomotive steam down the tracks. There is no stopping this kid once he flies off the line of scrimmage and into the backfield. He does an equally competent job stuffing the run and being used on the nose in a 2-gap system. He has the athleticism to be used in any style defensive front and will do well in a 2-gap or 1-gap system. If you get by Philip at the line of scrimmage, he will run you down. He trails you, then waits for the runner to hesitate before he makes his burst to get the tackle. Philip is very smart and is one of the best defensive lineman that I have seen coming out of college that locates the ball and identifies a play as quickly as he does. This is so important to a defensive lineman because understanding what an offense is trying to do is the key to defending them during a game. Philip has the same skill level to play his position at the next level as Haloti Ngata (DT Ravens) who was the 12th pick of the 2006 draft.
CONCERNS
This kid is as big as a tractor, but he moves a lot better. He is not going to change direction very well and lacks lateral agility. Philip also has some physical stamina issues, but since most defensive linemen are rotated, this is an issue of little concern. Philip will need to control his weight. If he can do this, he will stay away from injuries and be on the field longer to impact before he needs a rest. He has some technique issues defending in the running game, but all of this is pointless. Just draft the kid, add an impact player to your defensive front and then... coach him to a Pro Bowl!
BOTTOM LINE
At the time of the 2006 draft, I listed Haloti Ngata in my personal top 10. When my favorite team in the NFL passed on him, I finally understood the pain of childbirth. I literally fell to the ground with stomach pains so severe I imagined that this must be the same pain that a woman has when giving birth. I have never recovered from that draft. Every time I see that team play without the ability to stop the run or rush the passer from the defensive front four, I just shake my head and wonder why. When Philip gets moving forward, he is a load to handle. This is partly due to his size, but it's also because of excellent hand technique. He does not allow offensive linemen to get a hold of him until he has a step or two on them. In nature, we hear and feel the thunder and then we see the lightning strike. Playing against Philip is the opposite. Philip can stuff the run and is smart. When that third down comes, Philip strikes like lightning with his hands, gets by the offensive lineman and then....trying to stop him from getting to the QB is like trying to stop thunder. All you can do is get out of the way and hide. This kid will force more QB's at the next level into bad passes on third and long because he thunders towards them. They will feel him and see him and believe me, it will take a lot to just move in the pocket calmly and throw the ball rather than trying to get the ball off before he hits them. Every team in the NFL needs this kid on their defensive line. Nobody should be looking past him to some other defensive lineman. If your team has one of the best defenses in the NFL, then you have an excuse to pass on this kid and select another player. Otherwise, shame on your draft management team if they pass on this kid. I call him Philip (Tractor) Taylor because he will do all the hard work on your defensive line and, like a farmer needs his tractor to plow the fields, your team will need Philip to plow the offensive line and work the football field.
I have Sheard, Little, Jordan Cameron, Marecic and Pinkston too...feel free to PM me if you're interested to read those
#gmstrong
"Players come along at different points in time" - Ray Farmer
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If this is how he ends up playing, then he was worth the (extra starter) third rounder. Hopefully he turns out this way.
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Quote:
I suppose you have a good point. we don't really know if it spells the end of his time with the Browns..
Sure you do.
Why are we going to blow two roster spots for a fullback??
I admit, I never saw the value in Vickers, and sure as hell don't see the value if we have to give him a big raise.
Time to move on to the cheaper version.
Soon enough, it will come the time to cut Owen and move on.
If everybody had like minds, we would never learn. GM Strong
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j/c
I initially was disappointed in the Marecic pick - but only because I love Vickers.
The more I read and think about Marecic, the more I like the pick because I love what I am reading about the guy.
I am still disappointed that Vickers may move on...but I understand why if it happens.
Lastly, with only Watson as a TE with "true" blocking" skills, I could see the Browns keeping Vickers and Marecic to maintain blocking options with (2) pass-catching TEs.
Mike Bell or Vickers?
Hillis, Hardesty, Marecic, Vickers, UDFA
Think of a roster with (3) TEs and one (H-Back) with Marecic taking the H-Back roster spot. (As opposed to a WCO that rosters (4) tight ends.)
It could happen.
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I had insomnia last night so i get up turn to NFL network and an episode of Game Changers is on featuring AJ Green and Greg Little with Mooch and Michael Irvin working these guys out.
Little just jumps off the screen in every way. Physically he stands out even standing next to Irvin and Green. He is 231 pounds and looks like he doesnt have an ounce of body fat.
Irvin teaches these kids to beat the jam with a great punch at the line. I gotta say dbs will hit the ground if Little plays with that kind of power. He has them working on their chop and cut techniques and Little's feet stands out compared to Green and folks that is no overstatement or a slight against a guy I consider the best receiver since Johnson down in Houston.
I know it was just drills but there is something really special with how this kid plays. I saw Mooch and Irving just wowed by these two talented receivers.
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All Pro
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Quote:
Ironically, Little played for former Browns coach Butch Davis.
“(Davis) said it was a remarkable organization to be a part of.”
It doesnt always work out this way, but this is why, when and if you fire guys and still pay them what you owe them, and treat them right, it comes back in Karma...im sure Butch talked to us big time about little's strength and weaknesses, and as you can read, he sold the kid on us as well..
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