2011 Bucket List

2011 Bucket List

            Football, finally, is here.  After a much needed hibernation, we are ready to usher in the 2011 season.

            And what better way to kick off our pre-season coverage than to count down the 10 things you need to see before 2011 bids adieu.   

1.       Catholic Memorial

·         Three of the top four players in the state.  Four FBS commits already.  Nicer jerseys than some area college teams.  Need more reasons to make CM part of your viewing pleasure this season?  Well, there’s Tyler Loring, a rugged, athletic offensive lineman with the tools to play at the Division 1 level.  Or Kristian Siri, one of the toughest, most explosive defensive linemen in the state.  If the Knights are able to stay consistent in the trenches, this could be a year to remember.

2.      The BC High Defense

·         These kids hit.  The Eagles punished opponents in 2010 en route to three shutouts.  They return the bulk of that same unit, and with the likes of CM and Brockton on their schedule, they’ll need play-makers like corner Deontae Ramey-Doe to bring it week in and week out.    

3.      Nick LaSpada

·         LaSpada has been torching defenses since he was 14, and that won’t stop this year.  His recruitment has seemed to cool off, but his play won’t; he is still the single most dangerous player in Massachusetts, and he has been since 2009.  Another 30 touchdown season is a given if he can stay healthy.

4.      The Everett Offense

·         Gone is the uber-explosive Manny Asprilla, but let’s remember: this is Everett.  And not only is this Everett, this is an Everett team that is returning arguably the state’s most polished quarterback, a horse of a back in Vondell Langston, and the top 2013 recruit Massachusetts has to offer in offensive lineman John Montellus.

5.      Brighton High

·         Not much love is shown to the Boston schools, but Brighton will be something special this season.  Their tandem of Andrew Maestre and Jonathan Marrero ran rampant through the city in 2010, and Coach Philip is quietly building a powerhouse. 

6.      Sacoy Malone

·         The best running back in Massachusetts may not reside in Eastern Mass.  Sacoy Malone is a burner who has made his living flying into (and many times, past) the second level of defenses.  If you haven’t seen him, take a few minutes and check him out here.

7.      Rocky Marciano Stadium

·         Friday nights in Brockton are something to behold.  The community, one of the most diverse in Massachusetts, comes together for the sole purpose of rooting on their Boxers.  Add in the incredible talent Coach Columbo and his predecessors have consistently churned out, and you get the most heralded high school football program in the region. 

8.     Don Webber

·         For those of you who caught the state championships last December, this name is old news.  Webber was everywhere.  He tackled, covered, blocked, caught and ran.  On a team that has a ton of potential collegiate-level players, Webber stood out from training camp to the final whistle.  Add in the fact that he goes above and beyond in the classroom, and you have one hell of a prospect.

9.      The Silver Lake Band

·         Not only do you get a good on-field product when you travel to Silver Lake, but you also get a band that brings down the house.  Silver Lake’s band is there before kickoff, and throughout the game they can be counted on to provide a smooth and relevant soundtrack.   

10.  The Championships at Gillette

·         Something changes in these athletes when they step on the field at Gillette.  Players run faster, hit harder, and hold blocks for that extra second when they are on the field shared by the hometown team.  This December, do yourself a favor and catch at least one of the championships games.  Just don’t forget your thermals underwear. 

2011 Mock Draft

            With the draft being potentially the only real professional football action we have between now and (potentially) training camp, we decided to put out our own mock draft, but with a twist.  Our picks below are not who we think will be selected tonight, but more who should be selected.  In other words, we’re ignoring the fact that there will be some obvious reaching by teams who need a signal caller, and making the most sensible picks possible. 

1. Carolina                       -           Marcell Dareus/DT/Alabama                                  One of the most sure bets in the draft, and instantly takes care of a major position of need.  Also a stand up kid. 

2. Denver                        -           Patrick Peterson/DB/LSU                                              Von Miller is tantalizing, but many tough lessons have been learned by teams who fall in love with athletic pass rushers who sometimes struggle with other facets of the game.  Plus, the return of Elviis Dumerville will improve the Broncos pass rush.  Peterson is the best player in the draft and becomes another viable piece in Denver’s rebuilding process.

3. Buffalo                        -           Von Miller/LB/Texas A&M                                           Miller is exactly what the Bills need in order to compete in the AFC East: an athletic, high motor defender who can get after the passer.  If Shawne Merriman has anything left in the tank, teaming him and Miller could prove to be the pillars of the Bills resurgence.

4. Cincinnati                    -         A.J. Greene/QB/Georgia                                      Regardless of who is under center for Cinci in 2011 and beyond, having a player as dynamic as Green will smooth the transition.

5. Arizona                        -           Blaine Gabbert/QB/Missouri                                     None of the eight top rated quarterbacks have legit Top 15 potential, but this is the right pick and time for Arizona, a team just three years removed from the Super Bowl, to address their most pressing need.

6. Cleveland                    -           Prince Amukamara/DB/Nebraska                        Cleveland would be best served to trade this pick for additional picks (and very well could), but Amukamara is a stud who gives Rob Ryan another solid defensive back to work with while his front seven attacks. 

7. San Francisco              -         Nick Fairley/DL/Auburn                                           Ideally, San Fran trades back, picks up a second rounder, and drafts an o-lineman.  If they stand pat in our scenario, Fairley gives them protection for Patrick Willis and immediately improves an abysmal defensive line.

8. Tennessee                    -           Robert Quinn/DE/North Carolina                      They need a quarterback, but none give you the value needed in a pick this high.  Quinn is a risk, but his potential is Jevon Kearse-esq, and he also possesses the ability to stand tough against the run.        

9. Dallas                         -               J.J. Watt/DE/Wisconsin                                               Most certainly not the most skilled player available, and there is a glaring need on the offensive line, but I think this is too early to take any of the hogs in this draft, and Watt is exactly the kind of player new coach Jason Garrett wants on his team.

10. Washington                 -          Julio Jones/WR/Alabama                                          Jones is the most explosive player on the board, and he gives whatever signal caller Washington goes with a big play threat.

11. Houston                      -            Cameron Jordan/DE/California                          Jordan is your classic late bloomer, charging up draft boards late after dominating at the Senior Bowl and pre-draft workouts.  He takes pressure off Mario Williams and the secondary, pushing the Texans a step closer to dethroning the Colts.

12. Minnesota                    -         Anthony Castonzo/OL/Boston College            Castonzo is the most NFL ready lineman in the draft, with the ability to contribute at a high level in both the run and pass games.  Keeping whoever is under center upright and opening holes for Adrian Petersen could very well catapult the Vikings back into contention, and Castonzo does just that.

13. Detroit                         -           Tyron Smith/OL/USC                                                Smith is a big upside guy who has shown flashes of being a potential main-stay at left tackle.  Detroit could get additional defensive line help for last year’s #1 pick, but keeping Matthew Stafford alive should be their priority at this point.

14. St. Louis                      -           Corey Liuget/DL/Illinois                                             St. Louis is on the cusp of being a playoff team, but has serious issues almost everywhere on defense.  Liuget is a big step in strengthening the most important part.

15. Miami                         -            Akeem Ayers/LB/UCLA                                               A bit of a stretch I admit, but if Miami can solidify their linebacking crop, it will make the improving secondary and surprisingly productive defensive line that much better.  Ayers also gives them another athletic rusher to team with Cameron Wake.     

16. Jacksonville                 -        Ryan Kerrigan/DL/Purdue                                         One of these days the Jags will get draft a solid defensive lineman.  Hopefully that day is tomorrow.  Kerrigan has a great motor, good build, prove play maker.

17. New England             -           Mike Pouncey/OL/Florida                                       He may very well be gone by this point, but this is a perfect scenario for the Pats.  It allows them to address their need for an offensive line upgrade with a player who they can plug and play from Day One…whenever that is.

18. San Diego                    -           Gabe Carimi/OL/Wisconsin                               Anything to keep Philip Rivers upright.  Carimi isn’t the most athletic, but he’ll get the job done for 7-10 years.

19. New York Giants        -         Nate Solder/OL/Colorado                                        I don’t get the Mark Ingram rumors.  Solder gives you a dual-purpose lineman who at the very least will become a solid right tackle.  At best he becomes Robert Gallery 2.0. 

20. Tampa Bay                  -           Da’Quan Bowers/DE/Clemson                            If Bowers regains his old form, he’ll join Randy Moss and Aaron Rodgers on the list of players who made every team who passed on them look absolutely foolish.

21. Kansas City                 -           Phil Taylor/DL/Baylor                                           Taylor will serve a Vince Wolfork type role for the Patriots of the Midwest. 

22. Indianapolis                 -        Danny Watkins/OL/Baylor                                      Back to back Baylor picks.  Watkins gives Indy a guy who is older (26), but can lock down either guard position, and may have the ability to contribute at right tackle.         

23. Philadelphia                 -         Jimmy Smith/CB/Colorado                                    The sky is the limit if Smith can stay out of his own way, and Philadelphia needs secondary help.

24. New Orleans               -           Mark Ingram/RB/Alabama                                       The Saints won't have to worry about creating new schemes in order for this Heisman winning back to be effective.  He will instantly keep defenses honest.

25. Seattle                         -            Cam Newton / QB / Auburn                                       I don’t see Newton being the answer to any team’s problems.  I do think a few years working with Pete Carroll will give him the chance to learn and become the best player possible.

26. Baltimore                     -          Aaron Williams / DB / Texas                                   He’s a borderline first round talent, but in Baltimore he will shine.  Great supporting cast, and the ability to learn what it takes to be a winner.      

27. Atlanta                                    -           Marvin Austin / DL / North Carolina "Explosive” is the word you hear the Falcons brass throwing around, and no player has as high a potential upside at this point than Austin. 

28. New England              -           Adrian Clayborn / DE / Iowa                             Trading is their best option.  And while Clayborn has some medical issues, he allows the Patriots to bump Wilfork back inside, and if he can return to form, they get a guy who was once thought to be a top-10 talent.

29. Chicago                       -           Derek Sherrod / OL / Mississippi State           Chicago was very close to reaching the Super Bowl last season, and an improved offensive line is another step in the right direction.

30. New York Jets             -           Justin Houston / LB / Georgia                            Houston has an off-the-field history, but Rex Ryan has a way of reining those players in and getting the most out of them.  If he can do that with Houston, this could be a huge steal.

31. Pittsburgh                      -           Jonathan Baldwin / WR / Pittsburgh          Baldwin has been impressive of late, and with Hines Ward aging rapidly, he could be just what Big Ben and Mike Wallace need.

32. Green Bay                   -           Muhammad Wilkerson / DL / Temple        Wilkerson is a hot name and could be off the board much earlier.  But the Packers would love to add the versatile big man to help with the seemingly eminent departure of Cullen Jenkins.   

Day Camp Rapid Fire: Offense

More insights from last weekend.  Here are a few players/plays that caught our eye on the offensive side of the ball.

• Don’t let the long hair and laid back vibe fool you: New Bedford’s Myles Medeiros can chuck it, and if teams don’t get a hand in his face, he’s smart enough to pick apart a defense…Anyone who tells you all the talent in the city of Boston is raided by private schools and towns with METCO programs obviously haven’t seen Mark Accino, Bobby Leslie and Steven Montessoli play.  All three held their own with any and everyone lined up across from them…If Norwood’s Tommy Munro fixes his follow through and release, he will enter the conversation as one of the top prep passers in Massachusetts…Remember the name Shaquor Sandiford…Damion Johnson of Dennis-Yarmouth catches everything.  He also wins the award for best hair…Expect to see nine men in the box against Quincy this year with Jalen Green and Reggie Cesar coming out the backfield.  Both are talented and have very good change of direction skills…Walpole’s Dan King showed impressive feet during the Shadow Drill, consistently staying with his man and planting his foot with ease…If nothing else, Marshfield’s Bryan Mey is going to outwork the man across from him.  His willingness to go 100% at all times lead to him becoming a favorite target for quarterbacks despite his primary position being running back...The play of the day came when Hudson's Karl Sery did his best Randy Moss impersonation by going up over his defender to come down with a slightly under-thrown deep ball...Longmeadow's Terry Norris is set to dominate Western Massachusetts.  He is big, strong, and changes direction effortlessly.  If the grades are there, the interest in him will grow exponentially. 

Day Camp Rapid Fire: Defense

There was no shortage of play-making defenders on display last weekend.  Some of the more memorable performances:

• Stephen Harrison of Wareham was one of the smaller guys in attendance, but played well beyond his size when the ball was thrown his way.  He showed good understanding of the coverages, picked off a pass, and got his hands on a few others…Once Foxboro’s Jeff McPherson gets back to the shape he was in before breaking his leg early in the 2010 season, he will be a force.  He is a load, moves well, is more than capable of catching the ball out the backfield, and was arguably the best amongst linebackers at playing his zone responsibilities…New Bedford’s Marcel Depina’s primary position is WR (and he showed good skill there), but he also proved to be one of the top cover-corner prospects in attendance…Remember the name Karl Sery…Sandwich’s Jalen McDonald has the potential to be quite an imposing figure should he be able to smooth out his rough edges.  Great size, good mean streak…No one played harder than Scituate’s Matt King.  He flew to his drops, moved through drills at 100%, and was a pain to deal with for every receiver who lined up in the slot across from him.  Whatever school lands him is getting an absolute gem…St. Peter-Marian’s Jordan Knowles’ 16 reps at 225 on the bench is a new ADFC record…Charlestown’s Bobby Leslie was one of the bigger surprises of the day.  He showed good hip fluidity, and his ball skills and aggression made him a tough match-up for every receiver.  He also tested in the Top 3 in 40-yard dash, 3-Cone, and 5-10-5 drills...Hingham's Kevin McCarthy was the most physical defensive back on display, consistently getting hands-on and making every receiver work for throughout their routes...Malden Catholic's Kevin Roche and Anthony Libby will instantly make their team a handful in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Good feet, lean builds, and not afraid of contact.

ADFC Day Camp Re-Cap

There are people in this world that do not understand the appeal of football. They question the physical nature of the game and wonder why so many cherish it so much.

To anyone who loves the game — whether they play or enjoy just watching — the answer is obvious; there is a passion involved in football that is hard to ignore.

These days, that passion can be lost amongst the greed and pride to which the NFL often falls victim. Even college football sometimes fails to focus on the right things. But when it all boils down, no one can deny the passion, desire, and drive in a football player’s eyes when the game is on the line.

Finding football in its purest form is something to treasure. At ADFC’s

Day Camp, the spectators were treated to just that.

The level of talent was stellar, and the love of the game was obvious. It was one of those days that renew your faith in football at a time when the professionals make you doubt.

High school football is something many football lovers lose sight of. Sunday offered another reason why they never should. We watched young quarterbacks complete passes 40-yards down-field, defenses perfect the Cover 2 and the Cover 3, receivers make incredible catches. But most of all, we saw football players from all over the state come together to get better at a game they all love.

There is much to learn from the different styles and abilities that gather on the field, especially for those that plan to continue their career in college. The determination to hone skills and devour game knowledge makes the difference.

On Sunday, the level of focus on the field was commendable. Drill after drill, players worked for perfection. If a release was not quite right the first time, the quarterback stepped up again and again until it was exact. Receivers ran routes over and over until they were in the right place at the right time. The defense repeated getting to their drops, trying to confuse the opposing quarterbacks all the while.

That is what the game is all about. That is how you become the player that makes the difference in the championship game. Practice until it is instinct, and fall more in love with the game each step of the way.

No matter where someone falls on the depth chart or what their level, the same basic elements bring them to that sideline: passion.  It is that passion that drives them to go above and beyond in pursuit of goals only a small fraction will ever reach.

Bryant Offers Karl Sery

The entire ADFC family would like to congratulate Hudson's Karl Sery on receiving an offer from Bryant University.  Karl is arguably the best corner back in the state, and has been Hudson's game-breaker out of the backfield since his sophomore year.  Karl will put his talents on display in April and May at our ADFC Underclassmen Skills and Day Camp.

To see just how talented Karl is, visit http://recruit-match.ncsasports.org/fasttrack/client/RecruitingProfile.do?method=getRecruitingProfile&clientID=37263.

Breaking Down the NFL Labor Situation

No NFL in 2011?  Highly unlikely.  But it's very possible that we see a much more sluggish brand of football being played as a result of a shortened training camp and (possibly) a longer season.  What's the beef about?  We'll give you an abbreviated version so you can throw in your two cents the next time the topic comes up.

• The Key Issue - There is one huge issue here: NFL owners want to take an additional $1 billion piece of the $9 billion dollar NFL "pie".  Currently, the owners get a $1 billion dollar piece of that pie right off the top, leaving $8 billion left over.  Of that $8 billion, players see about 60% of that.  The owners would like to take another piece, bringing their total to $2 billion.  They argue that growing expenses are cause for a larger cut of the revenue.  The players are asking to see the financial records of each team so they can decide whether or not it is in their best interest to allow the owners to claim this extra sum.  Why are players upset about this demand?  Essentially, it will lead to lower overall wages.  To sum it up: the owners are looking for more of a return on their investment, but the players at this point are hesitant to hand over money the owners may or may not need.
• Issue Two - You could throw a number of issues in here, but staying with the theme of financials (which is what it all boils down to), implementing a rookie pay scale is also a hot topic.  The league and its owners argue that unproven players should not be rewarded superstar money.  The players agree, but want to know exactly where the money saved will go.  Which brings us to...
• Issue Three - Retired player compensation has long been a topic that pits owners and both retired and current players head to head.  Players would like to see any additional owner revenue, whether it be by way of a rookie pay scale or an additional piece of the pie, to be devoted towards some kind of financial support for retired players.  Part of the owners argument is that in this day of free agency, what amount of time/service must a player commit to an individual franchise in order for that franchise to continue helping support them and their family when their career ends?
• Issue Four - Perhaps the most widely known topic, yet the one that is least likely to hold up an agreement, is the extension of the regular season from 16 to 18 games.  This touches on money and health.  On the health side, players argue that with all the rule changes and steps taken to ensure players stay healthy, what is the point of adding games?  Despite those concerns, the players have for the most part been open to the extension of the regular season...depending on where the extra revenue ends up going.  Players argue that if they are going to be forced to put themselves at risk an extra two times a year, they should be entitled to keep as close to their current share in revenue as possible.  Owners counter with the argument that more games also equals more costs, so having the extra revenue would lighten the financial blow.

Not much is cut and dry.  Yesterday, the owners walked out of their scheduled seven-hour meeting before lunch due to an offer from the players that did not sit well.  No other negotiations are scheduled, but expect talks to resume next week.

Ranking the Classes

Recruiting is the lifeblood of college football programs.  Schools that can't recruit stay marred in mediocrity, while those that consistently bring in talent find themselves competing year in and year out.  A recruiting class can't be judged purely on how players are ranked, however.  You have to look at how the players fit into the offensive and defensive systems, their ability to make an impact early on, as well as if positions of need were addressed.  Keeping all that in mind, here are our top five for 2011.

1. Boston College - BC again did a great job finding players that fit their style of play.  The Eagles brought in six offensive linemen, two of which, Paul Gaughan and Victor Nelson, show the ability to be able to contribute early.  Quarterback Christain Suntrup is a top quarterback prospect who could find his way onto the field by year two, and Mehdi Abdesmad has the potential to develop into a terror along the defensive line. Add in stud defensive back Albert Louis-Jean, and the Eagles have the makings of a very deep class.
2. UMass - The Minutemen continued their success in Florida, with standouts Jamal Wilson and Quayshun Smith headlining a talented group of Sunshine State transplants.  This was a skill heavy class for UMass and rightfully so, as they have recently shown struggles breaking off big plays.  Keep an eye on Mike Wegzyn, a quarterback from Tennessee with a strong arm and a surprising amount of running ability for a player his size.
3. Harvard - Surprised to see the Crimson so high on the list? We are too.  But Harvard did an excellent job securing some of the state's best talent.  The headliners of this class are defensive linemen Obum Obukwelu and offensive lineman Anthony Fabiano.  Both players had offers from a number of different FBS and FCS schools, yet picked Harvard for the reason that should take precedent: the education.  Expect both these players to see time early on and be major contributors throughout their careers.  
4. Maine - One of the more consistent recruiting programs in the area, Maine again brought in a class that included plenty of talent and improved depth.  Aamad Black is a big, punishing safety who excels at stopping the run and can adequately defend the pass.  Mahar Regional (MA) running back Isaiah Jones will bring big play ability to the backfield, and massive offensive lineman Benedict Wezel should develop into a mainstay at either offensive tackle position.  
5. UConn - A late coaching change threw a wrench in what looked like a promising class.  Nonetheless, new coach Paul Pasqualoni was able to bring in a solid bunch that should plug the major holes in the Huskies depth chart.  Max DeLorenzo and Deshon Foxx will be charged with the task of helping the Huskies rushing attack stay potent after the departure of Dartmouth native Jordan Todman to the NFL.  Linebacker Jefferson Ashiru is a gifted athlete who moves well laterally and should give UConn a boost right away.  Local product Paul Nwokeji has the size and skill set to develop into a dominating offensive linemen.  

5 Things You Should Know About...

From time to time, we'll post on a topic we feel will benefit you.  Keeping up with the spirit of National Signing Day, here are 5 things you should know about getting recruited.

5. Make a list - Setting goals is a big step in reaching new heights.  Every player with aspirations of playing at the next level should make three lists, with five schools in each: one that includes your dream schools; one that includes a list of schools you have a better shot of attending given your skill set; and one that includes those you view as "slam dunks."  Put this list in highly visible places.  Print off a few smaller copies and put them in your notebooks.  The more you see it, the more likely you are to go the extra mile.

4. Create a Video - This should show your strengths and highlight your big play potential.  What that entails differs from position to position.  Offensive skill positions obviously want to show long scores, but it's important to also show your willingness to dish out and take hits.  Offensive linemen should include battles with other highly regarded recruits, which will show your level of play.  Linebackers and d-linemen should mix in plays where their pursuit skills and motor is shown.  Defensive backs need to remember to highlight their willingness to defend the run.  The point of your film isn't to make you look like the next Gatorade Player of the Year; it's to show schools why you are a guy they should be spending their time on.

3. Be Proactive - An extremely small amount of players  are lucky enough to sit back and have the schools of their choice come to them.  Being aggressive and making your interest known are the best ways to put yourself on the radar.  This includes reaching out to the coach of the position you would like to play, making the school aware of what camps and clinics you will be apart of, and (when ready) attending that schools' off-season offerings. 

2. Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse - This one is simple: if you do not register, you can not be offered any form of athletic financial aid.  Here is the link for registration: http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.html.  

1. Handle Business in the Classroom - The importance of grades can not be stressed enough.  There is no player, no matter how freakishly gifted, that will be able to play at the next level without having the proper grades and SAT scores.  Scoring well in Physical Education and electives won't cut it, however; you need to make sure you are excelling in your core classes (math, language arts, science, etc.).  Your best chance of catching the eye of the schools on your "Dream List" is to make the focus of your free time two things: getting better, and getting smarter.