After a 45 minute drive to Echols Middle School in Tuscaloosa, Al, I arrive to see numerous kids already registered wearing Le'Ron McClain T-Shirts, and numerous kids that are being registered for this football camp. I go over to register the 5 kids that I bought down to the camp. I am just listening, absorbing the atmosphere and watching the kids interact with one another.
Then out comes a man that is energetic. He is wearing a tank that says I <3 Haters ( I love Haters) that reads Motivation across the back neck. He is smiling from ear to ear. He is interacting with EVERYONE that he walks past. He takes the time out to take pictures with kids and parents. He shows a genuine enthusiasm for what he is about to do today. He even has on cleats. Is this the promoter or his agent? No it's not. This is the HOST of this camp. Le'Ron McClain.
Le'Ron McClain hails from Tuscaloosa, Al. He played high school ball at Tuscaloosa County High. He then went on to the University of Alabama from 2003-2006. After graduating with his degree, he was drafted 4th round by the Baltimore Ravens with the 137th pick in that year of the draft. Of course the first year was a learning curve as far as taking on the responsibility of an NFL fullback. But the next year, in 2008 he took the NFL by storm, earning a pro bowl appearance with 232 carries for 902 yards and 12 touchdowns. In 2009, he was poised for a big year, possibly to hit that 1000 yard mark, but he only got 46 carries the following year. He was a VERY solid lead blocker though and was awarded to a second pro bowl in 2009. His carries then decreased to 28 this year but again was a very good lead blocker, but did not get the pro bowl selection this year.
The kids are gathered in the bleachers and McClain speaks to them. He then turns them over to his own personal trainer Roland Burks. Burks speaks with the kids about how important nutrition is in their training and how important it is to take care of their bodies, even at a young age. As we the parents are listening to what they are saying to the kids, something sticks out that really puts into perspective just how much pride he puts into this camp. He tells the young men and women that if they are caught with their shirts out, they will have to do 10 push ups because you have to care about your image and show you have some sense of self worth.
This impressed not only me, but EVERY other parent in attendance.
Burks takes the kids down and gives them a professional warm-up. McClain is on the field with the kids for warm ups as well. He then breaks the kids up into stations. McClain has his own station where is not only showing the kids how to do the drills, but is going full speed and coaching the kids up on how to do the drill properly. After each group gets done, he puts the motto into their head, "It's not about how you start, but it's about finishing. Finish hard and give EVERYTHING you have in these drill and in life."
Sitting in the stands with some of the parents, they all were very impressed with the camp. Ron Burke was down visiting from Delaware to visit one of McClain's old high school football coaches. So this was the first time his son had been to McClain's football camp. "I feel really good about the camp. These are some great drills. It is good to see the kids having fun while learning a lot about football." I also got a chance to speak with Eric Estes from Northport, Al. He had 4 kids out there ages 13, 10, 9, and 6. "This is a great camp. It's fantastic what he is doing with these kids. Using the lessons that you learn in sports shows you that hard work can pay off. Even if you don't end up playing football, you can use these small lessons and apply to life. Anytime you work hard, a great result follows you."
After the football drills, Le'Ron let the kids have scrimmage sessions, 7 on 7 drills in which I got an opportunity to talk with him about the camp as well as some other issues.
4th and Inches Magazine: So Le'Ron, this is your 3rd year hosting the camp. Have things gotten progressively better over the years.
Le'Ron McClain: Oh yeah! They have gotten a lot better. Every year more and more kids come out. Each year it get more and more help with it. The first year I had a good turn out, but each year it gets bigger. I got better catering this year as well. This year I have parents in the stands watching the camp as well.
4th and Inches Magazine: So you have big year planned for the 2011 NFL season?
Le'Ron McClain: Yes sir! Working with my trainer Roland, I plan on being more explosive. When the lockout is over I am going going to be a free agent.
4th and Inches Magazine: Unrestricted?
Le'Ron McClain: Yep, I will be an unrestricted free agent.
4th and Inches Magazine:Do you want to stay in Baltimore?
Le'Ron McClain: I would love to stay in Baltimore, hopefully when the lockout is over, I will know what is going to happen, either staying with Baltimore or moving to the next opportunity available to me if Baltimore doesn't sign me back.
4th and Inches Magazine: Speaking of the lockout, how do you feel about it?
Le'Ron McClain: Well you know, it just kind of is what it is. The good thing is that the players and owners are talking again. And hopefully we can get back to playing football. But right now, you know.... it just is what it is.
4th and Inches Magazine: Well I do understand that. You had a great year in 2008, with 902 yards and 12 touchdowns. Then I look this year, and you had only 28 carries for 92 yards. Man what was up with that?
Le'Ron McClain: Yeah, I know. I wanted to get a t-shirt made that has the number 28 with a question mark. How do you go from 902 yards to 92 yards. I want the ball so I can show what I can do. That's why I am working so hard with my trainer Roland Burks to get in even better shape. He tells me when I am working out that this year I will have 28 touchdowns.
4th and Inches Magazine: Yeah, I agree. You had a great season in 2008 and had a lot of potential to grow just on how hard you were running. It could only get better from there. We follow you on twitter, what does that #sweater thing mean?
Le'Ron McClain: (Laughs) it is like my company. I got my fellas out here, taking pictures for my scrap book, filming what we are out here doing with the kids for me to have. And everything we do, you got to have a sweater on with it!
4th and Inches Magazine: Le'Ron, thanks for you time, I really appreciate it! I know you have to get back to the camp. You were my first interview, and I appreciate your time and having me here to cover the camp. Good luck on the upcoming season!
Le'Ron McClain: Anytime man. Anything I can do to help.
He then goes off to interact with the kids in his camp, the parents and signs t-shirt after t-shirt, takes picture after picture. And when the McAllister's gets there, he gathers all the kids up so they can make sure they eat before the camp ends. He has numerous other players there from the area as well as the 3rd pick in the 2010 NFL draft, Marcell Dareus, there to help with the camp and show the kids the proper techniques and preaching the same technique. Finishing strong. He also had his OWN personal trainer out there giving fitness tips and instruction on how to get their kids in shape, and what he does with Le'Ron to get him into the best shape of his life.
Where are the stories of these type of dealings with NFL players. The ones that go out into their communities where they were raised, no news cameras, no publicity stunts or trying to show the world what they are doing. All you see on the news is who got arrested for what, or who has been arrested about what. Asking yourself, 'Which player is in trouble now?!?! Damn, can these players do anything positive?' These are the type of stories that give hope. Willie Bates from Tuscaloosa, Al said, "It feels good to see these guys come back and give to the community. More players need to host camps like these and more. I get tired of hearing about players getting in trouble, I want to know more about players doing these types of things." Yeah you see the community service that is mandated by the team, but what about the things that these players do on their own. Maybe the NFLPA should look into funding for these events as well as adding bonuses for this type of work into these player's contract to promote this type of behavior with other players as well. Parents are in a time where it is hard to come up with money to pay the bills. They cannot always afford to send their kids to an expensive football camp. These free camps give kids a chance to meet a great player and learn from them. Sometimes these kids need to see for a fact that you don't have to come from money to become a successful man or woman. A lot of these players came from the same neighborhoods that they are in now. Sometimes the simple things can change a kid's life. And events like these start that.
Le'Ron McClain was back there in Tuscaloosa after the tornado hit, giving back to the community at that point as well too. No camera crew, just doing what he felt was right in his community.
After our interview, a kid says, "Let me get those cleats!" McClain looks at him and smiles. "I was just playing." McClain says, "Take them. They hurt my feet anyway. What size shoe you wear?"
Wow.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Is Jordan Jefferson FINALLY poised for a National Title Run?
When you think of Jordan Jefferson, you think of the underachieving QB for the LSU Tigers that struggles at times, and only threw 4 tds all season last year. You see the frantic kid that has struggled to put together seasons that has benefited from having a solid defense to get him out of situations that he has put the team into. You would want to think, "Hey he sees what many feel to be the best corner in the country (Patrick Peterson) in practice as well as some of the best young corners in the game on a weekly basis. Why isn't this kid a better QB?" Many times, this has been the reason that Jordan Jefferson has been benched for a less talented Jarrett Lee.
But this year, something seems different.
Jordan Jefferson seems to have a more mature demeanor about himself. Watching him in the annual Tiger spring game, he was VERY impressive with his throws as well as his confidence. He was able to set his feet and complete passes that he struggled with all last year. To boot he has defined himself as THE leader on this team. He took criticism well on the set of College Football Live and showed that he has been watching film with first year coordinator Kragthorpe in order to correct the flaws in his game to become an elite QB. He has shown flashes of greatness. None more than the 2 play 94 yard drive against Alabama during last year's 11-2 run. But then you also have to remember that he didn't throw a touchdown from the first game of the season until that touchdown pass. The biggest question of LSU's season will be if Jordan Jefferson can consistently show that greatness all season long. There is no question that the kid has the athleticism, but will his mental ability allow his athleticism to shine on the field?
And...as much as the stats don't show, his winning percentage is actually pretty good. Since taking over a full time starter for the tiger, he has posted an impressive 19-6 record, well over .500. For what it's worth, the kid has been winning regardless of how morbid some of his games have been. And also you have to remember that he has been playing in the same conference and division as the past 2 BCS champions. The division that I feel is the TOUGHEST in college football. And tougher than some NFL divisions. (We will save that for another day.)
LSU is poised to make a run at the BCS title this year. They are picked by many to be a favorite. But with games against Oregon, West Virginia, Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas; it will not be a cupcake walk. But one thing is for sure. LSU will have to ride the arm, the poise, and the confidence of Jordan Jefferson to make it to the BCS title.
But this year, something seems different.
Jordan Jefferson seems to have a more mature demeanor about himself. Watching him in the annual Tiger spring game, he was VERY impressive with his throws as well as his confidence. He was able to set his feet and complete passes that he struggled with all last year. To boot he has defined himself as THE leader on this team. He took criticism well on the set of College Football Live and showed that he has been watching film with first year coordinator Kragthorpe in order to correct the flaws in his game to become an elite QB. He has shown flashes of greatness. None more than the 2 play 94 yard drive against Alabama during last year's 11-2 run. But then you also have to remember that he didn't throw a touchdown from the first game of the season until that touchdown pass. The biggest question of LSU's season will be if Jordan Jefferson can consistently show that greatness all season long. There is no question that the kid has the athleticism, but will his mental ability allow his athleticism to shine on the field?
And...as much as the stats don't show, his winning percentage is actually pretty good. Since taking over a full time starter for the tiger, he has posted an impressive 19-6 record, well over .500. For what it's worth, the kid has been winning regardless of how morbid some of his games have been. And also you have to remember that he has been playing in the same conference and division as the past 2 BCS champions. The division that I feel is the TOUGHEST in college football. And tougher than some NFL divisions. (We will save that for another day.)
LSU is poised to make a run at the BCS title this year. They are picked by many to be a favorite. But with games against Oregon, West Virginia, Florida, Alabama, and Arkansas; it will not be a cupcake walk. But one thing is for sure. LSU will have to ride the arm, the poise, and the confidence of Jordan Jefferson to make it to the BCS title.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A comparison of the Vick era and the Ryan era
Arthur Blank. Many people in Atlanta see him as a fantastic owner. And I am not knocking him because he maybe. He maybe a good person, he maybe a great man. I can't judge that.
But....
What I can judge is what has been put in front of fans.
Enter Michael Vick into the NFL. The most exciting qb this era as far as a dual threat qb. Enter the endorsement deals, and enter the Atlanta Falcons. Entering this era in Atlanta, they were playing excellent. They were making the playoffs, they were winning. Something that hadn't been in Atlanta since the dirty bird and the Superbowl year that they lost to the immortal John Elway and the Denver Broncos. There was always the threat of Vick running, but very few people respected the threat of Vick throwing.Now don't get me wrong, Mike Vick's work ethic was not the best, he was immature and got himself into numerous sitations, like the shooting the bird incident as well as some other questionable pr moves. But you look at what Vick had on offense.. Hmmmm
You are looking at Warrick Dunn, who in my opinion is a solid back. Reliable. Okay. Algae Crumpler, who was Vick's best receiver in my opinion during the Vick era. They lead the league in rushing numerous years. That in itself is very impressive seeing that Mike Vick is the ONLY NFL qb to run for over 1000 yrds in a season (1039). He and Warrick Dunn became the first 1000 yrd duo that included a qb. In the same breath though, he had a Brian Finnerman, Peerless Price, Michael Jenkins, and a host of many other wr's that just could not get the job done. Roddy White was there when Mike Vick was there. But during his rookie season, as well as other seasons, he couldn't catch a cold in an open wound in an infirmary. A lot of people contribute that to bad general manager moves, but I can't say that I agree with that. Because there were better players out there that Atlanta made NO moves for. Better wr's to put around Vick to make him better. Such as Terrell Owens. Many scouts around the NFL deemed Vick as the qb that was no threat as a qb because he was inaccurate. But he was more of a qb that was no threat because he had one reliable weapon in the passing game. Algae Crumpler.
We all know what happens next to Vick's career. Spirals out of control, gets indicted on dog fighting. Arthur Blank even wants parts of Vick's contract back. The scene of Blank seeming to care about Vick while he was pushing him around has now been wrinkled and torn due to money that Blank wants back for the Falcons.
Enter the Matt Ryan era in Atlanta. The new face of the Atlanta Falcons with a million dollar smile and a great college career at Boston College. They hype is building. Albeit he may not be a dual threat, he is chosen to make the Falcons a legit contender again. And the reports come out that the Falcons are relying on him to be a PASSER, and not a run first QB. Not a good look already.
He has a great rookie season. Roddy White is in contract year. All of a sudden start catches everything. Matt Ryan doesn't have a run game to complement him his rookie year, nor does he have the necessary components to make him an elite qb. Not only do they already have one pro bowl wr, they trade UP in the NFL draft to select Julio Jones. Also they get Michael Turner, a GREAT back that is putting up numbers that make him a force to be reckoned with on ANY down. They also put possibly the greatest TE in HISTORY on the field with him. They put a solid offensive line in front of him, and what do you have. A great record, a great seed in the playoffs, and a first game bow out to the soon to be champions of Green Bay. Anyone else see a discrepancy here? You could put Ryan Leaf with these players and he may muster a playoff birth!
Mike Vick was a Falcon for how long and couldn't get those quality of players, but Matt Ryan is there for 3 years and they attempt to build a dynasty around him. With all due respect to Peerless, he was NOT a number one wr when they signed him from Buffalo. Michael Jenkins, not great enough to spend that type of draft pick on. The feeble attempt was made to get Vick help. But there is NO WAY that you can tell me that they tried to put a team around him that would succeed. Again, the scene that keeps replaying in my head is when Vick broke his leg and Blank was pushing him around on the sideline. Guess he was a short term qb. Seems now the face of the franchise and will be for MANY MANY years to come will be Matt Ryan. Called Matty Ice and hasn't proven himself in the post season yet.
The level of investment shows that. Roddy White Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner vs Peerless Price, Michael Jenkins, Algae Crumpler, and Warrick Dunn.
You be the judge.
But....
What I can judge is what has been put in front of fans.
Enter Michael Vick into the NFL. The most exciting qb this era as far as a dual threat qb. Enter the endorsement deals, and enter the Atlanta Falcons. Entering this era in Atlanta, they were playing excellent. They were making the playoffs, they were winning. Something that hadn't been in Atlanta since the dirty bird and the Superbowl year that they lost to the immortal John Elway and the Denver Broncos. There was always the threat of Vick running, but very few people respected the threat of Vick throwing.Now don't get me wrong, Mike Vick's work ethic was not the best, he was immature and got himself into numerous sitations, like the shooting the bird incident as well as some other questionable pr moves. But you look at what Vick had on offense.. Hmmmm
You are looking at Warrick Dunn, who in my opinion is a solid back. Reliable. Okay. Algae Crumpler, who was Vick's best receiver in my opinion during the Vick era. They lead the league in rushing numerous years. That in itself is very impressive seeing that Mike Vick is the ONLY NFL qb to run for over 1000 yrds in a season (1039). He and Warrick Dunn became the first 1000 yrd duo that included a qb. In the same breath though, he had a Brian Finnerman, Peerless Price, Michael Jenkins, and a host of many other wr's that just could not get the job done. Roddy White was there when Mike Vick was there. But during his rookie season, as well as other seasons, he couldn't catch a cold in an open wound in an infirmary. A lot of people contribute that to bad general manager moves, but I can't say that I agree with that. Because there were better players out there that Atlanta made NO moves for. Better wr's to put around Vick to make him better. Such as Terrell Owens. Many scouts around the NFL deemed Vick as the qb that was no threat as a qb because he was inaccurate. But he was more of a qb that was no threat because he had one reliable weapon in the passing game. Algae Crumpler.
We all know what happens next to Vick's career. Spirals out of control, gets indicted on dog fighting. Arthur Blank even wants parts of Vick's contract back. The scene of Blank seeming to care about Vick while he was pushing him around has now been wrinkled and torn due to money that Blank wants back for the Falcons.
Enter the Matt Ryan era in Atlanta. The new face of the Atlanta Falcons with a million dollar smile and a great college career at Boston College. They hype is building. Albeit he may not be a dual threat, he is chosen to make the Falcons a legit contender again. And the reports come out that the Falcons are relying on him to be a PASSER, and not a run first QB. Not a good look already.
He has a great rookie season. Roddy White is in contract year. All of a sudden start catches everything. Matt Ryan doesn't have a run game to complement him his rookie year, nor does he have the necessary components to make him an elite qb. Not only do they already have one pro bowl wr, they trade UP in the NFL draft to select Julio Jones. Also they get Michael Turner, a GREAT back that is putting up numbers that make him a force to be reckoned with on ANY down. They also put possibly the greatest TE in HISTORY on the field with him. They put a solid offensive line in front of him, and what do you have. A great record, a great seed in the playoffs, and a first game bow out to the soon to be champions of Green Bay. Anyone else see a discrepancy here? You could put Ryan Leaf with these players and he may muster a playoff birth!
Mike Vick was a Falcon for how long and couldn't get those quality of players, but Matt Ryan is there for 3 years and they attempt to build a dynasty around him. With all due respect to Peerless, he was NOT a number one wr when they signed him from Buffalo. Michael Jenkins, not great enough to spend that type of draft pick on. The feeble attempt was made to get Vick help. But there is NO WAY that you can tell me that they tried to put a team around him that would succeed. Again, the scene that keeps replaying in my head is when Vick broke his leg and Blank was pushing him around on the sideline. Guess he was a short term qb. Seems now the face of the franchise and will be for MANY MANY years to come will be Matt Ryan. Called Matty Ice and hasn't proven himself in the post season yet.
The level of investment shows that. Roddy White Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez, Michael Turner vs Peerless Price, Michael Jenkins, Algae Crumpler, and Warrick Dunn.
You be the judge.
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