WHERE WE COME FROM: OUR FAVORITE PLAYERS
by Spencer Hall on Jul 8, 2010 12:07 PM EDT
in EA Sports NCAA FB 11
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PrintThis is part of the sponsored EA posts for this week. Cha.Ching. Today's theme: our favorite players.
Reggie Nelson, covered in sweat, grass, and the filth of the game, casually flexing the gluteus, quadricep, and calf muscle to spring over the orange block wall of Florida Field into the loving arms of delirious, drunken Gator fans: that is my enduring memory of the best safety to ever play at Florida. He started the run the instant Jarvis Moss's hand met ball, sending a dead-on game-winning Gamecock field goal skittering to the right, where it would land harmlessly on the turf like a dud artillery shell. He hit his teammates--gently!--in the pile, and then began running to the stands, a blue jersey popping into a mess of glistening arms, held in place by strangers who only wanted to crush the life out of him for sheer joy's sake, like a child overhugging a squeaking puppy.
Nelson played safety like an overgrown corner whose family ranch was burned down by a gang of desperado wide receivers, ranging both wide and nasty through the secondary. Whatever he lacked in thumping mass he made up for in velocity, allowing Charlie Strong to play Nelson up top like a lone defender and swinging the strong safety down in the box like a fourth linebacker.
Go back and watch tape: when Florida lines up everything looks like a Cover One, with two corners on the edge and one Lone Ranger patrolling the range up top. That's how confident Strong was in Nelson: Here's a shotgun, Reggie. Sure, it's Jurassic Park, and raptors are highly intelligent, but you can handle it by yourself. Domino's delivers until eleven, and there's money in the dresser. See you on Monday.
Nelson made Mohammed Massaquoi lay down rather than run a route. He ended the 2006 Alabama and Tennessee games singlehandedly with a pick. He destroyed Massaquoi in 2005, which might have something to do with 2006. He tattooed FSU's Joe Surratt in the Florida State game and erased several years worth of memories from Surratt's hard drive. He menaced every single offense that year into abandoning the long pass and crossing routes as serious options. More than anyone else, Nelson played the cornerstone for the 2006 team, a national champion more with the character of a counterpunching bastard than outright death machine (see: 2008.)
This doesn't even take into effect the personals on Nelson: the Predator hair, the exuberant joy he took in obliterating people or playing centerfield, the springing hop he made after each tackle. None of this is said at the expense of Tim Tebow, but Nelson didn't have a father pushing him to football, or special clauses allowing him to play in high school, or ESPN apperances before he ever played a down. Nelson took the long way around to Florida, going to community college in Kansas to qualify before winding up in Gainesville, a wait made more excruciating considering his mother's advanced cancer. Nelson raced the disease as he made his way to Florida, where his mother did eventually see him play before her death in December 2006.
He may be a shambles with the Jaguars, but his 2006 season at Florida is preserved in amber for us, and is a thing of joy forever. Exuberance, violent brilliance in braids wreaking havoc on the best laid plans of coaches, mice, and men: that is all we want Florida football to ever be, and its brand manager will forever be Reggie Nelson (with an assist from Earl Everett.)
Holly:
For the Orange: BIG BAD JOHN Henderson, DT. Outland winner, consensus All-American, and all-around huggy killbear.
The first time my young ears were treated to the mantra, "BLOOD MAKES THE GRASS GROW," it was being bellowed by Big Bad John, standing on a cooler or some damn thing and hollering at the student section. It was 2001, and he was lining up with Al Haynesworth and Will Overstreet in a monstrous front seven. To close out that season, he would bat down a Rex Grossman pass in the Swamp in December, a swing that led to a Jabari Greer interception, a Travis Stephens touchdown, and a 14-0 Tennessee lead in the most grimly satisfying rivalry win of my lifetime.
Whenever he made a big play at home, "Big Bad John" would blare over Neyland's speakers, in cartoonish contrast to whatever was emitting from Henderson's snarling maw. As you can see, he has not particularly mellowed with age:
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Two Jaguars, two broken hearts.
God help me I loved these guys, but seeing Reggie Nelson get beat in last year’s Indy game while sitting in the Family Fun Section™ while vehemently yelling sans cursing (though I did get kicked out eventually for drunkenness) put him in my proverbial shitter (not in my ass, just…. you get it). Guy is like a Ferrari with no traction control. Just runs around breaking shit and making it worse.
_________________
I'm Banana dammit!!!
by BurritoBrosShits on Jul 8, 2010 12:13 PM EDT reply actions
2nd
although i woudn’t last 10 seconds in the Family Fun Zone.
I got in trouble on another website for telling someone to get cancer and die after they bad mouthed the Jags.
The Jags and SEC players just haven’t been a match. We’ve done ok with some, but the let downs tend to be jarring:
1) The Matt Jones Experiment
2) RFN
3) Derrick Harvey
are the 3 most recent examples…
by Boozy McHound on Jul 8, 2010 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I don't give
a rat’s ass about his play as a Jaguar, no more than I care about Wuerffel’s pro career. This guy was Gator #1….he wanted to be a Gator, loved being a Gator, and played with his hair on fire….give me 22 of these guys, draft status be damned…….
No one's really gonna to be free until nerd persecution ends - Gilbert Lowe
I've always wondered
If they gave that Jacksonville trainer a congressional medal of bravery. “You want me to slap who now?”
Poor Joe
I always wondered what Joe thought the first time Henderson said, “I want you slap me in the face as hard as you can. I want you to draw blood.” I imagine he laughed maniacally before collapsing into a sobbing puddle of urine and snot.
by Tracer Bullet on Jul 8, 2010 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
BLOOD MAKES THE GRASS GROW
Runaway beer trucks agree
Get Schitt-Faced (via Seattle Times)
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
Schmitt, dammit, Schmitt
(damn stumpy cut-off fingertips)
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
by MtnEer_in_SC on Jul 8, 2010 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Agreed
Yes. Favorite of all time. He was a walk-on, did not feel pain, and wanted you to fucking die on every play. And I say this as a UGA fan.
Basically, he’s David Pollack, except replace the huggy-Christian elements with unfettered sadism and taste for human blood.
________________
STRONG LIKE BOAR
Why, thank you.
That means a lot coming from a Dawg fan.
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
I can't post video at work without triggering the web-filter
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
Man, I love a good blocked punt.
Reggie Nelson, Jamelle Cornelius, Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps.
I salute you all.
Don't Forget Dunlap
Or his might be kicks. I know he blocks something regularly though.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains
by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jul 8, 2010 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Does LSU grow them on trees?
1. Chad Jones
Badass athlete extraordinaire. The Hit, punt returns for TDs, pick 6’s, pitching in the CWS, you name it he did it
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtv9onTRIJY
1a. LaRon Landry
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvKaO78Ov2I
I’ll never forget that safety blitz on John Parker
That Saban guy can spot some talent, eh?
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Chad Jones was a Miles recruit
Just sayin’.
And that Peterson guy is keeping up the tradition of bad ass Tigers in the secondary. Still, to go blast from the past, I’ve always been partial to Clarence LeBlanc.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
How is that possible?
He was Fr All-SEC in 2003 (Fr AA) and AA in 2004-2006?
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Derp...Not '06...in '06 he started killing NFL receivers.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Ignore me...the 'tard is on...
He was playing ’06, merely all-SEC calibre.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Pronoun confusion
LaRon Landry was Fr. All-SEC in 2003. He was a Saban recruit.
Chad Jones (WOOOOOOO!!!!) was a true freshman in 2007. That’s a Miles recruit.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
Both were homegrown, all-world, head-hunting safeties. Godspeed Chad Jones.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Chad Jones is my fiance’s favorite player. She named a teddy bear Dreads of Doom in his honor.
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
And, not that it matters anyway
He’s a homegrown kid; he would have wound up in yaller and puhrpel no matter who was coaching.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Lol at the gump repeatedly backtracking in this string
Nice try though. Kind of wish they had an edit feature, huh?
Don't Panic.
by 4.0 Point Stance on Jul 8, 2010 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
huh?
Not backtracking. Factual error.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
The Assassin, Jack Tatum
unlike Reggie Nelson, he carried it over to the pros. He was Ronnie Lott before Ronnie Lott knew he was Ronnie Lott.
I want to preemptively add Will Hill to this list
I’ve loved every minute of his play over the last two years. Hopefully this year, with him finally playing Nelson’s position, will be his big coming out party.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains
by Chekhov's Spread Gun Option on Jul 8, 2010 12:50 PM EDT reply actions
Favorite players...
Desean Jackson, WR, and Jahvid Best, RB, California: because they were so electrifyingly fast that they had to clean themselves with a rag on a stick, lest they zap someone else by standing in the showers. #1 looked like somebody was controlling him via Playstation, and #4 would cross the line of scrimmage and go into hyperspace complete with star-streaks. My biggest complaint with Tedford in 2007 and 2008 was that he couldn’t find more ways to just get the ball to them – direct snaps, end-arounds, anything to let a playmaker make his play.
Mike Shula, QB, Alabama: yes, laugh your asses off now, but in the mid-80s he was the smartest and coolest signal-caller I ever saw. You can’t take away that ’85 Iron Bowl, still the most amazing game of my life, or the one-minute drive with Al Bell to take down Georgia earlier that year.
Van Tiffen, K, Alabama: because even though it was a 52-yarder into the wind in that Iron Bowl, I started jumping up and down as soon as he ran on the field with 6 seconds left – because just like a priest knows there is an afterlife, or like a 4-year-old knows grass is green, I knew #3 would kick a ball that would go right through the uprights for the win. Never has any other team had a kicker where I took it as read that anything inside 60 yards was automatic, regardless of down or distance or circumstances.
Warren Norman, RB. Vanderbilt: because you will know his name by the end of 2010. Trust me.
Cornelius Bennett and Derrick Thomas, LB, Alabama: because for a junior-high kid in Alabama, this is what the face of the Grim Reaper looked like. I never wanted to play anything but defense after I saw The Sack.
But #1, favorite ever: George Teague. For the obvious reasons, mostly involving Gino Toretta wondering what the hell happened and Lamar Thomas looking around wildly with a “HELL 2 DA NAW” expression…
"Well, if that ain't a show, I'll kiss your ass." - Gov. Jim Folsom Sr. (D-AL), 1948-52
Wasn't it Teague who hit TO when he went to celebrate on the Star in Texas Stadium
"It’s not Disneyland, people. Get the hell out of the way." NYC Firefighter
anybody
that makes that ass-hat Lamar Thomas look bad (even worse than he makes himself look) is pretty high in my book…..
No one's really gonna to be free until nerd persecution ends - Gilbert Lowe
Joshua Nesbitt
Haven’t been a foosball fan very long, so I don’t have a very large sample space, but if you want to win a game so bad you make fumble recovering defenders your bitch, you’ve got a place in my heart forever.
Aaron Rodgers
He’s from my hometown and attended the same high school as mine, then went on to play for my favorite college team. The BCS and Mack Brown whining screwed Rodgers out of a Rose Bowl berth.
"Even the Swedes are getting mad."-Randy Hahn
"It's very cozy in the sin bin."-Randy Hahn
Tyrone Prothro
For reasons that are apparent to everyone not in a So. Miss or Florida uniform.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 1:16 PM EDT reply actions
His injury is still one of the worst things I’ve ever seen in football…all I could do for five minutes was stare at the screen saying “OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD” over and over again.
With that game so well in hand
It only made sense to go deep again.
/karma bitches
1-2-3-4-5, them Gators don't take no jive!
Wait a minute....
A Gator fan talking about passing with a lead?
"It’s not Disneyland, people. Get the hell out of the way." NYC Firefighter
The Zook Years
/karma for all of Spurrier’s transgressions
1-2-3-4-5, them Gators don't take no jive!
Yes...because you see...when you embrace it and love it...
you don’t get karmic retribution. On the other hand, if your fanbase(s) continually cry like little bitches about it…
by zzgator on Jul 8, 2010 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's one thing to go deep when you're up
It’s another to do it with a player who should’ve been replaced with a second-stringer at that point.
Just another reason why Shula is not in Tuscaloosa anymore.
I was at that game(so I didn’t see how bad it was until I got home) and I was yelling at Shula(not that he could hear me) to take the starters out.
Auburn and Tennessee fans are a lot like Slinkys...neither are worth much but you do get a sense of satisfaction from pushing them down a flight of stairs
I will drink
to Tyrone Prothro. That was one hell of a way to end a career.
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
As a Florida fan, trust me… he was fun to watch for us too (as long as he wasn’t playing us!). And his injury was a gruesome thing nobody should have to suffer, let alone a college kid who ain’t done a damn thing wrong.
by The Commenter Formerly Known as Not You on Jul 8, 2010 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Perhaps the fastest human being I've ever seen on a field
I know Demps and Devine and Best have some wheels, but on a football field, Prothro had an extra gear previously unknown to man. What a fucking shame.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Reggie Bush did...
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions
If we're talking pure speed...
… LSU had some serious speed in Xavier Carter and Bennie Brazell, both Olympic sprinters. Of course, neither of them could catch a cold, much less a football.
But Trindon Holliday was pretty darn fast, too. I wonder if you ever heard about him winning the 100m NCAA title?
/sarcasm
Fake Pundit. Real Fan.
And The Valley Shook!
There was another little guy
that Shula recruited in ‘03 or ’04 that was like Holliday and Prothro, Brandon Brooks (5’5"ish, serious wheels). There’s fast, then there’s gameday fast. Brandon James has it, Holliday has it (obviously), Devine has it, and Prothro certainly had it. I blame it all on James Jett.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Rocket Ismail
I usually prefer defensive guys, but Rocket was just so much better than everyone on the field. He was playing chess while everyone else was playing checkers. I’ll never forget what he did to Michigan in 1989, nor I suspect, will Michigan.
Back in 2006, when Bo kicked the bucket
Rocket ran it back on him twice.
Brian Kelly says no Spicy Sea Nuggets.
by Ancient Chinese Secret on Jul 8, 2010 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm horribly torn over this joke.
As a Spartan, am I allowed to think Notre Dame is funny when they make fun of Michigan.
Please do something that makes it easier for me to hat both of you.
Sparty on. Gator done.
Ask and you shall receive.
Brian Kelly says no Spicy Sea Nuggets.
by Ancient Chinese Secret on Jul 8, 2010 9:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Brad Culpepper
At 240 pounds played defensive tackle in the SEC, which is pretty damn impressive. More impressive: consensus All-American and academic All-American. One of a small number of Gators who played for three head coaches (Hall, Darnell and the OBC,) something to which my Vol friends can now relate. Back when the NFL still had ten rounds he was picked 264th and made a nice nine-year career out of it (or four years more than #1 pick and fellow DT Steve Emtman.)
These days he’s a lawyer, which just goes to show that no one’s perfect.
Not just a lawyer, but an aggressive and tenacious one...
who runs around deserted downtown Tampa…and boxes!
by zzgator on Jul 8, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cody Grimm
Started as a walk-on and earned a schollie his junior year. Special team ace. Played outside linebacker at 5’10" and 195# while at VT. Forced 7 fumbles his senior year including 3 fumbles in 4 plays versus NC State. 7th round draft pick for Tampa Bay who will eventually make the pro football hall of fame if the trajectory continues as it has.
Alec: Chris, did you really buy a $1400 toilet?
Chris: Yeah, it's great. It's Japanese and has those little warm water jets that clean the undercarriage.
Eric: Chris, it's a toilet, you shit in it.
Son of Russ Grimm?
"...when the devil says to you: do not drink, answer him: I will drink, and right freely, just because you tell me not to."
— Martin Luther
Rohan Davey
Will complete a 50 yd throw or destroy a buffet all while you drape two defensive lineman over him.
yeah well Rohan won the SEC and the Sugar Bowl.
He believed in a balanced lifestyle. He’s like a quiet, hungry-I mean humble monk.
Seriously, he’s my favorite. Loved him when we signed him. He never complained once while Josh Booty sucked ass. And was a kickass leader and qb when he finally got his shot. Love the guy.
Derrick Thomas
As near unblockable as anyone I’ve seen in my lifetime. Edge-rushing speed personified.
by SoFla Tideroller on Jul 8, 2010 2:00 PM EDT reply actions
That three headed personal foul machine
Odell Thurman
Sean Jones
Greg Blue
Someone was going to get hit hard sooner or later…
/it would be late.
/being out of bounds didn’t matter
"It’s not Disneyland, people. Get the hell out of the way." NYC Firefighter
Blue was such a liability though, near the end
Couldn’t cover a damn thing. He would’ve fit right into the 2009 defense.
yeah- put God help anyone who got stood up...
"It’s not Disneyland, people. Get the hell out of the way." NYC Firefighter
That three headed personal foul machine
Odell Thurman
Sean Jones
Greg Blue
Someone was going to get hit hard sooner or later…
/it would be late.
/being out of bounds didn’t matter
"It’s not Disneyland, people. Get the hell out of the way." NYC Firefighter
not sure how i managed to double post.
sorry ’bout that
/goes back to fixing mobile networks… and now you know why your phone service sucks.
"It’s not Disneyland, people. Get the hell out of the way." NYC Firefighter
by jokastrength on Jul 8, 2010 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I hate to say it, but
Footbaw Bob had some pretty badass defensive footbaw guys in his day. Vontez Duff and Shane Walton come to mind.
Brian Kelly says no Spicy Sea Nuggets.
by Ancient Chinese Secret on Jul 8, 2010 2:12 PM EDT reply actions
Not that he never lead with his hat...
But Reggie really made the effort to hit with the shoulder or elbow to somewhere other than the other guy’s head. It’s actually more impressive than those guys who spear first and get ejected second.
Here’s one from waaaayyy back, Conredge Holloway. I still remember seeing him on tv driving UCLA crazy. Didn’t have the “measureables” but man he had heart. I know you’re too young Holly, ask the old folks about him.
by D-Macs LoveChile on Jul 8, 2010 2:13 PM EDT reply actions
JR Redmond, Arizona State
JR could and would do it all for ASU. A speedy, bruising beast of a back, his senior stat line against USC speaks for itself: 34 carries + 3 catches for 159 total yards, 3 TD, seven punt returns, four solo tackles.
Dude was already suffering from turf toe when he volunteered to play D in the nickel package.
I personally have a soft spot for undersized Georgia defensive backs
Tim Jennings
Tra Battle
A friend of mine and I got Jennings mixed up with another player and we were sure he had graduated in 2003. We were shocked how he seemed to come back every year.
Tra Battle’s last year was horrible at spots, but his performance during the 2006 Auburn game as Brandon Cox’s leading receiver was a thing of beauty.
Ben Hanks
The TD run against Arkansas was amazing. (Which wasn’t really a TD after the replay because the knee was clearly down). I always liked the fact that the OBC un-retired his # for him..
Well, since everyone else is playing...
Tommie Frazier. Hands down.
Karma warrior against Miami in the ’95 Orange Bowl. Eviscerated OBC and his Gators in the ’96 Fiesta Bowl (sorry, Spencer). No offense to Eddie George, but the 1995 Heisman went to the wrong guy. Had blood clots not finally brought him down, he might have out-slashed Kordell Stewart in the NFL.
"...when the devil says to you: do not drink, answer him: I will drink, and right freely, just because you tell me not to."
— Martin Luther
Ronnie Brown
“Wasn’t that a big ol’ storm on the water?”
From a previous era – Bo Jackson
Always like Keith Jackson’s line: “Bo Jackson,…..Goodbye!”
Auburn 2003
One of those teams I never figured out, even looking back. They pulled it out in 2004, but how do you not win every game you play when you have Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams in your backfield?
When you can answer that,....
Tell me how Auburn lost four games with Joe Cribbs, James Brooks and William Andrews in the same backfield (1978). I saw most of the games as a student and still have no explanation other than “Doug Barfield.”
Leonard Pope
He was just so goddamn big. 6-8, 260 lb tight end who ran straight over other full grown men. Also, he would have been 6-10 if it wasn’t for the fact that he had a peanut for a head.
by Bourbon Dawgwalker on Jul 8, 2010 3:18 PM EDT reply actions
Thomas Davis
I still want him cloned and in constant supply. An NFL linebacker playing college safety is nasty business.
Hallucinogenic love drugs, sir. The pagans were taking them. We were trying to fit in.
More evidence that Willie Martinez was the worst promotion ever
Lost a solid position coach, gained a horrible defensive coordinator.
Cali Dawg, from where is your signature line taken?
It sounds so familiar, yet I can’t place it.
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
Dragnet
the “new” one with Dany Ackyroyd(sp??) and Ton Hanks. God I love that movie
by Hogtown Beatdown on Jul 8, 2010 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
You are correct, sir.
Hugely underappreciated and highly quotable.
Hallucinogenic love drugs, sir. The pagans were taking them. We were trying to fit in.
Thanks, I knew it was familiar
I loved that movie also.
"I like the taste of danger most of all." - Jonatha Brooke
Denni' Dixon
Could you understand one damn word he said? No. Did his wispy frame inspire confidence that he could withstand repeated impact for the duration of the college football season? Also no. But the man’s senior season defined electrifying, with nearly every touch of the ball resulting in a guaranteed 8 yards or more, by land or by air. By sea, too, if the rules of engagement would allow it. It was my first year of law school at Oregon, and the would-be national title run that year almost made up for it.
Almost.
"I've made a huge little mistake." - G.O.B.
Touchdown Tommie Frazier.
Shoulda won 3 straight NCs if not for shitty officiating in the 94 Orange Bowl.
I'm your huckleberry.
Tochdown Tommie
and I went to the same HS, although he was a few yrs ahead of me. All we ever did was run the option, and man did they run it well. Our coaches had ties with Nebraska, so they got Tyrone Williams, Frazier, Shevin Wiggins and a few others…
by Hogtown Beatdown on Jul 8, 2010 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Fabian Washington
his cuz is here now, and a new kid comin in Brion Carnes. I think Manatee has been good to the Huskers. GBR.
I'm your huckleberry.
Donnie Brown
I played against him in HS. I was humiliated by him in HS.
But I’ll be damned if I didn’t love every single yard in 2008.
"God dammit, Donald"
by DougoUConnPlaysFootball? on Jul 8, 2010 4:47 PM EDT reply actions
David Pollack
Holy god, he was everywhere.
That INT against Sakerlina should always make every college highlight reel ever.
You hear about guys who are monsters on the field who are nice guys off of it, but he truly was that person. Pretty rare for a D lineman.
- 2002 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Award
- 2003 and 2004 Ted Hendricks Award: given annually to the top collegiate defensive end
- 2004 Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year Award
- 2004 Chuck Bednarik Award: given annually to the top collegiate defensive player
- 2004 Lombardi Award: given annually to the top defensive or offensive collegiate lineman who, in addition to outstanding performance and ability, best exemplifies the discipline of Vince Lombardi, and
- 2004 Lott Trophy: given annually to a defensive player exemplifying integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community, and tenacity.
Lane Bearden, punter, Alabama
I know, he’s a kicker and kickers are by definition pussies, but this kid punted the remaining 8 games of the 2002 season with a torn ACL in his kicking leg. His average distance was 41.5 YPK.
I love big hits on defense and circus catches like Prothro’s ESPY but Bearden, who had a capable back-up, has got serious, Miles-like testicular fortitude.
Lane also laid the lumber...you did not want to break a return on him.
"Hush now, let it go now. I know it's time to go. Time to let this fall from my hands" VNV Nation, "From My Hands"
by Stuck in the Plains on Jul 8, 2010 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions
As opposed to the alltime douchebag kicking family
the Grammaticas, one of whom (I forget which one) blew his ACL celebrating a field goal.
If, per Holly’s request, they ever put “preening dicksmack” in Webster’s, this will be the illustration:
"...when the devil says to you: do not drink, answer him: I will drink, and right freely, just because you tell me not to."
— Martin Luther
Most of my top 10 BAMA players have already been covered on here.
Joey Jones is missing so far though. He is the epitome of playing out of your head. He was not the most talented or physically gifted wideout but he would move heaven and earth to make a catch. One handed catch with one toe dragging the last inch of in bounds grass.
Auburn and Tennessee fans are a lot like Slinkys...neither are worth much but you do get a sense of satisfaction from pushing them down a flight of stairs
Brandon Cox
Toughest QB I’ve ever seen play in the SEC.
This kid stepped on the field every week in the SEC, was a proven winner, and took monster hits.
Oh, did I happen to mention he had Myasthenia Gravis? That makes everything he did so much more impressive. Plus he survived (and won) two games vs Reggie Fuckin’ Nelson.
by Board Certified Scrotologist on Jul 8, 2010 8:15 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah,
He’s Tra Battle’s favorite Auburn QB too.
by Bleeding Red, Black, and Bourbon on Jul 8, 2010 11:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Aldra. Kauwa. Wilson.
Eric Berry is 1-A.
i will train my hair for Tennessee. today!
by thetennesseethumper on Jul 8, 2010 8:37 PM EDT reply actions
Just went by The Swamp
Field, not the bar, and yes, Brandon Lafell is still rolling on the ground.
by jwgator on Jul 8, 2010 9:28 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Patrick White
Crazylegs extraordinaire, and willing to GET IN THE WAY if necessary.
Pat running (enjoy the old-school NFL music)
Pat getting in the way (and scoring a TD two plays later as a bonus)
by An 'eer with a beer on Jul 8, 2010 11:12 PM EDT reply actions
My favorites (Michigan style)
Charles Woodson (sorry Holly). That side of the field? Not for you. Consider throwing elsewhere.
LaMarr Woodley- if only for the defensive touchdown against Notre Dame.
Mark Messner- the biggest badass on the 85 defense.
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