Recent Forum Topics › Forums › The Rams Huddle › UDFAs
- This topic has 54 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 5 months ago by
SunTzu_vs_Camus.
-
AuthorPosts
-
May 2, 2015 at 8:10 pm #23779
PA RamParticipantJim Thomas @jthom1 24m24 minutes ago
Former Texas Tech WR Bradley Marquez has signed w/Rams as undrafted rookie.Jim Thomas @jthom1 9m9 minutes ago
Georgia Tech fullback Zach Laskey @ZLaser37 has signed with Rams as undrafted rookie.Jim Thomas @jthom1 6m6 minutes ago
Texas RB Malcolm Brown to Rams as undrafted rookie per multiple reports."Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. " Philip K. Dick
May 2, 2015 at 8:20 pm #23780
znModeratorfrom off the net…subtracting the 3 PA already listed
==
DP57
http://www.nepatriotsdraft.com/2015-nfl-undrafted-free-agents/2
So far we got:
DL Louis Trinca-Pasat, Iowa (NFL, CBS)
CB Imoan Claiborne, Northwestern State (NFL)
CB Jay Hughes, Mississippi St (nfldraftscout)
S Jacob Hagen, Liberty (NFL, nfldraftscout)
RB Terrence Franks, Texas St (nfldraftscout)
OL Darrell Williams, South Florida (nfldraftscout)
WR Isiah Ferguson, Arkansas-Pine BluffMay 2, 2015 at 8:23 pm #23781znModeratorDL Louis Trinca-Pasat, Iowa (NFL, CBS)
Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT
School: Iowa
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 290 lbs.STRENGTHS: Possesses a short, squatty frame with a low center of gravity that helps him win the leverage battle. Strong, active hands to rip free of blocks. Good lateral agility and balance to slip off blocks as backs attempt to run by, latching on to build his gaudy tackle totals. Surprisingly quick given his frame and can disrupt by splitting gaps. Terrific effort in pursuit.
WEAKNESSES: More of a pest than a consistent disruptor. Too frequently loses to size and power at the line of scrimmage, getting knocked back when run at. Short arms give him limited opportunity to grab hold of ballcarriers when he is able to penetrate. Good initial burst to split gaps but is only an average athlete, overall, and isn’t going to run anyone down.
Player Overview
While Carl Davis and junior Drew Ott have received most of the national attention directed toward the Hawkeyes, Trinca-Pasat emerged as Iowa’s more productive defensive lineman in 2014. The stumpy, energetic Trinca-Pasast led his group with eight tackles for loss in 2013 and paced the defensive linemen in 2014 with 65 stops over the 2014 regular season, including 11.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 6.5 sacks.
While Trinca-Pasat’s production is impressive, he’ll have to overcome marginal size and explosiveness to produce similar numbers in the NFL. Trinca-Pasat’s quickness, power and relentlessness could, however, earn him a role in a rotation.
May 2, 2015 at 9:38 pm #23791
canadaramParticipantOurlads on LTP:
Fifth year senior and three year starter from Chicago, IL. Made a reputation for himself by being a relentless worker on and off the field. He lacks the ideal physical gifts that most teams want out of a DT, but most coaches love to have this kind of guy on the team. H plays with good pad level, quickness, and aggression. He can be a handful for blockers to deal with. He will be limited to certain roles at the next level. Quick mover and reactions. Reads blocks and can flow towards the action. Easy bender who uses a low centre of gravity to gain the initial advantage. Strong and quick hands, can break off blocks while on the move. Relentless approach every snap. Shows the speed towards the sidelines in pursuit. Strong wrap up tackler. Struggles to hold the point of arrack, too often gives up ground when his responsibility is to anchor. Lacks height, length and upper body strength. Gets locked onto and will be rendered ineffective by bigger more powerful linemen. Limited role player. 2014 stats: 69 T, 11.5 TFL, 6.5 sacks, 3 QBH. Edge speed: right 2.31 left 2.27. OSR: 4/20. Fifth/sixth round. (A-31 7/8, H-10 1/8, BP- DNP, 10-1.75).
May 2, 2015 at 9:42 pm #23792znModeratorfrom off the net
==
thehammer
follow the money, most of these guys are just filling in numbers at camp..team needs 3 left tackles, 3 left guards 3 centers, 4 nickle backs 4 right cb, 4 left cb, 4 qb’s, ect to run drills
But Westbrook got a 20,000 bonus last year…Bayer got 10,000? guess Brown got 15,000-10,000 and Claiborne maybe 5,000-10000 lot of the others won’t get any bonus…
Louis Trinca-Pasat got a $15k SB from the Rams & $10k of his 2015 base salary guaranteed
May 2, 2015 at 9:50 pm #23793canadaramParticipantOurlads on Malcolm Brown:
Started 25 games over his four year career. From Cibolo, TX. a tough three down north/south runner. Runs with a low centre of gravity. Flashes good quickness and cutting ability. Played with a whole new line in 2014. Many times he got hit in the backfield or before he could get started. Productive over his Longhorn career despite rotating with a variety of backs. A good inside zone runner with vision and running skills. Finishes his runs by lowering pad level and driving his legs on contact. A willing pass protector who step up and attack an inside or outside blitzer. Catches the ball well out of the backfield. A good athlete with good foot agility with the ability to step through a tackle. Brown upgrades the quality of depth of an NFL backfield. An East-west Shrine game participant. 2014 stats: 708 yards, 3.9 upcoming, 6 TD, 16 rec, 58 yes. OSR: 10/34. Seventh round/PFA. (A-32 3/4, H-10 1/4, BP-19, SS- 4.15).
May 2, 2015 at 9:55 pm #23794canadaramParticipantBrugler blathers bout Brown:
19. MALCOLM BROWN | Texas
10/21/2.1/0 15/112/7.5/1 17/195/11.5/2 16/58/3.6/0 58/386/6.7/3
2011: (10/7)
2012: (8/1)
2013: (13/4)
2014: (13/13)
Total: (44/25) 561/2,332/4.2/23
103/396/3.8/4 61/324/5.3/4 214/904/4.2/9 183/708/3.9/6BACKGROUND: A five-star running back recruit out of high school, Brown was considered the top prep player at the position and collected dozens of offers, ultimately deciding to stay in-state with the Longhorns. He saw the field right away as a true freshman, starting seven games in 2011 and leading the team with 396 rushing yards, earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year as the first true freshman to lead Texas in rushing since Cedric Benson. Brown missed five games in 2012 with an injury, but returned strong in 2013, sharing the backfield duties (four starts) and leading the team with 904 rush yards and nine touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2014, rushing for a team-high 708 yards on 183 carries, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. Brown earned an invitation to the 2015 East-West Shrine Game.
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with a rock-solid build, forward lean and natural power…lowers his pads to absorb contact with the body strength and balance to shake off single tacklers and play lower than defenders…runs tough with a head of steam, not afraid of contact…follows his blocks and wastes little time once he sees an opening, anticipating well to get north-south quickly…runs tough and determined with consistent play speed, showing spurts of energy…not very shifty, but shows concise plant-and-go quickness to square his pad level to the line of scrimmage…shows reliable hands out of the backfield with natural receiving ability…consistent base strength to hold his ground and sustain in pass protection…protects the ball like a pit bull (only one career fumble) – lowest fumble rate in this draft class (619.0)…goal-oriented type with reliable work ethic and preparation habits.
WEAKNESSES: Limited explosive qualities, lacking sudden footwork and loose hips which limits his change of direction skills…only average speed and won’t run away from anyone at the next level with ordinary acceleration and burst…gets himself in trouble when he hesitates at the line of scrimmage, taking wasted steps in the backfield and allowing defenders to close when he doesn’t trust what he sees…his power and balance don’t necessarily translate to broken tackles…too easily slowed by contact and doesn’t consistently push the pile, slowing himself at times before the contact point…needs to do a better job selling fakes and focusing on details…durability has been a minor issue, dealing with ankle, foot and shoulder injuries in the past.
SUMMARY: Not to be confused with teammate defensive tackle Malcom Brown at Texas, Brown led the Longhorns in rushing three of the last four seasons, but never eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a season and didn’t live up the massive hype out of high school. He has the body strength and balance to run through arm tackles in space, but doesn’t show the same power or effectiveness between the tackles and needs to pack more of a punch at the point of attack. Brown isn’t a home run threat and there isn’t much that separates him, but he’s a solid all-around back with the traits to earn draftable grades and survive on third down in the NFL – trustworthy meat and potatoes back with late round potential.
May 3, 2015 at 10:33 am #23817znModeratorSunTzu_vs_Camus
Rams sign UDFA CB- Imoan Claiborne
3rd or 4th round grade…but our DBs are very deep.
Competition looks to be very fun this summer.
========
=========Imoan Claiborne | Cornerback
Team: Northwestern State Demons
Ht / Wt: 5’11 / 187Overview
2014: Recorded four interceptions in 11 games played. 2013: All-Southland Conference second team. 2012: Played in nine games. 2011: Redshirted. 2010: Played in five games.
Pro Day Results
40-yard dash: 4.59 and 4.56 seconds
Vertical jump: 39 inches
Broad jump: 10 feet
Short shuttle: 4.58 seconds
3-cone: 7.28 seconds
Bench: 13 reps of 225 poundsAnalysis
Strengths
Can significantly disrupt routes when he gets hands on his target. Quick feet and loose in the hips. Able to open and run or change direction easily. Can mirror and match talent off the line. Has range to help over the top when asked to play deep third. Plays through receivers at point of catch. Willing to mix it up against the run. Recovered three fumbles and had four interceptions this year despite a lack of targets his way. Works as hard in the classroom as on the field. Confident in his talent. Can play gunner and cover kicks. Against Baylor in 2014, Bryce Petty rarely looked his way.
Weaknesses
Lacks optimal size to play outside. Shows some indecisiveness in combo coverage at times. Long receivers can keep him at the end of their blocks for too long. Sluggish to sink and respond when running with receiver who breaks off route. Handsy downfield. Average lateral acceleration. Scouts need questions answered about long speed. Will get caught peeking into backfield.
Draft Projection Round 3 or 4
Bottom Line Confident, ascending press-cover cornerback with the foot quickness and hips to match receivers off the line of scrimmage and in tight quarters. He’s a willing tackler with decent recovery burst, but his questionable long speed and lack of premium size could turn him into a solid slot corner in the league.
May 3, 2015 at 2:34 pm #23872
AgamemnonParticipantAdd another O-linemen to the list. South Florida OT Darrell Williams to Rams as undrafted rookie. Had 29 starts at left tackle.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 3, 2015
AgamemnonMay 3, 2015 at 2:59 pm #23873AgamemnonParticipantLiberty safety Jacob Hagen to Rams as undrafted free agent. He's 6-3, 205 and had eight interceptions and 108 tackles last season.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 3, 2015
2015 NFL Draft Results; Rams Sign FS Jacob Hagen, per Report
By Charles_Martel
@CharlesMartel19 on May 3, 2015, 11:00a 19
James Guillory-USA TODAY SportsAs the undrafted feeding frenzy begins, the Rams add depth in the secondary.
Tweet (21) Share (4)
PinPer Jim Thomas via twitter-
Seeking developmental depth in the secondary, the Rams have signed UDFA Jacob Hagen, free safety of Liberty University.
From a small school, but with NFL measurables at 6′ 3″ and 205 lbs, the tape shows a tracking, sideline to sideline ballhawk AND enforcer.
There are few weaknesses on the Rams defense, but keeping it nuanced, the position of free safety is one of them. Rodney McLeod has been a consistent punisher as a safety for the Rams, but seems to lack the ball hogging skills that any team would prize. Jacob Hagen, could potentially be both.
From Hogs Haven-
Hagen uses his long arms to shield receivers form the ball. His long legs and arms also allow him to get much higher than receivers and win jump balls. His length gives him an advantage, allowing him to have a much bigger coverage radius. He has very good speed as well and that allows him to cover smaller wide receivers and close on the ball very quickly. Hagen is great in coverage, using his speed and size to his advantage, but he is also decent in run support. He takes great angles to the ball carrier and is a reliable tackler, however he does not often provide bone jarring hits. He will most often attack the lower body of opponents and latch onto both legs to bring them down. He is not afraid to stick his head into an opponent and forced fumbles when coming up to make tackles. He has big, reliable hands and is most often talked about as a ball hawk. He is great at taking over a receiver’s route and that allows him better plays on the ball. He plays chess and uses that experience on the football field, playing a game of mental chess with opposing QBs. Overall he has great tools and skills that you covet as a prototypical safety
From Liberty U to the NFL is one huge step, but the basics and the mentality are there. This could be an outstanding pick up by St. Louis.
AgamemnonMay 3, 2015 at 3:07 pm #23874AgamemnonParticipant2015 NFL Draft: Liberty Safety Jacob Hagen Scouting Report and Projection
by Bo Martin 5w ago
http://nflmocks.com/2015/03/27/2015-nfl-draft-liberty-safety-jacob-hagen-scouting-report-projection/
It’s not uncommon for draft analysts to overlook FCS players, but in a draft that lacks a wealth of talent at the safety position players like Liberty’s Jacob Hagen warrant a closer look.
Hagen is an absolute ball hawk who finished the 2014 season with 108 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and eight interceptions. He possesses a unique combination of speed and physicality that accompanies his intense passion for the game.
Let’s take a closer look at Hagen’s skill set:
Strengths
On film, Hagen is a dynamic free safety with exceptional range. He relies on sharp instincts that consistently put in position to make a play. Those instincts have helped him become an adept run defender who delivers big hits on runners as well as receivers running intermediate routes.
In pass defense Hagen possesses rare ball awareness, as well as, an incredible ability to catch the ball. Of all the safeties that I’ve studied in 2015, Hagen is easily amongst the most intelligent, he understands his opponents and is excellent at positioning himself in a manner that allows him to make plays on the ball.
Overall, Hagen is a skilled all-around safety who is capable in both man- and zone-coverage. He has great range and constantly around the ball. One last thing to point out is his effectiveness on special teams—this attribute is important for the team’s superstar; I love to see a player willing to contribute in every facet of the game for the betterment of the team.
Weaknesses
To be clear, Hagen isn’t without his flaws. First and foremost, there always remains the fact that Hagen played against a different quality of opponents than as his peers.
On the field, there were moments when Hagen was caught in over pursuit taking him completely out of the play. Moreover, while Hagen possesses 4.5 40-yard dash speed, he still has the propensity to be beaten on deep routes by quicker receivers. There are also times where it seems like Hagen gets tunnel-vision, that being that he focuses on one specific opponent in zone schemes only to end up blowing his assignment. The bottom line is that Hagen likes to gamble, more often than not it pays of for him, but when it doesn’t it’s ugly.
Team Fits
Buffalo Bills
Philadelphia Eagles
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft Projection: 5th round
Some will see this as being a little optimistic but the NFL seriously lacks high quality free safeties. Hagen offers a team a hard-working, good character player who can make an impact on both special teams and nickel-packages immediately.
The future is unclear for Hagen, as he’ll have to work extremely hard. However, he has the raw skill set and with the right coaching, he could be a viable starter in this league.
AgamemnonMay 4, 2015 at 11:11 am #23959znModeratorRams notes: Rams add undrafted free agents to roster
By Joe Lyons
At the end of the NFL draft Saturday night, Rams coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead met at Rams Park with members of the media to discuss the team’s selections.
But they still had some work to do, namely the “eighth round’’ of the draft — or the addition of undrafted rookie free agents.
It’s been an area of strength for Fisher and Snead, who wrapped up their fourth St. Louis draft Saturday. The team’s roster features a number of productive players who joined the team as undrafted free agents, including Pro Bowl punter Johnny Hekker, starting safety Rodney McLeod and special teams contributors Daren Bates, Benny Cunningham, Marcus Roberson and Trey Watts.
With 73 players under contract or drafted over the weekend, the Rams only needed to sign a handful to approach the 90-man offseason roster limit. And there’s always a chance they’ll need a spot or two to sign veteran free agents.
“Really (our current roster) affects the numbers, how many players you need,’’ Snead said. “So obviously we need less when there’s more under contract presently. Post-draft, instead of signing 30, you may only need 15, so that’s really all it does.’’
Snead also noted that this year’s draft wasn’t as strong as some other years.
“This draft is probably a little less deep than last year,’’ he said. “Last year, you get a (cornerback) Marcus Roberson in free agency, I don’t know if we’re getting a Marcus Roberson this year in free agency.”
Fisher added: “Or a Rodney McLeod.”
Still, the Rams — like every team in the NFL — will add a number of players, hoping to find a guy or two who can beat the odds and find a way to earn a spot on the regular-season roster as an undrafted free agent.
Since the draft, the Rams have signed or agreed to terms with 13 undrafted rookies.
One of the more intriguing prospects is two-sport standout Bradley Marquez, a wide receiver from Texas Tech who spent the summers of 2012 and 2013 playing minor-league baseball for the Kingsport (Tenn.) Mets. A 16th-round draft choice of the New York Mets in 2011, he batted .254 with a homer, 11 RBIs and four steals in 36 career games as a rookie-ball outfielder.
He has decided to put his baseball career on hold while giving football a try.
At Texas Tech last fall, the 6-foot, 203-pounder played in a number of different receiving spots and finished with a career-best 65 catches for 821 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Another receiver to watch is Tyler Slavin, a 6-foot-2, 215-pounder from Division II New Mexico Highlands. Slavin, who transferred to the Cowboys after two seasons at Arizona, caught 119 passes for 1,418 yards and had 17 touchdowns last fall. He had double-digit catches in six of 11 games, finishing with 17 grabs two times.
The Rams’ group also features a pair of running backs from Texas — former Longhorn Malcolm Brown and Texas State’s Terrence Franks.
Brown, a physical 5-foot-11, 224-pounder, finished his four-year stay in Austin with 2,678 yards, 27 touchdowns and 11 100-yard games. Not bad statistics for someone who battled injuries early and a crowded backfield late in his Texas career.
Franks played in 12 games but made just two starts last fall at Texas State. The 5-foot-10, 214-pounder had a career day against Idaho, rushing for 284 yards and three touchdowns, in just 15 carries, in a 35-30 Bobcats win. He finished the season with 712 rushing yards and scored 11 times.
Some other Rams signings of special note:
• Projected as a fifth- or sixth-round selection, Iowa defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat posted the following on Twitter: “Officially signed with the St. Louis Rams. Thank God Rams have given me one more opportunity. Those who overlooked me will regret it.”
The 6-foot-1, 290-pounder was a three-year starter in Iowa City and had career bests in tackles (65), tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (seven) as a senior.
• Safety Jay Hughes of Mississippi State missed the final 12 games of his junior season because of an Achilles tendon injury but bounced back strong as a captain and team leader last fall. He played in all 13 games, making 12 starts, and had a pair of interceptions as the 10-3 Bulldogs reached the Orange Bowl. His father, Tony, is assistant head coach at Mississippi State.
• Two other FCS defensive backs who bear watching are cornerback Imoan Claiborne of Northwestern State of Louisiana and rangy safety Jacob Hagen of Liberty (Va.) University.
Claiborne (5-11, 187) is a physical man-to-man defender who had three interceptions and four fumble recoveries as a senior last fall. He also played in the Senior Bowl.
Hagen is a ball-hawking free safety with size (6-3, 215) and big-time production — 108 tackles, including 5½ for loss, eight interceptions, seven pass breakups and four forced fumbles last fall.
DAVON WALLS TO THE JETS
Davon Walls, the Brooklyn native who starred at Lincoln University in Jefferson City last fall, will be sticking close to home after signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets.
Walls, who spent time at five colleges since 2009, was kicked off the team at Syracuse in 2013 after being charged with felony burglary for stealing $950 worth of electronic equipment. After fulfilling the terms of his probation, the charges were reduced to misdemeanor trespassing.
He eventually found his way to Lincoln, where he excelled in one season under coach Mike Jones, a former Rams linebacker.
In 11 games last fall, Walls, a 6-6, 295 defensive lineman, had 17½ tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
OTHER NFL SIGNINGS
Missouri State tight end Gannon Sinclair signed with the Arizona Cardinals. A 6-7, 280-pound transfer from the North Dakota College of Science, Sinclair started 12 games as a senior for the Bears last fall, finishing with 18 catches for 258 yards with a team-high seven touchdown receptions.
• Missouri S&T cornerback Will Brown, a Hazelwood West High product, will have a minicamp tryout with Tennessee.
May 4, 2015 at 12:45 pm #23971AgamemnonParticipantSyracuse LB Cameron Lynch (6-0, 231) joins Rams as rookie free agent. He had 97 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7 sacks in '14. Team captain.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 4, 2015
AgamemnonMay 4, 2015 at 12:51 pm #23974AgamemnonParticipantLargest guaranteed money totals for UDFA's thus far: $25k apiece for Rams DT Louis Trinca-Pasat & Washington OT Takoby Cofield.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 4, 2015
AgamemnonMay 4, 2015 at 12:54 pm #23975AgamemnonParticipantBy my count, we can sign 4 more players to reach the roster limit of 90. I am waiting until some of this stuff is more official before I do a depth chart/roster.
AgamemnonMay 4, 2015 at 2:05 pm #23983znModeratorAaron Wilson @RavensInsider ·
St. Louis Rams guaranteed $10,000 of defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat 2015 base salary, and gave him $15,000 signing bonusMay 5, 2015 at 12:37 am #24095canadaramParticipantA couple of Rams rookie free agents that I forgot to mention earlier. Arkansas-Pine Bluff WR Isiah Ferguson; Northwest Mo. DE Matt Longacre.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 5, 2015
Longacre had quite a career at Northwest Missouri State, a Div. II power. Holds school career records for sacks (30 1/2) and TFLs (47).
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 5, 2015
Longacre named defensive conference player of the year in MIAA last season. He's 6-3, 270.
— Jim Thomas (@jthom1) May 5, 2015
@jthom1 Very respectable 3 cone and Shuttle. 7.07 and 4.26 respectively. Both faster than #3 overall Dante Fowler.
— ThatAintFalco (@FakeLoneRangers) May 5, 2015
-
This reply was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by
canadaram.
May 6, 2015 at 12:27 pm #24184znModeratorhttps://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2015/05/03/10-defensive-udfas-to-like/
Louis Trinca-Pasat, DI, Iowa, St. Louis Rams
The “other” Iowa defensive tackle in this draft class next to the highly-rated Carl Davis, Louis Trinca-Pasat outshone his teammate at times in 2014. 41 total pressures from 347 pass rushing snaps gave him a Pass Rushing Productivity Rating of 9.2, the fourth-best mark in this class, and just two spots behind Davis. His best performance came against Northwestern, where he registered three sacks, a hit and two hurries, and while he will face an uphill battle to make the Rams roster, if he can perform like that his chances will greatly improve.
================
http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot…cle_40f29389-a9bc-5ef5-a681-93a4c894289c.html
Some other Rams signings of special note:
• Projected as a fifth- or sixth-round selection, Iowa defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat posted the following on Twitter: “Officially signed with the St. Louis Rams. Thank God Rams have given me one more opportunity. Those who overlooked me will regret it.”
The 6-foot-1, 290-pounder was a three-year starter in Iowa City and had career bests in tackles (65), tackles for loss (11.5) and sacks (seven) as a senior.
• Safety Jay Hughes of Mississippi State missed the final 12 games of his junior season because of an Achilles tendon injury but bounced back strong as a captain and team leader last fall. He played in all 13 games, making 12 starts, and had a pair of interceptions as the 10-3 Bulldogs reached the Orange Bowl. His father, Tony, is assistant head coach at Mississippi State.
• Two other FCS defensive backs who bear watching are cornerback Imoan Claiborne of Northwestern State of Louisiana and rangy safety Jacob Hagen of Liberty (Va.) University.
Claiborne (5-11, 187) is a physical man-to-man defender who had three interceptions and four fumble recoveries as a senior last fall. He also played in the Senior Bowl.
Hagen is a ball-hawking free safety with size (6-3, 215) and big-time production — 108 tackles, including 5½ for loss, eight interceptions, seven pass breakups and four forced fumbles last fall.
May 8, 2015 at 12:41 am #24300znModeratorFifteen undrafted rookies at Rams minicamp
By Jim Thomas
The Rams are expected to have 24 rookies on the practice field Friday at their rookie minicamp, encompassing nine draft picks and 15 undrafted rookies. Add South Alabama cornerback Montell Garner and Bacone linebacker Keshaun Malone to our previous list of rookie free agents.
Garner comes from an athletic family. His father Milton played defensive back for Kansas (1984-87); his mother participated in track at Kansas State.
Malone is the second player from Bacone (in Muskogee, Okla.) to get a shot at a Rams roster spot in successive seasons. Defensive tackle Deantre Harlan, who was in Rams training camp last summer before going on to Winnipeg of the Canadian Football League, also attended Bacone.
Here’s the confirmed list of Rams rookie free agents, which unofficially puts the team’s roster at 88 players _ or two under the offseason limit:
Malcolm Brown RB 5-11, 224 Texas
Logged 2,678 career rushing yards, 27 TDs for Longhorns.
Imoan Claiborne CB 5-10, 193 Northwestern State (La.)
Senior Bowl invite had 3 INTs, 4 fumble recoveries in ’14.
Isiah Ferguson WR 6-5, 218 Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Had 29 catches for 343 yards, 1 TD last fall.
Terrence Franks RB 5-9, 203 Texas State
Rushed for 712 yards, 11 TDs last season.
Montell Garner CB 5-11, 188 South Alabama
Two interceptions, 54 tackles in 2014; 4.61 in 40 at pro day.Jacob Hagen S 6-2, 205 Liberty
Intercepted 8 passes w/108 tackles, four forced fumbles in ’14.
Jay Hughes S 5-10, 194 Mississippi State
Team captain for Orange Bowl squad picked off 2 passes in ’14.Zach Laskey FB 6-2, 225 Georgia Tech
Ranks 13th in school history with 2,033 career rushing yards.
Matt Longacre DE 6-3, 260 Northwest Missouri State
School career records for sacks (30 1/2), tackles for loss (47).
Cameron Lynch LB 6-0, 229 Syracuse
Had 97 tackles, 7 sacks in 2014; team captain.
Keshaun Malone LB 6-2, 260 Bacone
Conference def. player of the year in ’14 (135 tackles, 5 INTs).
Bradley Marquez WR 5-10, 196 Texas Tech
Spent 2 summers playing minor-league baseball w/Mets.
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1860927/bradley-marquez
Marquez is average in the size, strength and speed categories, but he shows natural route acceleration to change gears well with toughness to work over the middle and do damage in contested situations.
Tyler Slavin WR 6-1, 201 New Mexico Highlands
Caught 119 passes for 1,418 yards and 17 TDs last season.
Louis Trinca-Pasat DT 6-1, 290 IowaCombine invite had 69 tackles, 6 1/2 sacks last season.
Darrell Williams OT 6-5, 301 South FloridaHad 29 starts at left tackle in college.
May 8, 2015 at 10:52 pm #24325znModerator2015 St. Louis Rams undrafted free agents
By Nick Wagoner
http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/18151/2015-st-louis-rams-undrafted-free-agents
The St. Louis Rams signed 15 undrafted free agents after Saturday’s NFL draft.
Here’s a closer look at each player:
Malcolm Brown, RB, 5-11, 224, Texas — Rushed for 2,678 yards and 27 touchdowns in his career for the Longhorns. Enters a crowded backfield in which he’ll likely compete with the likes of Trey Watts and Chase Reynolds for a spot, assuming he can contribute on special teams.
Imoan Claiborne, CB, 5-10, 193 Northwestern State (La) — Played well enough in college to earn an invitation to the Senior Bowl after posting three interceptions and four fumble recoveries in 2014. Said he had a “large number” of teams calling for his services as the draft came to an end.
Isiah Ferguson, WR, 6-5, 218 Arkansas Pine-Bluff — At 6-foot-5, 218 pounds, Ferguson is one of the most physically imposing of the team’s lot of undrafted rookies but didn’t have a ton of production last season as he finished with 29 catches for 343 yards and a touchdown.
Terrence Franks, RB, 5-9, 203, Texas State — Franks had 712 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns last season and will face the same battle as Brown in his attempt to make the roster. He’s related to professional basketball player Rashard Lewis and Tennessee Titans fullback Ahmard Hall.
Montell Garner, CB, 5-11, 188 South Alabama — Finished with 54 tackles and two interceptions in 2014 after posting 60 and three as a junior. Comes from an athletic family in which his father, Milton, played defensive back for Kansas State and his mother, Kamita, ran track for the Wildcats.
Jacob Hagen, S, 6-2, 205 Liberty — Earned a reputation as something of a ballhawk in 2014, finishing with eight interceptions, four forced fumbles and 108 tackles.
Jay Hughes, S, 5-10, 194 Mississippi State –A 2014 team captain, Hughes had 26 tackles, two pass breakups and two interceptions in 2014. That came after a 2013 season in which he missed the final 12 games because of an Achilles injury. His father, Tony, is the assistant head coach for the Bulldogs.
Zach Laskey, FB, 6-2, 225 Georgia Tech — More than just a lead blocker, Laskey rushed for 2,033 yards in his career for the Yellow Jackets’ triple-option-based offense. Is the only true fullback now on Rams’ roster, though tight end Cory Harkey spends plenty of time at the position.
Matt Longacre, DE, 6-3, 260 Northwest Missouri State — Holds school records for sacks (30.5) and tackles for loss (47) on his way to earning Mid-America defensive player of the year status in 2014 and All-American honors in his junior and senior seasons.
Cameron Lynch, LB, 6-0, 229 Syracuse –-A team captain, Lynch finished with 97 tackles and seven sacks in 2014. There’s room to fight for a roster spot at linebacker but special teams will play a key role in that.
Keshaun Malone, LB, 6-2, 260 Bacone — For the second year in a row, the Rams added a defensive player from tiny Bacone after working with defensive tackle Deantre Harlan last year. Earned his conference’s defensive player of the year award in 2014 when he had 135 tackles and five interceptions.
Bradley Marquez, WR, 5-10, 196 Texas Tech — An accomplished baseball player, Marquez spent two years in the New York Mets minor league system. In 2014, he played in 12 games with 65 catches for 821 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
Tyler Slavin, WR, 6-1, 201 New Mexico Highlands — Finished with 119 catches for 1,418 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2014. Started his career at Arizona before transferring.
Louis Trinca-Pasat, DT, 6-1, 290 Iowa — From a Romanian family in which he’s the only one of five kids born in the United States, Trinca-Pasat went to the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine but went undrafted. He finished with 69 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season.
Darrell Williams, OT, 6-5, 301 South Florida — Made 29 starts at left tackle in his final three seasons in college. A native of Jamaica, who came to the United States in ninth grade.
May 10, 2015 at 7:48 am #24370znModeratorRams notes: Northwest Missouri star Longacre gets a shot with Rams
By Joe Lyons
Rams defensive end Matt Longacreis is out to prove himself again.
A team captain and leader at Millard West High in Omaha, Neb., Longacre drew limited recruiting interest before opting for NCAA Division II power Northwest Missouri State — largely because of the program’s winning tradition. Over the last four seasons, the Bearcats went 46-8, made four playoff appearances and capped a 15-0 campaign in 2013 with a fourth national championship.
And Longacre, a 6-foot-3, 260-pounder who recently signed as a rookie free agent with the Rams, was at the heart of that success. He twice was voted the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association defensive player of the year after finishing as career leader in tackles for loss (47) and sacks (30½). As a senior, he was in on 38 tackles, including 12 for loss, with 8 ½ sacks and 17 quarterback hurries.
Despite that production, he went undrafted.
“It would’ve been nice to be drafted — it’s a huge honor; everybody wants to hear his name called — but I went into the draft knowing my situation and wasn’t overly disappointed,’’ he said after taking part in a rookie workout over the weekend at Rams Park. “I’m just happy to be here and looking forward to the opportunity to prove myself.’’
Longacre said he was in contact with the Rams throughout the final rounds of last weekend’s draft.
“I probably signed less than five minutes after the draft ended,” he said. “I had some other calls, but I just told them, ‘Sorry, I’m a Ram.’
“Going into the weekend, I talked a lot with my college coaches and my agent, and for me, the Rams just seemed like the best fit. This team has one of the best defensive lines in the league and the best defensive line coach (Mike Waufle) in the NFL. I’m looking forward to learning from the best and doing what I can to help.’’
Rated as the No. 11 small-school draft prospect by D2football.com, Longacre hopes to make an early impact on special teams.
“I’m highly motivated,” the 23-year-old said. “Being a free agent, a guy from a small school, I know I have to work and fight that much harder to make an impression. I’m going to listen to the coaches and just keep striving to get better.
“All I ever wanted was a chance. The Rams have given me that chance and the rest is up to me.”
NAIA HOPEFUL
Like Longacre, linebacker Keshaun Malone from Bacone College of Muskogee, Okla., dominated last fall. The Central States Football League defensive player of the year made 135 tackles, intercepted five passes and had a sack.
Not bad for a guy who stands 6-2 and weighs 260 pounds.
“I worked hard and had a great season. I was thrilled to get the call from St. Louis and I’m excited to be here,’’ the 22-year-old said. “Just being here, it’s great. This is the NFL, the best of the best, and I’m just going to try and push myself every single day to show them that I can play. You can’t worry about the next guy; I just want to go out every day and play my game, do what I can do and hopefully find a way to help this football team.’’
A finalist for the Cliff Harris Award, which goes to the nation’s top small school defensive player, Malone is the second Bacone player in as many years to sign with the Rams. A year ago, defensive tackle Deantre Harlan showed some promise during the preseason before failing to survive the final cut.
“We watched Deantre on TV during the preseason — he played real well — and I talked to him once he got back to school,” Malone said. “He told me this was a great organization, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
May 10, 2015 at 7:52 pm #24404znModerator“I had some other calls, but I just told them, ‘Sorry, I’m a Ram.’
“Going into the weekend, I talked a lot with my college coaches and my agent, and for me, the Rams just seemed like the best fit. This team has one of the best defensive lines in the league and the best defensive line coach (Mike Waufle) in the NFL.
See, they say it out there, too, not just here.
May 11, 2015 at 12:28 am #24414canadaramParticipantBrugler on Claiborne:
34. IMOAN CLAIBORNE | Northwestern State 5095|189 lbs|5SR Alexandria, La. (Alexandria HS) 7/20/1992 (age 22) #18
2010: (5/0) 0/0.0/0.0/0/0 2011: Redshirted
GRADE 7th Round
MEASUREABLES Arm: 32 | Hand: 09 1/8 | Wingspan: 77 1/4
COMBINE N/A (not invited)
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.56 | 10-YD: 1.65 | 20-YD: 2.69 | BP: 13 | VJ: 39 | BJ: 10’00” | SS: 4.58 | 3C: 7.28 PRONUNCIATION EH-mon
2012: (9/0) 2013: (11/11) 2014: (11/11) Total:(36/22)
18/0.0/0.0/3/1 37/2.0/1.0/6/2 47/2.0/1.0/11/4 102/4.0/2.0/20/7BACKGROUND: A two-star wide receiver recruit out of high school, Claiborne committed to Northwestern State over Louisiana-Lafayette in order to stay closer to home. He moved to cornerback and played sparingly as a true freshman in 2010, seeing action on special teams, and was forced to redshirt in 2011 because of poor academics. Claiborne returned in 2012 and made an impact off the bench, recording 18 tackles, three passes defended and one interception. He became a full-time starter in 2013 as a junior and recorded 37 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, six passes defended and two interceptions, earning All-Southland Second Team honors. Claiborne started 11 games in 2014 as a senior and finished with career-bests in tackles (47), passes defended (11) and interceptions (four), earning All-Southland First Team honors. He earned an invitation to the 2015 Senior Bowl.
STRENGTHS: Adequate muscle tone and functional strength for the position…above average length to match up with bigger targets…disrupts routes in press coverage with a mug-and-tug mentality at the line of scrimmage…stonewalls receivers off the snap to disrupt routes and destroy offensive rhythm…coordinated footwork in small spaces…finds the football fast when he gets his head turned…playmaking instincts when the ball is in his stratosphere, using a large catching radius and ballskills to attack – seven career interceptions, averaging 10.6 yards per return…extensive special teams experience…good head on his shoulders with improved work ethic and strong family roots – fiancée (Ashlee) and two-year old daughter (Addison).
WEAKNESSES: Shorter than ideal with a limited frame to add bulk…routinely a step behind and lacks ideal make-up speed to recover after burned…ordinary burst and doesn’t show multiple gears in his movements…leggy and upright in his pedal and doesn’t look comfortable moving in reverse…undisciplined eyes and doesn’t recognize routes, allowing too many comebacks and underneath completions…doesn’t have the quick-thinking reflexes to collect himself and drive…too physical downfield and doesn’t have a great feel for what he can get away with…inexperienced in off-coverage, playing mostly zone and press-man in college…forced to redshirt in 2011 due to poor academics…minor durability concerns, missing one game as a senior with a spleen injury (Oct. 2014) after he took a shot to the abdomen.
SUMMARY: A baseball player growing up, Claiborne didn’t start playing football until high school and had only two years of experience before college, choosing Northwestern State over other offers in order to stay close to his mother, who has heart problems. He was considered a better wide receiver as a recruit, but had the physical nature needed for cornerback and moved to defense for the Demons, starting the past two seasons. Claiborne lined up mostly in press coverage and was asked to jam and bail, but did his best work when he played nose-to-nose at the line of scrimmage and used his length and aggression to disrupt receivers. While he can locate quickly with ballskills when he turns, he still doesn’t have a great feel at the position downfield and will need to make a living on special teams while he develops on defense – late round player.
May 11, 2015 at 12:37 am #24415canadaramParticipantBrugler on Hagen:
23. JACOB HAGEN | Liberty (Va.)
2010: Redshirted
6023|207 lbs|5SR Orange Park, Fla. (Orange Park HS) 3/15/1992 (age 23) #27 GRADE Priority Free Agent
MEASUREABLES Arm: 31 1/4 | Hand: 10 1/8 | Wingspan: 76 1/2
COMBINE Not invited
PRO DAY 40-YD: 4.55 | 10-YD: 1.62 | 20-YD: 2.66 | BP: 22 | VJ: 36 1/2 | BJ: 10’04”
2011: (11/0) 2012: (11/10) 2013: (12/11) 2014: (14/14) Total:(48/35)
30/0.0/0.0/4/0 46/3.5/0.0/4/1 61/2.5/0.0/13/6 108/5.5/0.0/15/8 245/11.5/0.0/36/15SUMMARY: A three-year starter, Hagen developed into one of the most productive safeties in the country, finishing his senior season with a team-best 108 tackles, 15 passes defended and eight interceptions. He is a football junkie with a natural feel for the game, flashing controlled instincts with quick eyes to diagnose and put himself in position to make plays. Hagen hits with a heavy shoulder and looks to separate man from ball at the contact point, but that also leads to missed tackles when he doesn’t properly wrap or overpursues the action. He has above average ballskills with the length to give him a large catching radius, showing smooth feet to flip his hips and track the ball. Hagen has excellent height with NFL toughness, but lacks ideal muscle tone and functional strength. He isn’t an elite athlete and tends to be feast or famine on tape, but the natural ballhawking instincts are there – offers special teams experience with NFL upside as a valuable reserve safety.
May 11, 2015 at 1:36 am #24423znModeratorHighlights of University of Texas running back Malcolm Brown, who signed as a free agent with the St. Louis Rams after the 2015 NFL Draft.
===
Malcolm Brown, RB
School: Texas | Conference: BIG12
Height/Weight: 5-11 / 224 lbs.Workout Results
40 Yd 4.51Ourlads on Malcolm Brown:
Started 25 games over his four year career. From Cibolo, TX. a tough three down north/south runner. Runs with a low centre of gravity. Flashes good quickness and cutting ability. Played with a whole new line in 2014. Many times he got hit in the backfield or before he could get started. Productive over his Longhorn career despite rotating with a variety of backs. A good inside zone runner with vision and running skills. Finishes his runs by lowering pad level and driving his legs on contact. A willing pass protector who step up and attack an inside or outside blitzer. Catches the ball well out of the backfield. A good athlete with good foot agility with the ability to step through a tackle. Brown upgrades the quality of depth of an NFL backfield. An East-west Shrine game participant. 2014 stats: 708 yards, 3.9 upcoming, 6 TD, 16 rec, 58 yes. OSR: 10/34. Seventh round/PFA. (A-32 3/4, H-10 1/4, BP-19, SS- 4.15).
19. MALCOLM BROWN | Texas
10/21/2.1/0 15/112/7.5/1 17/195/11.5/2 16/58/3.6/0 58/386/6.7/3
2011: (10/7)
2012: (8/1)
2013: (13/4)
2014: (13/13)
Total: (44/25) 561/2,332/4.2/23
103/396/3.8/4 61/324/5.3/4 214/904/4.2/9 183/708/3.9/6BACKGROUND: A five-star running back recruit out of high school, Brown was considered the top prep player at the position and collected dozens of offers, ultimately deciding to stay in-state with the Longhorns. He saw the field right away as a true freshman, starting seven games in 2011 and leading the team with 396 rushing yards, earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year as the first true freshman to lead Texas in rushing since Cedric Benson. Brown missed five games in 2012 with an injury, but returned strong in 2013, sharing the backfield duties (four starts) and leading the team with 904 rush yards and nine touchdowns, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. He started all 13 games as a senior in 2014, rushing for a team-high 708 yards on 183 carries, earning Second Team All-Big 12 honors. Brown earned an invitation to the 2015 East-West Shrine Game.
STRENGTHS: Looks the part with a rock-solid build, forward lean and natural power…lowers his pads to absorb contact with the body strength and balance to shake off single tacklers and play lower than defenders…runs tough with a head of steam, not afraid of contact…follows his blocks and wastes little time once he sees an opening, anticipating well to get north-south quickly…runs tough and determined with consistent play speed, showing spurts of energy…not very shifty, but shows concise plant-and-go quickness to square his pad level to the line of scrimmage…shows reliable hands out of the backfield with natural receiving ability…consistent base strength to hold his ground and sustain in pass protection…protects the ball like a pit bull (only one career fumble) – lowest fumble rate in this draft class (619.0)…goal-oriented type with reliable work ethic and preparation habits.
WEAKNESSES: Limited explosive qualities, lacking sudden footwork and loose hips which limits his change of direction skills…only average speed and won’t run away from anyone at the next level with ordinary acceleration and burst…gets himself in trouble when he hesitates at the line of scrimmage, taking wasted steps in the backfield and allowing defenders to close when he doesn’t trust what he sees…his power and balance don’t necessarily translate to broken tackles…too easily slowed by contact and doesn’t consistently push the pile, slowing himself at times before the contact point…needs to do a better job selling fakes and focusing on details…durability has been a minor issue, dealing with ankle, foot and shoulder injuries in the past.
SUMMARY: Not to be confused with teammate defensive tackle Malcom Brown at Texas, Brown led the Longhorns in rushing three of the last four seasons, but never eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark in a season and didn’t live up the massive hype out of high school. He has the body strength and balance to run through arm tackles in space, but doesn’t show the same power or effectiveness between the tackles and needs to pack more of a punch at the point of attack. Brown isn’t a home run threat and there isn’t much that separates him, but he’s a solid all-around back with the traits to earn draftable grades and survive on third down in the NFL – trustworthy meat and potatoes back with late round potential.
STRENGTHS: Brown looks the part with NFL build, running square to the line of scrimmage with the body strength to shake off single defenders and play with lower pad level than most on the field. He doesn’t have dynamic elusiveness, but shows effective plant-and-go quickness with excellent play speed, always looking to get north-south in a hurry. Brown follows his blocks well with good feel and vision to find openings and get to the second level. Although he doesn’t have ideal power and explosive traits, Brown runs physical, low to the ground and always seems to be picking up positive yardage.
WEAKNESSES: Lacks the juice teams are looking for in a feature back, showing little explosiveness through the hole and lacking breakaway speed. Shows toughness to run through tackles but is an upright runner who too often absorbs big hits, leaving the ball and his body vulnerable. Swings his arms to maintain balance, at times, further exposing the ball. Possesses a naturally imposing frame but isn’t a cut-up athlete, raising questions about his weight-room dedication.
May 13, 2015 at 6:05 pm #24515znModeratorHoward Balzer @HBalzer721
Rams have signed undrafted FA center David Wang (6-1, 303) from Virginia Tech.
—————–
Other Virginia Tech prospects to watch in 2014: C David Wang…Versatile, smart lineman with 23 career starts, rotating between guard and center over the last two seasons. Although not a massive specimen or elite athlete Wang’s intelligence, quickness and position versatility should earn him a chance to make an NFL roster if he’s able to stay healthy and continue his consistent play. – Derek Stephens, NFLDraftScout.com
May 13, 2015 at 6:10 pm #24516znModeratorHoward Balzer @HBalzer721
Rams have signed undrafted FA center David Wang (6-1, 303) from Virginia Tech.
—————–
Other Virginia Tech prospects to watch in 2014: C David Wang…Versatile, smart lineman with 23 career starts, rotating between guard and center over the last two seasons. Although not a massive specimen or elite athlete Wang’s intelligence, quickness and position versatility should earn him a chance to make an NFL roster if he’s able to stay healthy and continue his consistent play. – Derek Stephens, NFLDraftScout.com
Military Bowl: Virginia Tech’s Wang Perseveres Through Pain
By Elliott Smith
December 27, 2014https://footballmatters.org/stories/military-bowl-virginia-techs-wang-perseveres-through-pain
If it feels like David Wang has been at Virginia Tech forever, and by the player’s own admission, he really has.
“It’s been a long, long journey,” the sixth-year center said. “I’ve seen so many of my friends come and go. I’ve seen my friends suffer career-ending injuries. It puts my time in perspective. I truly am blessed to be here.”
When Wang pulls his helmet on for the Military Bowl on Dec. 27, it will be the culmination of an arduous, yet rewarding, career with the Hokies in which he has overcome a spate of injuries to become one of the leaders on Virginia Tech’s revamped line.
Wang arrived in Blacksburg as part of the 2009 class, but lost almost two full seasons to a shoulder injury in ’09 and a broken foot in 2011. Confined to his room by the latter injury, Wang put his focus into recovery and video games, namely the hit Call of Duty. He became so adept at the game, he was ranked among the best players in the country.
“I couldn’t walk around anywhere, so I played Call of Duty from the time I woke up to bed,” he said. “I got really good at it. I’m definitely the best gamer on the team.”
But after receiving a special exemption for a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, Wang put down his controllers and refused to let any of the bumps and bruises keep him from enjoying his final year of college football.
“(The injuries) are countless right now,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s a lot I can play through. I just wanted to be out on that field. It’s a love of the sport. I’ve played football all my life and it means something to me.”
In searching for the right combination, the Hokies shuffled their line throughout the season, and Wang played both center and guard this year. But everything came together in the most important game of the season, as Virginia Tech beat rival Virginia to earn a 22nd consecutive bowl berth.
“We truly came together in the Virginia game,” Wang said. “Everyone knows how much that game means to our program, the town and all the Hokies out there. We were more focused than ever. This is my last game, but for the rest of the young guys, it’s a way to set the tone for next season.”
At 24 years old, Wang probably knows more about college life than the average student. He holds two undergraduate degrees in management and marketing, and on Dec. 19, earned his Master’s in curriculum and instruction.
“My biggest advice is to enjoy yourself in college with your team and your friends,” he said. “It goes by quickly. Football truly is something that can jumpstart your life.”
And as Wang prepares for a potential NFL career, he has a great sounding board in his brother Ed, who was a senior at Virginia Tech way back when David was a freshman. Ed Wang played in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and David hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
“He’s been there every step of the way – he’s a great older brother,” David Wang said. “I spent so much time focusing on school and getting my degrees so I could have a solid cushion to fall back on, but now I am throwing everything into football. I am going to give it my all and try to continue my football career.”
May 13, 2015 at 6:32 pm #24519znModeratorHoward Balzer @HBalzer721
Rams have signed undrafted FA center David Wang (6-1, 303) from Virginia Tech.
—————–
Other Virginia Tech prospects to watch in 2014: C David Wang…Versatile, smart lineman with 23 career starts, rotating between guard and center over the last two seasons. Although not a massive specimen or elite athlete Wang’s intelligence, quickness and position versatility should earn him a chance to make an NFL roster if he’s able to stay healthy and continue his consistent play. – Derek Stephens, NFLDraftScout.com
Military Bowl: Virginia Tech’s Wang Perseveres Through Pain
By Elliott Smith
December 27, 2014https://footballmatters.org/stories/military-bowl-virginia-techs-wang-perseveres-through-pain
If it feels like David Wang has been at Virginia Tech forever, and by the player’s own admission, he really has.
“It’s been a long, long journey,” the sixth-year center said. “I’ve seen so many of my friends come and go. I’ve seen my friends suffer career-ending injuries. It puts my time in perspective. I truly am blessed to be here.”
When Wang pulls his helmet on for the Military Bowl on Dec. 27, it will be the culmination of an arduous, yet rewarding, career with the Hokies in which he has overcome a spate of injuries to become one of the leaders on Virginia Tech’s revamped line.
Wang arrived in Blacksburg as part of the 2009 class, but lost almost two full seasons to a shoulder injury in ’09 and a broken foot in 2011. Confined to his room by the latter injury, Wang put his focus into recovery and video games, namely the hit Call of Duty. He became so adept at the game, he was ranked among the best players in the country.
“I couldn’t walk around anywhere, so I played Call of Duty from the time I woke up to bed,” he said. “I got really good at it. I’m definitely the best gamer on the team.”
But after receiving a special exemption for a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, Wang put down his controllers and refused to let any of the bumps and bruises keep him from enjoying his final year of college football.
“(The injuries) are countless right now,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s a lot I can play through. I just wanted to be out on that field. It’s a love of the sport. I’ve played football all my life and it means something to me.”
In searching for the right combination, the Hokies shuffled their line throughout the season, and Wang played both center and guard this year. But everything came together in the most important game of the season, as Virginia Tech beat rival Virginia to earn a 22nd consecutive bowl berth.
“We truly came together in the Virginia game,” Wang said. “Everyone knows how much that game means to our program, the town and all the Hokies out there. We were more focused than ever. This is my last game, but for the rest of the young guys, it’s a way to set the tone for next season.”
At 24 years old, Wang probably knows more about college life than the average student. He holds two undergraduate degrees in management and marketing, and on Dec. 19, earned his Master’s in curriculum and instruction.
“My biggest advice is to enjoy yourself in college with your team and your friends,” he said. “It goes by quickly. Football truly is something that can jumpstart your life.”
And as Wang prepares for a potential NFL career, he has a great sounding board in his brother Ed, who was a senior at Virginia Tech way back when David was a freshman. Ed Wang played in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and David hopes to follow in his brother’s footsteps.
“He’s been there every step of the way – he’s a great older brother,” David Wang said. “I spent so much time focusing on school and getting my degrees so I could have a solid cushion to fall back on, but now I am throwing everything into football. I am going to give it my all and try to continue my football career.”
Player Background
Was a Super Iron Hokie during off-season workouts … Turned in a 410-pound bench press and a 440-pound front squat … Topped the offensive linemen with 380-pound clean, a 370-pound push jerk, a 35-inch vertical jump and a 4.29 timing in the NFL shuttle
May 14, 2015 at 8:11 pm #24579znModeratorTrinca-Pasat gets opportunity with the Rams
By Nate Latsch
http://stl.scout.com/story/1546566-trinca-pasat-gets-chance-with-rams?s=124
ST. LOUIS — Louis Trinca-Pasat tried not to pay much attention to the final day of the NFL Draft. The former Iowa defensive tackle, who was projected by some as a late-round pick, kept himself busy instead of following along with the picks.
“I was playing board games with my family,” Trinca-Pasat said. “Playing soccer and some sports with my nieces and nephew in the backyard. My family, my parents, were glued to the TV. I didn’t want to be tense or anxious or distracted because of all that. I just kind of kept my mind clear.”
There were 256 players selected in the seven rounds of the Draft but Trinca-Pasat, a three-year starter who was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 2014, wasn’t one of them.
Instead, the 6-foot-1, 290-pounder ended up signing as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams shortly after the conclusion of the Draft.
“The general manager talked to my agent and my agent and I agreed that this was the best fit for me for me to come,” Trinca-Pasat said when he met with reporters during the Rams’ rookie orientation last weekend. “It’s a great d-line and great coaches to learn from and get better.”
The defensive tackle had options. He said his agent told him that, besides the Rams, eight other teams wanted to sign him as a free agent.
In St. Louis, Trinca-Pasat joins a defensive line that includes five former first-round draft picks — Chris Long, Robert Quinn, Nick Fairley, Michael Brockers and Aaron Donald — but only currently has three defensive tackles on the roster in Donald, Brockers and Fairley.
Trinca-Pasat said joining the Rams is a great opportunity to learn from the best.
“They have one of the best d-lines and Aaron Donald and all the other guys,” he said. “I still have to learn their names, but they were one of the best in the league last year. I’m just here, I’m excited. It’s always good when you get to absorb knowledge from the best.”
Trinca-Pasat is similar in size to Donald, the 2014 NFL defensive rookie of the year. Trinca-Pasat is 6-1, 290. Donald is 6-1, 285.
“I was seeing a little bit of him on film and heard of him coming out of Pitt,” Trinca-Pasat said. “He’s just a really good player, a very good guy I’ve heard. I haven’t met him yet, but I’m looking forward to it.”
The rookie defensive tackle will get to know his new teammates during the Rams’ offseason program. He’ll have a chance to impress his new coaching staff during OTAs and training camp.
Trinca-Pasat impressed draftniks with his play at Iowa, where he started 38 games over three seasons, and then during the draft evaluation process at the Senior Bowl, Scouting Combine and at his pro day.
Trinca-Pasat racked up 69 tackles, including 11.5 for loss, and 6.5 sacks during his senior season with the Hawkeyes. He then put up solid numbers at the Combine — 4.96 seconds in the 40-yard dash, 32-inch vertical leap, 4.30 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle and 7.40 seconds in the 3 cone drill — and showed off his versatility at his pro day by also going through drills as a fullback.
Ourlads’ NFL Scouting Services rated Trinca-Pasat as the 13th-best defensive tackle prospect in the 2015 Draft and projected him as a fourth- or fifth-round pick. NFL.com projected Trinca-Pasat as a fifth-round pick.
“Made a reputation for himself by being a relentless worker on and off the field,” Ourlads’ David Syvertsen wrote in his scouting report. “He lacks the ideal physical gifts that most teams want out of a defensive tackle, but coaches love to have this kind of guy on the depth chart. He plays with great pad level, quickness, and aggression. He can be a handful for blockers to deal with as games wear on and fatigue sets in. He will be limited to certain roles at the next level, but there is a spot for this kind of player on every team.”
Rams’ offensive lineman Andrew Donnal, a fourth-round pick from Iowa, echoed those sentiments about his college teammate.
“He’s a great guy to have on your team, on your side,” Donnal said. “He’s an all-for-the-team kind of guy, not selfish at all, and just willing to do anything. That’s what makes him so great. He’s extremely hard working and a great guy to be on this team.”
May 18, 2015 at 11:06 am #24762znModeratorUndersized Trinca-Pasat looks to make an impact with the Rams
By Joe Lyons
Shortly after signing as an undrafted rookie free agent, Rams defensive tackle Louis Trinca-Pasat posted the following tweet:
“Officially signed with the St. Louis Rams. Thank God Rams have given me one more opportunity. Those who overlooked me will regret it.’’
That pretty well sums it up for Trinca-Pasat, a 6-foot-1, 292-pounder who readily admits that he plays football with a chip on his shoulder. Throughout his football career, first at Lane Tech High in Chicago and later as a standout defensive lineman at Iowa, he’s been overlooked, partly because of the players around him but also because of his stature.
“As an undersized guy in this game, it seems like you’re constantly trying to show people you can play and produce,’’ the 23-year-old said following a recent workout at Rams Park. “But I’ve always liked proving people wrong. It’s become even more motivating for me.’’
In high school, Trinca-Pasat played linebacker, tight end and wide receiver on a team that featured Laken Tomlinson, a guard from Duke University who was selected 28th overall by the Detroit Lions in the opening round of the recent NFL draft. At Iowa, Trinca-Pasat was part of a talented defensive tackle pairing that also featured Carl Davis, a 6-5, 320-pounder who went to the Baltimore Ravens in the third round.
“It would’ve been nice to be drafted and I tried to stay positive, but it’s not something I was going to dwell on,’’ said Trinca-Pasat, whose pre-draft projections ranged from fifth round to free agent. “At this point, I’m just grateful for the chance the Rams have given me. Drafted or undrafted, it comes down to to what you do from here on, showing the coaches you can play and learn and produce. It’s time for me to go to work.’’
Working to achieve is the only way Trinca-Pasat knows. He is the youngest child of Romanian immigrants who came to America in the late 1980s to escape communism and find a better life. His father, Vasile, is a building engineer while his mother, Estera, works as an elementary school cafeteria cook.
“We didn’t have a lot growing up and everything we had, we had to work for,’’ Trinca-Pasat recalled. “The focus when we were kids was school and church. And work. On Saturdays, we’d go with my dad to work and do whatever needed to be done. If we wanted or needed a dollar for something, we earned it.’’
Although he was a fan of the game, Louis didn’t play football until he was a high school freshman, and that came about only after his older brothers persuaded their parents to let the youngest of five give the game a try.
“At that point, my parents knew nothing at all about football. Sports weren’t a focus in our house,’’ Louis said. “But over the last few years, that’s changed, at least with football. They made it to a lot of my games, home and away, during college and now they’re asking a lot more questions about the game and the rules. But even when they didn’t understand it completely, my family has always been very supportive of me.’’
As a 230-pound freshman trying to make the transition to defensive tackle in Iowa City, Trinca-Pasat nearly gave up football.
“I was frustrated because I was getting thrown around like a rag doll every single day,’’ he recalled.
But instead of quitting, Trinca-Pasat turned to Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle and his staff. He added bulk, strength and confidence and went on to make starts in his final 38 games of his Hawkeye career.
“I put in the time and effort and my hard work paid off,’’ said Trinca-Pasat, a team captain who was named Iowa’s defensive MVP after finishing with career bests in tackles (69), sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (11.5) last fall. Known for his quickness, power and relentless effort, Trinca-Pasat earned trips to the Senior Bowl and the NFL combine.
“Maybe it’s because of my upbringing, but even in college, I never gave that much thought to the NFL,’’ he said. “For me, the mindset was always on working every day to get better and that’s still the approach I have to take.
“Every time you step up a level in competition, the game gets faster and you have to adjust as the game evolves. Every day, I have to work on my technique, my craft.’’
Trinca-Pasat, who said he talked to eight other teams before signing with St. Louis, is looking forward to working with assistant coach Mike Waufle and the Rams’ talented crew of defensive linemen.
“I know I have to improve and what better way to learn than by working every day with some of the best defensive linemen in the NFL,’’ said Trinca-Pasat, a three-time All-Big Ten All-Academic selection with a master’s degree in educational policy and learning studies. “I pride myself on being a smart player, a good technician, a guy who can learn on the fly and a good teammate.’’
-
This reply was modified 9 years, 6 months ago by
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
