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+---- Thread: *S3 New Recruit Spotlight (/showthread.php?tid=4100)
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*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - SwagSloth - 09-03-2017
The Season 3 draft is only a week away and our GMs are all looking over the names of potential draft candidates that can benefit their teams. Obviously, there are some clear early-round candidates that have had a chance to make their impression as free agents. These players have truly made a name for themselves and will be a big part of Wednesday’s draft.
Today, I’ve opted to look at the other side of the spectrum. Due to the great recruiting efforts of the NSFL staff, we’re seeing new players frequently sign to be part of the NSFL. These players are going to be part of the upcoming S3 draft and they’re excited to be part of this brand new experience, but they haven’t been around long enough to rack up the levels of TPE that some rookies have. For these players, while their stats may not draw a lot of attention yet, their personalities and enthusiasm can still make an impact. A great rookie may join the team with low TPE, but transform into a monster pick over the course of their first season. Some of these players may do just that, racking up TPE and becoming a true contributor with the support of their team. Others may fade into obscurity. Ultimately, it falls to the player to make that leap and become a key part of their team’s offense or defense.
There are many questions that GMs ask themselves when looking at new recruits without a proven track record. Will this player remain active and reliable? Do they listen to the advice of others with more experience? Will this person be an asset or a distraction to my locker room? For GMs, picking between players with low TPE can sometimes feel akin to fortune telling. You’re literally trying to predict the future based on a small history of activity. And, with that in mind, I’ve chosen to give a voice to our newest members, allowed them to speak to you in their own words. Each of the players interviewed joined between the dates of 8/28 and 9/2, meaning they’ve only been part of our league for a few days at this point. Out of 14 players contacted, 12 responded within 24 hours of the initial inquiry and, today, I’m giving those players an opportunity to tell you why they deserve a closer look.
When I had the opportunity to speak with each of these candidates, I asked them three questions….
(1) What draws you to your position and archetype?
(2) What do you feel sets you apart? Why do you feel teams should draft you over other rookies?
(3) Would you rather dedicate yourself to your primary position role or would you be willing to adapt to play multiple roles on your team?
Below you will find the responses to these questions. Some chose to go with simple responses that were direct and to the point. Others went into greater detail about their connection to their position or the story that led them here. In the end, these words are theirs and theirs alone. Admittedly, my original idea behind this article was to analyze the responses and voice my own feedback, but after speaking with so many of these rookies, I’d rather their words to stand on their own rather than be shaped by me in any way (intentionally or not). My goal here is not directly to sway anyone’s opinion, only to give these recruits platform to sway you with their own words.
For the other players, I hope that this will give all of you a better chance to get to know your potential teammates and possible opponents through their own words. I enjoyed getting to read their various responses and look forward to the possibility of getting to know these players better as part of my own locker room. For the GMs, I hope that this helps you narrow your own choices. Perhaps there is a break-out candidate (or two) in this list that will go the distance this season and out-perform their draft ADP, but in the end, that’s up to you to decide. I only ask that you take a few minutes to read their responses yourself before deciding if these players will be part of your draft plan for this Wednesday.
NOTE: Rookie positional metrics are based on the Position Tracker at the time that this article was published. In addition, rookie TPE values were taken based on player updates (also at the time of publishing) and include all TPE gained, but do not specify if or how that TPE has been spent. It’s expected that these numbers and values may change as more players join up to become eligible for the S3 draft and new player updates are posted, so please be advised.
CORNERBACKS
Player Name: Kiko Bakari (@luckymumbo)
Position: CB (All-Around)
Date Added: 9/1
Current TPE: 53
(1) I like the position because it is one of the hardest in the league, and allows me to stand out, over a position such as an OL. Also, I chose the archetype because I don't want to be everyone else in that as a Man to Man cornerback, and it also gives me more versatility. I am stronger, tackle better, and am more intelligent than the Man to Man while losing 5 SPD, and AGI. Its left to be discovered how much that will hurt me, but I feel as if my archetype can play nearly any position on D, whether it be safety, nickel or maybe even a fast linebacker if need be.
(2) What sets me apart is most likely going to be my visitation and activity on the site. I just joined, and when I am able to, I visit 2 to 3 times a day, whether it is checking my mail or checking for a new point task. Also, teams should draft me over other rookies because defensive back is currently a position of need, so why wouldn't you grab the best one in the draft?
(3) I would be willing to play multiple positions. I mentioned earlier that I could be a versatile player, and thats what I am. Why only limit myself to defense? I can play offense also, as a RB or WR.
Rookies in This Position: 7
Starters Already in This Position: 13 / 24
Positional Scarcity: Difficult (Not Enough Openings Available)
DEFENSIVE ENDS
Player Name: Jimmy Cox (@Waters)
Position: DE (Power Rusher)
Date Added: 9/2
Current TPE: 57
(1) I remember back when i was like 8 or 9 or some shit i dont remember i played the madden game with vince young on the cover and i basically made this DE and he was the goat so i decided to make a DE this time around too cause i dont want to be a boring fuck who makes a QB or RB
(2) I bring some great Biggie Cheese memes and I think most people that have been in a locker room with me on other sim sites have found me to be relatively enjoyable. I can also be a real TPE whore when i want to be.
(3) I'd rather stay a DE but if an opportunity opens up to play linebacker or something of the sort instead of being a backup DE i'd probably take it. I guess it would have to be a case-by-case basis kind of thing.
Rookies in This Position: 4
Starters Already in This Position: 12 / 16
Position Scarcity: Fair (Openings Available)
KICKERS
Player Name: Joseph Lombardi (@bluesfan55)
Position: K/P (Accurate)
Date Added: 8/28
Current TPE: 52
(1) I've always appreciated the job kickers do and wanted to be one myself.
(2) I'm like the only kicker in the draft. Teams should select me either because they need me or they want me.
(3) I'd be willing to adapt.
Rookies in This Position: 3
Starters Already in This Position: 4 / 8
Position Scarcity: Fair (Openings Available)
LINEBACKERS
Player Name: William Ridley (@MacTonight)
Position: LB (Run Stopper)
Date Added: 8/29
Current TPE: 58
(1) The linebacker position calls for balance all over the field, you need to form a strong front seven against the run, but you can't allow short underneath catches while keeping your eyes in the backfield. Stopping the run has always been my strength, and by shutting down the run game you force teams to pass in difficult 3rd down situations. I'd like to think I can help a team achieve that.
(2) I feel I will be a positive presence in the locker room. I have made no secret of my desire to be a leader in the locker room I arrive in when I'm more established in my career, and I see that as only a positive.
(3) I will do whatever my team needs me to do to help us win games. Inside, outside, hand in the dirt, I would play cornerback if a team wanted me to. It's a privilege to play in this league, and I wouldn't want to miss an opportunity to help my team.
Rookies in This Position: 5
Starters Already in This Position: 19 / 24
Positional Scarcity: Fair (Openings Available)
OFFENSIVE LINE
Player Name: Rico Rodriquez (@Elhomi)
Position: OL (Technician)
Date Added: 8/30
Current TPE: 50
(1) I'M a balanced OL because I wanna be able to protect running and passing not be known just for one. I'M tall and atletic and strive to be the greatest.
(2) I'M willing to play where the team needs me on the OL.
(3) I wanna stay as a OL.
Rookies in This Position: 14
Starters Already in This Position: 23 / 40
Position Scarcity: Excellent (Position in Need)
QUARTERBACKS
Player Name: Nicholas Pierno (@ralz9)
Position: QB (Mobile)
Date Added: 8/30
Current TPE: 57
(1) When I played IRL I was a mobile quarterback and (2) I think being a dual threat guy makes a defense completely rethink its game plan. It opens up option run plays, broken pass plays don't always turn into negative yards, etc. That's part of the reason my ceiling is higher than anyone else in the draft.
(3) To answer your last Q, I'm first and foremost a playmaker. You can put me anywhere on the field.
Player Name: Aaron Rasheed (@[MixusXP])
Position: QB (Pocket Passer)
Date Added: 9/2
Current TPE: 50
(1) I believe that a quarterback is one of the most positions to play and I grew up idolizing Brady and Bree's and wanting to be like that to other people.
(2) I focus more on passing than running as I believe that it would be more beneficial for me to be really good at passing rather than be average at passing and running.
(3) I don't care if I'm the backup quarterback for a team or a development league, all I know is that I will play quarterback no matter what.
Rookies in This Position: 5
Starters Already in This Position: 11 / 8
Position Scarcity: Extremely Low (No Openings Available)
TIGHT ENDS
Player Name: Joseph Askins (@jaskins811)
Position: TE (Blocking Tight End)
Date Added: 8/28
Current TPE: 58
(1) What draws me to this position is the versatility of it and how underused it is in the league. I think a blocking tight end can play many different roles in the offense and deserves to see the field a lot due to this versatility.
(2) What sets me apart is my love for football and the fact that I am super dedicated to what I set my mind to. I want to be apart of a winning culture and the only way that can happen is if I improve myself.
(3) I am definitely willing to adapt to different roles in my offense, because at the end of the day I just want my team to win.
Player Name: Charlie Law (@AdamS)
Position: TE (Possession)
Date Added: 9/1
Current TPE: 53
(1) I'm a big Cowboys and Jason Witten fan. So the possession tight end was a great fit.
(2) I don't know if I'd anything sets me apart. I'm here to have fun though. A team that drafts new is getting someone who will be involved and be a good locker room presence. I'm a pretty funny guy.
(3) For now I'd rather focus on the primary role but that may change as I get more acclimated and comfortable.
Rookies in This Position: 4
Starters Already in This Position: 4 / 8
Positional Scarcity: Fair (Openings Available)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Player Name: Nate Atasuke (@Yurio)
Position: WR / Posession
Date Added: 9/1
Current TPE: 52
(1) My Favorite Player, Calvin Johnson. I Want To Follow In His Footsteps To Become The Next Best WR.
(2) Ambition. I Won't Stop Until I'm Leading The League In Catches And/Or TDs.
(3) I'd Like To Play WR But I Could Easily Adapt To Play TE.
Player Name: Jaquan Young (JPD)
Position: WR (Red Zone Threat)
Date Added: 9/2
Current TPE: 57
(1) In my personal opinion, I feel as thought my set of skills is much suited to where I want to be as a superstar player in this league. I built myself to be a monster in the redzone and to have to have corners double me in order to stop me from dominating. Though I am just a rookie in this league I believe with due time I will attain my skills to the liking of Calvin Johnson and be a dominating for for years to come.
(2) What I feel sets me apart is that I am a "Get up and go get it" receiver. Since I am 6'6" and a good weight for my position I can be a real threat for other teams when we are marching ourselves down the field. My skillset is well enough to where I can be a touchdown target every time we get down the field and i'm big enough to get over smaller corners. I believe that teams should draft me over other rookies because I have the potential that some of them may not have. Also, with my size I can switch myself from TE to WR continuously and situated myself to the best of my abilities wherever I may be placed on an offense.
(3) As I said before, with my skillset I can situate myself where I can be a target whether I am a TE or WR. I am big enough to where I can get myself over great corners as well as being well enough to beat out linebackers as well. Since I am young and fruitful, my potential will continue to grow as I hope to become a perennial all-pro in this league.
Player Name: Samuel Zhang (@kcheng686)
Position: WR (Speed)
Date Added: 8/30
Current TPE: 58
(1) I always wanted to be a wide receiver. I'm always admired played like Julio Jones and Jerry Rice, and my favorite all time play is the Helmet Catch. Its not as flashy as QB or DE, but the feeling of being able to blow by a defender for a TD or making a leaping catch is like a mini-adrenaline boost.
(2) What sets me apart from the other rookies is my speed. I believe I am the best Speed Threat WR, and for most teams, running me at slot WR means I can open up the field for the rest of the WR threats by using my speed to draw away the FS or a CB.
I also am not too concerned about stats. It is a personal goal of to one deal get 1k+ yards and 10+ TDs, but I'm much rather be a winner than racking up empty stats on a losing team.
Lastly, I am versatile. I have primarily played outside WR as the X,but I can also play CB, TE(I still a pretty poor blocker, so I'd probably be a Jordan Reed type for TE) and KR/PR.
(3) I would prefer to play WR because thats what I have primarily played my whole life, but I am fine playing CB if a team needs me to. Just dont expect me to change my position permanently to DB. I am still a WR at heart.
Rookies in This Position: 8
Starters Already in This Position: 20 / 24
Positional Scarcity: Difficult (Not Enough Openings Available)
I would like to send a special thank you to our new recruits for taking the time to respond and share their thoughts with the rest of the league. As indicated above, everyone profiled responded within 24 hours, several of them even responding within 1-2 hours of the inquiries being sent out. While we all know it’s going to be a crowded draft, I believe that these candidates have the potential to make a big difference in the later rounds when the gap in TPE values starts to narrow and the differences in personality start to speak volumes. It’s not up to me to determine whether they are the right fit for your locker room, but that is why I chose to share these replies in full without any bias or altered context.
And I would also like to extend an additional thank you to all of our S3 rookies, whether they were featured in this article or not. There are a lot of rookies that I didn’t get to speak with and I wish I could have featured more of you, but I felt that it would mean more if I put the spotlight on a few key players rather than compile a large list and risk people getting lost in the shuffle. For those of you who did not get featured, I encourage you to share your own answers in the replies below, so that the GMs and your future teammates will get a chance to get to know you better. I strongly urge all rookies to fill out the interested prospect forms on the public team forums, which you can access from the NSFL forum main page. I also recommend that you interact with the GMs and players that are involved in recruiting. It’s a great way to get to know who you may be playing alongside and, more importantly, for them to get to know you.
In closing, I hope that you’ll all be joining me in wishing all of our recent recruits and the rest of the S3 rookies the best of luck in Wednesday’s draft.
3,084 words, Ready for Grading
For above-average length participation:
10% payout to JPD, kcheng686, and luckymumbo (200+ word replies)
5% payout to jaskins811, MacTonight, and Waters (100+ word replies)
Pay the rest to myself
GRADED
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - kcheng686 - 09-03-2017
Thnx fam
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - Sweetwater - 09-03-2017
Your CB scarcity is a bit off, there are really only 16 starting spots, most teams aren't running nickel the whole time, and their coverage LB can fill that role decently.
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - SwagSloth - 09-03-2017
(09-03-2017, 02:59 PM)Sweetwater Wrote:Your CB scarcity is a bit off, there are really only 16 starting spots, most teams aren't running nickel the whole time, and their coverage LB can fill that role decently.
That's a fair point. With this in mind, I've downgraded it to Difficult since there are a few real starting spots and rookies would see some time on the field, but only about half the rookies will be starting. Nice catch.
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - bluesfan55 - 09-03-2017
Great read!
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - luckymumbo - 09-03-2017
Thank you for a spotlight. I appreciate it. How much TPE would that earn me so I can put it in my updates tab?
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - SwagSloth - 09-03-2017
(09-03-2017, 03:58 PM)luckymumbo Wrote:Thank you for a spotlight. I appreciate it. How much TPE would that earn me so I can put it in my updates tab?
It's money you can spend to gain TPE. It'll get deposited to your bank (here) when this gets graded, which will likely take a few days. Once it's in your account, you can use it to buy equipment and spend on weekly training to gain extra TPE. This was a large article, so 10% should be almost enough for a +3 TPE training or half of a +5 TPE training (almost $500,000). (The rookie guide in the Create a Player area has all the links. I bookmarked it and used it a lot when I first started.)
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - kcheng686 - 09-03-2017
(09-03-2017, 01:58 PM)luckymumbo Wrote:Thank you for a spotlight. I appreciate it. How much TPE would that earn me so I can put it in my updates tab?
0, you get money for articles
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - luckymumbo - 09-03-2017
(09-03-2017, 04:14 PM)SwagSloth Wrote:It's money you can spend to gain TPE. It'll get deposited to your bank (here) when this gets graded, which will likely take a few days. Once it's in your account, you can use it to buy equipment and spend on weekly training to gain extra TPE. This was a large article, so 10% should be almost enough for a +3 TPE training or half of a +5 TPE training (almost $500,000). (The rookie guide in the Create a Player area has all the links. I bookmarked it and used it a lot when I first started.)
Ok, thanks again.
*S3 New Recruit Spotlight - MacTonight - 09-03-2017
Thank you for the spotlight. I'm looking forward to hitting the league with a great class of players.