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+---- Thread: (S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars (/showthread.php?tid=2734)
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - SimmerDownBruhh - 07-29-2017
Let's be honest here, if there's one player in S2 that is ready to shine and prove that he belongs, it's no one other than Yellowknife Wraiths' Wide Receiver Darren "Mr. Checkers" Smallwood.
This guy has the total package:
Size to tower over a majority of Corner Backs and defenders that oppose him. Whether it's making the clutch catch with the defender on his back or leaving his defender confused with a fake to the outside for an easy TD, the physical tools are there and in full effect. Standing 6'5 tall, built 250lbs in weight, and the steady burning heart of a lion. What else do you want in a teammate?!
Mindset of a veteran that was noticed the moment he got drafted. Darren knew he belonged in the NSFL and now that he's finally made it to the big leagues, it's his time to shine. He literally has all of the potential in the world to be a NSFL champion and the longer he stays in Yellowknife, a HOF career will surely follow. There's a reason why the fans of the Wraiths couldn't stop cheering when the commisioner called out Smallwood joining Yellowknife. They know talent and they recognize talent when they see it.
Agile as f*ck. Double moves, smooth hips, fast breaks out of cuts to make separation from his defenders, 'jump out of the gym' leaping ability, I can go on and on. Needless to say, this adds to the first point of why he's a straight beast. Size and Agility. A deadly combination, indeed. Once he gets the experience to match his physical gifts, he'll be a force to be reckoned with. How anyone can be so nimble on his feet and still balance it with the raw power is beyond me. We haven't seen something like this in decades, folks!
Lack of fear in his eyes. There isn't a route on the route tree, a defender in the league or a pass too high that he isn't willing to go after. The dedication inside of him is a joy to have on the team. He makes the 50/50 passes look like 80/20 and I won't be surprised by week 7, it'll look like 95/5. "Mossed," "Postered," "BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE" and "KOBE" are some of the most iconic phrases said by professional sports hopefuls and sports commentators all over the world. The new phrase that will be sweeping the nation will be "KING ME" every time someone gets bodied for a catch over another person. Started by your one and only Sir Checkers!
Leadership available to him by the best WR/TE duo in the NSFL. Ricky Maddox and Josh Garden already taken him under his wing and with plenty of guidance, he's taken the opportunity and ran away with it. Losing Alexandre LeClair via trade actually doesn't look as bad as it did when it first happened. These three are looking to reclaim the crown to be the reigning #1 Receiving Trio in the NSFL. For clarification on how Yellowknife earned that title, be sure to check it out by clicking on this link here. Chris Orosz ability to place the football in the right spot will only aid in his development. It's not always what a player can do by himself. It's a team sport at the end of the day. He slides into the previous vacancy and the offense will continue where it left off from the previous season.
Willpower to drag defenders 20 plus yards while celebrating on the way to the end zone. Speaking of the end zone, he managed to score three TDs this preseason and from what has been happening in practice, I can only expect more to come from him when the regular season begins. He's a gym rat and he can be seen doing all of the workouts necessary to keep his body in tip top shape. He wanted to make a statement and with everything that he posseses, it's only going to be a matter of time.
Open space just spells DANGER for the defense when it comes to Darren. A simple slant route for five yards can turn into 30 and a TD in a blink of an eye. Shoot, even in close spaces, he's not some paper bag where you can force your will on him. If you don't have proper force to knock him off his rails, you'll just end up being an addition to the bones he's collected. I seen a linebacker from the Yeti get a piggy back ride to the endzone. If that isn't will power, please refer me to a better example.
Overpowering tenacity. It's something Yellowknife has been missing in S1. That doesn't necessarily mean that the Wraiths didn't have the tools to win it all last year. What Smallwood brings to the table is his overall will to win, his grit, his spark, among other redeeming qualities.. His roughneck attitude on the field is something that is a spectacle to watch. Darren tells it like it is and he shows up to work everyday with this grin that flashes confidence. Whether you're seeing this from the TV, sidelines or live at the arena, his attitude builds from the first kickoff.
Dominant. If there's one word that will truly describe Darren Smallwood, it's the word DOMINANT. Whether you want to use the word as an adjective or a noun, he embodies the word without a slip of the definition. Powerful mind, body and soul. Influential in his preparation and work ethic. Assertive in his methods and thorough in making sure he's running at 100% every time he steps on the field. A model for future Wide Receivers in the future.
Needless to say, he's part of the very bright future of #WraithsNation. Where will you be when Mr. Checkers' reign comes to reality? Will you be running beside him or will you be a pot hole on his road to stardom?
For your sake, I hope you selected answer #1. If not, Darren won't be mad at you. This wolf doesn't concern himself with the opinions of sheep.
#PressureMakesDiamonds
1012 Words
@tlk742
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - automatic - 07-29-2017
Breakout stars? Let us talk about Joey Langdon. Joey is one of the few season two round five or below draft picks to be starting for one of the competitive teams in the league, which makes him a class on its own in player quantity. While some positions on the otters offense score much more often than others, Joey is there for the Otters, always reliably booting those field goals in, even as the Otters frequently put him in situations where the statistical outcome of each strike was shaky at best, lowering Joey's overall hit rate and function.
Joey is currently the only Otters season two recruit to start in any offensive position, and the only one to start on any position besides secondary or offensive line. The Otters also focused their draft upon beefing up their secondary with good young players, drafting potential breakout players at safety like Isaiah McGinn, Marc Spector, and Ragnar Kronen joining former team coach and gm Anthony Petrakanis. The Otters rebuilt secondary will have its chance to shine in the upcoming regular season openner, as the Otters take on the Outlaws on their turf for likely the deciding game in the Outlaws and Otters historic and rivalry.
Words: 205
@Joester09
@RedCydranth
@`The_King`
@Kronen
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - Grapehead - 07-29-2017
Marc Spector should already be a household name, but I'm sure that will come. The rookie corner has worked himself into a starting role alongside Anthony Petrakis. Both men competed hard in training camp, but the rivalry between them was entirely friendly. Petrakis is often the highest praiser of Spector, and credits his arrival for new motivation. At the pace Spector is going, he will surpass Petrakis within the next season or two. So it is hard to argue that stardom is only a matter of time for the young corner, and meteoric rise is hardly out of the question. If Anthony Petrakis is the second best corner you've got, then you must have a superstar on your hands. Of course potential isn't always reached. Spector will need to continue training at a high level, taking care of his body, and taking care of his mind. Media pressure builds quickly for young players, and that stress can hurt performance. Team psychologists are on the payroll in Orange County, because the team is an advocate for mental health, and practices what they preach. So Marc Spector seems to be in the perfect environment to explode onto the scene as a rookie sensation. It won't be long before everyone knows the name.
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - bovovovo - 07-29-2017
Everybody knows about Josh Garden, the Wraith's leading receiver and arguably the best receiver in the league, but fewer know of the standout rookie Darren Smallwood.
As teams focus on trying to stop Josh Garden, Darren Smallwood has been quietly racking up TPE and developing into a standout receiver. Standing at a colossal 6’5” and weighing 250 pounds, Smallwood has been bodying cornerbacks all preseason long, and looks to serve as the Wraith’s premier red zone target. The Wraith coaches and front office already have faith in Smallwood, as they traded away other offensive weapons knowing they can still count on him to fill in. As teams commit their top secondary players to try and stop Josh Garden, and their other elite players to try and stop the best tight end in the league Maddox, Smallwood will be lined up across from cornerbacks who cannot hope to cover his 6’5” frame. What sets Smallwood apart aside from his situation and opportunity is his speed. Despite his large size, he has above average speed and agility and shouldn’t find any difficulty getting open.
Be on the lookout for Darren Smallwood to take the league by storm, and by week 6 it wouldn’t be surprising if he was considered a top 10 WR in this league.
(214 words)
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - manicmav36 - 07-29-2017
To find the next big NSFL star, I needed to look no further than my own locker room.
Linebacker James Wright of the Baltimore Hawks was taken in the 6th round, with the 45th overall pick. Despite seemingly flying under the radar of nearly every NSFL team, his training camp and pre-season performances indicate he is, in fact, a very special player. Coaches noticed he was staying late after practice to study film with fellow linebacking standouts Stephen Harrison and Erasmo Broadway, and it seems to be paying off.
In just his first game at the professional level, James Wright already showed he could do it all. Despite recording a rather pedestrian four tackles, where he really shined that night was in pass coverage. Not only did he have two pass breakups, but he was able to jump a slant route by wide receiver Phelps of the Otters, and take the interception back for six points, essentially sealing the defeat of the Orange County Otters. For his performance, he was awarded defensive player of the game.
In his next two games, against expansion teams the Las Vegas Legion and the Philadelphia Liberty, Wright continued to show of his abilities. Against the Legion Wright led the team with an impressive ten tackles and added a key, drive ending sack. He put up an equally impressive performance against the Liberty as well. Wright was second on the team in tackles with eight, while also recording a tackle for loss, a sack, and adding another pass defensed. Wright was on fire and showed no signs of slowing.
The final game of the pre-season was against a team many consider to be a real contender this year, the Yellowknife Wraiths. Wright refused to be intimidated however, and continued to impress. He once again, tied for second on the team in tackles with seven, while leading the team with two sacks. Although the Hawks defense faltered in the fourth, and ended up losing their final pre-season game, Wright had given the Hawks another reason to be hopeful for the upcoming season.
Over the course of the pre-season, James Wright recorded 29 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 4 sacks, 3 passes defensed, 1 interception, and 1 defensive touch down. Extended over an entire season, he would record roughly on 109 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, 11 passes defensed, 4 interceptions, and 4 defensive touchdowns. While it's not practical to think that all of these numbers will be reached, if Wright even comes close to these, a defensive rookie of the year award would not be out of the question.
@PlotzkeA
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - DrunkenTeddy - 07-29-2017
![[Image: kUs00yL.png]](http://i.imgur.com/kUs00yL.png)
@automatic
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - Darnellthebeast - 07-29-2017
Of all the season two rookies, Darnell Turner appears to have the best chance at breaking out next season. He's been spending a lot of time on the field and in the weight room, working on getting better. During the preseason, he didn't perform as well as he'd hoped. He generally limited receivers but didn't have a single pass defensed or interception. However, this is one of the reasons he'll be so great this season. He was deeply disturbed with how badly he performed and it has lit a fire within him. He's been relentlessly training to become the best cornerback he can be. He spends more time working than any other player in the league and truly wants to grow. One of the biggest motivations for him to work harder recently was the touchdown he allowed to Smallwood in his battle against the Wraiths this past week. He cites this as part of his drive to get better. In addition, he's been training with Delacour to help elevate himself to a cornerback 1 level. Expect him to explode onto the scene in one of the best defenses of the league this next season. He's going to show everyone why he was worthy of the number nine pick in the draft.
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - 4D Chess - 07-29-2017
@AsylumParty
Have you heard about my man Dustin Evans? If you haven't yet, you should probably get used to the name. I'll admit, I have a personal connection to the guy as we were both Wide Receivers selected by the Arizona Outlaws in the Season 2 draft. The dude can play, and was putting up some serious numbers in the preseason but I think any of our teammates can tell you that it's just the tip of the iceberg with what he can do. He's the type of guy who will quietly push you to be better and better.
As if that weren't enough, the dude is a leader in the locker room -- and not even just our locker room: the league at large. The NSFL announced just a few days ago that he's going to be a Head Officer Member for the entire league, so not only is he running shit on the field he's going to be running shit off the field as well.
The Outlaws offense is revamped this season, and frankly it's not getting the respect it warrants -- and Evans is a huge part of that. Adding Tim Pest to give King Bronko the time he needs in the pocket is a deadly combo with the top 3 wide outs we have here in the desert. All in all, I believe Dustin Evans is due for a massive year. And if you see him collecting awards and accolades at the end of the season don't say I didn't warn ya.
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - HENDRIX - 07-29-2017
While most Baltimore Hawks fans have their eyes on the talented rookie class joining the team, one veteran that is poised for a breakout season is wide receiver Cooper Christmas. Last year he racked up 47 catches, 705 yards, and two touchdowns as the number two WR behind Damian West. With West jettisoned from the team due to poor work ethic the determined Christmas is in for a lot more targets. He is a big WR checking in at 6'5" 200 pounds. This Idaho native attended EWU and was the 41st pick in the season one draft. He is not going to blow past you with his speed, but his big and strong frame shields defensive backs while he gets himself into a favorable position to snatch the pass with his soft hands. He is coming off a good preseason totaling 15 catches, 205 yards, and one touchdown. Beat writers who follow the team have observed Christmas and the team's two rookie WRs spend a lot of extra time after practice running routes and working with the jugs machine. Baltimore QB Scrub Kyubee and the rest of the Baltimore team will be relying heavily on Christmas to help move the chains this season. (203)
(S2) - Weekend PT #3 - Breakout stars - RainDelay - 07-29-2017
The San Jose Sabercats brought in prized running back Jack Durden in an offseason trade with the Arizona Outlaws. Durden will be receiving a lot of carries, which is certainly justified - he has performed quite well in the league so far.
The running back situation begins with Jack Durden, but certainly doesn't end there.
Denzel Diaz and John Goose, two Season 2 rookies are looking to make their marks on the league, and should have ample room to do so with the San Jose Sabercats. The eighth round pick acquired from Vegas for the rights to the soon-retiring Vick Bowers Jr. was used to selected Diaz, who, if all goes as planned, will surpass VBJ by far in his career. He is small, quick, and can catch a bit as well, making him a dynamic threat on offense. John Goose was less highly touted coming in, but hopefully the 'Cats can get substantial value for him too. Those two will be splitting some reps in the early go of it, until one shows more potential somewhere else maybe, as Durden is still the #1 guy.
With all these potential breakout stars, the San Jose Sabercats will have a completely revamped rushing attack, certainly for the better.