Nothing is off limits and the floor is open for questions
How are negotiations going with the Wraiths?
Negotiations are going swimmingly. Spike Crown is a class act and we’ve been in contact throughout the season and into our unfortunately premature offseason.
Are there any other teams you are watching closely?
I’ll be releasing a statement tomorrow that will address this question a little more closely, but I’m keeping an eye on every team in the NSFL. Outside of the SaberCats – that reunion would be a bit awkward -- I haven’t crossed a single team off of my list. Even the teams that have 2 or 3 elite level linebackers might be even more devastating in a 3-4 or using me as a moneybacker.
How do you feel about the Wraiths potential in Season Three?
Like the Outlaws defense, the Wraiths offense is just stupid. We have last season’s best QB, RB, WR and K in addition to the GOAT tight end and another Top 5 receiver in Bailey Cook. Even if the defense consisted of eleven traffic cones, that offense would probably be enough to get them into the playoffs. Fortunately, though, the defense isn’t composed of traffic cones. Even though Dermot took a small step back this season, he has all the talent in the world and I fully expect him to regain his form as the best corner in the league. Obviously, outside of Bork, the defensive-line isn’t particularly good, but with some shrewd moves then that hole can be taken care of. I think the Wraiths can be the best team in the league next year if everything breaks right.
Do you feel you are a good fit on the Wraiths D?
Without a doubt, I’m a big proponent of team’s doubling down on their strengths and, to me, that’s what I represent for the Wraiths. The team with the most vocal coverage linebacker in the league in Kevin Cushing added the league’s best coverage linebacker in myself. With Brice manning the middle, the two of us are free to sniff out outside rushes and shutdown tight ends. I’ll also add though, I don’t think there’s a defense in the league where I’m not a good fit. I can pretty naturally play any linebacker spot and strong safety, and, depending on system, I’m fast and agile enough to slide over to nickel corner.
How has your time been in Yellowknife?
It’s been fantastic. Obviously, my frame of reference is pretty limited but I’ve never been around a more active group of guys. And that’s not a knock on my old team. Everybody has ideas on gameplanning and additions to the team. Even though we only have one GM, the way some of the guys talk you’d think we have 4 or 5.
Will you be testing free agency, or re-signing with the Wraiths
?
I am absolutely hitting the open market and I hope to be in contact with every team in the league. That doesn’t preclude me from coming back though, as I said earlier, I’ve had a tremendous time here in Yellowknife and I’ve had the privilege of lining up with an absolutely amazing group of people. If you were placing bets, the Wraiths would be the favorites compared to any one team. But if the bet was Wraiths against the field … well you should never bet against the field.
What are your expectations for yourself for S3?
I have a couple statistical targets that I’d like to reach: 120 tackles, 12 passes defended, 7 TFLs and 5 interceptions. Sack totals are nice, but I think I’m much more beneficial to a team when I’m dropping back in coverage rather than rushing the passer. In terms of individual accolades, the Pro Bowl of course. It’d obviously be cool to be named Top Linebacker but both from a skill-set and potential scheme perspective, I don’t think I’m likely to put up the tackle or sack totals that the voters are looking for.
Who do you think will win the Ultimus game tomorrow?
If you asked me which team I wanted to win, I’d say Baltimore. Despite my love for Jaylon Lee and Harriff Ernston, hometown pride runs deep. That said, the Outlaws are pretty clearly the better team. Even though their offense outside of Reg Mackworthy is just okay, they have 7 or 8 guys on defense that could get pro-bowl nods. That’s just insane. Star-studded offenses may be enough to make the playoffs, but star-studded defenses win championships.
Looking back on S2, how do you feel about your play?
I was pretty solid, playing MIKE in San Jose made it harder to record some of the secondary stats that I would have liked but, by that same token playing outside on the Wraiths meant my tackle and pass defended numbers took a bit of a hit. I wasn’t particularly happy with my tackling efficiency even though it got quite a bit better as the season went on.
Which S3 draft prospects stand out to you the most?
Brice Boggs is just a monster, the way he held down the middle really allowed Kevin and I to flourish in roles most suited to our skillsets. It doesn’t look like the Wraiths will have a chance to bring him back in the draft so I wish him the best of luck wherever he lands. Erlich Burnsman is going to stick around in this league as well, but, and I think this is pretty clear, I’m not all that familiar with the draft prospects. Trey Willie has made a little name for himself even though he plays a really deep position. I’m sure I’m missing some guys, which I’ll probably get shit for in the locker room, but that’s what I got. *chuckles*
How do you think the addition of a whole new feeder league (the DSFL) will affect the scheme of the site community?
I’m not quite sure to be completely honest. I think having a developmental league will certainly help newer players acclimate themselves to the league, especially as the veteran players continue to improve. Probably also serves to encourage activity from the players who would otherwise be backups on the main squads. At quarterback especially, it can be pretty hard to commit to training if you know you’re never going to see a snap. All in all, it’s pretty clear that the impact will be positive, but there are probably unintended consequences that I’m not considering as well.
On which attributes are you going to be focusing your training efforts on this offseason?
Primarily I want to focus on getting faster and more agile. I’m solid in both categories already but as I begin to specialize a little bit more, I’ll need to continue improving on those aspects of my game.
Where are those mangoes imported from?
I’m not sure, but I’ve been made aware that country of origin is the biggest factor in mango evaluation.
Is John Maniego out there somewhere, typing away at his keyboard?
Nope, he’s in an excel spreadsheet finagling his way into an intramural rotation.
What is your favorite LB role to line up at (ILB, Weak side LB, Strong side)?
That depends on a lot of things. If the other team has an elite TE then I like lining up on the strong side so I can shadow them, if not my natural inclination is to play the weakside. Of course, I pride myself on being able to play almost anywhere in the back 7, so I’m not opposed to playing ILB either. It really depends on the personnel around me and the people in front of me
Would you rather win MVP/DPoY or a championship?
Right now, the answer is championship. This was my first year being in the playoffs and we obviously got knocked in our first game. But once I brought home an Ultimus, I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t be looking to try and pick up some individual hardware. I don’t want to go down in history as a ringless superstar a la Charles Barkley, but I don’t want to be a Robert Horry either.
If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and trapped in a blender, how would you get out?
Unless it’s a particularly tall blender or I’m a particularly short pencil, I’d imagine getting out is the same process as just hopping a fence from a stand. Pull yourself up and swing your legs over.
What do you expect your offseason training plan to be?
I alluded to this earlier, but primarily it’ll be agility and speed work. I’d like to spend a little time on the JUGS machine and in the film room as well, but first and foremost I have to get some of those tangibles up.
Who is your favorite offensive player in the league to match up against?
My favorite player to cover, aside from Mr. Ricky Maddox himself, has to be George Wright Jr. When you’re playing the Otters you know he’s going to be targeted so the challenge really falls on you to stop him. I also like playing Logan Noble and Josh Bercovici just because they both love to stare down receivers, which puts me in position to make plays on the ball.
What is your favorite movie?
I’m something of a film buff so it’s going to be hard to narrow this list to just one. I’d have to start my list with The Way He Looks. The story is a familiar one, but I think the angle the producer’s take is fresh and the movie comes together absolutely beautifully. I grew up listening to the soundtrack to Rent and I’ve watched it every Christmas 4 or 5 years running, so that’s up there. I’ve only watched each once, but Whiplash and Training Day feature incredible acting jobs from JK Simmons and Denzel Washington, respectively.
Can you confirm the rumors that you left San Jose to escape a stalker ex-girlfriend?
*ear-splitting laughter* Haha man there were a couple of reasons I left San Jose, I can confirm that a stalker ex-girlfriend isn’t one of them.
Does ketchup belong on a hotdog?
Ummm… I didn’t realize this was a thing. I’ve always put ketchup and diced onions on my hot dogs. So … yes?
Are there any teams you do NOT want to play for?
Nope. Team quality is one of the factors I'm considering in free agency, but it's not the only one. And whether it's Vegas or Arizona the money spends the same. The Legion would obviously have to offer a little bit more than some other teams, but I'm not swearing anybody off until I hear their pitch.
If you couldn't play in the NSFL, what would you be doing?
I'm the smoothest talker this side of the Mississippi, a statement true on either side of the river. So I'd probably be running campaigns or something of the sort.
If you could only eat one of the following for the rest of your life, what would it be? T-Bone Steak, Ham Steak, Lamb Chop or None, because you don't eat meat?
Probably lamb chops, although I'm not much of a steak person at all.
Where do you place yourself amongst all LBs?
It's hard comparing all the linebackers in the league because of how varied the roles are, but I think considering my versatility and ability to excel all over the field, I'm one of the best.
What do you think the Wraiths can do to fix their D?
Well, keeping yours truly would be a hell of a start. Shoring up the defensive line would also make a pretty drastic difference. Allowing linebackers to stay in coverage rather than rush the passer shores up the short pass coverage and generating some pressure on the QB means that corners don't have to chase these speedy receivers around for so long.
GRADED
How are negotiations going with the Wraiths?
Negotiations are going swimmingly. Spike Crown is a class act and we’ve been in contact throughout the season and into our unfortunately premature offseason.
Are there any other teams you are watching closely?
I’ll be releasing a statement tomorrow that will address this question a little more closely, but I’m keeping an eye on every team in the NSFL. Outside of the SaberCats – that reunion would be a bit awkward -- I haven’t crossed a single team off of my list. Even the teams that have 2 or 3 elite level linebackers might be even more devastating in a 3-4 or using me as a moneybacker.
How do you feel about the Wraiths potential in Season Three?
Like the Outlaws defense, the Wraiths offense is just stupid. We have last season’s best QB, RB, WR and K in addition to the GOAT tight end and another Top 5 receiver in Bailey Cook. Even if the defense consisted of eleven traffic cones, that offense would probably be enough to get them into the playoffs. Fortunately, though, the defense isn’t composed of traffic cones. Even though Dermot took a small step back this season, he has all the talent in the world and I fully expect him to regain his form as the best corner in the league. Obviously, outside of Bork, the defensive-line isn’t particularly good, but with some shrewd moves then that hole can be taken care of. I think the Wraiths can be the best team in the league next year if everything breaks right.
Do you feel you are a good fit on the Wraiths D?
Without a doubt, I’m a big proponent of team’s doubling down on their strengths and, to me, that’s what I represent for the Wraiths. The team with the most vocal coverage linebacker in the league in Kevin Cushing added the league’s best coverage linebacker in myself. With Brice manning the middle, the two of us are free to sniff out outside rushes and shutdown tight ends. I’ll also add though, I don’t think there’s a defense in the league where I’m not a good fit. I can pretty naturally play any linebacker spot and strong safety, and, depending on system, I’m fast and agile enough to slide over to nickel corner.
How has your time been in Yellowknife?
It’s been fantastic. Obviously, my frame of reference is pretty limited but I’ve never been around a more active group of guys. And that’s not a knock on my old team. Everybody has ideas on gameplanning and additions to the team. Even though we only have one GM, the way some of the guys talk you’d think we have 4 or 5.
Will you be testing free agency, or re-signing with the Wraiths
?
I am absolutely hitting the open market and I hope to be in contact with every team in the league. That doesn’t preclude me from coming back though, as I said earlier, I’ve had a tremendous time here in Yellowknife and I’ve had the privilege of lining up with an absolutely amazing group of people. If you were placing bets, the Wraiths would be the favorites compared to any one team. But if the bet was Wraiths against the field … well you should never bet against the field.
What are your expectations for yourself for S3?
I have a couple statistical targets that I’d like to reach: 120 tackles, 12 passes defended, 7 TFLs and 5 interceptions. Sack totals are nice, but I think I’m much more beneficial to a team when I’m dropping back in coverage rather than rushing the passer. In terms of individual accolades, the Pro Bowl of course. It’d obviously be cool to be named Top Linebacker but both from a skill-set and potential scheme perspective, I don’t think I’m likely to put up the tackle or sack totals that the voters are looking for.
Who do you think will win the Ultimus game tomorrow?
If you asked me which team I wanted to win, I’d say Baltimore. Despite my love for Jaylon Lee and Harriff Ernston, hometown pride runs deep. That said, the Outlaws are pretty clearly the better team. Even though their offense outside of Reg Mackworthy is just okay, they have 7 or 8 guys on defense that could get pro-bowl nods. That’s just insane. Star-studded offenses may be enough to make the playoffs, but star-studded defenses win championships.
Looking back on S2, how do you feel about your play?
I was pretty solid, playing MIKE in San Jose made it harder to record some of the secondary stats that I would have liked but, by that same token playing outside on the Wraiths meant my tackle and pass defended numbers took a bit of a hit. I wasn’t particularly happy with my tackling efficiency even though it got quite a bit better as the season went on.
Which S3 draft prospects stand out to you the most?
Brice Boggs is just a monster, the way he held down the middle really allowed Kevin and I to flourish in roles most suited to our skillsets. It doesn’t look like the Wraiths will have a chance to bring him back in the draft so I wish him the best of luck wherever he lands. Erlich Burnsman is going to stick around in this league as well, but, and I think this is pretty clear, I’m not all that familiar with the draft prospects. Trey Willie has made a little name for himself even though he plays a really deep position. I’m sure I’m missing some guys, which I’ll probably get shit for in the locker room, but that’s what I got. *chuckles*
How do you think the addition of a whole new feeder league (the DSFL) will affect the scheme of the site community?
I’m not quite sure to be completely honest. I think having a developmental league will certainly help newer players acclimate themselves to the league, especially as the veteran players continue to improve. Probably also serves to encourage activity from the players who would otherwise be backups on the main squads. At quarterback especially, it can be pretty hard to commit to training if you know you’re never going to see a snap. All in all, it’s pretty clear that the impact will be positive, but there are probably unintended consequences that I’m not considering as well.
On which attributes are you going to be focusing your training efforts on this offseason?
Primarily I want to focus on getting faster and more agile. I’m solid in both categories already but as I begin to specialize a little bit more, I’ll need to continue improving on those aspects of my game.
Where are those mangoes imported from?
I’m not sure, but I’ve been made aware that country of origin is the biggest factor in mango evaluation.
Is John Maniego out there somewhere, typing away at his keyboard?
Nope, he’s in an excel spreadsheet finagling his way into an intramural rotation.
What is your favorite LB role to line up at (ILB, Weak side LB, Strong side)?
That depends on a lot of things. If the other team has an elite TE then I like lining up on the strong side so I can shadow them, if not my natural inclination is to play the weakside. Of course, I pride myself on being able to play almost anywhere in the back 7, so I’m not opposed to playing ILB either. It really depends on the personnel around me and the people in front of me
Would you rather win MVP/DPoY or a championship?
Right now, the answer is championship. This was my first year being in the playoffs and we obviously got knocked in our first game. But once I brought home an Ultimus, I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t be looking to try and pick up some individual hardware. I don’t want to go down in history as a ringless superstar a la Charles Barkley, but I don’t want to be a Robert Horry either.
If you were shrunk to the size of a pencil and trapped in a blender, how would you get out?
Unless it’s a particularly tall blender or I’m a particularly short pencil, I’d imagine getting out is the same process as just hopping a fence from a stand. Pull yourself up and swing your legs over.
What do you expect your offseason training plan to be?
I alluded to this earlier, but primarily it’ll be agility and speed work. I’d like to spend a little time on the JUGS machine and in the film room as well, but first and foremost I have to get some of those tangibles up.
Who is your favorite offensive player in the league to match up against?
My favorite player to cover, aside from Mr. Ricky Maddox himself, has to be George Wright Jr. When you’re playing the Otters you know he’s going to be targeted so the challenge really falls on you to stop him. I also like playing Logan Noble and Josh Bercovici just because they both love to stare down receivers, which puts me in position to make plays on the ball.
What is your favorite movie?
I’m something of a film buff so it’s going to be hard to narrow this list to just one. I’d have to start my list with The Way He Looks. The story is a familiar one, but I think the angle the producer’s take is fresh and the movie comes together absolutely beautifully. I grew up listening to the soundtrack to Rent and I’ve watched it every Christmas 4 or 5 years running, so that’s up there. I’ve only watched each once, but Whiplash and Training Day feature incredible acting jobs from JK Simmons and Denzel Washington, respectively.
Can you confirm the rumors that you left San Jose to escape a stalker ex-girlfriend?
*ear-splitting laughter* Haha man there were a couple of reasons I left San Jose, I can confirm that a stalker ex-girlfriend isn’t one of them.
Does ketchup belong on a hotdog?
Ummm… I didn’t realize this was a thing. I’ve always put ketchup and diced onions on my hot dogs. So … yes?
Are there any teams you do NOT want to play for?
Nope. Team quality is one of the factors I'm considering in free agency, but it's not the only one. And whether it's Vegas or Arizona the money spends the same. The Legion would obviously have to offer a little bit more than some other teams, but I'm not swearing anybody off until I hear their pitch.
If you couldn't play in the NSFL, what would you be doing?
I'm the smoothest talker this side of the Mississippi, a statement true on either side of the river. So I'd probably be running campaigns or something of the sort.
If you could only eat one of the following for the rest of your life, what would it be? T-Bone Steak, Ham Steak, Lamb Chop or None, because you don't eat meat?
Probably lamb chops, although I'm not much of a steak person at all.
Where do you place yourself amongst all LBs?
It's hard comparing all the linebackers in the league because of how varied the roles are, but I think considering my versatility and ability to excel all over the field, I'm one of the best.
What do you think the Wraiths can do to fix their D?
Well, keeping yours truly would be a hell of a start. Shoring up the defensive line would also make a pretty drastic difference. Allowing linebackers to stay in coverage rather than rush the passer shores up the short pass coverage and generating some pressure on the QB means that corners don't have to chase these speedy receivers around for so long.
GRADED
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