celticdb15
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2007
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- 8,469
Agreed Dwid. Bryan Bulaga one of Iowa's best linemen is projected in the top 20 for next years draft. THey had an excelent run blocking line last year, pass blocking not soo much.
Danny Woodhead
- Thread starter Capt. Larsen
- Start date
an article about Danny (by a black writer, btw)
Danny boyThere's a small silver lining that accompanies the saga revolving around Leon Washington and Thomas Jones, the Jets' two running backs who are skipping the voluntary off-season training program activities because of their unhappiness with their respective contracts.
It's giving the Jets the opportunity to get a good close look at Danny Woodhead, the guy who spent most of the time lined up in the backfield at running back during the Jets' OTA practice out at the Hangar yesterday.
"Anytime you can get that experience, it's vital to you," said Woodhead, who's battled back from a serious left knee injury suffered during training camp last season. "Right now, I'm just trying to go with what I've got and you just work as hard as possible to get the system down to where I can just play fast all the time."
But with the expected return of Washington and Thomas sometime in the coming weeks, and once third-round pick Shonn Greene is signed and in camp, Woodhead will most likely be on the outside looking in. That's where a veteran like fullback Tony Richardson comes into the picture.
He's been in Woodhead's ear, telling him not to worry about the obvious numbers game.
"That's the biggest advice I gave him," Richardson told me. "Sometimes young guys get caught up in, 'You've got Thomas Jones, you've got Leon Washington, you just drafted Shonn Greene.' You have no control over that. What you have control over is the opportunities you have in the reps that you get. And I said this is a blessing in disguise because you never know how things work out. So if you continue to keep busting your butt and making plays like he's been doing, just let the chips fall where they may."
And if they don't fall with the Jets, then it's sort of an open audition for Woodhead. Play well and someone will find a spot for him somewhere.
"One thing about this business, you've got be realistic that you aren't interviewing for one team, you are interviewing for 32 teams," Richardson said. "So when you look at that mindset, it really helps him a lot."
Initially signed by the Jets as a free agent last May, Woodhead was a beast at Division II Chadron State and won two straight Harlon Hill Trophies, which honors the best player in D-II. He ran for an NCAA-best 7,962 yards and is second all-time in all-purpose yards with 9,749.
He also rushed for 2,756 yards during the 2006 campaign, which is an NCAA record. Not bad for someone who's generously-listed at 5-foot-9, 200 pounds.
"No. 1, he is tough," coach Rex Ryan said. "They bounce him around and he pops right back up. He gives as well as he takes. The other thing I noticed is he can really catch the football."
"The other day out here at practice," Ryan added, "he actually beat Calvin (Pace) to the boundary and turned it up on him. ‘I was like wow. I never thought I would see that.' The young man has some ability."
He's getting to showcase it now and he's looking to make the most of his chance to shine.
"This is what everyone wants," Woodhead said. "They want to get as many reps as possible and I'm cherishing this."
Danny boyThere's a small silver lining that accompanies the saga revolving around Leon Washington and Thomas Jones, the Jets' two running backs who are skipping the voluntary off-season training program activities because of their unhappiness with their respective contracts.
It's giving the Jets the opportunity to get a good close look at Danny Woodhead, the guy who spent most of the time lined up in the backfield at running back during the Jets' OTA practice out at the Hangar yesterday.
"Anytime you can get that experience, it's vital to you," said Woodhead, who's battled back from a serious left knee injury suffered during training camp last season. "Right now, I'm just trying to go with what I've got and you just work as hard as possible to get the system down to where I can just play fast all the time."
But with the expected return of Washington and Thomas sometime in the coming weeks, and once third-round pick Shonn Greene is signed and in camp, Woodhead will most likely be on the outside looking in. That's where a veteran like fullback Tony Richardson comes into the picture.
He's been in Woodhead's ear, telling him not to worry about the obvious numbers game.
"That's the biggest advice I gave him," Richardson told me. "Sometimes young guys get caught up in, 'You've got Thomas Jones, you've got Leon Washington, you just drafted Shonn Greene.' You have no control over that. What you have control over is the opportunities you have in the reps that you get. And I said this is a blessing in disguise because you never know how things work out. So if you continue to keep busting your butt and making plays like he's been doing, just let the chips fall where they may."
And if they don't fall with the Jets, then it's sort of an open audition for Woodhead. Play well and someone will find a spot for him somewhere.
"One thing about this business, you've got be realistic that you aren't interviewing for one team, you are interviewing for 32 teams," Richardson said. "So when you look at that mindset, it really helps him a lot."
Initially signed by the Jets as a free agent last May, Woodhead was a beast at Division II Chadron State and won two straight Harlon Hill Trophies, which honors the best player in D-II. He ran for an NCAA-best 7,962 yards and is second all-time in all-purpose yards with 9,749.
He also rushed for 2,756 yards during the 2006 campaign, which is an NCAA record. Not bad for someone who's generously-listed at 5-foot-9, 200 pounds.
"No. 1, he is tough," coach Rex Ryan said. "They bounce him around and he pops right back up. He gives as well as he takes. The other thing I noticed is he can really catch the football."
"The other day out here at practice," Ryan added, "he actually beat Calvin (Pace) to the boundary and turned it up on him. ‘I was like wow. I never thought I would see that.' The young man has some ability."
He's getting to showcase it now and he's looking to make the most of his chance to shine.
"This is what everyone wants," Woodhead said. "They want to get as many reps as possible and I'm cherishing this."
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
Thanks for posting this. That writer should be commended for a great article. Some good comments from readers on the article too.
I like how FB Tony Richardson has been encouraging to Woodhead.
I like how FB Tony Richardson has been encouraging to Woodhead.
celticdb15
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2007
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<H3 =entry-er>Danny boylooking goood! Tough J, i agree with you about Richardson!</H3>
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i feel like its only going to be black sports analysts who will give the go-ahead for people to think white people have speed and can run the ball. The problem is white people who allow themselves to feel inferior because of skin, the reverse of what was going on 50 to 60 years ago. No one should allow themselves to feel inferior because of their race.
Anyways, its good to hear Woodhead is getting a chance since having that injury. The white running back is making its way back, even though its a trickle at this point.
Anyways, its good to hear Woodhead is getting a chance since having that injury. The white running back is making its way back, even though its a trickle at this point.
forty-four
Guru
This reminds me of a couple of years ago and an article where Joe Gibbs praised Jesse Lumsden. We all know how that worked out! I hope it's different for Danny, but you know what they say about history repeating itself.
an article about Danny from Bleacher Report:
"Danny Woodhead, New York Jets Running Back, Is Better Than Advertised
by kevin roberts (Columnist)
8 270 reads
Opinion
July 08, 2009
Performers Thomas Jones will be 31 in August, yet his spot as the New York Jets' starting running back is finely cemented.
Rookie Shonn Greene has somehow already earned the "closer" role, while the bit-size Leon Washington continues his change-of-pace role.
Great. So, where does that leave Danny Woodhead?
Who?
This guy.
Still don't know who he is? I'm not surprised.
Woodhead, a 5'7" running back out of D-II Chadron State, probably isn't a household name outside of Nebraska.
Turned down by several D-I schools due to his lack of height, Woodhead decided not to attempt to be a walk-on with a big school. Rather, he felt more like being wanted by a team, instead of being just another player.
I agree with that sentimentâ€"because Woodhead isn't just another player.
He's a physical specimen with outstanding speed and agility.
Since Woodhead wasn't invited to the NFL scouting combine in 2008, due to his small school and lack of size, he was forced to pack in his workouts for scouts at his "pro day."
According to a report from NFLDraftWatch.net, Woodhead posted impressive times in almost every major category.
He displayed speed and agility, running times between 4.33 and 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, which would place second overall for all college running backs.
He also posted the best agility time (4.03 seconds), the second-best vertical jump (38.5 in), and the best 60-yard shuttle time (11.2) seconds.
Author Poll Results
Athletically, who is the best RB on the Jets?
Woodhead
33.3%Jones
14.8%Washington
37.0%Greene
14.8%Other
0.0%Total votes: 27 Despite only being 5'7" and weighing in at 200 pounds, Woodhead had the best athletic times, overall, of all the running back prospects in the nation.
If those numbers don't sway you, perhaps a look at his college stats will.
Woodhead, the NCAA's former all-time leading rusher (record recently broken by Mount Union's Nate Kmic), put up his fourth straight 1,500-yard season in 2007, as well as his fourth straight season with at least 21 touchdowns.
He's also known for his ridiculous 2006 season, in which he compiled over 2,700 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in just 13 games.
Woodhead also displayed his receiving ability throughout his career, as he topped at least 30 receptions in his final three years and scored eight touchdowns on receptions for his career.
Let's be honest with ourselves.
If you put Woodhead's numbers up to any other back in that 2008 draft, without knowing his size, name, or school, he's your first pick, hands down.
Even if that isn't the case, and you'd still prefer all the other bigger, more experienced backs who faced tough competition, his numbers and athleticism put him in the middle rounds at least, right?
Wrong.
Despite all the numbers, Woodhead found himself undrafted in 2008, soon afterwards signing a free agent contract with the Jets.
But here we are, two years removed from his sensational finale at Chadron State, still hoping he gets an honest chance.
With the flush of smaller backs taking the league by storm, now is as good a time as ever for Woodhead to make his splash and earn a spot with a team.
If that team happens to be New York, then so be it.
However, considering the Jets have money invested in Jones, a third-rounder invested in Greene, and already have a 5'8'' running back in Washington, there may not be room for Woodhead.
But there should be.
Woodhead is just like Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, and Maurice Jones-Drew.
He's an ultra-athletic back that has been doubted his entire life, told "no" by anyone he meets, and has constantly overcome the odds.
The only difference is, those running backs previously listed got their chance at a D-I school, and they didn't have to wait for their shot in the NFL.
Not like Woodhead has.
I know this article won't save Woodhead's career. It won't make him the New York Jets' starter, and it won't even guarantee him a spot on their roster.
But what I hope it does is make people aware of his talent and his humble personality. I hope New York fans and NFL fans alike can recognize his ability and cheer him on.
Because Danny Woodhead is an underdog, even though he shouldn't be."
btw according to poll on this article, he is rated as second most athletically gifted RB on their roster, losing to Washington by a small margin.
"Danny Woodhead, New York Jets Running Back, Is Better Than Advertised
by kevin roberts (Columnist)
8 270 reads
Opinion
July 08, 2009
Performers Thomas Jones will be 31 in August, yet his spot as the New York Jets' starting running back is finely cemented.
Rookie Shonn Greene has somehow already earned the "closer" role, while the bit-size Leon Washington continues his change-of-pace role.
Great. So, where does that leave Danny Woodhead?
Who?
This guy.
Still don't know who he is? I'm not surprised.
Woodhead, a 5'7" running back out of D-II Chadron State, probably isn't a household name outside of Nebraska.
Turned down by several D-I schools due to his lack of height, Woodhead decided not to attempt to be a walk-on with a big school. Rather, he felt more like being wanted by a team, instead of being just another player.
I agree with that sentimentâ€"because Woodhead isn't just another player.
He's a physical specimen with outstanding speed and agility.
Since Woodhead wasn't invited to the NFL scouting combine in 2008, due to his small school and lack of size, he was forced to pack in his workouts for scouts at his "pro day."
According to a report from NFLDraftWatch.net, Woodhead posted impressive times in almost every major category.
He displayed speed and agility, running times between 4.33 and 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, which would place second overall for all college running backs.
He also posted the best agility time (4.03 seconds), the second-best vertical jump (38.5 in), and the best 60-yard shuttle time (11.2) seconds.
Author Poll Results
Athletically, who is the best RB on the Jets?
Woodhead
33.3%Jones
14.8%Washington
37.0%Greene
14.8%Other
0.0%Total votes: 27 Despite only being 5'7" and weighing in at 200 pounds, Woodhead had the best athletic times, overall, of all the running back prospects in the nation.
If those numbers don't sway you, perhaps a look at his college stats will.
Woodhead, the NCAA's former all-time leading rusher (record recently broken by Mount Union's Nate Kmic), put up his fourth straight 1,500-yard season in 2007, as well as his fourth straight season with at least 21 touchdowns.
He's also known for his ridiculous 2006 season, in which he compiled over 2,700 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in just 13 games.
Woodhead also displayed his receiving ability throughout his career, as he topped at least 30 receptions in his final three years and scored eight touchdowns on receptions for his career.
Let's be honest with ourselves.
If you put Woodhead's numbers up to any other back in that 2008 draft, without knowing his size, name, or school, he's your first pick, hands down.
Even if that isn't the case, and you'd still prefer all the other bigger, more experienced backs who faced tough competition, his numbers and athleticism put him in the middle rounds at least, right?
Wrong.
Despite all the numbers, Woodhead found himself undrafted in 2008, soon afterwards signing a free agent contract with the Jets.
But here we are, two years removed from his sensational finale at Chadron State, still hoping he gets an honest chance.
With the flush of smaller backs taking the league by storm, now is as good a time as ever for Woodhead to make his splash and earn a spot with a team.
If that team happens to be New York, then so be it.
However, considering the Jets have money invested in Jones, a third-rounder invested in Greene, and already have a 5'8'' running back in Washington, there may not be room for Woodhead.
But there should be.
Woodhead is just like Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, and Maurice Jones-Drew.
He's an ultra-athletic back that has been doubted his entire life, told "no" by anyone he meets, and has constantly overcome the odds.
The only difference is, those running backs previously listed got their chance at a D-I school, and they didn't have to wait for their shot in the NFL.
Not like Woodhead has.
I know this article won't save Woodhead's career. It won't make him the New York Jets' starter, and it won't even guarantee him a spot on their roster.
But what I hope it does is make people aware of his talent and his humble personality. I hope New York fans and NFL fans alike can recognize his ability and cheer him on.
Because Danny Woodhead is an underdog, even though he shouldn't be."
btw according to poll on this article, he is rated as second most athletically gifted RB on their roster, losing to Washington by a small margin.
also, check out this post: i almost registered just to post a reply to this full of sh*t hater...
"Nick Antonicello about 8 hours ago
Flag as Offensive The guy is all heart and no physical talent which makes this difficult to write. A Division 3 player at 5'8 in the NFL at running back?
His size and skill set reminds me of Dino Hall who played for the Browns and came out of Glassboro State College in NJ in the early 80's.
He's even smaller than Wayne Chrebet and he took a vicious pounding for years.
The league is too big and too athletic for someone at this size to survive, much less excel."
"Nick Antonicello about 8 hours ago
Flag as Offensive The guy is all heart and no physical talent which makes this difficult to write. A Division 3 player at 5'8 in the NFL at running back?
His size and skill set reminds me of Dino Hall who played for the Browns and came out of Glassboro State College in NJ in the early 80's.
He's even smaller than Wayne Chrebet and he took a vicious pounding for years.
The league is too big and too athletic for someone at this size to survive, much less excel."
backrow said:
someone did for you
" kevin roberts about 21 hours ago
Flag as Offensive
He was D-II, actually, and did you even read the article?
He's the same size as MJD, Darren Sproles, Jerious Norwood, and Leon Washington.
And no physical talent? Again-DID YOU READ?
He runs a 4.3 40 time, blows away half of the league's running backs in agility drills and vertical leap, and was also solid in bench press.
You have no argument, here."
this guy is an idiot
" Nick Antonicello about 5 hours ago
Flag as Offensive
His size is a complete liability. What one does in drills and combines is far different from actual game time.
You want the Jets to have a 5'8 half back because he's fast in the 40?
Like I said, it's Dino Hall all over again.
I stand corrected. You think there's any difference between D2 or D3 anyway?
This guy won't even make the final roster cut."
Doesnt know the difference between D2 and D3, except for the fact that division 2 schools can actually give scholarships and his body held up fine when he broke all of those rushing records. Maybe the competition wasn't as good as D1 but the fact that he dominated and broke the record at the time for most rushing yards shows that he could have played D1 ball and excelled, there are still big guys in D2 that know how to hit.
this guy doesnt have a clue probably not worth the time to argue with, there are guys that were listed that are currently playing around the smae size and doing fine, yet he has no argument against that
Edited by: dwid
***
Scrappy running back Danny Woodhead may be small (5-9), but he ran with power and gained tough yards and showed some shiftiness.
***
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/08/rookie_running_back_shonn_gree.html
Scrappy running back Danny Woodhead may be small (5-9), but he ran with power and gained tough yards and showed some shiftiness.
***
http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2009/08/rookie_running_back_shonn_gree.html
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
He is the most athletic back on the jets but the media will not acknowledge this. He is the same size as Leon Washington so how can they use that against him?
celticdb15
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2007
- Messages
- 8,469
whiteathlete33 said:
Exactly, they will claim one small athletic scat back is enough. I will be an optimist and hope Woodhead tears it up in the preseason.
Everybody here knew this quote was coming...
"Danny Woodhead, back from a concussion, continues to impressive with his outstanding hands as a receiver, and his elusiveness as a pass catcher out of the backfield"
http://nyj.scout.com/a.z?s=65&p=2&c=884815&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http://nyj.scout.com/2/884815.html
"Danny Woodhead, back from a concussion, continues to impressive with his outstanding hands as a receiver, and his elusiveness as a pass catcher out of the backfield"
http://nyj.scout.com/a.z?s=65&p=2&c=884815&ssf=1&RequestedURL=http://nyj.scout.com/2/884815.html
Bruce R. â€" our man on the scene in Cortland â€" fills us in on his experience at yesterday's afternoon practice.
I attended the afternoon practice which only lasted about 1 1/2 hours. Kellen almost exclusively worked with the first team offense. He looked good, however, the big test will be in week one when the real hitting begins.
Danny Woodhead looks real good lately. He is turning some heads. I asked some players if they want the organization to keep Danny and the consensus was YES! He has blazing speed.
link
I attended the afternoon practice which only lasted about 1 1/2 hours. Kellen almost exclusively worked with the first team offense. He looked good, however, the big test will be in week one when the real hitting begins.
Danny Woodhead looks real good lately. He is turning some heads. I asked some players if they want the organization to keep Danny and the consensus was YES! He has blazing speed.
link
WHITE NOISE
Mentor
Why is it the NFL allows scat back, shrimps like Sproules to play and yet, when there is an equal or better white with the same size, he automatically is too small to play and never sees the pro field?
Answer: because black is back and White is not alright. Woodhead would make and excellent change of pace back, especially in the late part of the game when defenses are getting winded, his speed and elusiveness are top shelf. Man I hope he makes the cuts.
Answer: because black is back and White is not alright. Woodhead would make and excellent change of pace back, especially in the late part of the game when defenses are getting winded, his speed and elusiveness are top shelf. Man I hope he makes the cuts.
the problem here is that the Jets already have a scat back in Leon Washington, plus with Thomas Jones and Greene they are pretty set. it will be hard for Danny to get in games during the regular season, unless Washington goes down.
Jimmy Chitwood
Hall of Famer
backrow said:
the problem i have with that is that "supposedly" coaches are looking for the best talent to put on the field, regardless of where they find it ... and Danny Woodhead is more talented than ALL those guys.
he's faster, quicker, more explosive,AND stronger than the other backs on the roster. and it's not like his size should be an issue, either, because those guys aren't monsters.
the only thing that prevents Woodhead from being at or near the top of the depth chart is pretty obvious, because all the numbers (aside from his height) are on his side in a BIG way.
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
And to think Woodhead had to play Div II football. A guy as talented and fast as him wasn't wanted in Div I. That is the disgusting part.
whiteathlete33
Hall of Famer
My local paper here in NJ had an article today about the Jets runningbacks. It mentioned the "three headed monster" of Shonn Greene, Thomas Jones, and Leon Washington will be splitting carries. Of course not one word was mentioned about Danny Woodhead even though he is better than all three. The NFL sucks.