BrianLeonard23
Guru
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David Ball
- Thread starter BrianLeonard23
- Start date
Like I said before Ball HAD TO run a sub 4.55 if he wanted a fair look by NFL personel. He didn't and now(seriously take my word for it) Ball will be given the Mike Hass treatment. Ball will be drafted at the earliest in Rd 6 and I betting rd 7. We're all forgetting here, whether fair or not, that the NFL doesn't give a white WR a shot if he runs a 4.6 40. That's just the way it is. It doesn't matter to these NFL ******** what kind of numbers you put up in college.
Hmmm...
His times are fairly similar to that of some certain USC player that will probably be drafted in the first three rounds. Some talk has been made of his average timed speed, but the GM that makes the pick will probably say he playes faster than his 40 time and will somehow never even consider taking the record breaking Ball nearly that early. To take a quote from the Don King parody in Rocky 5, "Only in America!"
His times are fairly similar to that of some certain USC player that will probably be drafted in the first three rounds. Some talk has been made of his average timed speed, but the GM that makes the pick will probably say he playes faster than his 40 time and will somehow never even consider taking the record breaking Ball nearly that early. To take a quote from the Don King parody in Rocky 5, "Only in America!"
voice said:
Ball's tremendous production and his measurables are very similar to those of Jerry Rice in 1985, as both played at small programs and neither are burners. What a sad commentary on the mind-boggling, all-encompassing racism that motivates the NFL that Rice was a first round pick and Ball will most likely be yet another very talented white wide receiver thrown on the junk heap (which is pretty much the size of a mountain now). Great job by the media too, because 99.9 percent of the drunk white fans would laugh at the notion that Ball possibly has the talent and determination to be a great NFL player.
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
Apparently Ball ran a 4.59 in NH recently. If this were true and he were black he would be drafted around the same time Jerry Rice was. And wasn't Jerry Rice a 2nd rounder? Unfortunatly he will become another Mike Hass and it doesn't help his cause that he's the same height as Hass and looks a lot like him.
Here's an article that shows his fieriness and unwillingness to accept his treatment. He keeps trying to improve his measurables even though he still has a lingering quad injury and it might be futile.
http://archive.seacoastonline.com/news/03212007/sports-ball3 21.html
Wildcats' Ball fires back at critics
By Mike Zhe
mzhe@seacoastonline.com
Complete Sports Index
DURHAM - David Ball spent nearly two hours performing combine drills in front of pro football scouts Tuesday, then addressed the experts who weren't there.
The University of New Hampshire's record-setting wide receiver, who wrapped up his career in December after breaking Jerry Rice's Division I-AA mark for touchdown catches, fired back at critics who claim his NFL stock has fallen since he started being judged by times and distances instead of on-field performance.
"This is a track meet. It's not football," Ball said. "It's unfortunate this is how they gauge someone's football ability. Did you see one football thrown out here today? Not one. It's going to mean a lot of things to a lot of different people."
Just 5½ weeks before the NFL draft, Ball and three former teammates "" wide receiver Aaron Brown, guard Tucker Peterson and running back John McCoy "" performed drills measuring speed, strength and agility in front of scouts from a dozen NFL teams, some of whom spent additional hours watching tape in the football office.
The university hosts "pro days" every year, but the curiosity surrounding Ball turned Tuesday's into a media event. Newspapers from two states, TV and radio gave the 90-minute workout a circus feel, as players shuttled between Sweet Oval and chilly Memorial Field to run a gamut that included bench presses, the 20-yard shuttle and the three-cone drill.
PHOTO
David Ball
Because of a lingering quad pull suffered the week of the East-West Shrine Game in January, Ball did not get measured in several drills at the NFL scouting combine last month.
He felt well enough to catch three passes for 80 yards in the Shrine Game, including a highlight-reel, 60-yard grab.He finished his college career second to Rice in I-AA receiving yards, but he also hears and reads the judgments from critics who don't see him reaching the NFL.
"Lacks speed, quickness and a burst" ... "Needs to improve overall strength" ... "Fantastic college player who doesn't project well to the next level."
On Tuesday, the 6-foot-1 Ball ran the 40 in 4.59 seconds and leapt 33 inches "" efforts that don't compare well with other draftable players at his position. His biggest assets are unmeasurable ones: his hands, balance and ability to grab balls in traffic.
"I thought overall I did OK," he said. "Definitely room for improvement. The agility (drills) went well. I think I surprised some people with my times. Unfortunately the jumps and the 40 aren't where I want them to be.
"I want to be a 4.5 guy. I know I'm not going to be a 4.4 guy. With the vertical, I don't know how much you can improve in 10 days. I'm hoping I get some more adrenaline and pop out a 34½ or something."
The 6-foot-3 Brown, whose senior year was marred by too many dropped passes, ran a 4.36 in the 40 and leapt 36½ inches in the vertical.
Peterson, like Ball an All-American, jumped a surprising 35 inches. He's shed a few pounds "" down to 297 "" after working with strength and conditioning guru Mike Boyle.
"This was as nerve-wracking as you can possibly get," said the big lineman. "You know this is your one chance. I just hope I represented myself well."
McCoy, who last played for UNH in 2005, received a rookie camp invite from the New England Patriots last year and just missed making the draft list for NFL Europe. His next step could be the CFL or arena football.
"A little bit at a time," he said. "Just building the resume and go from there."
Cornerback Corey Graham, still not 100 percent physically after breaking his leg in a game in October, was also on hand as he prepares for a pro day here on March 30.
Ball plans to return for that too. He is in touch every day with his agents at DeBartolo Sports & Entertainment Group, with the same agent that represented Rice.
He looks forward to starting an NFL career, instead of trying to make his case doing sprints and jumps.
"It's unfortunate because not everybody's perfect in every single aspect of the game," he said. "It doesn't mean you can't play football or help the team in some way. It's just a matter of finding teams that don't feel that way about you."Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Here's an article that shows his fieriness and unwillingness to accept his treatment. He keeps trying to improve his measurables even though he still has a lingering quad injury and it might be futile.
http://archive.seacoastonline.com/news/03212007/sports-ball3 21.html
Wildcats' Ball fires back at critics
By Mike Zhe
mzhe@seacoastonline.com
Complete Sports Index
DURHAM - David Ball spent nearly two hours performing combine drills in front of pro football scouts Tuesday, then addressed the experts who weren't there.
The University of New Hampshire's record-setting wide receiver, who wrapped up his career in December after breaking Jerry Rice's Division I-AA mark for touchdown catches, fired back at critics who claim his NFL stock has fallen since he started being judged by times and distances instead of on-field performance.
"This is a track meet. It's not football," Ball said. "It's unfortunate this is how they gauge someone's football ability. Did you see one football thrown out here today? Not one. It's going to mean a lot of things to a lot of different people."
Just 5½ weeks before the NFL draft, Ball and three former teammates "" wide receiver Aaron Brown, guard Tucker Peterson and running back John McCoy "" performed drills measuring speed, strength and agility in front of scouts from a dozen NFL teams, some of whom spent additional hours watching tape in the football office.
The university hosts "pro days" every year, but the curiosity surrounding Ball turned Tuesday's into a media event. Newspapers from two states, TV and radio gave the 90-minute workout a circus feel, as players shuttled between Sweet Oval and chilly Memorial Field to run a gamut that included bench presses, the 20-yard shuttle and the three-cone drill.
PHOTO
David Ball
Because of a lingering quad pull suffered the week of the East-West Shrine Game in January, Ball did not get measured in several drills at the NFL scouting combine last month.
He felt well enough to catch three passes for 80 yards in the Shrine Game, including a highlight-reel, 60-yard grab.He finished his college career second to Rice in I-AA receiving yards, but he also hears and reads the judgments from critics who don't see him reaching the NFL.
"Lacks speed, quickness and a burst" ... "Needs to improve overall strength" ... "Fantastic college player who doesn't project well to the next level."
On Tuesday, the 6-foot-1 Ball ran the 40 in 4.59 seconds and leapt 33 inches "" efforts that don't compare well with other draftable players at his position. His biggest assets are unmeasurable ones: his hands, balance and ability to grab balls in traffic.
"I thought overall I did OK," he said. "Definitely room for improvement. The agility (drills) went well. I think I surprised some people with my times. Unfortunately the jumps and the 40 aren't where I want them to be.
"I want to be a 4.5 guy. I know I'm not going to be a 4.4 guy. With the vertical, I don't know how much you can improve in 10 days. I'm hoping I get some more adrenaline and pop out a 34½ or something."
The 6-foot-3 Brown, whose senior year was marred by too many dropped passes, ran a 4.36 in the 40 and leapt 36½ inches in the vertical.
Peterson, like Ball an All-American, jumped a surprising 35 inches. He's shed a few pounds "" down to 297 "" after working with strength and conditioning guru Mike Boyle.
"This was as nerve-wracking as you can possibly get," said the big lineman. "You know this is your one chance. I just hope I represented myself well."
McCoy, who last played for UNH in 2005, received a rookie camp invite from the New England Patriots last year and just missed making the draft list for NFL Europe. His next step could be the CFL or arena football.
"A little bit at a time," he said. "Just building the resume and go from there."
Cornerback Corey Graham, still not 100 percent physically after breaking his leg in a game in October, was also on hand as he prepares for a pro day here on March 30.
Ball plans to return for that too. He is in touch every day with his agents at DeBartolo Sports & Entertainment Group, with the same agent that represented Rice.
He looks forward to starting an NFL career, instead of trying to make his case doing sprints and jumps.
"It's unfortunate because not everybody's perfect in every single aspect of the game," he said. "It doesn't mean you can't play football or help the team in some way. It's just a matter of finding teams that don't feel that way about you."Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Ball will get the Hass treatment mark my words. Also Memo to Ball: IT IS A TRACK MEET to these idiot coaches. They don't give a flying fudge what you did in college. To them your just another overachieving white WR who will never make it in pro football. That is unless you can run a sub 4.4. 40.
White Mike
Guru
whiteCB said:
They don't care about your college numbers, unless of course you're a non-caucasion. I keep hearing the castewhores in the media defending Dwayne Jarret's 40 times. Saying things like "when you look at the tape..."
or "he plays faster..." It makes me sick that guys like Mike Williams make it in the league but a guy like Hass gets shat on.
whiteafflete15
Guru
http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=4818
Leading up to training camp buffalobills.com will profile each of the Bills' undrafted rookie free agents in an effort to familiarize the dedicated Bills fan about some of the more obscure players on the roster. Our second installment is wide receiver Aaron Brown
.
For any college receiver career stats that read 136 receptions, 1,541 yards and 14 touchdowns is very impressive, that is unless you are playing across from the Division 1-AA all time touchdown record holder.
Aaron Brown's four years at the University of New Hampshire were very productive, but his impressive stats pale in comparison to his teammate David Ball. In his run to breaking Jerry Rice's touchdown record Ball brought a great deal of attention to the UNH program, but not once did Brown feel overshadowed by his teammate.
"I never felt overshadowed by Dave," said Brown. "We pushed each other hard every practice and I applaud him for all his hard work."
Ball and Brown's time together at UNH was less about competition and more about hard work. The tandem combined for 6,196 yards and 72 touchdowns in their four years. After Ball signed with the Chicago Bears the two completed a goal that both set when they were freshman at UNH.
"We came in freshman year and said we wanted to make a difference," said Brown. "It was amazing getting that phone call because now it's a proven fact that I made a difference."
One asset that Brown has is his size. At 6'3", 210 pounds Brown is the biggest receiver on the Bills roster. Along with his size comes an excellent work ethic and great coachability, something that has already been discovered by the coaching staff.
"If he screws up you tell him once and it's fixed, you don't have to worry about him screwing up again," said receivers coach Tyke Tolbert
In addition to being very coachable, Brown's off field approach was praised by Tolbert as well.
"It is the first thing that jumps out to you," said Tolbert. "He takes it very serious. He is very attentive in meetings; he takes good notes and asks the right questions."
For Brown hard work doesn't just come on the football field. It also comes in the recording studio. While at UNH Brown, Ball and running back Chris Ward would get together after practice or games to have some jam sessions. The group played just about every genre of music, ranging from country to R&B.
Brown likens getting away from football to getting away from a computer if someone is working an office job. Music offers Brown an escape from the everyday grind of the sport.
"Music is different from football," said Brown. "You can sit down; you aren't running around all the time. That's part of the reason it's so relaxing."
Ward plays a variety of instruments while Brown and Ball lend their vocal talents to the group. While Ball may have provided more on the playing field he and Brown share the singing in the group.
In addition to the music group the three operate a group called Uranus records. The three year old project offers another diversion from the playing field. Although, it may not be a viable option if their NFL aspirations fail to pan out.
"I don't know if we could go anywhere with it," said Brown with a laugh. "But it would be cool if we could."
For now Brown's goal will be hauling in passes not hitting notes on stage, as he works towards a spot on Buffalo's 53-man roster.
I'm going to be sick I think. A guy like this gets a chance??????? I've persoanlly watched UNH football many times, and I've never seen a more slippery handed player at any level of football (his drop rates and fumble frequencies, especially at important moments during games was astonishing). White guys who play at the 1-A level and are stars themselves, nevermind role players, aren't given as much of a shot as this guy. Brown was outshined by the team's slot receiver Keith LeVann (who is white) but I can almost guarantee with 95% certainty that LeVan will never even be given evenan offer to a camp.
While I'm on the subject of UNH, I'd like to mention a white runningback on the team, Robert Kackert. This guy probably has mid 4.3 speed, but unfortunately he's 5'8 and he's white so he'll never get a chance. Just thought I'd throw him out there though. He had 500 something yards as a freshman and was very productive. He was an excellent back in high school out in California, but no one gave him an offer so he had to come all the way out to New Hampshire to play.
Leading up to training camp buffalobills.com will profile each of the Bills' undrafted rookie free agents in an effort to familiarize the dedicated Bills fan about some of the more obscure players on the roster. Our second installment is wide receiver Aaron Brown
.For any college receiver career stats that read 136 receptions, 1,541 yards and 14 touchdowns is very impressive, that is unless you are playing across from the Division 1-AA all time touchdown record holder.
Aaron Brown's four years at the University of New Hampshire were very productive, but his impressive stats pale in comparison to his teammate David Ball. In his run to breaking Jerry Rice's touchdown record Ball brought a great deal of attention to the UNH program, but not once did Brown feel overshadowed by his teammate.
"I never felt overshadowed by Dave," said Brown. "We pushed each other hard every practice and I applaud him for all his hard work."
Ball and Brown's time together at UNH was less about competition and more about hard work. The tandem combined for 6,196 yards and 72 touchdowns in their four years. After Ball signed with the Chicago Bears the two completed a goal that both set when they were freshman at UNH.
"We came in freshman year and said we wanted to make a difference," said Brown. "It was amazing getting that phone call because now it's a proven fact that I made a difference."
One asset that Brown has is his size. At 6'3", 210 pounds Brown is the biggest receiver on the Bills roster. Along with his size comes an excellent work ethic and great coachability, something that has already been discovered by the coaching staff.
"If he screws up you tell him once and it's fixed, you don't have to worry about him screwing up again," said receivers coach Tyke Tolbert
In addition to being very coachable, Brown's off field approach was praised by Tolbert as well.
"It is the first thing that jumps out to you," said Tolbert. "He takes it very serious. He is very attentive in meetings; he takes good notes and asks the right questions."
For Brown hard work doesn't just come on the football field. It also comes in the recording studio. While at UNH Brown, Ball and running back Chris Ward would get together after practice or games to have some jam sessions. The group played just about every genre of music, ranging from country to R&B.
Brown likens getting away from football to getting away from a computer if someone is working an office job. Music offers Brown an escape from the everyday grind of the sport.
"Music is different from football," said Brown. "You can sit down; you aren't running around all the time. That's part of the reason it's so relaxing."
Ward plays a variety of instruments while Brown and Ball lend their vocal talents to the group. While Ball may have provided more on the playing field he and Brown share the singing in the group.
In addition to the music group the three operate a group called Uranus records. The three year old project offers another diversion from the playing field. Although, it may not be a viable option if their NFL aspirations fail to pan out.
"I don't know if we could go anywhere with it," said Brown with a laugh. "But it would be cool if we could."
For now Brown's goal will be hauling in passes not hitting notes on stage, as he works towards a spot on Buffalo's 53-man roster.
I'm going to be sick I think. A guy like this gets a chance??????? I've persoanlly watched UNH football many times, and I've never seen a more slippery handed player at any level of football (his drop rates and fumble frequencies, especially at important moments during games was astonishing). White guys who play at the 1-A level and are stars themselves, nevermind role players, aren't given as much of a shot as this guy. Brown was outshined by the team's slot receiver Keith LeVann (who is white) but I can almost guarantee with 95% certainty that LeVan will never even be given evenan offer to a camp.
While I'm on the subject of UNH, I'd like to mention a white runningback on the team, Robert Kackert. This guy probably has mid 4.3 speed, but unfortunately he's 5'8 and he's white so he'll never get a chance. Just thought I'd throw him out there though. He had 500 something yards as a freshman and was very productive. He was an excellent back in high school out in California, but no one gave him an offer so he had to come all the way out to New Hampshire to play.
whiteafflete15 said:
I guess we don't know how fast this guy is officially, but it's remarkable how many fast white players there are in high school and small college football, guys that can run 4.5 or less in the 40.For sheer quantity it wouldn't surprise me in the least if there are more fast whitefootball players (4.4 or better by the end of their college days) than blacks ones.
ocaamikedm11
Mentor
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2006
- Messages
- 540
What is everyone's opinion on the booming combines for high school athletes? Does it help show whites athleticism off on a national scale or are whites still being shunned the same in recruiting?
whiteafflete15
Guru
http://youtube.com/watch?v=urLEoJbwHUk
A nice little highlight video of some of DavidBall's TD catches from the past two seasons at UNH.
A nice little highlight video of some of DavidBall's TD catches from the past two seasons at UNH.
ToughJ.Riggins
Hall of Famer
Here's a look at the scenario for Ball and Hass with the Bears.
Locks for the Bears 53 man roster:
1. We know Bernard Berrian is a lock to make the team. He will be the Bears number 1 WR next year despite running a 4.56 the same as Hass at pro day.
2. Rashied Davis is a lock to make the team repeating in his role as their slot receiver, which he did well in last year according to Bears message boards.
Almost Locks:
3. Mushin Muhammad is on the downside of his career, but will almost definitely make the team because if they cut him the Bears will take a cap hit, so he likely has at least this year. He still did a decent job as their second WR last year.
4. Marc Bradley has been injured for most of his first three years in the league and if he were white would probably have been cast off by now. However, the Bears are likely to keep him due to his great "potential" b/c of his game breaking speed. It also helps that he is a former 2nd rounder I believe.
Thats 4 WR's and there is no one else of notoriety other than Jacob Hester who I will get to in a moment.
Other than Hester, the rest are all scrubs of other years or undrafted FA's this year. The problem is that the Bears only kept 5 WR's on their active roster last year, where some teams keep six. So the wild card IMO is Jacob Hester. Hester is listed as a WR, but is listed as a return man/RB as well. Because of his versatility of roles it will cut down the need for another RB or return man also so, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bears keep a sixth WR. Hass and Ball are both similar players. Unfortunately, I believe only one will make the active roster as a sixth WR and as sad as that is that is progress.
Here is some recent discussion about Ball and Hass on the Bears message board.
http://boards.chicagobears.com/forums/thread/486619.aspx
Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Locks for the Bears 53 man roster:
1. We know Bernard Berrian is a lock to make the team. He will be the Bears number 1 WR next year despite running a 4.56 the same as Hass at pro day.
2. Rashied Davis is a lock to make the team repeating in his role as their slot receiver, which he did well in last year according to Bears message boards.
Almost Locks:
3. Mushin Muhammad is on the downside of his career, but will almost definitely make the team because if they cut him the Bears will take a cap hit, so he likely has at least this year. He still did a decent job as their second WR last year.
4. Marc Bradley has been injured for most of his first three years in the league and if he were white would probably have been cast off by now. However, the Bears are likely to keep him due to his great "potential" b/c of his game breaking speed. It also helps that he is a former 2nd rounder I believe.
Thats 4 WR's and there is no one else of notoriety other than Jacob Hester who I will get to in a moment.
Other than Hester, the rest are all scrubs of other years or undrafted FA's this year. The problem is that the Bears only kept 5 WR's on their active roster last year, where some teams keep six. So the wild card IMO is Jacob Hester. Hester is listed as a WR, but is listed as a return man/RB as well. Because of his versatility of roles it will cut down the need for another RB or return man also so, it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bears keep a sixth WR. Hass and Ball are both similar players. Unfortunately, I believe only one will make the active roster as a sixth WR and as sad as that is that is progress.
Here is some recent discussion about Ball and Hass on the Bears message board.
http://boards.chicagobears.com/forums/thread/486619.aspx
Edited by: ToughJ.Riggins
Anyone know if Ball is getting any chances with the Jets? I just read this "complimentary" comment by a drunk white Jets fan: "The Jets have another reciever who can clearly play in the NFL in David Ball. Putting him on the practice squad one more year would make sense."
Sure, why not five more years on the practice squad? Then let him stick as the sixth receiver, the next year as the fifth receiver, and so on until on his 38th birthday he's promoted to third receiver then cut the next day.
More likely he'll be cut on Saturday. Meantime, Jerry Rice has annointed rookie receiver Josh Morgan of the 49ers, who looks to be a starter despite very pedestrian production at Virginia Tech. http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/ci_10319898
Sure, why not five more years on the practice squad? Then let him stick as the sixth receiver, the next year as the fifth receiver, and so on until on his 38th birthday he's promoted to third receiver then cut the next day.
More likely he'll be cut on Saturday. Meantime, Jerry Rice has annointed rookie receiver Josh Morgan of the 49ers, who looks to be a starter despite very pedestrian production at Virginia Tech. http://www.mercurynews.com/49ersheadlines/ci_10319898
Tom Iron
Mentor
Don,
No, David hasn't caught one pass, nor has one been thrown his way. I'll be surprised if he even sticks on the practice squad.
Tom Iron...
No, David hasn't caught one pass, nor has one been thrown his way. I'll be surprised if he even sticks on the practice squad.
Tom Iron...
Tom Iron
Mentor
David Ball caught a TD pass. Let's keep our fingers crossed.
Tom Iron...
Tom Iron...
Tom Iron
Mentor
David Ball was waived.
Tom Iron...
Tom Iron...
referendum
Mentor
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- Nov 13, 2005
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- 1,687
According to an article linked at draft daddy, Ball signed, or was about to sign, a contract with the Montreal Alouettes to join their practice squad, and he said he hopes to be on their regular roster by next week.
bearclaw500
Guru
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2011
- Messages
- 439
David Ball was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/217240521.html
i wonder if he's gonna catch his first NFL pass at age 29? at least he's getting a chance thanks to Kelly.
Carolina Speed
Hall of Famer
- Joined
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- Messages
- 5,771
I was just thinking about Ball while reading the Swope thread, wondering what had ever happened with him. Hopefully he'll stick there and show what he can do. At 29, he should have been well into to a successful NFL career.
Thrashen
Hall of Famer
Kelly’s great success late in his tenure as the offensive coordinator at New Hampshire (1999-2006) was almost exclusively due to Ball’s supernatural receiving talents. The 2004, 2005, and 2006 seasons, Ball’s best campaigns, were the only reason that Kelly was hired by Oregon, and perhaps he realized that fact when signing the 29-year old would-be-superstar receiver. I never particularly liked Chip Kelly during his time at Oregon (2007-2012), but his teams were far less racially offensive than other perennial NCAA contenders and did feature some white defenders, white OL, and the great success of WR Jeff Maehl is evidence that Kelly isn’t afraid to feature white receivers at skill positions.
This article discusses the Kelly-Ball connection, a relationship which dates back to 2003, as well his nickname, the “White (Jerry) Riceâ€â€¦
I remember following Ball very closely at NHU, as well as his first NFL “job†as an “UDFA water-boy†on Lovie Smith’s plantation back in the summer of 2007. During a 2007 pre-season game (a contest in which Mike Hass also played for Chicago, catching a scintillating TD) against the Browns, Ball snared a would-be touchdown that was one of the most divine one-handed catches one could ever witness…
CAPTION: Ball Displays Mystical Hand-Eye Coordination, Cut Days Later
Here is the only remaining video of that catch available online…
[video=youtube;2BHLjDZJ71Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BHLjDZJ71Q[/video]
Hopefully Kelly will repay his immense debt to Ball, but with DeSean Jackson, Arrelious Benn, Jason Avant, and Riley Cooper locks to make the roster, Ball will need to surpass Damaris Johnson and Greg Salas, both of whom made the team last year. Since he can’t rely upon his immense talent alone, he’ll need a miracle to survive... paricularly so because he’s not a “White Special Teams Demon†of the Sean Morey mold.
This article discusses the Kelly-Ball connection, a relationship which dates back to 2003, as well his nickname, the “White (Jerry) Riceâ€â€¦
I remember following Ball very closely at NHU, as well as his first NFL “job†as an “UDFA water-boy†on Lovie Smith’s plantation back in the summer of 2007. During a 2007 pre-season game (a contest in which Mike Hass also played for Chicago, catching a scintillating TD) against the Browns, Ball snared a would-be touchdown that was one of the most divine one-handed catches one could ever witness…
CAPTION: Ball Displays Mystical Hand-Eye Coordination, Cut Days Later
Here is the only remaining video of that catch available online…
[video=youtube;2BHLjDZJ71Q]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BHLjDZJ71Q[/video]
Hopefully Kelly will repay his immense debt to Ball, but with DeSean Jackson, Arrelious Benn, Jason Avant, and Riley Cooper locks to make the roster, Ball will need to surpass Damaris Johnson and Greg Salas, both of whom made the team last year. Since he can’t rely upon his immense talent alone, he’ll need a miracle to survive... paricularly so because he’s not a “White Special Teams Demon†of the Sean Morey mold.
FootballDad
Hall of Famer
David Ball was released by the Eagles yesterday. It looks like it was injury related. Bad break for Ball, I really think that if he could have stayed healthy, he could have made this team with Kelly as the HC.