Micah Hendrix makes his way to the microphone to begin his press conference. This is the first time he has addressed the media in a while and one of the first times he's been seen in public since his dramatic offseason training program. He's clearly lost a ton of weight, in fact he's barely recognizable. But, as he begins to speak, it's clear that although physically he's changed a lot this offseason, his personality hasn't changed a bit.
"Thank you all for coming here today. As many of you know by now, in the wake of recent changes in the league surrounding offensive linemen, I will be starting at linebacker for the Philadelphia Liberty this season. I know it will be a rough transition to start, but will be a great benefit to our defense in what I can bring both as a leader and a player. I'm very excited for this season not only for myself but also for the Liberty. There have been a lot of big changes in the league this offseason both with the changes in offensive line as well as the biggest free agency period in league history. But, I am positive that we will find ourselves back in the playoffs again this season. Now, I'm happy to take any questions you may have about me, the team or anything else."
Why didn't you switch to kicker or QB. I want a competition
Well sorry to disappoint you, but at this point I don't think a kicker or QB battle does much to help this team. The Liberty have always been behind the rest of the league being an expansion team but our core has stuck together and we feel like we're in a spot now where we could make it to the Ultimus game. We're not trying to figure the roster out at this point, we have pieces in place that we like and especially with the acquisition of Cushing our defense is taking a huge step. Myself and the team have a lot of faith in Rove to step up bigly this season and I don't think that even with my natural abilities it would translate into much success at the position like some OL have been able to do. With Ridley being traded and the unfortunate outcome with Jaylon Lee, there was a hole at linebacker that we had to fill so that was a great fit for for me going forward. I think we have seen how important a good defense is and I think ours is taking a huge step to keep up with teams in the ASFC that are doing the same. As for being a kicker, Harris is my boy and the first player in franchise history. Plus, here's some footage of me trying to kick an extra point last year:
Not pretty
Why did you choose linebacker instead of a more natural fit on the defensive line?
As I talked about a little before, a big reason was need for the team. Kamaka slides back to the DL which was his natural position anyways so he's a better fit there. With Ramrio and Davidson already playing on the defensive line as well, we needed more help at the linebacker position. I think it's underrated how much technical, physical and mental expertise OL demands which is why it's not surprise to me at least just how varied the position switches we are seeing from OL around the league are. Playing linebacker requires mental recognition, good technique in tackling, pursuit and rushing, as well as athleticism to be able to perform in a various array of responsibilities. Those aspects, combined with leadership I can bring from being OL captain make my switch to linebacker almost a better analogue than if I was switching to defensive line. All I had to do was put in a lot of time this offseason to shed some weight and become quicker, and I'm very happy with those results.
What do you think of all the other offensive linemen switching positions? Any individuals stick out to you?
I think the switches are good for the players from a health and safety standpoint and also good for the league because of how dedicated these players are to their teams. You're going to see that hard work and dedication translate into our new positions and roles. It will definitely give rise to a new wave of superstars and I think people will realize just how talented a lot of us are. For me some of the biggest surprises were Blocksdale and Akselsen switching to quarterback. A lot of us can easily move to somewhere else on the field just because of our pure athleticism but playing QB takes a lot more skill and talent, not everyone can do that. I think their teams are going to benefit greatly from them, they're both great guys and great leaders. But, the biggest surprise for me has to be Madlad switching to kicker for the Otters. Did not see that one coming and I'm interested to see how he does there.
How did you lose all that weight? Do you miss the raw strength that you had as a lineman?
I worked out this offseason with Tony Horton, the P90X guy as you may know him. He helped Eddie Lacy of the NFL lose weight last year and he stepped up his game to help me do the same. It was a ton of work but well worth it and I feel great. I'm eating better and I feel like my all around fitness is much better. I do miss the raw power I had playing almost 100 pounds heavier, but when you retire, having that extra weight on you is definitely not good for your health. Better to shed that now when I have the energy and motivation to do so. I will miss knocking guys on their butts all game but the linebacker position provides a fun challenge for me now because of all that you are asked to do there. I'm hoping to bring my leadership and unique set of skills to the other side of the ball and make a big impact for us. Really happy with the way this defense is shaping up. I'd say on paper we have the best secondary in the league and I'm hoping myself and the other guys in the front 7 will be able to do enough to round out the defense.
GRADED
"Thank you all for coming here today. As many of you know by now, in the wake of recent changes in the league surrounding offensive linemen, I will be starting at linebacker for the Philadelphia Liberty this season. I know it will be a rough transition to start, but will be a great benefit to our defense in what I can bring both as a leader and a player. I'm very excited for this season not only for myself but also for the Liberty. There have been a lot of big changes in the league this offseason both with the changes in offensive line as well as the biggest free agency period in league history. But, I am positive that we will find ourselves back in the playoffs again this season. Now, I'm happy to take any questions you may have about me, the team or anything else."
Why didn't you switch to kicker or QB. I want a competition
Well sorry to disappoint you, but at this point I don't think a kicker or QB battle does much to help this team. The Liberty have always been behind the rest of the league being an expansion team but our core has stuck together and we feel like we're in a spot now where we could make it to the Ultimus game. We're not trying to figure the roster out at this point, we have pieces in place that we like and especially with the acquisition of Cushing our defense is taking a huge step. Myself and the team have a lot of faith in Rove to step up bigly this season and I don't think that even with my natural abilities it would translate into much success at the position like some OL have been able to do. With Ridley being traded and the unfortunate outcome with Jaylon Lee, there was a hole at linebacker that we had to fill so that was a great fit for for me going forward. I think we have seen how important a good defense is and I think ours is taking a huge step to keep up with teams in the ASFC that are doing the same. As for being a kicker, Harris is my boy and the first player in franchise history. Plus, here's some footage of me trying to kick an extra point last year:
Not pretty
Why did you choose linebacker instead of a more natural fit on the defensive line?
As I talked about a little before, a big reason was need for the team. Kamaka slides back to the DL which was his natural position anyways so he's a better fit there. With Ramrio and Davidson already playing on the defensive line as well, we needed more help at the linebacker position. I think it's underrated how much technical, physical and mental expertise OL demands which is why it's not surprise to me at least just how varied the position switches we are seeing from OL around the league are. Playing linebacker requires mental recognition, good technique in tackling, pursuit and rushing, as well as athleticism to be able to perform in a various array of responsibilities. Those aspects, combined with leadership I can bring from being OL captain make my switch to linebacker almost a better analogue than if I was switching to defensive line. All I had to do was put in a lot of time this offseason to shed some weight and become quicker, and I'm very happy with those results.
What do you think of all the other offensive linemen switching positions? Any individuals stick out to you?
I think the switches are good for the players from a health and safety standpoint and also good for the league because of how dedicated these players are to their teams. You're going to see that hard work and dedication translate into our new positions and roles. It will definitely give rise to a new wave of superstars and I think people will realize just how talented a lot of us are. For me some of the biggest surprises were Blocksdale and Akselsen switching to quarterback. A lot of us can easily move to somewhere else on the field just because of our pure athleticism but playing QB takes a lot more skill and talent, not everyone can do that. I think their teams are going to benefit greatly from them, they're both great guys and great leaders. But, the biggest surprise for me has to be Madlad switching to kicker for the Otters. Did not see that one coming and I'm interested to see how he does there.
How did you lose all that weight? Do you miss the raw strength that you had as a lineman?
I worked out this offseason with Tony Horton, the P90X guy as you may know him. He helped Eddie Lacy of the NFL lose weight last year and he stepped up his game to help me do the same. It was a ton of work but well worth it and I feel great. I'm eating better and I feel like my all around fitness is much better. I do miss the raw power I had playing almost 100 pounds heavier, but when you retire, having that extra weight on you is definitely not good for your health. Better to shed that now when I have the energy and motivation to do so. I will miss knocking guys on their butts all game but the linebacker position provides a fun challenge for me now because of all that you are asked to do there. I'm hoping to bring my leadership and unique set of skills to the other side of the ball and make a big impact for us. Really happy with the way this defense is shaping up. I'd say on paper we have the best secondary in the league and I'm hoping myself and the other guys in the front 7 will be able to do enough to round out the defense.
GRADED
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Regular Season Stats
[OPTION](S2) 14 Games Played
[OPTION](S3) 14 Games Played
[OPTION](S4) 14 Games Played
[OPTION](S5) 14 Games Played
[OPTION](S6) 14 Games Played
[OPTION](S7) 14 Games Played
[OPTION](S8) 14 Games Played
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Playoff Stats
[OPTION] 27839
[OPTION]===========================================
[OPTION]Trophy Case/Achievements:
[OPTION]Most Likely to Break the Team Bench When Sitting Down
[OPTION]Pumpkin Chuckin' Rally 2017 Semifinalist
[OPTION]Most Likely to Get Traded in S8 (T-1st)
[OPTION]Ultimus Champion S7, S8