My draft day was one of the most exciting days of my young life. Unlike most top picks these days, I genuinely didn't know where I was going to end up. Arizona had the first pick in the draft that year, and word was that they were going in a different direction, making Noah Goodson the first overall pick. Was I a little bothered another linebacker was going first? Yeah, a bit. It has given me a nice little chip on my shoulder over the past couple of years. But I know Goodson is a good guy, and the rivalry has never been anything but friendly. Anyway, that left Colorado and (then) Las Vegas who were likely to take me at 2 or 3. Then, of course, there was the possibility that I could fall farther than that. Really, any team but Arizona was a possible landing spot.
Las Vegas decided to pass on me in favor of a safety, Blackford Oakes. He's been a solid pick up for them I hear, though we haven't talked much. When I got the call from the Yeti, I was obviously elated. It was a city I'd heard nothing but good things about, never having been there myself. The management seemed great in talks leading up to the draft. And there was the appeal of helping a rebuilding team get back on their feet. Things have really worked out pretty well for me since that day, and it's still one of my fondest memories as a football player.
Haruki Ishigawa
Word count: 257
Las Vegas decided to pass on me in favor of a safety, Blackford Oakes. He's been a solid pick up for them I hear, though we haven't talked much. When I got the call from the Yeti, I was obviously elated. It was a city I'd heard nothing but good things about, never having been there myself. The management seemed great in talks leading up to the draft. And there was the appeal of helping a rebuilding team get back on their feet. Things have really worked out pretty well for me since that day, and it's still one of my fondest memories as a football player.
Haruki Ishigawa
Word count: 257