SHL Affiliate
Different username: mer
Mandatory minicamp was one hell of a time. Being a rookie, the minicamp was mandatory, hence the name mandatory. I'm not normally one to skip even optional camps, but there's something about being told I have to do something that makes me dread doing it. There is not much reason to argue about it, and I won't get a chance like this again, so away I went. At the time of the draft, I had been disappointed with how far I fell, but one thing intrigued me that compelled me to check this out. Of the Seawolves' top three picks, all had been focused on the secondary. First overall pick Graham Harper the corner, myself, and first pick in the third round, Tae Dawson. The Seawolves seemed to think this was either their most significant need, or we were simply the best available, so I was inclined to meet those two. Immediately at camp and I noticed that they were simply a different breed, those you would call a dawg on day one. I've never learned as much as I got to work side by side and head to head against those two. If there was any doubt in my mind about going all three secondary, there no longer is any and I would be scared of us if I wasn't us.
[222 words]
Seeing as it was Erwin Kemp's first season in the International Simulation Football League, it would be silly for him to skip out on rookie training camp, especially because he'd need to put in a lot of work to raise himself up the depth chart. Kemp doesn't have that big of an ego, so he spent a lot of time at the jugs machines and working on his routes to be the best slot guy he can be. In his off time between practices, he's reading up and studying the playbook. He's also been working with the special teams coach, seeing as he's probably going to play semi-sparingly with the two tight ends and two receivers ahead of him, so he needs to work on his form tackling for both kickoff and punt returns. Overall Kemp has had a pretty stereotypical rookie camp for a non-flashy named rookie and should be a solid contributor for the Philadelphia Liberty
Despite their voluntary nature, I chose to attend the offseason training activities for the Luchadores this offseason. It is very important as the team's franchise quarterback, I set the tone for the team culture. When any player, but especially the quarterback skips voluntary workouts, it sends a message to the whole team that I am just here to collect a paycheck. It also important to get as much time as possible building rapport and chemistry with all the rookies on the offensive side of the ball. These include wide receiver Don Dobbler, running back C.G. Breezy, and left tackle Dennis Rodman. I got into the gym and got into shape for the upcoming season. As a mobile QB I am especially concerned about staying healthy as many other mobile QBs struggle with injuries. I work with the Luchadores's training staff to develop a plan to avoid knee and foot injuries throughout the season.
Another day, another OTA for the upcoming season in the ISFL. For me, Avenger, this marks a time to connect with my new team in NOLA and get situated with the new playbook and my new teammates that I will get to play with. Once I got to the training field, I met up with my new rookie teammates, Ganyu and Rickles, and already got to work discussing how we are going to train side by side in order to help not only improve ourselves but also help improve the team. After setting our joint training regimen, we decided to meet with the veterans on the defense, Springer, Toblerone, and Garciarappa and decided to take in immediate tips onto how to diagnose offenses and figure them out at the beginning of each snap! I'm glad that I attended this OTA as this already accelerated my development and helped to make the team already better!
|
|