07-03-2024, 05:12 PM
(This post was last modified: 07-05-2024, 11:37 AM by wetwilleh. Edited 1 time in total.)
You often hear coaches and fans look at their underperforming offensive linemen in contempt and say "A traffic cone could do better than that!", but have we ever seen how a traffic cone could actually perform in the role of an offensive lineman? That is what Traffic Cone is here to answer, to show the world that being worse at blocking than a traffic cone is really nothing to be ashamed of. In this article, we'll be taking a look at some of the background behind this unusual prospect and evaluate some of his strengths and weaknesses going into the Prospect Bowl.
Traffic Cone's football journey began at the age of 12 after hearing the snide remark discussed above directed towards a left tackle while watching his brother, Mark Cone, practicing in a little league. Traffic only had a passive interest in football before, but he was deeply upset to hear this, that traffic cones were considered the bare minimum for blocking. He told his parents, Jerry and Savannah Cone, that he wanted to give football a try and has carried that chip on his shoulder since. It took some time for Traffic to develop his skill as a lineman, receiving little playing time his first 2 years of high school and no scholarship offers after graduating. Instead, Traffic had to settle for the I Promise School's new college football program. The program was widely mocked before they had ever played a game, but Traffic believed his team could turn the narrative around and that he, individually, could show he was a real talent. He was half right. While I Promise School's football program was nothing short of disastrous during Traffic Cone's tenure, Traffic was one of their few bright spots with his overwhelming strength and surprisingly good pass blocking. Opposing defensive coordinators often tried to exploit him, as they never expected much from a sentient traffic cone, but he stood his ground when called upon. By no means is he a polished prospect as his college career comes to an end, but flashes within his play paired with rapid improvement throughout his time at I Promise were enough to get him on scouts' radars.
So, where does he stand now as a prospect looking to join the DSFL? His strength and pass protection abilities mentioned above are certainly his greatest strengths as of right now. He also leaves I Promise with some impressive stats, allowing only 2 sacks as a sophomore and 0 in his junior year, albeit against questionable competition. His run blocking could use some work and he certainly isn't very mobile (as few traffic cones are). His hands are also worrisome and many around the league have questions about his intelligence. While these are all things to keep in mind, his past at the high school and college level indicates he has the work ethic to improve on his weaknesses. All in all, Traffic Cone is a bit of a project with a lot to prove both for himself and traffic cones everywhere. We look forward to seeing more of him at the Prospect Bowl later tonight!
Traffic Cone's football journey began at the age of 12 after hearing the snide remark discussed above directed towards a left tackle while watching his brother, Mark Cone, practicing in a little league. Traffic only had a passive interest in football before, but he was deeply upset to hear this, that traffic cones were considered the bare minimum for blocking. He told his parents, Jerry and Savannah Cone, that he wanted to give football a try and has carried that chip on his shoulder since. It took some time for Traffic to develop his skill as a lineman, receiving little playing time his first 2 years of high school and no scholarship offers after graduating. Instead, Traffic had to settle for the I Promise School's new college football program. The program was widely mocked before they had ever played a game, but Traffic believed his team could turn the narrative around and that he, individually, could show he was a real talent. He was half right. While I Promise School's football program was nothing short of disastrous during Traffic Cone's tenure, Traffic was one of their few bright spots with his overwhelming strength and surprisingly good pass blocking. Opposing defensive coordinators often tried to exploit him, as they never expected much from a sentient traffic cone, but he stood his ground when called upon. By no means is he a polished prospect as his college career comes to an end, but flashes within his play paired with rapid improvement throughout his time at I Promise were enough to get him on scouts' radars.
So, where does he stand now as a prospect looking to join the DSFL? His strength and pass protection abilities mentioned above are certainly his greatest strengths as of right now. He also leaves I Promise with some impressive stats, allowing only 2 sacks as a sophomore and 0 in his junior year, albeit against questionable competition. His run blocking could use some work and he certainly isn't very mobile (as few traffic cones are). His hands are also worrisome and many around the league have questions about his intelligence. While these are all things to keep in mind, his past at the high school and college level indicates he has the work ethic to improve on his weaknesses. All in all, Traffic Cone is a bit of a project with a lot to prove both for himself and traffic cones everywhere. We look forward to seeing more of him at the Prospect Bowl later tonight!