01-12-2022, 03:46 PM
(This post was last modified: 01-13-2022, 02:13 PM by Asked Madden. Edited 1 time in total.)
The preseason has concluded for the DSFL, and as the league awaits the beginning of the season proper, let’s take a look at some early statistics to get an early read on the potential of draft aclass latecomer Theo Lariat. Independent Sports Network DSFL Correspondent Clint Trim has been hard at work over the last four weeks making comparisons and here is the most complete profile that we we could assemble at this time.
When you look at the stat line that Lariat has shown in the preseason, it’s clear that he’s got huge weaknesses. Literal, physical weaknesses - he simply doesn’t have professional caliber leg strength. In a league where the average punt is around 43 yards, Lariat falls substantially short of that number, right around 39 yards. Across four games Lariat made 21 punts and landed only one inside the 20 yard line. His record on field goals from depth tells a similar story, making only 2 of 7 attempts beyond 40 yards. With these abysmal numbers, it’s amazing that Minnesota even decided to sign the late-arriving rookie. There must be more to the story.
The upside to this rookie is in accuracy. He went 7 for 7 extra points in the preseason and was perfect on field goals inside 30 yards. His form is good, and his results are consistent as long as the uprights are within his reach. Early reports indicate that Lariat’s mental game is strong, as his missed attempts did not negatively impact following performances. If Minnesota can bulk this rookie up, he might not be an absolute lost cause.
There is no shortage of Theo Lariat critics around the league, but perhaps Theo’s biggest critic is himself. When asked about his performance in the preseason, he had the following to say:
“It’s embarrassing, you know? I’m thankful that the rest of the team played as well as they did, because I left 21 points on the field across four games. I just didn’t have as much time as I thought to get up to competitive quality. I didn’t think I’d end up with an opportunity like this one, so when I was back at UCinn, I was more focused on studying than I was on my workouts. If only I’d known back then that all those nights in the library would come back to bite me, I would have spent more time in the gym. Minnesota went out on a limb for me and brought me into a league that I never dreamed to be in. I owe it to them to be in peak condition for as long as I’m here.”
On the topic of Minnesota and their training situation, Theo was enthusiastic:
“As soon as I arrived in Minnesota, they handed me protein supplements and got me into the weight room. The facilities are state of the art, way beyond what I expected. I used to think I had an airtight leg day routine, but it was a warm up compared to what I’m doing now. I’ve seen massive gains in the weight room, I just haven’t been able to see that success show on the field. The Theo Lariat you saw on the field in the preseason has been broken down and rebuilt in the Minnesota locker room. I’m feeling much stronger and more confident, and I’m hoping to keep that momentum for the whole season.”
Conversation turned to the topic of the rest of the draft class and competition in the K/P position.
“There are a lot of forgettable players in the K/P position, it’s true. I’ve done my research, and there are 5 other kickers in the DSFL that I need to keep my eye on. They showed their stuff in the preseason, and I’m hoping that’s what they look like at their best. I still have a little bit of catching up to do, but I’ve come a long way in the short time I’ve been here. When we take the field against Portland in week 1, I’m going to be as fit and ready as ever. They’ve got Ian Cole III in the K/P slot, and his preseason numbers are literally perfect in field goal and extra point percentage. I haven’t had the chance to talk to him personally, but from what I’ve seen of his play, he’s got rock solid fundamentals. If he keeps playing like this, I could see a personal rivalry brewing there.”
“Obviously, all eyes are on Double Doink. They’re the only kicker from last season still playing in the DSFL, and they took their rookie year seriously. Doink is punting 7 yards further than I am, on average, and landing them inside the 20 almost ten times as often. It really shows you how much progress a player can make in a single season. I see Doink less as a rival and more as a role model. If I can achieve the success that Doink has in my first season, I’ll be in a good position to continue into a long, successful career in both the DSFL and ISFL.”
“I have to think the Seawolves will be happy overall with Santoso. Based on what I’ve seen, Moustache seems to be more focused on being consistently accurate at a shorter range than on maximizing distance. Don’t let that fool you though, the kid can really rip it. He’s got my punt average beat by about 4 yards, which doesn’t sound as drastic as it feels to me. His preseason numbers aren’t the hottest, but I think it’s just jitters.”
We asked Lariat for comment on his aspirations to the ISFL - a timeline, team choices, or any other insider information, here is what he had to say:
“I’m excited to make it to the majors, but I wouldn’t say I’m in a rush. As we’ve been discussing, I still have a lot to work on and refine before I’m ready for that step. The last thing I would want is to get called up and become a liability. I’m not a GM, I’m not involved in management at all, so I’m going to focus on improving my game as an individual and playing to the best of my ability for the team. A few seasons of consistent effort with the Grey Ducks will have me on the radar of the people who make those kinds of decisions, I’m sure.”
The final verdict from this reporter? Buy stock in Theo Lariat while you can, this kid has the humility and the work ethic that drives success in this league. He’s good with the media, knows his way around a photo shoot, and has made a positive impression in the Minnesota locker room. The only question is: why weren’t we on Team Lariat sooner?
When you look at the stat line that Lariat has shown in the preseason, it’s clear that he’s got huge weaknesses. Literal, physical weaknesses - he simply doesn’t have professional caliber leg strength. In a league where the average punt is around 43 yards, Lariat falls substantially short of that number, right around 39 yards. Across four games Lariat made 21 punts and landed only one inside the 20 yard line. His record on field goals from depth tells a similar story, making only 2 of 7 attempts beyond 40 yards. With these abysmal numbers, it’s amazing that Minnesota even decided to sign the late-arriving rookie. There must be more to the story.
The upside to this rookie is in accuracy. He went 7 for 7 extra points in the preseason and was perfect on field goals inside 30 yards. His form is good, and his results are consistent as long as the uprights are within his reach. Early reports indicate that Lariat’s mental game is strong, as his missed attempts did not negatively impact following performances. If Minnesota can bulk this rookie up, he might not be an absolute lost cause.
There is no shortage of Theo Lariat critics around the league, but perhaps Theo’s biggest critic is himself. When asked about his performance in the preseason, he had the following to say:
“It’s embarrassing, you know? I’m thankful that the rest of the team played as well as they did, because I left 21 points on the field across four games. I just didn’t have as much time as I thought to get up to competitive quality. I didn’t think I’d end up with an opportunity like this one, so when I was back at UCinn, I was more focused on studying than I was on my workouts. If only I’d known back then that all those nights in the library would come back to bite me, I would have spent more time in the gym. Minnesota went out on a limb for me and brought me into a league that I never dreamed to be in. I owe it to them to be in peak condition for as long as I’m here.”
On the topic of Minnesota and their training situation, Theo was enthusiastic:
“As soon as I arrived in Minnesota, they handed me protein supplements and got me into the weight room. The facilities are state of the art, way beyond what I expected. I used to think I had an airtight leg day routine, but it was a warm up compared to what I’m doing now. I’ve seen massive gains in the weight room, I just haven’t been able to see that success show on the field. The Theo Lariat you saw on the field in the preseason has been broken down and rebuilt in the Minnesota locker room. I’m feeling much stronger and more confident, and I’m hoping to keep that momentum for the whole season.”
Conversation turned to the topic of the rest of the draft class and competition in the K/P position.
“There are a lot of forgettable players in the K/P position, it’s true. I’ve done my research, and there are 5 other kickers in the DSFL that I need to keep my eye on. They showed their stuff in the preseason, and I’m hoping that’s what they look like at their best. I still have a little bit of catching up to do, but I’ve come a long way in the short time I’ve been here. When we take the field against Portland in week 1, I’m going to be as fit and ready as ever. They’ve got Ian Cole III in the K/P slot, and his preseason numbers are literally perfect in field goal and extra point percentage. I haven’t had the chance to talk to him personally, but from what I’ve seen of his play, he’s got rock solid fundamentals. If he keeps playing like this, I could see a personal rivalry brewing there.”
“Obviously, all eyes are on Double Doink. They’re the only kicker from last season still playing in the DSFL, and they took their rookie year seriously. Doink is punting 7 yards further than I am, on average, and landing them inside the 20 almost ten times as often. It really shows you how much progress a player can make in a single season. I see Doink less as a rival and more as a role model. If I can achieve the success that Doink has in my first season, I’ll be in a good position to continue into a long, successful career in both the DSFL and ISFL.”
“I have to think the Seawolves will be happy overall with Santoso. Based on what I’ve seen, Moustache seems to be more focused on being consistently accurate at a shorter range than on maximizing distance. Don’t let that fool you though, the kid can really rip it. He’s got my punt average beat by about 4 yards, which doesn’t sound as drastic as it feels to me. His preseason numbers aren’t the hottest, but I think it’s just jitters.”
We asked Lariat for comment on his aspirations to the ISFL - a timeline, team choices, or any other insider information, here is what he had to say:
“I’m excited to make it to the majors, but I wouldn’t say I’m in a rush. As we’ve been discussing, I still have a lot to work on and refine before I’m ready for that step. The last thing I would want is to get called up and become a liability. I’m not a GM, I’m not involved in management at all, so I’m going to focus on improving my game as an individual and playing to the best of my ability for the team. A few seasons of consistent effort with the Grey Ducks will have me on the radar of the people who make those kinds of decisions, I’m sure.”
The final verdict from this reporter? Buy stock in Theo Lariat while you can, this kid has the humility and the work ethic that drives success in this league. He’s good with the media, knows his way around a photo shoot, and has made a positive impression in the Minnesota locker room. The only question is: why weren’t we on Team Lariat sooner?