2008 Season - Day 11 - The Draft Review

The Raiders’ wheeling and dealing left them with just five picks in the draft, but they only needed one to generate perhaps the most-discussed decision of the weekend. Owner Al Davis passed on defensive line studs Vernon Gholston and Glenn Dorsey to take the two-time runner-up in Heisman Trophy balloting, Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. Of course, Oakland already had a fairly strong stable of running backs, including Justin Fargas, who rushed for 1,009 yards in ’07. Davis, however, couldn’t resist adding McFadden’s rare combination of speed, strength and breakaway ability. McFadden may be the best player in the draft because of his potential to become a once-in-a-lifetime performer, but some questionable off-field decisions and fumbling problems could make him the riskiest prospect taken early in Round One. One of the few guarantees McFadden provides is that he automatically will take some pressure off QB JaMarcus Russell in his first year as the full-time starter. The Raiders traded into the Dolphins’ spot at the top of the fourth round to take Connecticut CB Tyvon Branch, who will make an immediate impact as a gunner on special teams. He, like McFadden, was one of the most impressive athletic specimens in the draft, with size, speed, burst and smarts. WR Arman Shields had his senior season cut short by a knee injury, but he’s aggressive and could be a deep threat. Buffalo DE Trevor Scott is a converted tight end with a lot of upside. San Diego State WR Chaz Schilens has good size at 6-foot-4, but needs to become a better route runner.

2008 Season - Day 10 - Latino Spirit Award

Former NFL star Jim Plunkett was honored Monday by the California Legislature with a Latino Spirit Award.

Plunkett quarterbacked the Oakland Raiders to victory in the 1981 Super Bowl, when he was the game's MVP, and again in 1984 after the Raiders moved to Los Angeles. At Stanford, he won the Heisman Trophy in 1970.

Plunkett grew up in San Jose and spent most of his adolescence caring for his parents, both of whom were blind, by working odd-jobs.

The Latino Spirit Award lauds achievements in education, the arts, business, public service and sports.

2008 Season - Day 10 - Preseason Schedule Change

The Titans' nationally-televised preseason game at home against the Oakland Raiders has been moved to Friday, Aug. 15 (7 p.m.) at LP Field, the NFL announced today.

The game was originally scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 16, but was moved at the request of the NFL and FOX.

....102 days....

2008 Season - Day 9 - Estimated Depth Chart

The 78-year-old team owner is in search of a “capologist,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle, to keep the team’s salary-cap books in order. The Raiders went over the cap briefly last weekend after dealing away cornerback Fabian Washington to Baltimore, showing just how close the team is to crossing the $116 million limit.

Attribute that to an extremely busy offseason -- one that’s seen plenty of players go and even more come. Oakland’s Week 1 roster for 2008 will look much different from that of Week 1 a year ago, with new starters at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, center, safety and cornerback, just to name a few.

With the free-agency flurry over and the 2008 NFL draft in the rear-view mirror, let’s take a look at the Raiders’ pre-camp 53-man projected depth chart.

Offense:

QB: JaMarcus Russell, Veteran yet to be signed, Andrew Walter
HB: Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush
FB: Justin Griffith, Oren O’Neal
WR1: Javon Walker, Drew Carter, Arman Shields
WR 2: Ronald Curry, Johnnie Lee Higgins
TE: Zach Miller, John Madsen, Tony Stewart
LT: Kwame Harris, Mario Henderson, Seth Wand
LG: Robert Gallery, Paul McQuistan
C: John Wade, Jake Grove, Chris Morris
RG: Cooper Carlisle, Paul McQuistan
RT: Cornell Green, Mark Wilson

Defense:

LDE: Derrick Burgess, Trevor Scott
DT1: Terdell Sands, William Joseph
DT2: Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren
RDE: Jay Richardson, Kalimba Edwards
LOLB: Thomas Howard, Isaiah Ekejiuba
MLB: Kirk Morrison, Ricky Brown
ROLB: Robert Thomas, Sam Williams
CB1: Nnamdi Asomugha, Stanford Routt, John Bowie
CB2: DeAngelo Hall, Tyvon Branch
FS: Michael Huff, Stuart Schweigert
SS: Gibril Wilson, Hiram Eugene

Special Teams:

KOS: Sebastian Janikowski
K: Sebastian Janikowski
P: Shane Lechler
LS: Jon Condo
KR: Tyvon Branch, Johnnie Lee Higgins
PR: Johnnie Lee Higgins, DeAngelo Hall, Tyvon Branch

2008 Season - Day 8 - McFadden the Blog Back

McFadden: blogger extraordinaire

New Raiders running back Darren McFadden isn't just a superstar scoring machine, but he's tech savvy as well.

The former Arkansas star has an ongoing blog that, in recent months covered everything from his predraft visits to Memphis basketball and his tattoo collection.

Yesterday, he updated his blog with a post about last weekend's visit to Oakland. He sounds real humble and genuine, and very well could be the first Raider to say on the record that the local reporters "cool."

Here's what he had to type:

"I gotta tell you Yardbarkers, it was a relief to finally get picked by the Raiders. It was such a long process and you're constantly wondering where you're going to be and who your teammates are and who is going to be your coach. I can tell you this I don't get asked where you going 5,000 times a day anymore. Now it's just congratulations. I like that much better."

"I was thrilled to hear my name called. I had such a good visit to Oakland and really liked the coaching staff. When they picked me I was just so happy. What really made it special to me is that i was able to share all of it with my family. My mom and dad and stepmom were there and they flew with me to Oakland after I was picked. They were all very excited and being able to share that experience with them was a great honor for me."

"After doing all the interviews in New York we hopped on a flight to Oakland. It was the longest flight I've ever taken. I watched two movies, one of them was Juno and the other I can't remember. Juno was pretty good but I started to dose a little at the end. I tried to get some sleep but I just couldn't sleep. Too excited I guess and hoping everyone in Oakland was going to embrace me. We got in around 12:30, went to the hotel and I went straight to bed. The next day we went to the facility and met the coaching staff. Then I did a press conference and met the media. They were all pretty cool. It was my first day with my new team."

Us media guys get to see McFadden hit the field in his No. 20 jersey at next weekend's rookie minicamp (May 9-11). However, the Raiders sent out an email saying Saturday is the only time for media availbility -- so that blows up the round-the-clock coverage.

2008 Season - Day 7 - Edgerton Hartwell

Raiders sign former Ravens phenom

The Raiders signed veteran middle linebacker Edgerton Hartwell on Friday, a league source confirmed, in a move designed to bolster their run defense.

They're hoping he can be that former Ravens standout who had 191 tackles in 2002 and averaged 157.3 tackles from 2002-04.

That would be preferred to the player who was out of the league last year after rupturing his Achilles' heel in 2005 and missing half of 2006 because of preseason arthroscopic surgery on both knees.

If Hartwell is healthy, it's a risk worth taking. The Raiders' linebacker corps, though excellent at dropping into pass coverage, have done little to help against the run the past two seasons.

Four seasons ago, Edgerton Hartwell was considered one of the NFL's premier young inside linebackers with the Ravens.

Three lost seasons later, he hopes to rejuvenate his career with the Raiders.

Hartwell agreed to a free-agent deal with Oakland, two NFL sources confirmed Friday, giving the team a veteran presence at middle linebacker and the player a chance to get back into the league.

He signed with the Bengals last season, got cut after training camp and wasn't signed by anyone else. His previous two seasons in Atlanta were cut short by an injured Achilles' heel and arthroscopic surgery on both knees.

The Raiders, ever willing to salvage fallen talents, hope Hartwell, who turns 30 this month, can return to the form that made him one of the league's better run stoppers from 2002-04.

A fourth-round draft pick in 2001, he was credited with 191 tackles during his second season while filling in for Ray Lewis. He averaged 157.3 tackles from 2002-04 before landing a six year, $26.5 million free-agent deal from the Falcons.

Raiders chime in: Team executive John Herrera responded to a Chronicle story linking the Raiders to Rams executive Samir Suleiman as a potential salary cap expert.

"I spoke with Al Davis and he's never heard of him," Herrera said. "We've got a guy who's doing a good job in that area. As far as a 'capologist,' we've got one and we don't know this guy."

Suleiman said he hadn't been contacted by the Raiders but expressed an interest if there's an opening. Two independent sources - including one within the Rams organization - confirmed his candidacy.

Tom Delaney is Oakland's salary cap manager. Marc Badain and Mark Jackson continue to handle contract matters.

Briefly: The Raiders will hold a rookie minicamp Friday-May 11. In addition to their drafted and undrafted class of new players, they will bring in several unsigned rookies for a weekend tryout. ... Their mandatory minicamp is set for June 3-5. The Raiders hope to sign a veteran defensive end and backup quarterback before then.

2008 Season - Day 7 - #20 Darren McFadden

McFadden will wear No. 20, according to the team Web site. He wore No. 5 at Arkansas, but in the NFL, running backs must be assigned a number between 20 and 49.

2008 Season - Day 7 - Executive: Samir Suleiman

Raiders owner Al Davis is reorganizing his front office and could bring in a new salary "capologist" and contract negotiator, a league source said Thursday.

Rams executive Samir Suleiman, director of football operations in St. Louis since 2000, is among those being looked at. A source within the Rams organization confirmed his candidacy Thursday.

Suleiman said he hasn't been contacted by the Raiders and was unaware of any opening. Asked if he'd be interested, he sounded very much so.

"It's a great organization, so anybody would be lucky to work for them," Suleiman said in a phone interview. "And, black is my favorite color."

Suleiman, 32, was a finalist for a similar position in Green Bay earlier this year.

His expertise lies in salary-cap management and player negotiations. He was also involved in Rams' trades, pro personnel and player procurement.

Suleiman served on the NFL Management Council in 1997, monitoring the league-wide cap and analyzing player contracts. He then spent two years with the Jaguars as manager of contract information.

He was involved in controversy in 2005 when the Rams reprimanded him for leaving a threatening phone message with a newspaper columnist.

For the past year, finance executive Marc Badain and director of football operations Mark Jackson shared the Raiders' salary-cap and contract duties, though Davis became increasingly hands-on during the recent free-agent period.

The job was previously held by Michael Lombardi, who was let go after the 2007 draft.

If Suleiman is hired, his priority will be keeping the salary-cap books in order. One reason the Raiders released running back Dominic Rhodes this week was to offset the cap hit from the Fabian Washington trade, which threatened to push them over the limit.

The move showed how close the Raiders sit to the $116 million cap threshold, which is no surprise after their free-spending offseason. Huge deals went to DeAngelo Hall (seven years, $70 million), Javon Walker (six years, $55 million), Tommy Kelly (seven years, $50.5 million), Gibril Wilson (six years, $39 million), Kwame Harris (three years, $16.3 million) and Justin Fargas (three years, $12 million).

Suleiman would also assume a lead role in pending contract talks with No. 4 overall draft pick Darren McFadden, who will command a contract in the $50 million range with at least $20 million guaranteed.

The Raiders hope to avoid a repeat of last season's holdout by No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, who was not signed until after the season started.

2008 Season - Day 6 - O'Neal of Stuttgart

Oakland Raiders FB Oren O’Neal recently donated $1,000 to the athletic department of the high school in his hometown of Stuttgart, Arkansas. Having played for the Stuttgart Ricebirds himself, the funds contributed by O’Neal will help the athletic department as a whole, whether it is improvement for the equipment, facilities or activities.

This past season, O’Neal was selected by the Raiders to be the team’s candidate for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. The NFL donates $1,000 on behalf of each team’s candidate to their charity of choice.

For O’Neal, there were many important reasons to give back to the community he came from, chiefly ensuring the continuity of the program that gave him a chance. “From what I’ve seen, the participation levels have been down. It wasn’t like how it used to be when I was there, kids were losing interest,” said O’Neal.

By donating money to the program, O’Neal hopes not only to create greater awareness surrounding the football program but also teach children about the benefits associated with participating in sports. “I feel that by giving back, other kids in the community can see how sports can help you get to a better place in life, help you get an education, or get you in the NFL,” said the Raiders second-year fullback.

O’Neal recognizes the responsibility that comes with his success and has concentrated his efforts into being an ambassador for his hometown of Stuttgart. “The kids can see someone from their hometown that made it to the NFL and gave back. Hopefully, that will prompt them to do the same.”

Since moving to California, O’Neal has wasted no time in getting involved with the Bay Area community, offering any help at all where he can make a difference in the lives of children. He has visited elementary schools and read stories to young children, visited high schools to speak to students and paid tribute to successful elementary school students.

“I love working with kids and I love being a part of their development and helping to steer them in the right direction,” remarked O’Neal. He views his own role as an example to students of what can be accomplished by making the right decisions. “I just want them to see that it can be done and help them get to better places…to help them make the right decisions and think further than tomorrow.”

Perhaps the most compelling aspect of O’Neal’s story is that he has made all of these contributions in only one year. During his sophomore campaign with the Raiders, O’Neal will be looking to make as much of an impact on the field as possible. As a role model to the youth of the Bay Area and his hometown, O’Neal will continue to help guide their lives in a positive direction. In football terms, O’Neal fits the definition of a versatile player.

2008 Season - Day 5 - List of Rookie FA's

Though nothing is official until the league office processes the paperwork, the Raiders have come to terms with 12 undrafted free agents.

One of these guys could be the next Tommy Kelly or Chris Carr, both undrafted but signed by the Raiders. More than likely, they'll be like all of last year's undrafted rookies -- none whom made the team.

Here's the list, as provided by a league source who knows about such unannounced things, with brief bios. Click on their names to get an in-depth scouting report.

Brian White, QB, Portland St.: This future camp arm threw for 2,171 yards as a senior.

Darrell Strong, TE, Pitt: At 6-foot-4 and 268 pounds, he's a converted wide receiver who will be here for short-yardage blocking packages.

Brandon Rodd, C, Arizona State: He's 6-2, 300 pounds and versatile enough to play tackle. He'll need dual capabilities to get through camp.

Matthew Hahn, FB, Penn State: He's a 6-foot, 236-pound blocking back who scored 76 touchdowns as a prep tailback.

Greyson Gunheim, DE, Washington: He's got size at 6-5, 252. His long arms make for pass-swatting potential.

Derrick Gray, DE, Texas Southern: Another long-armed long shot who has the size to play right end.

Louis Rankin, RB, Washington: He's 6-feet, 205 pounds and 40-speed fast. He ran for 1,294 yards last season. Consider him camp insurance in case someone goes down.

Malik Jackson, OLB, Louisville: Not a size and speed pick, he was disruptive just the same. The Raiders need depth at outside linebacker and he'll help on special teams.

Adam Spieker, C, Missouri: A four-year starter, he'll try to win a backup job to veteran John Wade.

Derrick Brown, CB, Southern Utah: Well, he was All-Great West Conference and is 6-1, 185 pounds. That's about as deep as the Google search got.

Chris Wagner, TE, South Dakota St.: At 6-6, 255 pounds, he'll try to find a niche as a blocker-type.

Shane Simmons, ILB, Western Washington: Not that Kirk Morrison takes a down off, the Raiders lack a capable backup. Not sure Simmons is the answer, but he'll get a try. At 6-1, 225 pounds, he could play outside just the same.

2008 Season - Day 5 - Ed Block Award

Raiders RB Justin Fargas poses for a photo with head trainer H. Rod Martin (left) and Hall of Fame center Jim Otto at the 2008 Ed Block Courage Awards ceremony.

Oakland Raiders players, past and present, executives and fans attended an Awards Gala to honor the 2008 Ed Block Courage Award winner, RB Justin Fargas., this past Monday evening in Oakland.

"It's a great honor. It's great for me to be a part of [the Fred Finch Youth Center's efforts]," Fargas said. "It's an honor and a privilege to play this game and wear this uniform. That's why you play the game, that's why you work hard...to strive toward your goals. It's something I've dreamt about doing since I was a kid."

FB Justin Griffith., a former Courage Award winner with Atlanta, added, "[Fargas] fought injury and came back and that needs to be rewarded. You can battle through injuries and still have a great season. Just to see him go out there and do well makes me happy too."

The Ed Block Courage Award annually honors one player from every NFL team who exemplifies commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. The award has become one of the most esteemed honors bestowed upon a player in the NFL, primarily because his selection is based upon a vote of his peers and recognizes a player’s efforts on and off the field, as well as their ability to overcome great adversity. Courage Award recipients embody everything that is positive about professional athletes as they serve as inspirations in their locker rooms and constructive role models in their communities.

Fargas excelled during the 2007 season despite missing the final two games due to a knee injury. The running back set a career high for rushing yards (1,009) and ran for four touchdowns. Due to Fargas’ persistence and hard work to overcome his injury, the Raiders players voted him as the 2007 Ed Block Courage Award winner.

The evening also featured award presentations to several of Fred Finch Youth Center’s bravest youth for demonstrating courage, perseverance, and resilience in overcoming personal challenges, trauma and abuse.

This Awards Gala benefits The Oakland Raiders Courage House: Fred Finch Youth Center, a national leader in providing innovative programs for emotionally challenged youth and their families. Fred Finch, one of the oldest and most respected Bay Area service providers for at-risk and developmentally delayed youth, provides hope and healing to youth who struggle with the challenges of chronic mental illness, substance abuse, chronic loss and trauma, histories of abuse and neglect and, often, the compounding realities of poverty and racial injustice. Support from the Oakland Raiders and the event’s attendees is critical in allowing Fred Finch Youth Center to continue serving the area with programs that each year offer education, therapy and a safe haven for over 1,200 children and teens in need.

The Awards Gala also included dinner and both live and silent auctions.

2008 Season - Day 5 - D-Line Derrick Gray

The Raiders weren’t done adding defensive ends, when they signed Derrick Gray, DE, Texas Southern. Gray was called one of the top 40 prospects from small schools in the draft this season by NFL.com. He measures in at 6′4″, 266 lbs, and a 4.85 40 yard dash. Gray was a second team all SWAC conference player his Senior year by amassing 76 tackles, 24.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. He has prototypical size for a defensive end with long arms and strong upper body and leg strength. His negatives are consistency and lack of quickness and agility to get off of blocks.

2008 Season - Day 5 - D-Line Greyson Gunheim

The Raiders added more depth to the defensive line by adding Greyson Gunheim, DE, Washington. Gunheim measures in at 6′5″, 252 lbs, and runs a 4.85 40 yard dash. The positives are he’s got long arms, big hands, adequate awareness and technique, has a good motor, and is a relentless pass rusher. The negatives are his lack of top end speed and overall athleticism. Sound like a former first round pick who recently signed with the Panthers? Yeah, this guy sounds a lot like Brayton. Apparently he’s always in the backfield, but rarely makes the big play due to his inability to get around the end in time. Last season, he had 41 tackles, 11 for loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 interception, and 4 passes defensed. Pretty good stats for a guy that doesn’t have a really good draft grade.

2008 Season - Day 5 - TE - Darrell Strong

The Raiders also signed a tight end with limitless potential and a penchant for getting into trouble. Darrell Strong, TE, Pittsburgh measures in at 6′5″, 268 lbs, and a 4.76 40 yard dash. According to scouts, he plays with a mean streak and has a rare combination of size and overall athleticism. He’s not a fan favorite due to harassment and criminal mischief citations along with being suspended for a couple of games in 2006 due to unsportsmanlike conduct in which he decided to flip off the USF fans after scoring a touchdown, but before Pitt could attempt a necessary two point conversion to get within one score of tying the Bulls. In my analysis, this guy sounds a little like Regan Upshaw, full of talent and stupid mental errors at crucial times. He’s an underachiever that only started to realize his potential during his Senior year at Pitt where he caught 29 balls for 328 yards and 3 scores. He also has a penchant for adding weight in the offseason and being inconsistent.

2008 Season - Day 5 - QB - Brian White

The Raiders signed Portland State QB, Brian White, 6′5″ and 225 pounds. White was originally with the Colorado Buffalos, before transferring to Portland State for a chance to play. In his senior season, he played in six games before getting injured, which seems to be the theme of the Raiders undrafted rookies. In those six games, White completed 175 passes on 278 attempts for a 63% completion percentage and had10 TD’s against 9 interceptions with 2,171 total passing yards. His college QB rating was 133.94. College ratings are more forgiving than pro ratings, but to give you an idea of what that rating means, Brian Brohm’s rating was 152.43. While he’s no Brian Brohm, his stats are pretty decent for DIV IAA.

2008 Season - Day 4 - 4-yr Raider - Warren Sapp

Warren Sapp was lying on the grass and watching his daughter play soccer Saturday in South Florida when his cell phone vibrated and knocked him out of his daze. A friend on the other line wanted to talk football, and after a few seconds it suddenly occurred to the recently retired defensive tackle that this was a reasonably significant afternoon.

79 points allowed in the final two games. Retired, Raider defensive lineman Warren Sapp tells Michael Silver of Yahoo Sports that the Raiders have problems on defense because owner Al Davis has put together “a team with 3-4 personnel, but they’re running a 4-3 system.” Sapp also had some harsh words for former teammate LaMont Jordan, who carried 84 times for 424 yards in September of 2007 but just 60 times for 125 yards the rest of the season. According to Sapp, that’s because Jordan was out of shape. “LaMont is like the worst offseason running back I’ve ever been around; he was out of shape and couldn’t keep it going,” Sapp tells Silver. “I love Darren McFadden to the Raiders,” Sapp said. “I think it’s a perfect fit. Then, remember late in the season, Justin Fargas was slashing and cutting and gaining all those yards? (McFadden) is the same guy, but he’s faster. I promise you, this guy will hit those holes and take it to the house, and then our offensive line will slash people up.” “There is nothing wrong with Lane Kiffin’s offensive system,” Sapp said. “There is nothing wrong with Lane Kiffin as a head coach, and now he has another stud who can help him succeed. I guess Al’s going for his last hurrah.”

Warren Sapp played the final four seasons of his career, in Oakland. In these 58 games, 15 wins. QB Sacks, 19.5.

Mr. Sapp played 13 seasons in the NFL, recording 96 1/2 QB Sacks with a peak of 16.5 in the 2000 Season. Winning 93 games, with 105 losses, career highlighted by a 2002 League Championship.

2008 Season - Day 4 - RB - Dominic Rhodes

Tuesday

The Raiders have a surplus of running backs.

Raiders release Dominic Rhodes.

Rhodes' release was meant to put the Raiders back under the league salary cap, which they exceeded when they traded cornerback Fabian Washington to the Baltimore Ravens. That trade gave the Raiders a nearly $1.1 million cap hit, ESPN reported. Rhodes, who had restructured his contract to remain with the Raiders, was due to earn $1.75 million this year.

The release of a running back wasn't surprising; the identity of that back was. LaMont Jordan seemed a likely candidate to depart, considering he has a $4.7 million deal this season and asked to be released last fall after losing his starting job. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin was noncommittal about Jordan's status last week. "LaMont does have a very high contract and a big number coming into this," Kiffin said before the draft. "So we have to look at what happens in the draft, look at what else is going on and make a decision."

Rhodes signed a two-year deal last year after playing for the Indianapolis Colts' 2007 Super Bowl-winning team. He was suspended for the first four games of the next season with the Raiders following an arrest for driving while intoxicated and later pleading guilty to reckless driving. Upon returning to the team, Rhodes' playing time was limited. He finished with 75 carries for 302 yards and a touchdown. Most of his production came in the final two games of the season after Justin Fargas went down with a knee injury. Rhodes had 56 carries for 237 yards in those games. He also returned 16 kickoffs for 316 yards.

The two games he started, were Weeks 16-17.

Week 16 - a 49-11 loss at Jacksonville....29 touches for 124 yards

Week 17 - a 30-17 loss to the Chargers....35 touches for 164 yards

Several teammates said they were surprised by the move after Rhodes agreed to a pay cut from $3 million to $1.75 million in the offseason. LaMont Jordan, who is owed $4.7 million next season, could be next. "I didn't foresee that happening," running back Justin Fargas said. "Dominic is a good player and a good locker-room guy (who) brings everybody else up. Those are the kind of guys you want to have around, so when they let him go, it was a little bit of a shock, a little bit of a disappointment to me."

Dominic Rhodes says, "I don't really think that Lane Kiffin wanted to take a running back in the first round, let's just put it like that."

2008 Season - Day 3 - O-Line - Adam Spieker

Adam Spieker, Offensive Lineman, Missouri

At some point, roughly five years ago, Nick Lassiter approached his best friend, Webb City football teammate Adam Spieker, and gave him a good-natured ribbing about his college choice.
“It’s weird,” Lassiter said Friday. “I actually gave him a hard time about going to Missouri, because I mean, he had offers from Nebraska, Arkansas, even Kansas.” The conversation seems like a joke now, considering that Spieker is in Kansas City today, Missouri’s starting center preparing for the Division I game of the year. The No. 3 Tigers play No. 2 Kansas at 7 tonight in Arrowhead Stadium. “This was our dream,” Spieker said Monday from Columbia. “One of the reasons I came here was because I had faith in the coaching and thought that if we work hard, we could eventually do what we’re trying to do now.” But this has nothing to do with “eventually” or “trying.” The Tigers and Jayhawks are a combined 21-1, with the only loss Missouri’s 41-31 setback at Oklahoma.

Spieker is at the center of it, and not just by his position. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound senior anchors Missouri’s stout, veteran offensive line and has started every game since his redshirt freshman year in 2004. Tonight, Spieker will start his 48th consecutive game, tying Brad Smith’s school record. He could break it next week in the Big 12 championship or in a bowl game.
Not too long ago, this seemed like a bit of pipe dream, even for Spieker and his family
“Coach (Gary) Pinkel talked about it in his in-house trip, how they wanted to be national champions, and I think he did a good job selling Adam on his beliefs,” said Curt Spieker, Adam’s dad. “But to believe we’d be two games away (from the national-championship game), it was the farthest thing from my mind.” Actually, football wasn’t the first thing on Adam’s mind as a kid, either. The Spiekers, originally from Wisconsin, moved to Indiana before Adam’s birth. “We were kind of partial to basketball,” Curt Spieker said. “Adam played football in second grade but had a bad experience with a coach that yelled at kids and wasn’t fun for the kids. So he played basketball, and he lived there until fourth grade.” Then, Curt Spieker was given an opportunity for a promotion and a job transfer to Webb City. Adam tried football again as a Webb City seventh-grader, and, even though he actually spent his first year on the B team, this time it stuck. He still played basketball in high school, but after sustaining an injury he stayed off the court his senior season. Older brother Andrew and older sister Katie (now Katie Chapman) played basketball at Pittsburg State, but Spieker was destined for a different path.“I started to get a little interest my sophomore year, and then my junior year a little more,” Adam Spieker said. “That’s when it kind of sank in, when I started getting offers.“... I wanted to stay in-state, and I also liked the coaching staff a lot. They said someday they’d be a national contender, and I bought into it.”Spieker left Webb City as a soft-spoken gentle giant, and in many ways, he still is.“I went up to the Texas A&M game (in Columbia) a couple weeks ago, and it was nice to see him and visit with him,” said Webb City coach John Roderique, who coached Spieker in high school. “He’s still the same old Adam, barely says much, mumbles a little, very unassuming. Some of those guys walk out like, ‘Look who I am,’ but he’s really a typical offensive lineman.”But Tyler Luellen, the Tigers’ senior left tackle and Spieker’s fast friend, said that isn’t entirely accurate.“Really, it depends on who you are,” Luellen said. “With the bond me and Adam have, we’ve grown to know each other so well, we’ll tell each other about anything. But if you’re just some Joe Schmoe off the street, he’s real quiet and laid-back.”Whatever the case is, Spieker’s the latest pride of Webb City, a town that’s produced its share of high-profile athletes.“I’m a huge Missouri fan just because of Adam,” said Lassiter, who now volunteers as Webb City’s wide receivers coach. “It’s nice to see what he’s done.”

• 2006 Hon. Men. All-Big 12 (Associated Press)
• 2006 Rimington Award Pre-Season Watch List
• 2005 Hon. Men. All-Big 12 (Coaches)
• 2005 1st-Team Sophomore All-American (College Football News)
• 2004 2nd-Team Freshman All-American (Rivals.com)
• 2004 1st-Team Freshman All-Big 12 (Sporting News)

2007 OUTLOOK
The anchor of Mizzou's offensive line is one of the top veteran centers in the nation, and should contend in 2007 for all-American honors as well as receive prime consideration for the Rimington Award, given annually to the nation's top center ... Is in his 4th year of starting at the center position, and has started all 36 career games at the spot ... Needs 13 more starts to break the school record of 48 consecutive starts by QB Brad Smith ... Last name is pronounced SPEE-kerr.

2006 SEASON
Anchored the Tiger offensive line in his 3rd year of starting at the center position ... Was the glue of a line that has provided protection for a Tiger offensive attack that ranked 8th in the nation in total offense (425.62 ypg) and 10th in the country in passing offense (276.15 ypg) ... Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 status from the Associated Press for his play in 2006 ... The offensive line was one of the nation's best in protecting its QB, as it ranked 24th in the country in fewest QB sacks allowed (1.46 pg).

2005 SEASON
A very talented center who anchored the Tiger offensive line for the 2nd straight season, and had an outstanding year, grading highly each week ... Was named a 1st-Team Sophomore All-American by College Football News for his stellar play ... Earned honorable mention All-Big 12 status from the league's coaches for his play in 2005 ... Was part of a line that helped MU rank 17th nationally in rushing (205.25 ypg), and helped QB Brad Smith put up only the 3rd 2,000-yard passing and 1,000-yard rushing season in NCAA Div. I-A history.

2004 SEASON
Started all 11 games at center, and had a solid debut season as a redshirt freshman, despite facing the daunting task of replacing A.J. Ricker, who set a school record by making 47 consecutive starts over the ball from 2000-03 ... Was named a 2nd-Team Freshman All-American for his efforts by Rivals.com, and also landed a spot on the 1st-Team Freshman All-Big 12 squad picked by The Sporting News ... Had a solid spring, one that was encouraging enough to see him listed at No. 1 on the depth chart heading into the fall.

2003 SEASON
Redshirt season ... Earned scout team MVP honors in practice for his work leading up to the Oklahoma game.

HIGH SCHOOL
Rated as the No. 3 offensive lineman in the Missouri-Kansas region by MoKan Football ... Rivals.com had him as the No. 26 offensive guard prospect in the country, and as the No. 8 prospect in the state of Missouri (all positions) ... Rated as the No. 53 overall prospect in the Midland region by SuperPrep Magazine ... Earned all-state mention as a defensive lineman each of his last two seasons at Webb City, where he was an all-area performer for two years on the offensive line ... Rated as the No. 1 offensive and defensive lineman (all classes) in 2002 by Danny Heitert of STC Grid Report ... Three-sport standout (football, basketball and track) who won the 3A state championship in 2003 and took 5th place in the state championships in the shot put in 2002 ... Holds school records in the shot put and discus ... High school coach - John Roderigue.

PERSONAL
Son of Curt & Holly Spieker ... National Honor Society Member ... Academic interest lies in business at MU ... Chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Kansas State, Oklahoma State and Illinois, among others.

2008 Season - Day 3 - O-Line - Brandon Rodd

Brandon Rodd, Offensive Lineman from Arizona State.



Brandon Rodd measures in at 6′3″, 300 lbs, and runs the 40 in 5.2. He’s smart too. Rodd was given Pac-10 All Academic honors all four years and a two time Second Team Pac-10 All Acedemic Football player. He was also on the 2007 preseason Lombardi award watch list. Rodd tore his ACL in his redshirt freshman year, but came back to play primarily at the left tackle position. In 2007, he started all 13 games at left tackle for the Sun Devils. He projects as an offensive guard in the NFL, due to a lack of explosiveness at the line and a lack of physicality (sounds like a finesse zone blocker). He is a versatile lineman that will fight for a spot on the depth chart at four positions.

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter at the left tackle and left guard spots.

POSITIVES: Hard-working small-area college tackle who projects to guard in the NFL. Blocks with good knee-bend, keeps his feet moving throughout the action, and quick in all aspects of the game. Stays with the action, makes good use of angles, and seals defenders from the play. Fights with his hands and works to hit as many people as possible.

NEGATIVES: Lacks footwork and range and struggles to adjust. Must improve the strength of his base.

ANALYSIS: Rodd was an adequate college blocker who showed improvement in his game the past two seasons. He'll have a chance at the next level if he improves his run-blocking strength.

PROJECTION: Undrafted Free Agent

Arizona State University senior linemen Mike Pollak - 2nd round draft choice of the Indianapolis Colts (center) and Brandon Rodd (left tackle) have been invited to play in the 62nd annual Hula Bowl game, to be played on January 22, 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

2008 Season - Day 3 - LB - Shane Simmons

Shane Simmons, Linebacker, Western Washington
Western Washington University linebacker Shane Simmons has signed a free agent contract with the Oakland Raiders. Projected as a possible sixth or seventh round pick in the NFL draft held Saturday and Sunday, Simmons was hoping to become just the second player in school history and the first in 30 years to be selected, but it did not happen. "It was a long day, but to get this chance is more than I could ever ask for," said Simmons, who also received offers from Detroit, Green Bay and San Francisco. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound Simmons is hoping to become just the third Western player to see action for a NFL team. The other two are Michael Koenen, a punter and placekicker the last three years for the Atlanta Falcons, and safety Erik Totten, who played in two games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. "I think it's a good place for him to go," said Western head football coach Robin Ross, who was an assistant for two years at Oakland. "They're looking for more speed at linebacker and he can give them that." Simmons, a graduate of Kentlake High School, completed his collegiate eligibility last fall and is expected to graduate this spring with a bachelor's degree in recreation. In 2007, Simmons was a D2Football.com honorable mention All-American and a first-team North Central Conference all-star. He led the NCC (12.5 avg.) and ranked fourth nationally among NCAA Division II schools in total tackles, and was ninth nationally in solo tackles (6.3 avg.). Simmons was credited with double-figure stops in nine of 10 games. That included a career-high 18 versus Minnesota Duluth when he was named co-NCC Defensive Player of the Week. In Western's 18-15 win over St. Cloud State, Simmons forced a fumble in the final seconds after the Huskies drove inside the WWU 25-yard line. He also had 11 tackles and a fumble recovery in the Vikings' 28-21 upset of NCAA Division I-FCS UC Davis in their season opener. A preseason D2Football.com second-team All-American, Simmons also was listed as one of the website's 15 Pro Hopefuls. The site stated, "Simmons is a high character kid with the work ethic and passion scouts look for in a player. He can play both inside and outside linebacker and adds value by being able to play all special teams." As a junior, Simmons was the national leader in solo tackles (9.8 avg. per game) and topped the NCC in total tackles (11.2 avg.) through the first five games before suffering a season-ending injury. He earned NCC POW honors that season for his performance in Western's 16-13 upset of No.15 Washburn, being credited with 11 tackles and forcing a fumble that led to the winning field goal with 2.7 seconds left. Simmons was a first-team Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-star as a sophomore for the Vikings after seeing action as a true freshman at Division I-BCS University of Idaho.

Shane Simmons (9), Linebacker, Senior, 6-1, 230, 22, 8/9/85, Kent, WA

COLLEGE: D2Football.com honorable mention All-American ... Played in 2008 Cactus Bowl Division II Senior All-Star Game ... Led North Central Conference in total tackles and ranked fourth nationally in NCAA Division II with 125 (12.5 avg.) in 2007... Ranked ninth nationally in solo tackles with 63 (6.3 avg.) ... First-team North Central Conference all-star ... Also had 6.0 tackles for losses of 30 yards and 2.0 quarterback sacks for minus-16 yards, 2 pass breakups, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery ... Had double-figure tackles in nine of 10 games ... Credited with career-high 18 stops versus Minnesota Duluth in being named NCC Player of the Week ... Forced fumble in final seconds after St. Cloud State drove inside WWU 25-yard line for 18-15 win ... Had 11 tackles and fumble recovery in Vikings' 28-21 upset of NCAA I-FCS UC Davis ... 2007 D2Football.com second-team preseason All-America and listed among that website's 15 Pro Hopefuls ... WWU Captain's Award winner and Defensive Player of the Year ... Second-team North Central Conference all-star in 2006 ... Started first five games before suffering season-ending injury against Minnesota-Duluth ... Prior to that was leading NCAA II nationally in solo stops (9.8 avg. per game) and topped NCC in total tackles (11.2) ... Credited with 56 tackles (49 solo), including 7.0 for losses of 26 yards and 1.0 sack for minus-4 yards ... Also had 2 passes defensed and 1 forced fumble ... Named NCC Defensive Player of the Week for performance in 16-13 upset of No.15 Washburn, being credited with 11 tackles and forcing a fumble that led to the winning field goal with 2.7 seconds left ... Had double-figure tackle total in four of five games played ... First-team Great Northwest Athletic Conference all-star in 2005 ... Voted team's Defensive Player of the Year ... Played in all 10 games, starting first nine ... Credited with 66 tackles (41 solo), second on team, 8.5 for losses of 50 yards and 5.0 sacks for minus-41 yards ... Also had 4 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 pass breakups and 1 pass interception ... GNAC Defensive Player of the Week for performance against Central Washington on 10/29/05, having 9 tackles and forcing 3 turnovers (forced fumble, fumble recovery and pass interception) ... Three letters ... Also attended University of Idaho ... Played in three games for Vandals as true freshman in 2004 ... Credited with 8 tackles, 1 for loss of minus-1 yard.

HIGH SCHOOL: First-team Seattle Times, Seattle P-I and Tacoma News Tribune all-Area pick as senior at Kentlake High School ... South Puget Sound League North Division Offensive Player of the Year as quarterback ... First-team all-league both ways ... Listed among Seattle Times Top 100 (white chip) state high school seniors ...Selected to play in East-West all-star game ... Completed 49-of-96 passes for 1,052 yards and 8 touchdowns, and ran for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Had 73 tackles, 2 pass interceptions, 2 blocked punts and 1 fumble recovery ... Helped Falcons to 9-2 record, SPSL North Division title and second round of Class 4A state playoffs ... Team co-captain and MVP ... First-team all-league as safety as junior, despite missing five games with broken leg ... Honorable mention all-league on offense as junior and defense as sophomore ... Started both ways and lettered three years ... Also earned two letters in baseball ... First-team all-league as sophomore. PERSONAL: Major is recreation.

As the clock ticked down in the final rounds of this weekend's NFL draft, former Western linebacker Shane Simmons paced the backyard of his parent’s home in Kent, Wash. He was waiting for a phone call.

Once the draft entered the final rounds, Simmons knew he wasn't going to get picked because teams weren't targeting linebackers, he said.

Then he finally received the call from his agent, Cameron Foster, who informed him the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders were interested in signing him.

After getting word Detroit and Oakland were most serious about courting him, Simmons signed a three-year deal with the Raiders.

When the decision was made, Simmons, his sister, mother and father embraced in a group hug.

“That was definitely one of the best moments of my life,” he said.

Simmons said Oakland’s offer was surprising because he hadn’t talked to them. Although he had focused on teams such as the Seahawks and 49ers because he had met with them in the weeks leading up to the draft, Simmons said joining a team as prestigious and celebrated as the Raiders is exciting.

Simmons said having the chance to play on any NFL team is all he could have asked for, but being on the West Coast and close to home is a bonus.

The decision to accept Oakland’s offer was also based on the fact they did not draft any linebackers, which gives him a better chance of making the team.

Western head coach Robin Ross said having the chance to choose the team that presents the best opportunity for playing time is one of the advantages of being a free agent.

Preseason games will be a pivotal time for Simmons because that is when he will have the chance to show the Raiders what he is capable of in game situations, Ross said.

With veteran starters usually playing no more than one quarter of each preseason game, rookies are given the opportunity to showcase their talent.

For two years, Ross was the linebacker coach for the Oakland Raiders. He said the team has always emphasized speed at that position, which Simmons possesses.

Simmons ran a 4.58 second 40-yard dash in front of scouts from the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots March 13 at Western’s turf field.

“His goal was to get an opportunity to play in the NFL, and now he’s got that,” Ross said.

Former Western teammate Taylor Wade said Simmons has all the physical tools to succeed in any level of football, but his determination is what sets him apart.

Getting NFL teams to take a chance on a Division II player is difficult, but Simmons always worked hard and put in the extra effort to show he was capable of competing at the professional level, Wade said.

“He played the game like he was playing for a higher goal,” Wade said.

With all of this anticipation finally behind him, Simmons will now be able to focus on the future, Wade said.

Simmons will be in California May 8-11 attending the Raiders first mini-camp. Mini-camp is a time when new players get to meet the coaching staff and participate in drills.

At the end of camp, Simmons will return to Washington, where he will remain until mid-June when he moves Oakland to pursue his dreams.

“It’s time to move on to the next chapter of my life and try to make a football team,” Simmons said.