Archives for May 2008

‘By October there could be five or six changes from the 2007 starting defensive lineup, maybe two or three areas where the starting lineup depends upon what defensive plan will be used against a specific opponent. Buffalo may have the depth and experienced talent to do that even earlier than Columbus Day.’

‘The event is expected to attract a number of star athletes and celebrities, including Hall of Fame Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly.’

‘His father wasn’t around to see any of that, but that shouldn’t be Bell’s problem. He’s a good kid — unselfish, level headed, hard working — who just wants to start his life after college. Hopefully, that will be a little easier now.’

‘Critics, though, view it as preferential treatment. Neither the Naval nor Air Force academies have a similar program, and their athletic directors believe it gives West Point an unfair advantage in recruiting athletes.’

‘Viti’s signing and the drafting of Army safety Caleb Campbell by the Detroit Lions has sparked a national debate this week about the merits of the program. The Army hopes the pair provide positive press. Instead of getting two good officers, the hope is 200 more become interested in military academies after learning about Campbell, Viti and those who follow them.’

‘”It’s hard to project on to the next level, but he’s a guy that we’re very pleased with,” coach Dick Jauron said, noting it’s difficult to overlook Omon’s ability to score, even if it might have been at the Division II program. “He’s scored a lot. He knows what it’s like to score. It’s not unusual for him. … And we’re going to find out if he can do it at this level because we need it.”‘

‘"I’m ready to do anything," said Cox. "Kickoff return is the only thing I haven’t done, but I’ll do anything. I’m willing to learn that. I can play gunner. I can play on the interior and the kickoff team is the pride of the team and they set the tone of the game and I’d love to be on that unit."’

‘”I took my daughter to the Bills-Denver Broncos game last year and she found out from the drunken rowdy fan in front wearing a kilt that the legend as to what they wear under their kilts is true,” Campbell wrote.’

‘”I feel I’d be able to do the same thing [as at Indiana],” Hardy said. “After this minicamp, I’m going to get back here as soon as I can, and I’m going to be in Buffalo the entire time trying to focus on it. I want to come in and contribute right away, the first game. I’m going to do whatever I can to make that happen.”‘

‘Another signee rated as a draftable prospect by Kiper who signed with the Bills was outside linebacker Marcus Buggs of Vanderbilt. He’s a 5-11, 237-pounder. Lack of ideal size probably kept him from being drafted, but he showed good production in college. Kiper rated him 14th at outside backer. Buggs graduated with a degree in human and organizational development. Also signed by the Bills were: University of Miami defensive tackle Teraz McCray (6-1, 286), Iowa State linebacker Jon Banks (6-2, 231), Notre Dame linebacker Joe Brockington (6-2, 240), Illinois State quarterback Luke Drone (6-2, 210), Mississippi running back Bruce Hall (5-11, 210), Arkansas- Pine Bluff receiver Jason Jones (6-1, 180), and Army fullback Michael Viti.’

‘”I’m confident that I can play,” Corner said Friday following his first official practice with the team as Bills rookie mini-camp began in the field house at One Bills Drive. “I’m very comfortable with any scout putting in a tape from any game last year. I felt like I was a draftable prospect. Where I would end up I had no idea, but I’m happy I’m here and I want to make the best of it.”‘

‘Bills’ Coach Dick Jauron was not always crazy about the idea of a Rookies-only camp, but has come around on the idea. “Just to get started again in a nice feeling. Hopefully (the rookies) appreciate how much attention they’re getting. There’s probably no way they can because they have nothing to compare it to, except college. To have this setup, it’s really good. They get a lot of coaching.”‘

‘"I’m not coming in thinking I’m going to get the starting job," he says. "I want to come in and work extremely hard like a Lee Evans. Sort of like his little brother. He’ll help guide me through. I’m new to this. I just want to be able to come in and contribute whatever the coaching staff wants me to do."’

‘”He’s a 6-foot-5 receiver, and we’ve got to score,” Jauron said, referring to an offense that produced 20 touchdowns last year-a franchise low in a 16-game season. “Hopefully, he’ll provide us with a lot more opportunity to score and make more plays, the plays that we need.”‘

‘"I really like it because they get a lot of coaching," he said. "For example, the offensive line we’ve got (assistant offensive line coach) Ray (Brown) and (offensive line coach) Sean (Kugler) down there coaching and they’ve got three players. That’s a lot of attention and I think it’s really good."’