The Boys of Summer

This is dedicated not to the stars of the NFL but to the players whose 15 minutes of fame in 2011 will most likely be from Training Camp buzz and the Preseason. Most buried deep in Augusts Depth charts who emerge under the lights that shine onto the games that "don't count". They don't count on teams Official win-loss record but to a select group of players, those August games may be their last chance at gridiron glory, perhaps their first and only chance to make a name for themselves at the games highest level. For every Stevie Johnson regular season breakout there’s a Victor Cruz show on a warm August night.

Here’s a breakdown of this years Boys of summer.



Chad Spann Undrafted FA RB from Northern Illinois University

Finds himself in a favorable situation, Picked up by the colts who have limited talent at the RB position after Addai. Spann has good burst, adequate speed and power. He also plays with the heart of a lion. He’s relentless on the field. In a battle for a roster spot Spann will look to make his mark in the return game where the colts are also thin. Colts owner Jim Isray has already made it known that drafted or not talent will win out. Bad news for 4th rd pick delone carter? Possibly. It at least bodes well for Spann.
Check out the little engine that could here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o4pIH0wx6Q&feature=related

Armond Smith Undrafted FA RB Union College

Blessed with elite speed and quickness even at the NFL level this former track star should make a name for himself this preseason. He’s already been cited as "turning heads with his blazing speed and quickness" by browns beat writer Steve Doerschuk. Hes the Perfect compliment to the smash mouth running style of Hillis and hardesty. His speed alone should land him a roster spot. His preseason play could earn him much much more. If he can prove dependable as a pass blocker there’s no reason he can't leap brandon jackson as the teams primary 3rd down back.

check out his highschool practice type highlight tape here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4hjzxsfyUk


Darren Evans FA RB Virginia Tech

Will be competing with fellow UDFA rookie RB chad spann for a roster spot. Evans has the lead on not only a roster spot but perhaps playing time as well behind Addai in the explosive colts offense. There are already whispers of the teams preference to him above fellow rookie back Delone Carter. The 6ft 225lb RB is an ideal power back who looks to be a force around the goaline. Many forget that it was Evans not Ryan Williams who lead the Hokies in rushing last yr. Gifted with good power, vision and balance Darren Evans is certainly one to keep tabs on. Quick look at him here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2CdtcW3J7w

Johnny White RB 5th rd pick North Carolina

Drafted by the Bills as the potential short yardage back and possible workhorse of the future. He will bring much needed depth to a mediocre group. A Tim Hightower clone Johnny White is a solid all around back with pass catching skills to go along with his power back build. Already one of the early surprises in camp, Look for white to make an impact sooner rather than later. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXFjO_tPQG0

Denarius Moore WR 5th rd pick Tennessee

Not just your typical speed guy that the Raiders get annually. Moore has the looks of a poor mans Mike Wallace, but the potential for much "moore" (pun intended). He’s the talk of raiders camp early on. Said to be "outshining every receiver". Sure you could argue that isn’t hard to do considering that cast of misfit burners, but that group includes breakout candidate Jacoby Ford who appeared primed for a big role this season. I look for Moore to land a starting spot opposite Ford week 1. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AinMXfB3fyM

Jamie Harper RB 5th rd pick Clemson

Harper could quickly become a household name if Chris Johnson and the titans organization end there game of chicken. Harper is not only a future TD vulture but an excellent 3rd down back as well. Chris Johnsons is far to valuable to have his effectiveness and career shortened by such a heavy workload as the one he has had the last two seasons. The Titans know this. Harper will get his fair share of carries moving forward. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CprghseCTe8

Marcus Easly WR Buffallo Bills

Easly missed all of his rookie season due to a knee injury. Knee injuries again have kept him out of practices thus far. The dealing away of Lee Evans leads a starting WR position up for grabs. Easly is 6'2" 225lbs with 4.4 speed. If he can get healthy there’s still a window, although rapidly closing, for him to make a play at that starting gig.


Josh Portis QB UDFA Seattle

In the Seahawks first preseason game, Portis went 5-for6 for 69 yards and the game tying touchdown as well as the oh so very important winning touchdown drive. If you watched the game then it didn’t take you long to notice that Portis although playing against less talented units outplayed starting QB Tavarius Jackson and it wasn’t really even close. It was only one game and a preseason one at that but if this becomes a trend you could see Portis and not jackson under center for the seahawks in 2011.

Dorin Dickerson WR 7th rd pick Pitt

Currently sitting at 4th on the Houston depth chart Dickerson isn’t all too far away from significant playing time. Keep in mind only Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter stand in his way. With 4.4 speed and a 43 inch vertical to go along with his 6'2" 230lb frame Dickerson has the makings of a future star opposite Andre Johnson. How soon that happens could depend heavily on his play this preseason.