The Oakland Raiders finished up their June mini-camp with a final practice session at the team's Alameda, Calif., facility yesterday. The team will now break and reconvene in late July for Training Camp 2004 at their Napa Valley training complex. Throughout the three-day mini-camp, Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner indicated that he is pleased with the team's off-season program.
Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner takes it all in during a recent mini-camp practice at the team's Alameda facility.
Lisa Coelho
Q: What is your impression of the younger guys on the team?
Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner: I think we are an extremely talented football team in terms of our many young players. We have had a great look at our young guys during this offseason and have seen them improve. Doug Gabriel improved dramatically over the last eight weeks and I think he is going to play at a high level for us. Tyler Brayton has had a great camp and he is going to have a real impact on this football team. I can tell you the guy who has improved dramatically is Phillip Buchanon. I think he is a lot more disciplined; he is using his eyes and hands. This team will improve the most with the development of the young players, second and third year players, who had a little taste of it are having good offseasons. Napoleon Harris is another one. He has had a great offseason and has taken to what we are doing defensively. He is going to have an impact on our football team.
Q: Do you feel these mini-camps are beneficial?
Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner: This is a great time of year because we are not concerned with playing a game and everybody is getting ready to go to camp. I told everyone this morning, camp comes and everything changes. The sense of urgency goes up dramatically and you have 15 days before your first preseason game and you don't a lot of do-overs. Here we have had time with the young guys to do it right, stop it and watch it, run it again or whatever it is. Guys fall by the wayside in camp if they don't pay attention or learn the specifics of their position. By doing this you give someone else a great chance to make the football team.
Q: How actively do you evaluate talent for position spots at a camp like this?
Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner: It's the hardest thing about these camps. You want to evaluate players and you want to have an opinion on their athletic ability. We are getting the players ready to compete for a job when they go to camp and I think we have done that. I think the guys know what to do when we put the pads on.
Q: How have the 2004 draftees been faring?
Raiders Head Coach Norv Turner: We have worked these guys pretty good over the past two or three months since the draft. Robert Gallery, Jake Grove, Courtney Anderson are have had fewer mental errors than many of the veterans because they have come in here with a sense of urgency. They have handled it extremely well. Stuart Schweigert has shown very good coverage ability. He has played safety all his life, so he is very experienced.
Household names? Not yet. The Oakland Raiders have infused the roster with a bevy of talented young players who are taking advantage of the team's heralded veteran leadership and are starting to or are preparing to make names for themselves. Log on each week as we take a look at these players, where they came from, how they got here and where they're going. These are the players to watch and get to know because they are definitely On the Rise. We continue the series with a look at DE Tyler Brayton.
The Raiders drafted DE Tyler Brayton in the 1st round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Lisa Coelho
In the game of football many attributes can be measured empirically - speed, strength, stamina, and intelligence. Tyler Brayton is one of the few that have all of these characteristics, plus one that could not be measured on draft day: heart.
Drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, Brayton is already stepping up to the Raider tradition of playing with heart. In 2003 as a rookie he played in all 16 games with a total of 61 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery, but said he expects to improve on those numbers in his sophomore season. "I want to get to the passer more often, wreak havoc, collapse the pocket and just try to be disruptive in the passing game," Brayton said. His sophomore campaign will include playing with some seasoned veterans. Along with John Parrella, newcomers Warren Sapp and Ted Washington join the mix in the trenches.
Brayton said he could learn something from his teammates. "Hopefully I can learn a lot. Hopefully we can work together," he said. "They can show me some things, like what it's going to take to get to the passer. They know every little detail. They know how to get to the quarterback. They know how to play every blocking scheme, and they have done it a hundred times before. They have pretty much mastered the game, and I'm trying to master one thing at time."
"I want to get to
the passer more
often, wreak havoc,
collapse the pocket
and be disruptive."
- DE Tyler Brayton
Tyler Brayton has already mastered at least one thing - leaving everything on the field. The 6'6", 280-pound defensive lineman played in 47 games at the University of Colorado, recording 152 tackles (99 solos) with 12.5 sacks for minus-94 yards, 25 stops for losses of 119 yards, 34 quarterback pressures, 17 third-down hits, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and six pass deflections. His play earned him the Buffalo Heart Award, which exemplifies team spirit, and the Dave Jones Award, which is given to the team's most outstanding defensive player. During his stay, one of Brayton's greatest strengths was his leadership ability. As a junior, he asserted himself as the heart and soul of Colorado's team with a dramatic pre-game speech that turned Colorado's season around and spurred the Buffaloes on a run to the Big XII Championship Game.
DE Tyler Brayton had an impressive rookie season for the Silver and Black in 2003.
Lisa Coelho
With his team sitting at 1-2 and coming off an embarrassing loss to Southern Cal, Brayton laid it on the line - literally. As the team was preparing to take the field to play UCLA, Brayton laid a strip of tape across the door to the locker room and challenged his teammates to only cross the threshold if they were willing to put forth maximum effort or they would have to answer to him. Brayton has a history of performing in a manner that earns him the respect and admiration of his teammates, and coaches. Before joining the Buffaloes, Brayton grew up in Pasco, Wash., where he received his team's Most Inspirational Award as a team captain at Pasco High School as well as earning first-team All-Area honors at defensive end and first-team All-State mention at tight end.
With a new staff and a new defensive system there is a sense of renewed optimism in Oakland, and for good reason. The defense has talent busting at the seams and is ready to take on any challenge thrown at them. Brayton plays a big role in helping the Raiders get to where they want to be in the upcoming season. "What makes me excited about it more than anything is the attitude of the whole defense and the attitude of the whole team," Brayton said. "I think everyone is a lot hungrier than they were last year. I think we are just antsy to get started, and it shows in the way we practice."
As the 2004 season approaches we know that when Tyler Brayton is on the field he is going to give nothing less than 100 percent of his athleticism, his intelligence, and most of all, his heart to the Commitment to Excellence that is The Oakland Raiders.
On the Rise: Justin Fargas
June 8, 2004
By Pam Javandel
Household names? Not yet. The Oakland Raiders have infused the roster with a bevy of talented young players who are taking advantage of the team's heralded veteran leadership and are starting to or are preparing to make names for themselves. Log on each week as we take a look at these players, where they came from, how they got here and where they're going. These are the players to watch and get to know because they are definitely On the Rise.
The Raiders drafted RB Justin Fargas in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Lisa Coelho
After an unfortunate season-ending injury during the Raiders' game versus the Minnesota Vikings last November, Justin Fargas is healthy and ready for a bigger role in the offense during the 2004 season. There is tight competition between the running backs on the roster. Fargas, Tyrone Wheatley and J.R. Redmond return from last year's team, in addition to recently signed free agent running backs Amos Zereoue and Troy Hambrick.
The second-year player injured his medial collateral ligament during a home game on November 16, 2003 - a Raiders 28-18 victory over the Vikings. The injury was sustained early in the second quarter at the end of a kickoff return. Fargas did not return to the game and was placed on injured reserve three days later.
Before the injury, Fargas' season looked promising. In his first professional game, against St. Louis in the preseason, he had 17 carries for 72 yards. In game two against San Francisco, he had 126 yards on 18 carries while playing the entire second half. After the first two games, Fargas led the NFL in preseason rushing yards with 198.
During the regular season, Fargas played in all 10 games before he was injured. His best game during the regular season came in Week 2 against Cincinnati, when he carried twice for 56 yards, for an average of 28 yards per carry. He also excelled in the game against the Browns, where he had 33 yards on six carries and Week 10 against Minnesota, before he was injured, when he had 24 yards on only three carries.
Fargas was considered one of the nation's top running backs out of high school. He started his football career at Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, Calif., where he ran for 6,357 total yards and had 82 touchdowns on 668 carries, all of which were school records. During his senior year, he was named Parade All-American, USA Today All-USA first team, All-California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section first team, All-CIF Division III Offensive MVP, Los Angeles Times All-Valley MVP, Los Angeles Daily News All-Valley MVP and All-Mission League MVP.
Fargas led the NFL in preseason rushing yards in 2003.
Lisa Coelho
As a freshman at the University of Michigan, Fargas ran for 277 yards with 1 TD on 77 carries. He also led the team in kickoff returns with 16 for 311 yards. During the 10th game of the season, he suffered a season-ending injury and had to sit out in 1999 to rehabilitate his leg. After the season, Sports Illustrated named Fargas as one of the Top 10 Freshmen in the country.
Fargas' sophomore season came in 2000, when he was switched from the backup running back position to safety. He made 10 tackles and forced a fumble as a safety and also returned seven kickoffs for 124 yards, averaging 17.7 yards per return.
In 2001, Fargas transferred to USC, but had to sit out for the season because of NCAA transfer rules. In 2002, during his final collegiate season as a Trojan, he ran for 715 yards on 161 carries with seven TDs and caught eight passes for 101 yards. He also returned seven kickoffs for 132 yards and was named to the 2002 All-Pac 10 second team.
Fargas' two season-ending injuries (one in college and one during his rookie season with the Raiders) have both come as a result of an injury during the 10th game of the season. This year he looks forward to playing in all 16 games after an off-season of training and building up the strength in his knee.
By all indications, Fargas will be an immediate threat for the Raiders running game during the 2004 season. He has the speed, versatility, and talent to make big plays and will have an impact on the Raiders offense. When talking about overcoming his injuries and playing for the Raiders, Fargas said, "The Raiders represent toughness. I've exemplified that I'm a tough person. I just want to continue to do that."
Fargas should have plenty of opportunities to showcase his talent and help get the Raiders back on top in 2004.
Household names? Not yet. The Oakland Raiders have infused the roster with a bevy of talented young players who are taking advantage of the team's heralded veteran leadership and are starting to or are preparing to make names for themselves. Log on each week as we take a look at these players, where they came from, how they got here and where they're going. These are the players to watch and get to know because they are definitely On the Rise.. We continue the series with a look at WR Doug Gabriel.
Raiders WR Doug Gabriel fit the mold of the mighty Silver and Black when he joined the 2003 rookie class last year.
Lisa Coelho
Working hard to achieve success is nothing new to the Oakland Raiders' young wide receiver Doug Gabriel. Coming to the Raiders organization as the 167th overall draft pick in 2003, Gabriel knew he was becoming apart of an elite powerhouse. In his first year, he earned himself the position as primary kick return specialist and is competing for an offensive position beside future Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Gabriel hopes to join these Silver and Black legends, as his carrier is on the rise.
Rice and Brown have kept Gabriel alert and on top of his game on the field. Gabriel said, "I am coming in every day and trying to perfect what I was going to do. If they (Rice and Brown) say I do well one day, I try and come back to do it better than what I did before." With Gabriel's constant desire for personal improvement, he is quickly earning more playing time on the offense. This work ethic has allowed him to get to this point after dominating in high school and later in the collegiate game.
Coming from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Gabriel was one of the most highly sought after recruits in the state of Florida. His high school career was enough to turn heads at the University of Miami, one of the national college powerhouses. He had the speed and athleticism that was needed to dominate at this cutthroat college level. Gabriel signed a letter of intent with Miami, and later decided to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to develop his game at the JC level. At this time, Gabriel became known nationally as one of the most exceptional players in the country.
As a sophomore, he reset the school's long standing records for touchdowns (17) and points scored (104) in 2000. Gabriel also managed to account for 1,206 all-purpose yards during the season. This earned him a slew of awards including All-Region team, South Division Offensive MVP, and JC Gridwire's All-American second team. In addition he garnered the Offensive MVP award in the Mississippi JC All-Star game. He received so much national attention that Division I colleges were again beating down his door and the University of Central Florida swiped him before he could change his mind.
Gabriel made his decision on Central Florida due to the opportunity to further his offensive career, after turning down an opportunity to be on Florida State's defense. He made this decision to go to UCF with his career in mind. "I felt like my opportunity was more on offense than defense at the time", Gabriel said. "I took more time as a receiver going to camps and doing all the study session for the position." In two seasons as a Golden Knight, Gabriel emerged as UCF's primary offensive threat.
Once again, Gabriel reset the record books at UCF, breaking single-season marks for receiving yards (1,237) and all purpose yards (1,921) in 2002. His 19.3 average yards per catch blew him into the record books at second place for UCF. This was enough to earn him first team All-Conference and third team All-American honors. With his senior year ending, NFL scouts were hot on his trail.
Gabriel's work ethic has allowed him to get to this point after dominating as a rookie last season.
Lisa Coelho
Nationally ranked as one of the top receivers, Gabriel was expected to go high in the 2003 Draft. Unfortunately the expected changed to the unexpected when he discovered that he would have to wait until day two. Gabriel fell from the second round to the third round, falling as far as the fifth round. Finally selected by the Oakland Raiders he fit the mold of the mighty Silver and Black, joining the 2003 rookie class.
In his rookie year as a Raider, Gabriel played in 12 games as a wide receiver and on special teams. He caught one pass for 17 yards at wide receiver and made four tackles on special teams. Against Kansas City in week 11, he returned four kickoffs for 88 yards, earning him the job as the primary kick return specialist for the remainder of the season.
Gabriel excelled in the role, returning 29 kicks for an average of 23 yards per return. He finished the season on a roll, totaling over 100 return yards in each of the teams' last four games. In the final game of the regular season against San Diego, he returned four kickoffs for 131 yards, highlighted by an 85-yard touchdown in the second quarter for the team's only score.
With a successful season behind him and a new opportunity on the horizon, Gabriel is ready for his chance to shine in the 2004 season. There is little doubt that his desire to achieve success as a football player through his "Commitment to Excellence" will make him a favorite of Raider fans now and in the future.
Household names? Not yet. The Oakland Raiders have infused the roster with a bevy of talented young players who are taking advantage of the team's heralded veteran leadership and are starting to or are preparing to make names for themselves. Log on each week as we take a look at these players, where they came from, how they got here and where they're going. These are the players to watch and get to know because they are definitely On the Rise. We continue the series with a look at DE Tyler Brayton.
The Raiders drafted DE Tyler Brayton in the 1st round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Lisa Coelho
In the game of football many attributes can be measured empirically - speed, strength, stamina, and intelligence. Tyler Brayton is one of the few that have all of these characteristics, plus one that could not be measured on draft day: heart.
Drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, Brayton is already stepping up to the Raider tradition of playing with heart. In 2003 as a rookie he played in all 16 games with a total of 61 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery, but said he expects to improve on those numbers in his sophomore season. "I want to get to the passer more often, wreak havoc, collapse the pocket and just try to be disruptive in the passing game," Brayton said. His sophomore campaign will include playing with some seasoned veterans. Along with John Parrella, newcomers Warren Sapp and Ted Washington join the mix in the trenches.
Brayton said he could learn something from his teammates. "Hopefully I can learn a lot. Hopefully we can work together," he said. "They can show me some things, like what it's going to take to get to the passer. They know every little detail. They know how to get to the quarterback. They know how to play every blocking scheme, and they have done it a hundred times before. They have pretty much mastered the game, and I'm trying to master one thing at time."
"I want to get to
the passer more
often, wreak havoc,
collapse the pocket
and be disruptive."
- DE Tyler Brayton
Tyler Brayton has already mastered at least one thing - leaving everything on the field. The 6'6", 280-pound defensive lineman played in 47 games at the University of Colorado, recording 152 tackles (99 solos) with 12.5 sacks for minus-94 yards, 25 stops for losses of 119 yards, 34 quarterback pressures, 17 third-down hits, three fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and six pass deflections. His play earned him the Buffalo Heart Award, which exemplifies team spirit, and the Dave Jones Award, which is given to the team's most outstanding defensive player. During his stay, one of Brayton's greatest strengths was his leadership ability. As a junior, he asserted himself as the heart and soul of Colorado's team with a dramatic pre-game speech that turned Colorado's season around and spurred the Buffaloes on a run to the Big XII Championship Game.
DE Tyler Brayton had an impressive rookie season for the Silver and Black in 2003.
Lisa Coelho
With his team sitting at 1-2 and coming off an embarrassing loss to Southern Cal, Brayton laid it on the line - literally. As the team was preparing to take the field to play UCLA, Brayton laid a strip of tape across the door to the locker room and challenged his teammates to only cross the threshold if they were willing to put forth maximum effort or they would have to answer to him. Brayton has a history of performing in a manner that earns him the respect and admiration of his teammates, and coaches. Before joining the Buffaloes, Brayton grew up in Pasco, Wash., where he received his team's Most Inspirational Award as a team captain at Pasco High School as well as earning first-team All-Area honors at defensive end and first-team All-State mention at tight end.
With a new staff and a new defensive system there is a sense of renewed optimism in Oakland, and for good reason. The defense has talent busting at the seams and is ready to take on any challenge thrown at them. Brayton plays a big role in helping the Raiders get to where they want to be in the upcoming season. "What makes me excited about it more than anything is the attitude of the whole defense and the attitude of the whole team," Brayton said. "I think everyone is a lot hungrier than they were last year. I think we are just antsy to get started, and it shows in the way we practice."
As the 2004 season approaches we know that when Tyler Brayton is on the field he is going to give nothing less than 100 percent of his athleticism, his intelligence, and most of all, his heart to the Commitment to Excellence that is The Oakland Raiders.
This guy is definetly "on the rise." He was a beast at Colorado. I remember a game when he tackled this running back so hard the guy's helmet and mouthpiece flew off and landed 5 yards behind him.
I just realized it didn't do a quote. Can a moderator please edit this and make a quote?
ALAMEDA -- Norv Turner has already picked up on a couple of important things as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.
No. 1, he said, it's a football team that likes to work and knows how to work. "There's some guys that have really put in a great offseason," said Turner.
No. 2, they like to play, and they have fun doing it, said Turner, who was hired in late January to lead the Raiders.
"That gives us a chance, and that's exciting to me," Turner said Thursday, following the Raiders' final minicamp at the team's headquarters in Alameda. "There's a group of young players that have been drafted over the last three or four years that are potential Pro Bowl players. There's guys that are going to have great success in their careers. There's a lot of starters in that group.
"I think the chemistry of this team and the mix is outstanding."
The voluntary three-day minicamp, which began Tuesday and included selected veterans and rookies, ended in spirited fashion, with the offense and defense scrimmaging in shirts, shorts and helmets for the last half-hour of practice.
Noticeably absent were veteran wide receivers and future Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown, but for many of the younger players, it was a chance to get familiar with a new playbook, a new staff and impress their position coaches.
The Raiders worked on their offense, defense and special teams in the 90-minute session.
"We've got a new coaching staff here, and everybody wants to show them we can play," said Carlos Francis, a rookie wide receiver from Texas Tech. "I want to let them know that I'm here. I'm going to take one day at a time. I need to work extremely hard to make this team -- that's my main focus."
The minicamp also served for more player evaluation during the offseason. There was light contact, but the tempo and intensity will pick up significantly when the Raiders report to training camp on July 29 at the Napa Valley Marriott.
It's during two-a-day practices in full pads at Redwood Middle School where there's blocking and tackling and where positions can be won or lost.
The Raiders' ninth training camp in Napa will consist of 28 practice days, a schedule that will take them up to their third game of the preseason.
"This is a great time of year," said Turner, a native of Martinez in the East Bay and a former Washington Redskins head coach. "We're not concerned about playing a game. We're coaching everybody and getting them ready to go to camp. I told the guys that when camp comes, it changes. The sense of urgency goes up dramatically. You've got 15 days before your first preseason game.
"Guys fall by the wayside in camp, if they don't pay attention, if they don't learn the specifics of their position. What you do is you give someone else a great chance to make the football team."
After a complete meltdown during the 2003 NFL season, when the Raiders went from AFC champions and Super Bowl participants to a 4-12 record in one disastrous year, there's really only one direction for the team to go -- and that's upward.
"The ingredients we have as a football team to me that make us exciting are that we're talented, and talented at a lot of positions and a lot of different age groups," said Turner. "We're a lot younger football team than anyone realizes."
Turner continued: "The thing about this football team and this coaching staff is that there's a lot of guys in that building that feel they have something to prove -- and I'm one of them. I think when you have that approach, that attitude, it does raise everything up a little bit."
One of those young players is Tyler Brayton, a second-year defensive end from Colorado who hasn't missed a workout during the offseason.
"You can't get better than that," said Turner.
Offensive tackle Robert Gallery, the team's top pick in the April draft from Iowa, is working on learning the playbook as much as he is about pass blocking and run blocking techniques.
"I learned some things I've got to work on, so that I'll be ready to go to training camp," said Gallery. "I'm trying to learn as fast as I can."
The Raiders had two sessions in the last 10 days with Jeff Fish, their strength and conditioning coach. Their weight room is also open in the mornings five days a week in the offseason.
"Physically, as long as they stay in shape, we'll be ready to go when we go to camp," said Turner.
Rich Gannon and Kerry Collins got the most work and repetitions at quarterback, and threw short and medium range passes in different drills.
All in all, Collins was pleased with the way the minicamp went.
"I think we performed well," he said. "We've got a lot of young guys we're working in. We made some mistakes, but I felt like we improved every day we were out there. I saw a lot of guys practice hard and really make progress."
Turner got his first look at the Raiders' training camp setup a couple of weeks ago during a visit to Napa. He gave it a thumbs up.
"It's outstanding. It's not so spread out, like a college campus. I like getting away from the facility and having that training camp mentality. When you can keep everything that compact it's a big plus."
It's expected that Turner will turn up the heat in training camp, as the Raiders continue preparations for the 2004 regular season. They open on Sept. 12 at Pittsburgh.
"We're going to hit, we're going to hit in the running game, we're going to have blitz drills," the coach said. "Based on what we've talked about in our meetings, I don't think we're going to hit a lot more than other teams. But it's going to be physical and it's going to be competitive."
Turner hopes featured back will emerge from crowd of qualified competitors that also includes Zereoue, Fargas, Wheatley
June 24, 2004
By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
ALAMEDA -- Amos Zereoue got most of the reps in nickel-package drills. Troy Hambrick bobbled a pass, then wound up catching it behind his back. Justin Fargas left a handoff on the ground, reminding everyone why he is considered a risk despite his tremendous athletic ability. And somewhere, Tyrone Wheatley enjoyed a day off.
If coach Norv Turner is having trouble sorting out the Raiders' halfback position, he probably wasn't able to clarify much on Wednesday, the second day of his team's three-day minicamp.
With Charlie Garner having defected to Tampa Bay, the Raiders have no clear starter in the backfield.
"I think there's a bunch of guys that see themselves as our starting tailback, and I think it'll work out when we get to camp," Turner said. "And I think when you have competition, and you have guys who've played, you have an opportunity to come up with a featured runner. That's our goal. If we don't come up with that, I do know we have guys who have been productive."
As Turner alluded, he has never been a runner-by-committee type of coach. Whether it was Emmitt Smith during his days in Dallas, or Stephen Davis in Washington, or Ricky Williams in Miami last year, Turner's offenses usually have relied on a single workhorse back.
"Yeah, that's the way I'd prefer to do it," the coach admitted. "When we've had success, had the best success, that's the way we've done it. ... I think that's the way the runners would prefer it."
All of which begs the question: Who will be the guy?
Wheatley seemingly has the edge, based upon his competent performance in Oakland. He was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2000, when the Raiders led the league in ground yardage under Jon Gruden, and he was one of the few offensive players to stand out last year. But Fargas is the fastest of the four, Zereoue (the former Steeler) probably has the best hands, and Hambrick was the most productive in 2003.
Coach Bill Parcells picked Hambrick to replace Emmitt Smith in Dallas last year, and Hambrick carried the load all season. He rushed for 972 yards, eighth-best in the NFC. But he averaged only 3.5 yards per carry and suffered in comparison with Cowboys fans' memories of their record-setting runner.
"It was hard," Hambrick said Wednesday, "because I didn't have Emmitt Smith's line. I didn't have Emmitt Smith's quarterback. But you know, we worked together as a collective group, and we were able to pull it and win it together, and finally get to a playoff."
But after the Cowboys drafted Notre Dame running back Julius Jones in the second round of the draft, Parcells made it clear to Hambrick that the team was going in a different direction. As the spring progressed, Hambrick began to feel less and less wanted.
"As the offseason went on, we were working out, it was more of being a nun at a nightclub," he said.
So Hambrick asked for, and received, his release from the Cowboys. Like so many other players past and present, he felt his best chance for a new start lay in Oakland -- especially since Turner's offense is not so different from the one the Cowboys ran during Hambrick's first couple of years in Dallas. He signed with the Raiders May17.
"All I am coming in to do is to try to get back on the team, get a fresh start and try to compete and show somebody I can play football," Hambrick said. "I'm very disciplined at what I do. So if I fit in, that's great. If I can help this team get up from where they were last year and back to the Super Bowl, that'll be good, too. I'm just here to help."
That could include toiling on kicking teams. Hambrick got his NFL start under Joe Avezzano, who spent 13 years with the Cowboys and now coordinates the Raiders' special teams.
In the meantime, Hambrick has a little more than a month to get in shape for training camp. Turner praised his vision and physical running style, but noted that Hambrick showed up for drills in less than peak condition.
Hambrick vowed to get into better shape.
"I'll get out there and run now if you want me to. I won't die on him."
Turner would no doubt be pleased to hear that. He'll use several factors to select a starting halfback; with luck, mortality won't be one of them.
June 27, 2004 -- ALAMEDA, Calif. - Kerry Collins may not have mastered the Raiders' offense yet, but he certainly has the wardrobe down. Sitting on a park bench outside the team's offices, Collins sports a black hat, black T-shirt and black shorts.
It's not quite an Al Davis jump suit, but Collins' wardrobe gives an indication how well he has adapted to his new surroundings. Two months after being released by the Giants, the 31-year-old quarterback is upbeat and content in a new role on a new team on the other coast.
"You know, sometimes there's nothing like a new start," Collins said. "I certainly feel rejuvenated out here. It's a big move for [my family] and there's a lot of new things for us, but I'm really happy I came out here."
The process of getting to Oakland has been a whirlwind for Collins. After the Giants traded for Eli Manning this draft day, the team asked Collins to restructure his contract. When he refused, he was released. Collins began to search for a new job, and a month later signed a three-year, $16.8 million contract with the Raiders.
When he looks back on the eventful time, Collins shakes his head.
"You don't ever know what's around the next corner," he said.
For Collins, the road began to take twists and turns on draft day. Collins was at home in Basking Ridge, N.J., watching the draft when the Giants made the deal for his successor. He had heard rumors for weeks but nothing from the team, leaving him a sliver of hope they would go another direction with the draft pick.
"I was disappointed," Collins said. "I was angry. I was resentful at times because I've got a lot of pride. I'm proud of what I did there. I'm proud of what we accomplished as a football team when I was there. They bring somebody else in and feel that they can do a better job than you can - it stings your pride."
Collins knew the Giants wanted him to restructure his contract and lower his $8.95 million salary-cap figure. Rather than wait to hear from the team, Collins went to Giants Stadium two days after the draft to talk to general manager Ernie Accorsi.
"He wanted me to restructure my deal, to make it more cap-friendly, so they could sign the new quarterback, you know what I mean?" said Collins, his voice rising in disbelief. "Well, you know what? No. No. Not going to happen.
"I really wasn't interested in helping them out too much at that point."
Two days later, on April 28, his five-year stint with the Giants was over. Collins and his agent, David Dunn, began searching for a new team, but the timing was less than perfect. Most teams had settled on a quarterback situation. A few offered the chance to play one year as a backup, after which he'd be forced to test free agency. Collins hoped for stability.
Then, the Raiders came calling. Collins visited Oakland and walked away impressed with new coach Norv Turner, owner Davis and the long-term opportunities for him there. Many people wondered why Collins would choose a team with an established starter, 2002 MVP Rich Gannon. But 38-year-old Gannon has only one year left on his contract, and most in the organization feel this is his last go-round with the team, giving Collins a year to learn the system before taking the reins in 2005.
The quarterbacks must get through this season first and all the controversy questions that go with it. The duo and Turner spent plenty of time at a minicamp last week downplaying the rivalry.
"There is no controversy," Collins said.
Added Gannon, "You guys are trying to create something more than there really is."
Collins is deferring to Gannon, yet he also is quick to point out he still considers himself a starting quarterback. He said if there had been a team that offered him a starting job, he would be there instead of in Oakland.
"It's tough when people ask me, 'Well, why would you want to be the backup?'" Collins said. "Well, I don't want to be a backup, but this is the best situation for me for a lot of reasons. That's what I have to look at."
Under Turner, the Raiders plan to throw deep often. It's an offensive philosophy Collins is unfamiliar with. After signing on May 24, Collins returned to New Jersey but was back in California a week later. He has been here since, learning everything from terminology to philosophy.
He's gotten to know his new teammates at two OTAs (organized team activities) and at last week's minicamp. He split reps with Gannon, working with the second team. Most of the practices were mundane, but one throw, a 55-yard strike to Ronald Curry, drew cheers from teammates. Collins has impressed his coaches with how quickly he's picked up the offense, and Davis "loves" him, according to a member of the team's front office.
"The first day we had a camp and had a 7-on-7 period, one of the veteran DBs came over to me and said, 'Have you guys been meeting with him since January? He looks pretty sharp,'" Turner said. "The veteran guys pick this stuff up quick. He knows how to get ready. I don't think the system is an issue. I don't think managing the game is an issue. I think, right now, it's getting comfortable with the guys he's playing with."
Collins also is getting comfortable in his new surroundings. He and his wife, Brooke, have been house hunting in the Bay Area. For now, Collins is living in a hotel.
Collins said he holds no grudge toward the Giants. He said he has not spoken to any of his former teammates but they are in his thoughts. He did place a call to Jesse Palmer after "The Bachelor" aired but has not gotten a call back.
"I don't want the 'Good Morning America' version," Collins said. "I want what really happened."
Collins said he remains grateful to the Giants for signing him in 1999 when he had been labeled everything from a quitter to a racist. Shortly after the team cut him, he went to Wellington Mara's office to thank the owner for taking a chance on him.
That's in Collins' rearview mirror now. He's eager to get started with his new team, even if it means holding a clipboard for a year.
"Regardless of how it all went down, I couldn't be any happier," he said. "I know I'm not starting here and all that, but, God, I feel refreshed, and I'm excited about football. Sometimes you get in a rut when you're somewhere for a long time. This change has been great for me."
Inexperienced players adding to enthusiasm under Turner
June 27, 2004
By PHIL BARBER
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
ALAMEDA -- Is Rich Gannon ready to regain his MVP form? Does Jerry Rice have another great year in him? Can Warren Sapp be a force in Oakland, as he was in Tampa Bay?
According to Raiders coach Norv Turner, we may be asking the wrong questions.
"Everyone wants to talk about our older players, the veteran players we've signed," Turner said Thursday after wrapping up a three-day minicamp. "But the key to this football team is the young players taking another step.
"Doug Gabriel (wide receiver), you see him out here making plays. Tyler Brayton (defensive end), Phillip Buchanon (cornerback), Napoleon Harris (inside linebacker) -- I've talked about a lot of those guys. ... We need the young guys to really step up and play at the level they're capable of playing."
At other times, Turner singled out cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha and rookie tight end Courtney Anderson for praise.
With nearly all of the thirty-something Raiders excused from the minicamp, Turner and his staff have had a rare chance to evaluate their younger players.
And for the most part, the coach liked what he saw, even from his still-toddling rookies.
"(Tackle Robert) Gallery, (center Jake) Grove, Courtney Anderson, those guys, they've had fewer mental errors than a lot of the veterans," Turner said. "They've come in here with a sense of urgency, and they've handled it extremely well."
"It's been a good summer," said Gallery, whom the Raiders took with the second pick in the draft on April 24. "For the most part, I'm getting it. There's always something to pick up, and there will be until the day I stop playing. But I think it's going pretty well."
The sense of urgency to which Turner alluded was apparent throughout the three-day camp. New coaches such as special teams coordinator Joe Avezzano and defensive backs coach Clayton Lopez brought high energy to the drills, and most players seemed upbeat and energetic.
On a few occasions, they even crossed the line into aggression.
Defensive end Grant Irons tangled with a couple of different offensive linemen (Irons mixed it up with Gallery at the first minicamp, right after the draft), and cornerback Denard Walker verbally blistered Gabriel on Thursday after some minor contact in a passing drill.
"I was just having some fun out there," Walker said of his profane tirade.
Turner hopes such passion will translate into additional offseason conditioning. Strength coach Jeff Fish has guided most of the Raiders through numerous "organized team activities" and voluntary workouts. (Brayton, for one, hasn't missed a single workout.) The team weight room will remain open every morning, but many of the players will now disperse until training camp, which begins July 30.
"My point to them this morning: If you have been here for the last 31/2 months and you have been working four days a week and you have gotten yourself into this kind of condition, hey, build on it," Turner said. "Don't take a step back."
It isn't just the young guys who are providing impetus to Oakland's rebound, of course. Free agents like Sapp, linebacker Dwayne Rudd and safety Ray Buchanan are hoping to resuscitate their careers. And anyone left over from last year's 4-12 flameout is eager to get the bad taste out of his mouth.
"There are a lot of guys in that building that feel like they have something to prove," Turner said, nodding to the Raiders' facilities.
"And I am one of them."
EXTRA POINTS
Turner excused several players from Thursday's practice, saying they were "East Coast guys" who had weekend commitments. They included Buchanon, wide receiver Jerry Porter and running back Amos Zereoue.
Though he continues to be listed as a defensive lineman on the roster, second-year player Akbar Gbaja-Biamila confirmed that he has been moved to outside linebacker. DeLawrence Grant and Sam Williams have undergone similar shifts.
Several unsigned players took the field for tryouts during the three-day camp, including offensive linemen Todd Wike and Robert Hicks, and tight end Mike Hart
Tuiasosopo out of Raiders' eye?
Collins now appears to be QB of future
By CLARE FARNSWORTH
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
Marques Tuiasosopo was expecting the news, but that didn't soften the delivery.
When the Oakland Raiders signed veteran Kerry Collins this month, joining the even-more veteran Rich Gannon, it clouded the future for the former University of Washington quarterback.
Tuiasosopo had been considered the quarterback of the future since then-coach Jon Gruden selected him in the second round of the 2001 draft. Now, with the arrivals this off-season of Norv Turner -- Tuiasosopo's third head coach in four seasons -- and Collins, what was once thought to be a given could be taken away.
"I may not like it, but it's something that's out of my control," Tuiasosopo said recently during a telephone interview after a workout at Raiders headquarters.
If Tuiasosopo has learned anything in his brief career, it's to expect the unexpected and not make waves when the turbulent franchise veers from its expected course.
"I just want to go out and show what I can do, just continue to get better," he said. "That will help me out a lot better than sitting back and feeling sorry for yourself.
"This is no different than any other year, I have to continue to fight for my job. If it's something you enjoy doing, you'd better just keep moving forward and pushing ahead. Competition isn't a bad thing, either."
Make no mistake, Tuiasosopo loves what he is doing, continuing to live what has been a dream since he was a kid growing up in Woodinville -- the oldest son of former Seahawks defensive tackle Manu Tuiasosopo.
"I still love playing the game and I enjoy being here around some of the greatest players to ever play the game," he said. "It's kind of crazy to think that me going to work is coming in here, putting shorts on and going out on the field and throwing the ball to Jerry Rice and Tim Brown."
Even the haughtiest of dreams can be punctured by a few shards of reality.
The most damaging might have come last season, when Tuiasosopo started his first game after Gannon, 38, tore his right labrum. Instead of being the chance Tuiasosopo had been waiting for, the Nov. 2 game against the Detroit Lions turned into a lost opportunity when he sprained his left knee, forcing him to injured reserve for the rest of the season.
"It was pretty difficult," said Tuiasosopo, whose stat line from his first three seasons includes 49 pass attempts, 28 completions and no touchdown passes. "I finally get a chance to get some playing time and kind of show that I can play here. ...
"Then I get hurt."
The knee is fine now. As for his future, Turner will wield that prognosis.
Publicly, the Raiders' new coach has said the right things without actually saying anything when asked about Tuiasosopo. Privately, he has been equally vague with Tuiasosopo.
"He's told me just to keep competing and keep learning the new system, and everything will work out," Tuiasosopo said.
The unspoken truth hurts, in that Turner wants a pocket passer at the controls of his running back-fueled offense. Tuiasosopo's strength always has been his ability to make plays while on the move.
There's also the continuing speculation that Tuiasosopo was Gruden's draft choice, not the type of stand-tall-and-throw-deep quarterback preferred by owner Al Davis.
The fresher assumption is that Turner's signing of Collins can be viewed as an indictment of Tuiasosopo's ability -- at least to quarterback this team in this offense.
That's why the knee injury continues to hurt Tuiasosopo, even though the ligament has healed. He is popular, but his teammates confided he seemed unsure of himself, while coaches were unimpressed with his decision-making in his only start.
Tuiasosopo never got a second chance last season, and now can't help but wonder when it might come.
"I'd just love to play one of these days," he said. "It's part of the road. I have to just keep plugging away, and hopefully another time will come and I'll be able to stay healthy and go out there and have some fun."
And perhaps even return to being the future.
QUARTERBACK U
Marques Tuiasosopo is one of six former UW quarterbacks in the NFL. The others:
Mark Brunell, Redskins
Update: Brunell, 33, lost his starting job in Jacksonville to Byron Leftwich last season, but the 10-year veteran gained a new one when he was traded to Washington this off-season.
Chris Chandler, Rams
Update: The 16-year NFL veteran from Everett, who turns 39 in October, signed with St. Louis this off-season to back up Marc Bulger, a move dictated by the release of Kurt Warner.
Brock Huard, Seahawks
Update: When he was released by the Colts this spring, Huard approached the Seahawks about returning and was signed to a one-year contract. Coach Mike Holmgren wanted the former Puyallup star to be his starter in 2000, but a concussion and a bruised kidney prevented that.
Damon Huard, Chiefs
Update: The elder Huard brother, who attempted only three passes with New England over the past three seasons, found a new home as No. 3 in K.C. behind Trent Green and Todd Collins.
Cody Pickett, 49ers
Update: Pickett was selected in the seventh round of the draft in April. He has things that some teams liked, but was unimpressive at the Senior Bowl and NFL scouting combine.
Ronald Curry doesn't even think about playing quarterback anymore. Of course, the former North Carolina quarterback didn't always feel that way.
Staff file photo
Former North Carolina standout Ronald Curry wanted to play quarterback in the NFL, but few teams saw him as a prototypical signal-caller. Now, the Virginia native is working on his receiving skills with the Oakland Raiders.
When he graduated in 2001 as the Tar Heels' all-time leader in passing yards, Curry believed he was good enough to be a quarterback in the National Football League.
But few teams saw the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Curry as the prototypical NFL quarterback.
However, teams did love Curry's athleticism, which they knew could be utilized at another position.
So Ronald Curry, the quarterback, was no more. Now entering his third season in the NFL, it's Ronald Curry, wide receiver.
"Coming out I wanted to play quarterback," said Curry, who was in town to participate in the Jimmy Raye Youth Foundation Football Camp on Monday. "I just wanted a team to give me a shot to play quarterback. If I wasn't able to play quarterback at that level, I wanted to play something else.
"I just enjoy playing the game of football."
Curry has been a backup wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders the last two years. Playing behind two future Hall of Fame receivers in Jerry Rice and Tim Brown hasn't meant a lot of playing time for the Virginia native.
But Curry did see some playing time this past season after spending much of his rookie year on the Raiders' practice squad. Playing largely on special teams, Curry played in all 16 games, started two and had 20 tackles. He also had five catches for 31 yards.
Curry isn't looking to pattern his career after Kordell Stewart, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback who sometimes played receiver and running back early in his career before becoming a full-time starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Curry is hoping his career mirrors that of another Steeler, wide receiver Hines Ward, who played quarterback at Georgia before entering the NFL and becoming a Pro Bowl receiver.
"I think I'm coming along fine as a wide receiver," Curry said. "I'm getting better and better everyday. It's something that I want to perfect. My focus is not playing wide receiver and hopefully getting back to quarterback. My focus is being the best wide receiver I can be."
Curry didn't think that his experience as a quarterback made it easier for him to play wide receiver. But he did believe that his experience as a quarterback makes him a pretty attractive option to throw to.
"I know what a quarterback wants," Curry said. "I know what a quarterback needs me to do to make a play. If something goes wrong, I know to break off a route. I wouldn't say playing quarterback is an advantage, but it does help."
It also helps to learn from two of the best wide receivers to ever play the game. Neither Rice nor Brown are the receivers they were in their primes, but both still possess a wealth of knowledge that Curry has tried to soak up.
"Just sitting back and watching those guys has been great," Curry said. "I deal with Tim more than I deal with Jerry. I backed up Tim last year. Me and him were doing a lot of the same things so I always had a lot of questions.
"Having Fred Biletnikoff, another Hall of Fame receiver, as (Raiders wide receivers coach) is another advantage for me."
Curry will enter training camp in July with a tinge of uncertainty. The Raiders have a new coaching staff in place after former coach Bill Callahan was fired following the 2003 season.
Besides Biletnikoff, who has been Oakland's receivers coach the last seven years, Curry will be trying to impress a coaching staff, led by new head coach Norv Turner, that hasn't really seen much of him.
But the former Tar Heel standout is optimistic about his future in the NFL.
"I think I impressed the coaching staff last year, and those guys moved onto new jobs," Curry said. "If things don't work out with the Raiders there are other guys that know what I'm capable of doing."
Sometimes players make special appearances. During the off-season, it's a great time to get to talk to some of the players when they do show up.
I had that opportunity today. Justin Fargas showed up to sign autographs at a store. There weren't many people that showed up. That was kind of tragic, but it didn't stop Justin from being friendly to those there. He even took time to talk to yours truly.
OK, so I didn't give the kid much of a chance. I grilled him. He let me ask questions, answered , made a few jokes.
What exactly did he have to say? Well it's in story format. I didn't have a recorder so I am not going to put anything in direct quotes, unless it was that. A direct quote which I remember.
Justin is a Raiders fan. His first professional games were watching Bo Jackson and the Raiders when they were on their hiatus down in southern California.
He shared that last year he was a nervous wreck watching the 2003 draft waiting for his name to be called. Of course, he wanted only the Raiders to draft him. He said that this year he couldn't even watch the draft. It sort of brought back too many memories. He knew what it was like to sit there and hope to hear one's name being called and felt for the guys that were in the position he was in last season.
He was thrilled to be drafted not only by his favorite team, but by the team that had represented the AFC in the SuperBowl.
He did sense something, though, even in the pre season. He just figured things would gel in the regular season. Well they didn't. He couldn't say that there was any one thing wrong. It was just a collection of things. He thinks it really did start with losing the first game of the season to the Titans. It was a game that he and the rest of the team felt we should have won. He said it was that loss and the loss to the Browns that hurt the most. (He didn't think much of Cleveland or their fans. I get the idea any trip to Cleveland will be way too soon to suit him.) I mentioned to him that it seemed those were the two games that the Raiders really had opportunity to win, if we had a fair shake from the refs. He said the Raiders will never get the benefit of the doubt from the guys in the striped shirts. And for those that want to know: he believes, just as every other free-thinking person with any knowledge of the game, that Brady DID fumble.
During our talk he also guaranteed me a better season than last years final outcome. OK, so 5-11 isn't anything worth bragging about, but I got the impression that Justin feels we are doing something good with the team.
How so? Read on!
He said he hates facing the defensive line in practices. Ted Washington does indeed block out the sun. As big as Parella and Sapp are? They look like the kid brothers of Big Ted. I guess it's a good thing that he's going up against one of the now largest defensive lines. He's learning a lot from them.
Justin is also thinks that the changes in the coaching staff have infused a better morale amongst the squad, He said that at least three-fourths of the team, a conservtaive estimate at that, has been showing up at the facilities on a regualr basis.
The biggest change? He thinks the difference in the strength and conditioning coach is one of the most important changes. Like I had said much of last season, what we had wasn't appropriate for football players. He was into agility training and relied heavily on technological techniques. This just doesn't work for the football players that are used to relying on pure physical strength to get the job done. He feels that the new strength and conditioning coach is getting out of the players something that was lacking last season. Not only is the coach getting something from the players, the players are wanting to work with this guy.
Justin Breaks Free Against the Bengals
Now as for Justin personally?
He's seen some time returning kicks. On the other side, he's been the gunner when we do the kicking. He does think that Crazy J is a loss to our special teams.
Offensively, he's seeing more carries. He also has been catching some in the flat. While he does miss Charlie Garner, he is also aware that his absence is his opening to show the coaches what he can do. He seemed, and this is just my take, a little nervous with all the running backs the Raiders have in their stable. He knows he dropped a couple of balls last year and fumbled one away at a crucial time. His thoughts on this are to learn from his mistakes. To learn that it's better sometimes to go down rather than fight for those extra yards and put possession of the ball in danger. To be more aware of blind/backside pressure when running in the open. Basically sometimes those self-preservation instincts need to be the guiding force. He knows from practices, workouts and minicamp that the focus for this season will be on th running game. We will see more play action plays. We are going to go deep more often. Our offense is going to be one that could very well be feared once again. The whole thing, is the predictable offense we had the last couple of years is going to be gone. He looks forward to learning more. When I mentioned that he's really the fastest RB we have, he'll be key to the end around, he cameback with that he doesn't want to be that one dimensional. He wants to go up the middle. He wants to be the one that is known as having that sweet touch that moves the ball. "Here comes that sweet man..." is what he wants to hear when he hits the field. He wants opposing defenses to no know what his assignment is. (Of course, knowing what Zack is going to do hasn't helped defenses put a stop on him.... )
He does feel positive about the upcoming season. He wants to help the team whatever way he can. As long as he produces on the field, in whatever way helps the team, he'll be a happy camper.
I asked what his goals were for the season. his answer : to contribute in a positive manner to the team. Though he claims he isn't into stats, he feels he can get 90 yards a game. If he can do that, he figures he may as well get a hundred yards a game. This was said with a laugh.
What game is he looking forward to the most? Pittsburgh, the first game of the season. Why? because it IS the first game of the season. One game at a time. One win at a time. Move forawrd and keep moving forward.
What will he do when he scores? Watch out Black Hole and Loud n Proud. And be prepared. Justin wants to do an endzone dive into the corwds. This again witha huge smile on his eager face.
What did I get from Justin as a person?
This is a guy who wants to earn what he gets. He is loyal to his team mates, and won't say anything bad about anyone. He has a positive outlook and isn't the the egomaniac we see in some players. This is a kid that knows he's only going to get what he deserves, and he will work to get that. His positive outlook and willingness to do anything asked of him to help the team is refreshing.
And ya' know what? I am convinced that the Raiders are going to be something this season. All I know is so far, I have a far better feeling than I did last off season.
Raiders middle linebacker Napoleon Harris takes a time out to answer some questions for Raidernews.com. He is not a guy who has been particularly vocal in the press, and last year when things were going badly for the Silver and Black, he just kept his head down and did his job as best as he could. That is what I would call a class player, and a team player. Having dealt with him for only a short time, it?s very clear that he is very close to his family, and as mean as he can be on the field; off the field he is one of the good guys and a great advert for the Raiders.
For the record, he did this interview for free, nothing, zip. He did it just because a Raider fan asked him to. His sister Tomeika even sent us pictures from their family album to use. If they had done it for an established magazine, they would have got at least a few thousand dollars for it. Now to me, this is a Raider kind of player. A big thank you to the both of them.
Napoleon Harris is the Raiders defensive leader on the field, but he is used to having responsibility thrust upon him at an early age off the field as well. In 1996, when he was only 17, his father died unexpectedly, and he had to take on the role of head of the family. His sister says he has been emerging as a leader ever since. A football player in his younger days, Napoleon?s father watched every football and basketball game he ever played in.
So what has he got to say about himself, last year, and of course, next year? We are about to find out:
Q. When you first started paying football, did you always see yourself on the defensive side of the ball, or is that just where you ended up?
A. Well, I started off playing tight end and a little wide receiver, but I wanted to be the guy hitting people, not the one getting hit. So I decided to make the full time switch once I got to college.
Q. As a kid, which players did you look up to and admire?
A. I liked Jerry Rice, Walter Payton, Lawrence Taylor, and Derrick Thomas.
Q. In your rookie year, you went to the Superbowl as the Raiders starting middle linebacker, just how much of a dream come true was that?
A. That was a wonderful experience. I can?t even put that into words. It?s just something that I would remember forever and will definitely try and make it back there.
Q. Did you find it tough being the Raiders signal caller in your first year, especially with players like Bill Romanowski, and Rod and Charles Woodson in the huddle with you?
A. I really didn?t find it tough, because I am a born leader, and no matter who lines up with me in the huddle, it?s a matter of respect, and I definitely feel like I had the respect of my team mates.
Q. The Raiders defense had a good year in 2002/3, but last year it all seemed to go wrong. What do you think the problems were?
A. There was a ton of miscommunication, and we were inconsistent. We did a lot of good, but we were definitely not on the same page in key situations of the game, which allowed teams to have a ton of success on us.
Q. You played inside and outside linebacker last year, which do you think is the best position for you?
A. I really don?t know, I had some good times of both. I feel like I showed progress at the OLB more towards the end of last year, but I feel like I played MLB just as well.
Q. Which offensive player gives you the most sleepless nights before a game, who is the hardest to play against?
A. I don?t have sleepless nights. I prepare myself for each game, so I think it?s the opposing offenses who have sleepless nights knowing they have to face me.
Q. You must be really looking forward to playing behind Ted Washington and Warren Sapp?
A. I am definitely looking forward to that. It?s going to allow me to run sideline to sideline and keep offensive linemen off me. Hopefully this will be my breakout season and propel me to the Pro Bowl and the Superbowl.
Q. We know that new defensive co-coordinator Rob Ryan?s specialty is linebackers, any ideas how he plans to use you next year? After all, you have a great size/speed combination, played inside and outside last year, and played defensive line at Northwestern. The possibilities seem endless if he is talking about showing different looks using the same personnel.
A. He has a great defensive mind and however he plans on using me is up to him, but I have all the confidence in the world that he will make the right decision. He probably will use me like his Visa. I?ll be everywhere he wants me to be.
Q. Have you got a favorite big play, or hit you made?
A. The AFC championship game when I ran over Eddie George, and sacked Steve McNair. Then came back and made an impact hit on the other running back. It was one of the greatest feelings in the world.
Q. Any message for the Raider fans out there?
A. Go out and buy my jersey, 'cause I?m going to give the Raider Nation something to smile and be happy about this season!
Well I certainly hope he is right, there have been some big names added to the Raiders roster this off season, and with new coach Rob Ryan at the helm, expectations are high. But for all the high profile veterans that have arrived in Oakland, Harris will be as much of a factor in how the defense performs as any of them. The middle linebacker is always the heart of the defense. If Ryan is planning on changing the defensive formations with the same players on the field, as was done in New England, he need look no further than the big number 58 to help get this done.
Harris plays inside, outside, and has exceptional speed. He is also one of the bigger linebackers in the league at 255lbs and played on the D line in college. It is not often that you find a linebacker who is equally at home inside or outside. Anyone reading his answers in this article will be left in no doubt that he has the confidence in himself to achieve at the highest level. His versatility and size/speed combination may well make him the key player on the Raider D this coming year, and he will certainly be someone Rob Ryan will be very happy to have on his roster. With a better defensive line in front of him, Harris will be free to run ?sideline to sideline? as he puts it, and the Pro Bowl is certainly not beyond him.
Whilst Harris?s play has made him very much an ?answered question? for the Raiders defense, there are others amongst the young guard who remain unanswered questions. Nnamdi Asomugha, Derrick Gibson, Philip Buchanon, and Tyler Brayton are all recent first rounders who need to step up and make their mark in the same way. We have a lot of talent on this side of the ball, both young and old, and that is before the draft! I have a feeling we are going to have a good year this year. As for me, I?m off to get myself a Napoleon Harris jersey????
You can find out more about Napoleon Harris at NapoleonHarris.com
A childhood friend of both Napoleon and his sister Tomeika plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers - #82 Antwaan Randle El. When Napoleon and Antwaan were both at Thornton High School, they were often named Thunder and Lightning in the local newspapers. Napoleon was Thunder because of his hits, and Antwaan was Lightning because of his speed. The two are starting a youth skills camp this summer, The Thunder and Lightning Youth Skills Football Camp. Antwaan and Napoleon will be at the camp, along with other NFL players and college players. This is the first annual camp for Thunder and Lightning. Check Napoleon's site for more information.
Household names? Not yet. The Oakland Raiders have infused the roster with a bevy of talented young players who are taking advantage of the team's heralded veteran leadership and are starting to or are preparing to make names for themselves. Log on each week as we take a look at these players, where they came from, how they got here and where they're going. These are the players to watch and get to know because they are definitely On the Rise. We continue the series with a look at CB Nnamdi Asomugha.
The Raiders selected CB Nnamdi Asomugha in the 1st round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Lisa Coelho
With one season behind him and another on the horizon, Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha will be a player who Raiders fans will no doubt become familiar with during the 2004 season. A stellar athlete with a promising future, Asomugha came to the Silver and Black as a rookie last year and was given the opportunity to display his talents in 15 of the 16 regular season games that the Raiders played in during the 2003 season. In those 15 games he showed the ability and potential that made him a first round choice in the 2003 NFL Draft.
Only the second cornerback in Raider history to be selected in the first round of the Draft, Asomugha introduced himself as a serious player during the Raiders' regular season home opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. His debut included four unassisted tackles, aiding a Raiders victory over Cincinnati. He completed the 2003 season with 27 tackles (17 solo) and started at free safety during the November 30th game against the Denver Broncos.
From last season's accomplishments to his performance at current practices, Asomugha has been gaining positive attention from his coaches. According to assistant coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown, "Asomugha has been practicing real hard. He's one of the bigger corners in the league and surely one of the fastest ones in the league. He will be able to contribute to the Raiders in many ways this season." Head Coach Norv Turner echoed, "You go out here everyday and watch him against our receivers and we've obviously got great experience at the receiver position, so they know how to work corners. Nnamdi looks like a starting corner to me."
Before he brought his size and speed to the Raiders, Asomugha made use of his athletic versatility as a Golden Bear at the University of California at Berkeley. While attending Cal, he played in 41 games over a span of three years, at both the cornerback and safety positions. Nnamdi recorded 187 tackles (133 solos), three sacks, 19 stops behind the line of scrimmage, seven interceptions for 96 yards in returns, 15 passes defensed, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble. His performance earned him an All-Pac-10 Conference second-team selection in his senior season.
Lisa Coelho
Asomugha believes that his 6'2", 210-pound frame gives him an advantage when going up against today's larger receivers. "My size and speed are strengths and at corner that's big because nowadays you get a lot of big receivers and you want to be able to be physical with them and run with them. I have good movement for my size."
Raiders fans shouldn't be surprised to see this 22-year old Los Angeles native become an even more valuable member of the Raiders defense and special teams unit. In Asomugha's own words, "I'm preparing to make a lot of noise this year!" The 2003 season was merely a sneak-peek into what this exciting young cornerback can really do. As the team looks ahead to a promising season, Raiders fans can look forward to continued improvement from Nnamdi Asomugha as his career continues to be On the Rise.
Justin Fargas should be in the hunt for the starting tailback job.
By Court E. Mann, Associate Editor
July 1, 2004 5:00 PM ET
Leading up to the start of Training Camps in July, Fanball.com is taking a team-by-team tour with fantasy previews for each NFL squad. We'll detail the key offseason moves, position battles to watch, and other things to keep an eye on as the clubs prepare for the season ahead.
Notable Offseason Moves: Not unlike George Steinbrenner, Al Davis isn't fond of losing. After watching his AFC Championship squad fall to 4-12 in a disastrous season, the longtime owner green-lighted a whirlwind of change in the Bay Area, starting from the top down. The Raiders waived goodbye to head coach Bill Callahan unceremoniously and replaced him with experienced veteran Norv Turner, most recently the offensive coordinator in Miami. The Silver and Black also have visions of a more aggressive defense and brought in former Patriots linebackers' coach Rob Ryan to be their new defensive coordinator. Ryan counts father Buddy and former boss Bill Belichick as his biggest influences—not a bad foundation for a defensive architect.
Inside the sidelines, the Raiders were also quite busy revamping their personnel. Citing last season's debacle which saw third-string signal caller Rick Mirer start nine games, the Raiders sparked the offseason's biggest quarterback controversy by signing former Giants starter Kerry Collins to a three-year deal. The move initially appeared to seal the fate of incumbent Rich Gannon, who at 38 is coming off of major shoulder surgery and is due $7 million in salary. However, all parties—including Gannon, Collins, and the Raiders front office—have assured the media that Rich remains an affordable starting quarterback and that Kerry will comfortably serve as his insurance and long-term replacement.
In the wake of Charlie Garner's decision to buy out his own contract and reunite with former coach Jon Gruden in Tampa, the Raiders signed two running backs who both failed miserably in their 2003 opportunities as feature backs—Amos Zereoue from the Steelers and Troy Hambrick from the Cowboys. They join veteran Tyrone Wheatley and young Justin Fargas in the Oakland backfield.
If there was any question who was running the show, Turner made his presence felt in the construction of the Raiders' offensive line—one that will pave the way in his famous power running attack. Oakland stole former Pro Bowl guard Ron Stone from their Bay Area counterparts and spent their two highest draft picks on linemen (second overall pick Robert Gallery from Iowa and second-rounder Jake Grove from Virginia Tech). They also resigned linemen Frank Middleton and Brad Badger to give them one of the deepest and most experienced units in the league.
On defense, the Raiders lost two key cogs to retirement when linebacker Bill Romanowski and defensive end Trace Armstrong hung them up. They also watched cornerback Terrence Shaw (Panthers), linebacker Eric Barton (Jets), tackle Rod Coleman (Falcons), and end Lorenzo Bromell (Giants) walk away in free agency. However, they more than made up for such losses by acquiring Pro Bowl tackles Ted Washington (Patriots) and Warren Sapp (Bucs) to plug the middle of their defensive line and by adding linebacker Dwayne Rudd (Bucs) and cornerbacks Ray Buchanan (Falcons), Denard Walker (Vikings), and Ike Charlton (Giants).
Position Battles: Given all of the movement above, it should come as no surprise that few teams have as much depth chart uncertainty as the Raiders. Nowhere is the ambiguity more prevalent than in the Oakland backfield, where no one is certain who will be taking snaps or handoffs for the Silver and Black. The team concluded their final minicamp of the summer with Gannon and Collins sharing snaps rather evenly and with Turner suggesting that his starter (Gannon) will get the lion's share of the reps as training camp brings them closer to the season opener.
It's not just Gannon's salary that has many speculating that Collins will inevitably be the team's 2004 starter. Turner's passing offense features a vertical, downfield attack rather than the short, timing routes Gannon thrived in. Collins has always had one of the league's strongest arms and most accurate deep balls, which only fuels this quarterback fire. It's worth noting that even though Gannon has survived long past the June 1 salary-cap cut date, there is nothing that prevents the Raiders, in theory, from severing ties with the former MVP before the season. The Patriots' release of Lawyer Milloy just before the 2003 campaign opened provides a comparable precedent.
Unless the quarterback situation resolves itself in some fashion come mid August, it's wise for fantasy owners to avoid relying on either Gannon or Collins as their starter—despite the fact that both have had big fantasy seasons in the very recent past. If Gannon stays, he not only has shoulder surgery to recover from and a new offense to adjust to, he also has Collins breathing down his neck should he start slowly. Unless Gannon is released, this has all the makings of the kind of season-long controversy that failed under Turner in Miami (with Jay Fiedler and Brian Griese) and in Cleveland (with Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb) last season.
As soon as Turner signed on in Oakland, fantasy owners began the Raiders' running back watch. After observing his offenses in Miami, San Diego, Washington, and Dallas over the last 15 years, they should be well aware what his rushing schemes have meant for Ricky Williams, LaDainian Tomlinson, Stephen Davis, and Emmitt Smith. Clearly, Turner prefers to feature one workhorse back who carries the ball 250-300 times over the course of the season and yields to no one at the goal line.
Unfortunately, we're not sure that back exists on the Raiders' roster. According to minicamp reports, Wheatley is the frontrunner after averaging 4.3 yards per carry in 2003. Turner also praised his offseason workouts and his burst in spring practices. However, Wheatley is 32 years old and has only two seasons in his career with more than 159 carries—none of them since the year 2000. Oakland also has newcomers Zereoue and Hambrick as options. However, Zereoue averaged just 3.3 yards per carry after Pittsburgh handed him the starting job last year, and his 5-8 frame raises question about his ability serve as a workhorse back. Hambrick was arguably more disappointing in Dallas, and after reporting to minicamp in poor condition, Oakland would be better off converting him to fullback.
The sleeper, and by far the back with the most fantasy upside, is second-year runner Justin Fargas. Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in week 10, Fargas excelled in spot duty behind Garner and Wheatley, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. He has fantastic speed, good size (6-1, 220), and appeared healthy in workouts this spring. Fantasy owners should keep a very close eye on how the Raiders divvy up the workload in training camp. As it stands now, we certainly wouldn't draft Wheatley without Fargas and would have no problem taking a late-round flier on Justin.
Keep an Eye On: Despite all of the unresolved above, there is little question that the first Raider taken in fantasy drafts this summer will be promising wide receiver Jerry Porter. He was the team's leading playmaker two seasons ago, but his development was derailed due to health problems and the team's nightmare season. However, Porter should have no problems with the hernia or calf injuries that limited him last year and should benefit from having either Gannon or Collins under center. He already enjoys a solid connection with Gannon; the two connected for a team-high nine touchdowns in 2002. On the other hand, Collins' arm strength would be a major upgrade for Porter, the team's best athlete. We'll certainly be listening for positive reports of the 27-year-old wideout's continued progress during training camp.
We're not likely to hear anything positive, unfortunately, about shutdown corner Charles Woodson during camp. The team did not please the former Heisman Trophy winner when they slapped the one-year franchise tag on him after the season—thus preventing him from exploring free agency and obtaining a long-term deal. Woodson responded by refusing to sign his tender and will almost certainly sit out of training camp. The Raiders' secondary may also be without safety Rod Woodson, who is recovering slowly from yet another surgical procedure on his knee. The future Hall of Famer has admitted that he's unsure whether he'll return for his 17th NFL season, and the team's multiple signings in the defensive backfield reflect the uncertainty surrounding both his and Charles' availability.
The art of playing cornerback, the Raiders, and when keeping it real goes wrong.
June 23, 2004 - In 2003, the Oakland Raiders finished the season tied for last, going 4-12 and leaving fans wondering what happen to that "commitment to excellence" that put them in the Super Bowl the year before, a game where they lost to their former head coach Jon Gruden and the Tampa Buccaneers. Well, according to four time Pro Bowl cornerback Charles Woodson, one large ego got in the way…or was it two or three?
Last November, Woodson voiced his opinion on ESPN about then Raiders head coach Bill Callahan and how he refused to listen to some of the veterans on the team. A move that left Woodson taking the heat from reporters, border-to-border, water-to-water and from every corner of the NFL universe.
Charles Woodson's decision to go public about how the team was unhappy with the way Callahan had changed things was a bold move that he thought would help turn the season around, maybe jumpstart the team. Unfortunately, his plan backfired on him, leaving the star corner to answer all of the questions about a team in disarray.
It was another case of "when keeping it real goes wrong".
This year, Woodson has made it clear that he wants to be the face of the Raiders. He has even gone so far as to go to mini-camp without a contract to prove that he bleeds silver and black.
He is arrogant, cocky, confident, talented, outspoken, self-centered and maybe the best in the game today at his position.
IGN Sports caught up with lone Raider in ATL (he lives there in the offseason) to talk about the art of playing cornerback, the upcoming season and his talents away from the field, even if one of his talents is definitely not playing video games.
IGN Sports: When you step up to the line, is their a particular thing that you are looking for to get the edge on your opponent?
Charles Woodson: Most of the time, when I step up to the line I am looking at the quarterback and I look at his eyes. I can really tell when I look into his eyes if he thinks he can come to my side and be successful. So I try looking into the quarterback's eyes up until the very snap and then I go to the receiver because I am not too concerned about whether he beats me or not. I feel like it doesn't matter who is opposite me, he's not going to beat me. I look at the quarterback to see if he is going to come over there and make my assessment if he going to throw my way or not. I just make sure I am on top of my man so if the ball does come over here, that he just doesn't catch it.
IGN Sports: Would you say that you pretty much know before the snap if he is coming your way?
Charles Woodson: A lot of times. But sometimes a quarterback may stumble and you are running around with the receiver and it just so happens that he throws it to your guy. But you know when they walk up to the line, he don't want to throw the ball your way.
IGN Sports: Are there some receivers in the league that you like going up against because you that it is going to be a good battle?
Charles Woodson: Yeah, I respect guys you know what I mean: I respect Terrell (Owens), and I am supporting him in his event ("Star with a Cause" for Alzheimer's). Marvin Harrison (Colts) who I think is the best receiver in the league, Jimmy Smith from Jacksonville, Randy Moss (Vikings) of course. Eric Moulds (Bills) who I think is the strongest receiver in the league, and a few other guys like the two in St. Louis, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt. Those guys I respect tremendously. Those guys I do respect and enjoy going up against…always.
IGN Sports: How special is it for fans to see two players who represent teams that are rivals come together for a positive cause like Alzheimer's when you are away from the game, even though you compete against each other on the field?
Charles Woodson: I think that is really how it is for most players. I think it is rare that one player really hates another player on a team. I think most of the time it is competition. You do not like a player during game time, during that battle, but once the game is over we are back to living our lives. I respect T.O. tremendously as a receiver and he is one the best out there, if not the best. I have no problem doing something like this with him. There is no competition with T.O. I do my thing and he does his thing and we meet up here for a good cause and that is what it is. There are no hard feelings about nothing, even though the last time he got the best of me out there on the field, you know what I mean. I got that in the back of the my head so when we meet up again on the field I got to get right, but at the same time that's the game and this is life. We are here for a great cause in Alzheimer's disease and it's lovely.
IGN Sports: In the offseason you have charity events that go on like the Alzheimer's "Stars with a Cause", that allows you to compete at other events outside of football, one being the new ESPN NFL 2K5 video game. How good are you at playing the football games that are out?
Charles Woodson: I am really a lot better in person. The video games are good but I am really not good at them because I get really frustrated by them. I am a sore loser. I will be the first to admit that. When I get on video games I am not that good and when I play against somebody and they beat me, I want to rip the game out the wall, that type of thing. So, I really hesitate from playing them.
IGN Sports: Do you like the way the characters in the game resemble how you play on the field?
Charles Woodson: Really, I listen to people that play the games when I am out in the streets. I lot of times people may say, "Man I played with you when I play the game and man you had three interceptions." Another guy may say, "I played against you and I could not complete a pass." So, I feel like, okay the game is really representing me and that is real. I can't do nothing but respect that. I know people out there love the game and people, they like to play with certain guys and that helps them relate to those guys better. Then, when they see that player on the street, they want to say what they got to say about the game. That's good, and as long as they are saying positive things about the game, I'm straight.
IGN Sports: Cornerback is a tough position to play. Who was your mentor that took you under their wing to teach you about playing with that competitive edge at all times?
Charles Woodson: Eric Turner, may he rest in peace. When I first got in the league he was just a friend to me. (Pauses with emotions in his eyes) You know he died when he was like just 28 or 29. He was just a beautiful person that when I got here he let me know different things like training camp: Like training camp is long, be cool, get your work in but don't try to kill yourself because it is a long training camp, it's going to be alright. He showed me around Oakland and he took me to San Francisco, just spent time with me as a young player. I am from the Midwest and I am a long way from home, just to have him there with me as a friend because I don't have any family on the west coast. That was real to me. Eric Turner; man, that was my man a hundred grand.
IGN Sports: What made you choose Atlanta as the city to take up residence in during the offseason?
Charles Woodson: Really just visiting. I came down here when they had the Super Bowl when it was here in I think it was 1998 or 1999 (Super Bowl XXXIV) something like that and just really fell in love with the place. I fell in love with the people, the atmosphere and the girls, it was good and I had a good time. I had just moved my mother to Florida, and Orlando is a good distance from Atlanta not to far, just a hop, skip and a jump, it's real close but I don't have to stay with moms. I can have my own place so it just worked out like that and it's all good.
IGN Sports: Last year was a very tough year for you and your team. What is the one thing that stands out from last season other than the wins and loses that you would like to change this year?
Charles Woodson: Just the atmosphere of the team. Anytime you lose, it is going to be a negative atmosphere. Last year we were losing early, but there was still time to turn it around. But if the atmosphere is negative, you know what I am saying, if the atmosphere is negative nobody is really concentrating on making it better. It was just a negative situation. F*** it, we are going to just ride it out. So just make sure that everybody on the team is focused on what we have to do as a team to make it better. Make sure that the atmosphere of our working conditions is a positive atmosphere. If we can do that we will be alright.
IGN Sports: Norv Turner has come in and has focus his attention to the defense. How important was it to sign Warren Sapp and Ted Washington up front to help take some of the pressure off you?
Charles Woodson: Very important. Last year our run defense was basically garbage. When a receiver or a quarterback has time to sit back there and look at a defense and pick a defense apart, you can't win. When an offense can just run the ball to run the clock out, you can't win. That was the position we were in last year. The addition of Warren Sapp and Ted Washington and a couple of linebackers and things like that is going to make my job a lot easier. I think this year is going to be a lot of fun. I am going to go out there and do what I always do, but have fun doing it. Having those guys up front is going to make it a whole lot easier.
IGN Sports: What do you get mentally prepared week-after-week knowing you are facing the opposing team's number one receiver each game?
Charles Woodson: Man, I play ball because I am good at what I do. I don't stress my mind during the week worrying about who I am going up against. If he can beat me then he can beat me. I don't feel like they can, so I am just going to go out and do my things.
IGN Sports: Where does this confidence or attitude come from?
Charles Woodson: Early on, I feel like early on I have been the best on my team from football to basketball to baseball or whatever. I felt like I was the best on my team. When I was younger I just felt like it did not matter because I was the best out there and my confidence just grew. I just feel like I am the best man no matter what anybody else has to say. You can't beat me unless I let you beat me. And there it is.
When the Raiders 2004 off-season began, no one knew what to expect. After the 2003 season ended, there were many questions and not enough answers. On January 21, Raiders Owner Al Davis began answering those questions when he addressed the media. Five days later, Norv Turner was hired as the team's new head coach. These two acts signaled the beginning of one of the most interesting and active off-seasons in Raiders history.
Mr. Davis, Player Personnel Executive Mike Lombardi and Coach Turner wasted no time in assembling the pieces of the coaching staff. Within two weeks, offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan and special teams coach Joe Avezzano were aboard. "It's a dream come true as I have always wanted to be a part of the Silver and Black," Ryan said when he joined the team. During the month of February, the Raiders added Don Martindale, Pat Jones, Sam Clancy, Clayton Lopez, Steve Sarkisian, Martin Bayless and Jeff Fish to the coaching staff.
On March 3, the Raiders began the 2004 free agency derby by landing one of the biggest prizes in run-stuffing DT Ted Washington. "if you're familiar with [the Raiders] organization, you take that chance and go after it. This team will be back on top," Washington told reporters when he signed with the Raiders. Washington's signing would only be a portent of things to come. Offensive guard Ron Stone, CB Ike Charlton and LBs Danny Clark and Dwayne Rudd soon followed suit. But perhaps the biggest free agent splash was made on March 22 as perennial Pro Bowl DT Warren Sapp practically fell out of the sky and into a Raiders uniform.
"The Raiders are back and I'm going to have something to do with that," Sapp said to the media. "The big, bad Silver and Black and Warren Sapp coming together, that's got to be a marriage made in heaven."
As the Raiders were making waves in the oceans of free agency, the NFL Europe season got underway overseas. Seven Raiders were allocated for play in the NFL's developmental league including LB Bobby Brooks who re-signed with the Silver and Black in February. Those seven players embarked on a 10-game schedule which ended with Raiders LB Robert Chapman playing in the World Bowl. Three Raiders would be named to the All-NFL Europe team - Brooks, DE Bobby Setzer and DT David Nugent.
While the NFL Europe season rolled on, the Raiders continued to navigate the free agent waters, participated in the 2004 NFL Draft, surveyed and assessed the 2004 NFL schedule, and held Raiderette auditions. On April 18, the 2004 Raiderette squad was named. More than 400 women participated in this year's process.
The weekend after Raiderette finals, the Raiders selected Iowa offensive tackle Robert Gallery with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. "[Robert Gallery is] a great athlete for his position. He's been an outstanding football player throughout his college career. We are excited to have him with the Raiders. I think he'll be a long-term, long-time, big-time player for us," Coach Turner said after the selection. "It's a great fit, I really thought this would be the best place for me. I was lucky enough to end up there. I'm hopefully going in to do everything they're expecting me to," Gallery added.
The Raiders would select nine players total during the two-day draft. One week later, they would all get their first taste of life in the NFL at their first mini-camp. For three days, draft choices, free agent acquisitions and returning veterans began to build the chemistry and learn the plays that will carry the Raiders through the 2004 campaign. With so many off-season moves, players returning from injury and the rookie class, the media had a tough time figuring out who and what to watch. QBs Rich Gannon and Marques Tuiasosopo, and RB Justin Fargas looked to be fully recovered from season-ending injuries, Sapp and Washington commanded attention, and Robert Gallery and the rest of the draft class were feeling their way around the practice field.
After the first mini-camp, the team continued the off-season program under the direction of new strength and conditioning coach Jeff Fish, and added veteran QB Kerry Collins via free agency.
While the players and coaches came together on the field, in the weight room and in the classroom, the Raiders front office was enjoying a busy and productive off-season as well. The Raiderettes completed the 2005 Swimsuit Calendar photo shoot in Hawaii, a successful luxury suite event was held in downtown San Francisco in late May, The Raider Image opened a new store, the 4th Annual Raiders Youth Skills Camp was a huge hit, and the 8th Annual Raiders/Boy Souts Golf Tournament was held. Raiders television produced two off-season specials and the team announced the preseason television schedule. The team also announced its new flagship radio station - KSFO 560. And, Raiders.com took on a bit of a new look.
The Raiders participated in the final mini-camp of the off-season just a few short weeks ago. "We are getting the players ready to compete for a job when they go to camp and I think we have done that. I think the guys know what to do when we put the pads on," Coach Turner told the media during that mini-camp.
The entire organization is focused on Training Camp 2004 which gets underway at the end of the month at the team's Napa Valley training complex. The players and coaches are taking the opportunity to rest and recharge for the challenges to come. They are also using this break to give back to the community here in the Bay Area and in their hometowns by hosting youth football camps and golf tournaments.
We hope you have enjoyed this look back at the off-season as we look forward to the 2004 campaign. Be sure to check out our newsroom archives, team section and the rest of the web site just in case you missed something.
The team opens the pre-season with the Battle of the Bay against the San Francisco 49ers on August 14th and the regular season on September 12 at Pittsburgh. As we all know, it will be here before you know it.
Household names? Not yet. The Oakland Raiders have infused the roster with a bevy of talented young players who are taking advantage of the team's heralded veteran leadership and are starting to or are preparing to make names for themselves. Log on each week as we take a look at these players, where they came from, how they got here and where they're going. These are the players to watch and get to know because they are definitely On the Rise. We continue the series with a look at LB/DE Sam Williams.
Lisa Coelho
There are millions of fans that would jump at the opportunity to suit up in the coveted Silver and Black uniform and step on the playing field. For some, being a Raider will forever be a dream, while others have the opportunity to make dreams a reality through dedication and hard work. The moment a player puts on the Raiders uniform they have high expectations not only from the fans but also for themselves.
Sam Williams grew up in Clayton, Calif., playing sports just like any other kid. His desire to play sports at a young age helped him develop into a high school standout. Named Clayton Valley High's "Mr. Defense," he recorded 138 tackles (79 solos) and five interceptions (two were returned for touchdowns). He was named First-team All-Bay Valley Athletic League, Second-team All-State selection by Cal-Hi Sports and Super Prep All-Far West Region, First team All-Bay Area by the Oakland Tribune and named to the San Francisco-Metro All-Star team by the San Francisco Examiner. All this helped lead his team to a 9-3 record, which was Clayton Valley's best record in nearly a decade.
In college, Williams went on to make big contributions for the Fresno State Bulldogs. After being red-shirted his freshman year, he struggled to make solid contributions his first two years but came up big in his last two seasons with 145 tackles (93 solos), four sacks for -19 yards, and 13 stops for losses of 36 during his career. Williams last two years proved that he was a key contributor on defense and his 60-tackle performance as a senior earned him All-WAC Honorable Mention.
Leading up to the 2003 NFL Draft, very little was said about Williams by the experts in the national media. However, The Oakland Raiders considered Williams one of the most underrated players in the draft. With his impressive performance his last two years at Fresno State, the Raiders thought highly enough of Williams to trade up and pick him in the third round. Williams was looking forward to making an impact on a defensive line that lost two of its three primary ends during the off-season.
Lisa Coelho
Despite his desire to contribute, a knee injury early in his rookie season limited his playing time to just one game. "Since last year was such a disappointing season, as soon as the season ended that's when the new beginning started," commented Williams. " I have been hitting the weight room, getting ready, running, just rehabbing and doing everything I can do to prevent injuries." Williams isn't letting his injury in 2003 hold him back and Raider fans should watch for Williams to make solid contributions during the 2004 season.
This 6'5", 260-pound linebacker possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and agility to allow Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan the flexibility to use him in multiple formations. "The new defensive plan is fit for my body size," stated Williams. "I'm not quite a defensive lineman and too big for a linebacker so I get the best of both worlds and I feel it fits me perfect." Williams can be used as an outside linebacker or defensive end on any given play.
With the recent completion of the second mini-camp, players will be preparing for the upcoming training camp in Napa and the season opener. Williams said the team is planning on "doing some big things, so watch out for the Raiders." There are high expectations for Williams from the coaches, players, and Williams himself. He is ready for a fresh start in 2004 and an opportunity to prove that the Raiders made a smart decision by drafting him.
Working hard to achieve success is nothing new to the Oakland Raiders' young wide receiver Doug Gabriel.
Coming to the Raiders organization as the 167th overall draft pick in 2003, Gabriel knew he was becoming a part of a great tradition. In his first year, he earned himself the position as primary kick return specialist and is competing for an offensive position beside future Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Tim Brown. Gabriel hopes to join these Silver and Black legends, as his career is on the rise.
Rice and Brown have kept Gabriel alert and on top of his game on the field. Gabriel said, "I am coming in every day and trying to perfect what I was going to do. If they [Rice and Brown] say I do well one day, I try and come back to do it better than what I did before." With Gabriel's constant desire for personal improvement, he is quickly earning more playing time on the offense. This work ethic has allowed him to get to this point after dominating in high school and later in the collegiate game.
http://www.ucfnews.com/news/2004/07/...9.shtml?page=1
Coming from Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Gabriel was one of the most highly sought after recruits in the state of Florida. His high school career was enough to turn heads at the University of Miami, one of the national college football powerhouses. He had the speed and athleticism that was needed to dominate at this cutthroat college level. Gabriel signed a letter of intent with Miami, and later decided to attend Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to develop his game at the JC level. At this time, Gabriel became known nationally as one of the most exceptional players in the country.
As a sophomore, he reset the school's long-standing records for touchdowns (17) and points scored (104) in 2000. Gabriel also managed to account for 1,206 all-purpose yards during the season. This earned him a slew of awards including All-Region team, South Division Offensive MVP, and JC Gridwire's All-American second team. In addition he garnered the Offensive MVP award in the Mississippi JC All-Star game. He received so much national attention that Division I colleges were again beating down his door. This time around the University of Central Florida swiped him before he could change his mind.
Gabriel made his decision on Central Florida due to the opportunity to further his offensive career, after turning down an opportunity to be on Florida State's defense. He made this decision to go to UCF with his career in mind. "I felt like my opportunity was more on offense than defense at the time," Gabriel said. "I took more time as a receiver going to camps and doing all the study session for the position." In two seasons as a Golden Knight, Gabriel emerged as UCF's primary offensive threat.
Once again, Gabriel reset the record books at UCF, breaking single-season marks for receiving yards (1,237) and all-purpose yards (1,921) in 2002. His 19.3 average yards per catch blew him into the record books at second place for UCF. This was enough to earn him first-team All-Conference and third-team All-American honors. With his senior year ending, NFL scouts were hot on his trail.
Nationally ranked as one of the top receivers, Gabriel was expected to go high in the 2003 Draft. Unfortunately the expected changed to the unexpected when he discovered that he would have to wait until day two. Gabriel fell from the second round to the third round, falling as far as the fifth round. Finally selected by the Oakland Raiders he fit the mold of the mighty Silver and Black, joining the 2003 rookie class.
In his rookie year as a Raider, Gabriel played in 12 games as a wide receiver and on special teams. He caught one pass for 17 yards at wide receiver and made four tackles on special teams. Against Kansas City in week 11, he returned five kickoffs for 88 yards, earning him the job as the primary kick return specialist for the remainder of the season.
Gabriel excelled in the role, returning 29 kicks for an average of 22.3 yards per return. He finished the season on a roll, totaling more than 100 return yards in each of the teams' last four games. In the final game of the regular season against San Diego, he returned four kickoffs for 131 yards, highlighted by an 85-yard touchdown in the second quarter for the team's only score.
With a successful season behind him and a new opportunity on the horizon, Gabriel is ready for his chance to shine in the 2004 season. There is little doubt that his desire to achieve success as a football player through his "Commitment to Excellence" will make him a favorite of Raider fans now and in the future.
Oakland did a great job in the offseason to improve their team, primarily through free agency. Quarterback Kerry Collins, assuming he starts, will have a good year, defensive linemen Warren Sapp and Ted Washington are sure to improve the defense, linebacker Danny Clark should help the front seven, and offensive lineman Ron Stone can help anchor a recovering offensive line. Also helping that offensive line is first-round pick (No. 2 overall) Robert Gallery, who will be a star on that team. But their best additions may have been made on the sidelines with Norv Turner becoming the head coach, Rob Ryan the defensive coordinator (he should do some good things) and Jimmy Raye the offensive coordinator. Already they are laying the groundwork for a successful season. In fact, one of the "surprises" they may have in store is wide receiver Doug Gabriel, a fifth-round pick in the 2003 draft. Gabriel may actually unseat Jerry Rice as a starter. The Raiders will have to play at Carolina and Indianapolis, but their biggest game comes early when Jon Gruden and the Bucs come to the Black Hole on Sept. 26.
Ex-Par Hills star gives back to his community before joining Raiders
By Matt Underwood, Daily Record
PARSIPPANY — Johnnie Morant grew up throwing the football around at Lake Parsippany Park with friends and family, usually from dawn till dusk.
Who would have thought many years ago that Morant would return to the park where he first learned to catch a pigskin to throw a community barbeque?
Well, the Raiders fifth-round draft choice, fresh out of rookie camp, has done just that.
He and longtime friend Justin Caron saw Morant’s newfound status as a professional football player as a way to give back to a community that has given so much to them.
“I had this to give something back,” said Morant, a former Parsippany Hills High School standout receiver. “I’ve been here so long, this is where I’m from. I love this town. I get to be around friends, family and everyone.”
Morant and Caron decided that they would have to charge people for food: either a dollar or a can of food for local charities in Parsippany.
“We hope that this is something we can do on a yearly basis,” Caron said. “Johnnie really appreciates what these people have done for him. Both of us grew up never wanting anything. We saw this as a chance to do something for people who don’t have the same advantages that we did.”
This will probably be the last time Morant gets to see his family and friends before he trades in hot dogs and soda for wind sprints and playbooks. On Sunday, he heads back to Oakland, Calif., for training camp and the small apartment he got for himself in the Silver & Black city.
Morant has every advantage that a young receiver could have. He gets to learn his position from two sure-fire Hall of Famers in Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, and a third all-time great in Fred Biletnikoff, who is the Raiders’ wide receiver coach.
“The first time I saw them was in the locker room,” said Morant, clad in his Isaiah Thomas Indiana University throwback jersey. “The best thing I think I can learn from them is work ethic. At this point, I have talent but now I have to refine my game and work hard.”
The first Raider mini-camp in early June gave Morant his first look at the playbook and his first chance to catch a pass from Rich Gannon and former Giant Kerry Collins.
“They both throw a nice ball,” said Morant. “Gannon’s arm has a lot more pop in it than people think and Kerry throws the deep ball as good as anyone. I’ve always had good quarterbacks throwing me the ball at Syracuse and at Par Hills, but now it’s at a new level.”
So what is the biggest change from Syracuse to the NFL, besides a whole lot of green paper?
“It’s a job now. I’m more dedicated to football than ever before,” said Morant, grinning from ear to ear like he just scored his first PAL touchdown. “I’m more focused now, from meetings to practice, then I head home and study the playbook some more. There’s a lot more to do.”
The closest that the Raiders will be to New Jersey this season is on opening day in Pittsburgh.
“We hope to get out there to see him play,” said Caron, speaking for Johnnie’s friends. “Johnnie is such a normal guy. You wouldn’t know he was a football player unless you knew him. I’m a Jersey guy, but hopefully I can get out to Oakland to see him play out there too.”
Raiders TE Teyo Johnson recorded his first career touchdown reception on October 12, 2003, at Cleveland.
Lisa Coelho
Earning a reputation as one of the best two sport stars in the nation while in college and often being compared to Tony Gonzalez, Teyo Johnson is now working his way up in the pros - at a position he did not earn that reputation playing.
While at Stanford, Johnson played on both the basketball and football teams, as a quarterback and wide receiver on the football team and a starter on the nationally ranked basketball team. However, in the 2003 draft, he was taken in the second round (number 63 overall) as a tight end.
Johnson played on the Stanford basketball team during the 2000-2001 and the 2001-2002 seasons. As a freshman, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.2 rebounds per game with an average of 9.8 minutes of playing time. His second year, he averaged 5.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while playing an average of 16.8 minutes. He also started in 11 games as a sophomore.
On the football team, he sat out as a red-shirt freshman at the quarterback position, but came out his second year in 2001 as a wide receiver and was an immediate offensive standout on the team, as well as throughout the entire Pac 10 Conference. His first year playing wide receiver, Johnson had 38 receptions for 565 yards and seven touchdowns. In the 2001 Seattle Bowl versus the Georgia Tech, he led his team with six catches for 45 yards and scored the team's only touchdown. He was named the Pac 10 Conference Co-Freshman of the year, Fourth-Team Freshman All-American by The Sporting News, and was an Honorable Mention All Pac 10 selection. He was also the winner of the Menlo-Atherton Trophy as the team's most outstanding freshman.
During sophomore football season in 2002, Johnson moved into the starting lineup where he started all 11 games at wide receiver. He led the team with 41 receptions for 467 yards and eight touchdowns. The eight touchdown receptions tied for seventh on Stanford's all time single-season list. In his two seasons combined, he caught at least one touchdown pass in 14 of the 23 games in which he played. Johnson finished his career at Stanford tied for 10th all-time in career touchdown receptions.
Johnson excelled in more than one sport, but his focus became football when he declared himself eligible for the draft as a junior. Very happy to be drafted by the team he adored when he was younger, Johnson told the media, "I wouldn't trade it for anything, any amount of money," when referring to his decision to leave school early to go pro. He said, "Yeah, you go later and there's less money, but money can't buy happiness."
Johnson was very impressive during the 2003 preseason.
Lisa Coelho
After he was drafted, Johnson told the San Jose Mercury News that he was there to help the Raiders win. He said "Hopefully that's why they've taken me because they see the potential for me to help them win games."
The Raiders did see potential in the college junior, taking Johnson as their first offensive player in the 2003 draft and their third overall player, behind CB Nnamdi Asomugha and DE Tyler Brayton.
Johnson's gamble to leave school early proved to be a good one. The rookie played in all 16 league games and started in five of them. His first start came against the Detroit Lions on November 2nd, 2003. When Johnson was informed of the decision to have him start, he told the Mercury News, "The hairs kind of stood up on the back of my neck," he said. "It's a great landmark in my career so far." During his first career NFL start, Johnson had 1 reception for 11 yards.
During the season, Johnson had 14 receptions for 128 yards, with an average of 9.1 yards per catch and one touchdown. His best two games came against the Broncos on November 30th, 2003 when he had two receptions for 28 yards, averaging 14 yards per catch, and against Cleveland when he had three receptions for 21 yards and 1 touchdown.
Johnson's size, power, and athleticism will make the opponents defensive coaches think twice about this second year player. He has the ability and talent to make an immediate impact on the Raider offense and will play a key role for the Silver and Black in 2004.
NEW YORK -- Chris Cooper and Barret Robbins of the Oakland Raiders and free agent Dana Stubblefield have been fined three game checks by the NFL for testing positive for the steroid THG.
They also were placed on "reasonable-cause testing" for the rest of their careers, and will be suspended for eight games if they test positive for any steroid again.
The action was the result of an agreement announced Wednesday by the NFL and the players' union that has been pending since last October. Cooper and Stubblefield are defensive lineman, and Robbins is a center.
A fourth player, linebacker Bill Romanowski, also tested positive, although the league didn't identify him by name. He announced his retirement after last season, and his case is still pending.
Robbins' fine totals $234,375, based on his 2004 salary of $1.25 million. Cooper's fine is $187,500, based on a salary of $1 million. Stubblefield's fine will be determined by his salary when or if he signs.
All four players were with the Raiders at the time they were tested and when THG was identified.
Stubblefield and Cooper, along with teammates Tyrone Wheatley, a running back, and Chris Hetherington, a fullback, all appeared before a grand jury investigating a nutritional supplements lab -- the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative -- which has been at the center of a steroids controversy in several sports.
The league said they were the only positive samples in 1,700 retests of every sample taken before last Oct. 6. The league also said there were no positive samples in more than 4,000 tests since that date.
Normal league policy mandates a four-game suspension for players who test positive for steroids the first time.
That differs from the league policy for most other drugs, in which a player isn't suspended until a second violation. The reasoning behind that is that steroids provide the player using them with a competitive advantage.
In this case, however, the fines were agreed upon as a compromise after negotiations between the league and the NFL Players' Association. The union had challenged the NFL's authority to retest specimens deemed to be negative after an initial screening.
"This case presented a unique set of facts not addressed by the parties when the policy was written," Harold Henderson, the NFL's vice president for labor relations, said in a statement. "Resolving the dispute required compromise by both sides, but the most important point is that our policy is now stronger."
Henderson said in the future, users of any newly discovered steroid "will be caught and disciplined in the same manner as those who test positive for known substances."
Gene Upshaw, the union's executive director, said the organization appealed what originally were four-game suspensions because of the precedent involved.
"We felt from the start that there was nothing in our agreed policy to allow for going back to test old samples long after they were found to be negative," Upshaw said. "This is an unusual case."
I just thought, as a Chiefs fan, I should point that out to you.
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l 1 KC Chief Super Bowl Championship l - l 1 KC Royals World Series Title l - l 2 Kansas University Jayhawk NCAA Basketball Chamionships l
Plus only two of those are actually signed by the Raiders. If Barret does not recover from his knee procedure that he had a few months back, then he will be cut, which only leaves Cooper. Cooper will be a lifetime NFL back up. No upside what so ever.
Lol... hey how about Bill Romanowski? Way to cap off your career, Romo. Retire just as they find out you've been on steroids. Hahaha.
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l 1 KC Chief Super Bowl Championship l - l 1 KC Royals World Series Title l - l 2 Kansas University Jayhawk NCAA Basketball Chamionships l
David "The Hayemaker" Haye:21-1, 20 KOs
Undisputed World Cruiserweight Champion (WBA, WBC, WBO, The Ring Magazine Champion) World Heavyweight Title Fight: November 7
about the first thing norv turner did as raiders HC was to cut romo along with trace armstrong. obviously romo wasn't gonna get a job with another team as he was a lame duck last season.
I had the chance to have another good Raiders chat recently and the subject came up about the way things are, the way things used to be and the way they ought to be.
We are looking at the situation with Charles Woodson, the money involved and money (and time) already invested. Woodson wants to be paid top dollar for a corner in the league. He refused to sign the tender sheet when we put the franchise tag on him that would have paid him the average of the top five highest paid corners. Now... If Sir Charles played like the top Corner, he would obviously deserve to be paid like the top corner. However... If I had to name the top corner...Champ Bailey is high on the list. Surtain is another one way up there. Charles sadly is not the best corner in the league... at least not statistically, and the statistics don't tell the whole story. Last year we saw as much if not more of the same old routine, Qb's throwing away from C-Wood maybe out of fear or respect, but still throwing away from him. Hard to make impressive statistics when the opportunites aren't there. I was asked to name just ONE catagory where C-Wood would be the best Corner in the league and the only thing that immediately comes to mind....tackling. If there was a statistic for corners who STUFF a halfback who is trying to turn the corner... Charles would lead the league. It isn't all about the stats of course, its preformance. Charles does not stay in Oakland in the off-season, he doesn't attend any voluntary workouts... he doesnt spend the hours at the facility studying film and trying to make himself the best in the league... Nope, He tries to get by on sheer talent. In the NFL talent only gets you so far. You have to posess Heart, Determination, Desire, and a work ethic to go along with that talent. Lots of guys with talent have faded away in the NFL... guys like Ryan Leaf, Tony Mandarich, Brian Bozworth, even our own Todd Marinovich. The ditches along the road of Pro Football are littered with guys that just couldn't survive on talent alone.
This past season was not only disappointing, but embarrasing and marred with things that could have been much better. Was Woodson the worst part of the season? No, but he wasn't the best part either. Woodson was thrown away from often because we had "Showtime" Phillip Buchanon screwing up coverage on the other side. After the meltdown against Green Bay, Brett Favre said in an interview that regardless of what the play was designed for, when he got to the line of scrimage, he looked to see who P-Buc was covering and went after him. All in all we are far and away from the best secondary in the league, and we don't have the best corner in the league. But we could. If Woodson would apply himself to training and film study with the kind of devotion that Gannon puts in, he not only would be the best in the league but arguably the best EVER. He has the talent to be extraordinary.
Extraordinary was something we haven't seen in a while. Am I the only one out here who looks at the talent we have and wonder why we don't produce better results with it?
We used to have some guys..... Not the biggest or baddest but they produced.. Eric Turner and Eric Allen have never been replaced no matter how hard we try. The secondary was so good, that it freed the D-Line to break into the backfield and DESTROY the opposition. I remember fondly a season when we put 11 QBs on the bench... and three of those were in one game against Seattle!! We have more talent on the squad now and there is no reason why they couldn't be even more devestating than the guys from seasons past. Covering the receivers, tight ends, halfbacks like the rubber sheet on the bed when your bed wetting neighbor kid stays the night... Making the quarterback scramble in panic as Sapp and Parella and Brayton and Washington and everyone else takes turns stalking and stomping him. They in turn make the QBs throw errant, poorly timed passes that D-backs pick off and run back.. What a concept right ? We had a defensive motto once ...Hell from all angles. That is what we have to bring come game time. Our Defensive squad has to bring heat and wrath and pain and fear onto the field with them and instill those things in the opposing team. They have to bring an aura of eminent danger in the tradition of guys like The Assassin, and then back it up with hits that sound like thunderbolts reaching down from the sky to teach that silly receiver not to cross the middle. Size doesn't matter.
I remember a game years ago... It wasn't one of our games but it had a moment in it that makes it memorable. Denver Vs. KC on Monday Night Football. Christian Okoye was being touted as nigh on unstoppable. The babbled on and on about how one man alone simply can not stop Okoye. Then it happened. Steve A*censored*er "the Smiling Assassin" they called him.... A*censored*er saw the play develop as Okoye took the ball and made his almost slow move for the corner... he was huge and lumbering and he scared defenders.... then A*censored*er made contact. It was like an explosion. A*censored*er hit his man so hard that Okoye toppled like the World Trade Center. A*censored*er LAUNCHED himself at a man twice his size like a missle, driving his shoulder into Okoyes chest and spearing him to the ground. A*censored*er landed on his feet and stood there for a moment pulling his game gloves on tight, then walked away victorious.
That is the kind of play we have to produce. Taking on the giants (the Myth not the team)and chopping them down. Until then... until we have that caliber of player making those HUGE plays.... not only do we not have the best corner in the league, (his personal oppinion aside) but we have a highly talented, but second-rate secondary. I think our Defense can be giant killers without C-wood. By all accounts P-Buc is showing great improvement and Asomougha looks ready to play as well. The team should simply start shopping him around and see what we can get for him, sign him a meaningless contract and trade him away, hopefully getting some young talent that has a work ethic and some amount of desire to be the best. As long as you think you are the best.... you dont do anything to get better. Thats Charles Woodsons problem, and
about the first thing norv turner did as raiders HC was to cut romo along with trace armstrong. obviously romo wasn't gonna get a job with another team as he was a lame duck last season.
I'm not saying that's why he retired, I'm just saying... haHA. Romo... I wonder if anyone said "Wow, Bill Romanowski just beat his teammate senseless in training camp, I wonder if he's on steroids?" Lol, I'm just glad they finally got it.
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l 1 KC Chief Super Bowl Championship l - l 1 KC Royals World Series Title l - l 2 Kansas University Jayhawk NCAA Basketball Chamionships l
Raiders News Thread....
Interview with Napoleon Harris
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