Lava Bears Training Camp Week 2 - ThumbsBruised's Dynasty

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Lava Bears Training Camp Week 2

Posted on July 12, 2010 at 08:53 PM.

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LAVA BEARS TRAINING CAMP WEEK 2

By Brisco Kipp
The Lindenwood Honeycomb
Archive

Week 2 started out better for the Lava Bear's Offense, as they held their own in the scrimmage against the Defense. Coach Gruden gave most of the reps to Devonte Payne as he started to take control of the Offense. Lasting Match was the only other QB to throw a touchdown, where he connected on a nice 60 yard bomb to WR Erik Mahoney, for his only touchdown. Match had trouble finding a rhythm after that. He would only complete 2-10. Devonte Payne lead all QB's and completed 10-15 for 198 yds, and 2 TDs, both to a wide open Trip Towers (Or T.T. as the some his teammates call him. One highlight that sounded as bad as it looked was the collision with Fullback, Sean Bryne, and Linbacker, Rusty Halo. The play sounded like a helicopter crash, with Bryne coming out of the burning wreckage alive. The massive block sprung RB Blair Parker for 18 yard touchdown run. It was literally one of the biggest hits I have ever witnessed in person.

The Defense was led by LB Rusty Halo who had a team high 11 tackles, and FS Matt Monteleone who had 2 Interceptions. Kenyatta Dukes lead the Defense with 2.5 sacks. Kenyatta said afterward, �We still got a lot of work to do before LSU, you feel me. But were getting there. We still have some time to get right. We got Coach G and he have us ready straight like that.�

The two biggest surprises so far from camp are a couple preferred walk-ons, as Gruden calls them. �I see great things from these guys. They're still young and both are transfers from other schools..They know the drill. Both guys have shown in camp that they have skill-set that is need to play at this level�. Erik Mahoney, who finished the scrimmage with 4 catches for 84 yards and a touchdown, is a former basketball player. Mahoney has the height at 6'4 and the leaping ability to make an immediate impact this year. When I asked why he chose Lindenwood Academy, when he had several scholarship offers from smaller schools like Buffalo and New Mexico State, Erik stated, �The Biggest factor for me was the opportunity to make a new name with a fresh program. All eyes will be on the Lava Bears this season. And im the type of guy who lives for these moments.� I also asked Erik how he is adjusting to the game of football from being on the court. �The main adjustment for me is getting used to playing with pads. Im used to strenuous practices, running plays, and because of basketball, I can jump and my hands are great." Erik also went on to say how he would love nothing more then to help his team and coach Gruden make a statement this year.

The other guy who's motor is always running is Free Safety Matt Monteleone. Defensive Backs coach Rodney Harrison said this guy is ball hawk, �He's always around the ball which helps make up for his height.� Matt, stands at 5'8" on a good day with cleats. When I asked Monteleone about his height, he said, �In a physical game like football, height only leads to more expectations. The key components a player must possess is heart and dedication to the team. Those are two components that I pride myself on.� I also asked Matt who he thought his game resembled the most. �I would most likely want to be compared to Brian Dawkins. A guy like that lays himself on the line every single game, and puts the team first. That is something I have a strong passion for.� Matt also decided to turn down offers from FIU, UCF and Tulane to walk on here at Lindenwood. �I couldn't narrow it down on one deciding factor but the location is close to my home and the opportunity to compete for playing time in the ACC and being able to play with three of my closest friends was a very exciting thought". Look for them this season on the field. Matt will be wearing #21 and Erik will be wearing #5 as a tribute to Kobe Bryant for his recently acquired 5th NBA Championship. As we approach the half way mark in Training camp the Lava Bears will only have 2 weeks left of camp as they continue to prepare for LSU.

As a reminder, come out on August 24th for Media Day and meet your Lava Bears. There will be free food and autographs. Also, Hummer of Orlando will be raffling off a new 2011 Hummer. Come out and support your Lava Bears!! The first 1,000 people will get a Lava Bears T-Shirt!