Knight Time 2008: Rutgers graduates in the big league

[cthomer5000]

the saga continues...

This is the on-going tale of the transition of my Rutgers Scarlet Knight players into the pro league of my own creation, the American Football Federation. If you haven't read 2007, check it out here.

Active Participants
DE  Terry Jackson	drafted 1st round 2007	Houston
DT  Nick Evans		drafted 4th round 2007	Denver
SE  Ricardo Schroeder	drafted 5th round 2007	Tampa Bay

[cthomer5000]

History
A glimpse of every player out of Rutgers who has tried to make the AFF:

• K Rico Kafka - undrafted in 2004, retired before 2005 without ever playing
• QB Daryl Perin - undrafted in 2005, retired before 2006 season without ever playing
• G Jim Lyle - undrafted in 2005, retired before 2006 season without ever playing
• DT Preston Slocum - undrafted in 2006, retired before 2007 season without ever playing
• LT Roy Vance - signed as UDFA for San Diego in 2005, was inactive all of 2005, didn't play for anyone in 2006, retired before 2007

News

And now joining the ranks of the retired are those who couldn't cut it last season. Safety Matthew Hoover, Center Dan Barton, and Inside Linebacker Sherman Blackburn have oficially retired.

All-Time Money Earners

Money includes signing bonuses and salary already earned in prior seasons.


player			total		from	to
jackson, terry		$4,890,000	2007	?
evans, nick		$1,030,000	2007	?
schroeder, ricardo	$830,000	2007	?
vance, roy		$650,000	2005	2005

[cthomer5000]

2008 Draft Preview


ILB James Zandofsky
7.0 grade, #3 rated ILB
Excellent pass rush skills and an overall excellent linebacking prospect.

college career: Started 36 of a possible 44 games, had some injury problems his sophomore and junior seasons. Was the Big East Conference's top defensive player and 1st team linebacker his senior year. Was pretty good his first 3 seasons before a monstrous breakout senior year. He recorded 110 tackles and 11.5 sacks, both almost doubling his piror best. At worst a 2nd round talent.


S Mickey Ordonez
2.2 grade, #35 rated safety
The best of a weak Rutgers safety group. Can lay out some devestating hits, but has little talent elsewhere.

college career: never started a game at Rutgers. Often played in the nickel and dime formations and returned kickoffs for one season. Was twice an all-academic in the Big East, but that won't help him at the next level.


G Andrew Imlay
2.1 grade, #47 available guard.
Scouts view him as having good blocking strength and endurance, but little actual skill in making his blocks. If he can get to his man he has him handled, but getting there has proven difficult.

college career: 44 game starter (of possible 44) who never missed time due to injury. A real academic who was on the Big East All-Academic team all 4 seasons of play. Showed progress each year, but ultimately might not be good enough for the pro game.


S Kent Sawyer
2.0 grade, #44 rated safety
Completely talentless.

college career: 44 game starter at Rutgers who played pretty well in his freshman and sophomore years. Inexplicably his play seemed to drop a level in his senior year, and this has turned off many scouts. In 2004 was the Big East's top defensive freshman, and in 2006 was second team safety. Kent is a questionable pro prospect.


S Eddie Bidwell
2.0 grade, #45 rated safety
The third of the Rutgers safety trio, Bidwell is the least prepared for pro football. Started 44 games at Rutgers, but generally got lost on the field. Never a standout player.

[cthomer5000]

2008 Draft

Heading into the annual selection meeting, I was confident we'd have 1 player selected (and pretty quickly at that). What unfolded was one of the most surreal moments ever in FOF for me. I've heard grumblings about the talent level when using imported TCY drafts, yet I'd never seen it come to fruition quite like this. This draft class was stocked, with many players selected in the 5th and 6th round looking like first round talent. To make things worse, about 25 outside linebackers were selected before the 1st ILB was taken! Even teams looking for an inside linebacker were selecting lousy OLB's before amazing ILB's!

I'm guessing this is some side effect of the draft import, or that the CPU really overvalues OLB's. I held my breath as James Zandofsky plummeted down the board, wonderding if he'd even be taken at all. Finally an inside linebacker was selected in the 7th round, but not James himself. With the last pick in the draft, the 2nd inside linebacker of the day was taken, and he was one of ours:

224. Green Bay - Zandofsky, James, ILB, Rutgers


(I'll definitely be reporting this in the bug/suggestion thread on the general discussion board!)


Time to get paid
James and his agent were seen crying sometime during the 5th round, but apparently they composed themselves enough to sign a contract by day's end. James signed a 2 year, 1.78 million dollar contract with NO signing bonus. He is the only Rutgers rookie heading into training camp with a contract.

[cthomer5000]

Pre-Season


Players & Situations

DE Terry Jackson - Houston Oilers
Terry has shown some modest increases in skill this season, but has impressed Houston brass enough to be named the starting right Defensive End! Opposite end Lenny Segovia, Houston has an absolutely outstanding 1-2 combo of pass-rushers. If he stays healthy Terry could be primed for a huge year.


DT Nick Evans - Devner Broncos
Nick hasn't improved much over last season, but will at lest be part of the active roster. Being that this is the second year of a two-year contract, this could very well be Nick's last days as a pro player.


WR Ricardo Schroeder - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ricardo has also moved into the starting lineup! He's improved his route running and "dropsies" and hopes to use his big play abilitiy to have an impact on Tampa's offense.


ILB James Zandofsky - Green Bay Packers
Greey Bay shows just how big a steal they got in the 7th round, James will be starting at weak inside linebacker in Denver's 3-4 scheme. James has the potential for an excellent rookie year.

Sitting and Waiting
G  Andrew Imlay		undrafted in 2008
S  Kent Sawyer		undrafted in 2008
S  Eddie Bidwell	undrafted in 2008
S  Mickey Ordonez	undrafted in 2008

[cthomer5000]

Week 1 Review

Charlotte Colonels (0-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-0)
WR Ricardo Schroeder starts at SE and hauls in 4 catches for 74 yards. Ricardo's long catch was 38 yards on the day. In 24 pass plays he was targeted 8 times and dropped the ball once. In a close game for 3 quarters, Tampa Bay pulled away in the 4th for a 23-15 win.


Florida Alligators (0-0) at Houston Oilers (0-0)
Terry Jackson starts at RDE. In 43 total plays, Terry recorded 2 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 hurries. While Jackson played respectably, Houston was thoroughly outclassed, falling 31-12.


Green Bay Packers (0-0) at Duluth Eskimos (0-0)
James Zandofsky starts at WILB. On the field for 39 plays, James put in a pretty solid first effort, recording 4 tackles and 1 assist. While Green Bay looked to have the game in hand, Duluth scored in the final minutes to win 24-20.


Oakland Raiders (0-0) at Denver Broncos (0-0)
DT Nick Evans is on the active roster. In just 19 plays, Nick Evans only recorded 1 tackle (the first of his career). Denver held on to win 22-16 in overtime.

[cthomer5000]

Week 2 Review

Denver Broncos (1-0) at Charlotte Colonels (0-1)
DT Nick Evans is on the active roster. Nick sees the field for 18 plays, and contributes 1 tackle and 1 assist. The Broncos blow their 4 point lead with 30 seconds remaining and lose 33-30.


Green Bay Packers (0-1) at Tennessee Mountainmen (0-1)
James Zandofsky starts at WILB. James doesn't make too much of an impact on the field, but in 48 plays comes up with 3 tackles and 2 assists. In pass coverage he allows 2 catches while defending one pass. Green Bay wins 21-16 in a game they controlled from start to finish.


Houston Oilers (0-1) at Duluth Eskimos (1-0)
Terry Jackson starts at RDE. Terry puts up perhaps his worst effort as a pro. In 46 plays he is only credited with 1 assist. Houston still holds off Duluth 24-16.


Missouri Bison (1-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
Ricardo Schroeder starts at SE. Tampa bay gets trashed 41-10, but Ricardo has a career day. 6 catches for 94 yards (long of 40) and one forgetteble end around for -1 yard. In 21 pass plays he was targeted 11 times, and had two drops.

[cthomer5000]

Week 3 Review

Denver Broncos (1-1) at Dayton Triangles (1-1)
Apparently not too excited about his performance, DT Nick Evans was moved back to the inactive roster. Denver played a close game, but couldn't contain Dayton in the end. Dayton won 16-10.


Evansville Crimson Giants (0-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)
Ricardo Schroeder started at FL. Ricardo had another career day with 9 catches for 170 yards and 1 touchdown. Ricardo was targeted on 12 of 34 passing plays, and did not drop a single pass. His career best game was not enough as Tampa's defense did little to stop Evansville. The Crimson Giants won 31-23. Ricardo was a nominee for player of the week.


New York Football Giants (1-1) at Houston Oilers (1-1)
Terry Jackson started at RDE. Terry put in a decent afternoon, recording 2 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 blocked pass in 44 plays. Houston rolled over the Giants in a 34-21 game.


San Diego Chargers (0-2) at Green Bay Packers (1-1)
James Zandofsky started at WILB. James looked ordinary again in recording 2 tackles, 2 assists, and allowing one receptions (in 42 plays). Green Bay jumped to an early 14-0 lead and held on to win 14-9.

[cthomer5000]

Week 4 Review

Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2)
WR Ricardo Schroedor started at flanker.
This was a dismal performance for all involved. WR Ricardo Schroeder was held to just 1 catch for 17 yards, as Tampa's QB's threw 4 interceptions and 0 touchdowons in a losing effort. Schroeder was targeted just 4 times in 23 pass plays. Tampa was beaten handily 30-19, and falls to 1-3. A repeat trip to the playoffs seems unlikely.


Houston Oilers (2-1) at Dayton Triangles (2-1)
DE Terry Jackson started at right defensive end.
Terry seemed to be a step too slow today, as he came up with just 2 tackles and 2 hurries on 45 plays. He's not been the sack machine the Oilers envisioned when bumping him up to the starting lineup. Houston as a whole has beaten badly, losing 34-14. The offense has really struggled, and provided just 7 points (the other touchdown was an interception return).


Minneapolis Marines (0-3) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)
LB James Zandofsky started at weak inside linebacker.
Green Bay looked good early, but 21 straight Minneapolis points in the 2nd and 3rd quarters gave the Marines control of the game. Despite a late Green Bay rally, Minneapolis held on for a 35-29 victory. LB James Zandosky had mixed results, coming up with a career high 7 tackles and 2 assists, while also being victimized for 4 catches while in pass coverage. Being a rookie, Green Bay has to understand he'll have his troubles.


Denver Broncos (1-2) - bye week
DT Nick Evans

[cthomer5000]

Week 5 Review

New Orleans Voodoo (0-3-1) at Green Bay Packers (2-2)
LB James Zandofsky started at weak inside linebacker
Green Bay pulled away late to win 26-10 and move above .500. James Zandosfky played much better in pass coverage (no catches allowed) while also picking up 2 tackles, 2 assists, and 1 hurry in 40 total plays.


New York Football Giants (1-3) at Denver Broncos (1-2)
DT Nick Evans was inactive for the game
While Nick Evans was riding the pine, the Broncos on the active roster pulled out a late victory 24-21.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) at Minneapolis Marines (1-3)
WR Ricardo Schroeder started at flanker
After scoring a touchdown 5 minutes into the game, Tampa wouldn't see the endzone again. Minneapolis rolled to an easy 21-7 victory. Ricardo Schroeder was the Buccs' leading receiver with 5 catches for 59 yards. He did however drop 2 balls on the day.


Houston Oilers (2-2) - bye week
DE Terry Jackson

[cthomer5000]

Week 6 Review

Cleveland Browns (3-2) at Houston Oilers (2-2)
Terry Jackson started at right defensive end
Terry Jackson turned out perhaps his best performance as a pro, chasing down Cleveland's QB all day long. In 56 plays Terry ended with 3 tackles, 1 assist, 1 sack, and 3 hurries. Despite his performance, Houston sank below .500 with a 20-13 defeat.

Denver Broncos (2-2) at Brooklyn Dodgers (3-1-1)
DT Nick Evans was inactive
Things aren't looking good for the career of Nick Evans. Disappointed with his early season play he seems to have earned himself a permanent seat on the bench. With a late louchdown Denver improved their record to 3-2 with a 20-16 victory.


Green Bay Packers (3-2) at Charlotte Colonels (3-2)
James Zandofsky started at WILB
James Zandofsky looked a bit like a rookie, not putting up the stats you'd associate with a starting linebacker. He finished the day with 2 tackles, 2 assists, 1 hurry, and 1 catch allowed. Charlotte broke the 24-24 tie late in the 4th with a game winning field goal, 27-24.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4) at New Orleans Voodoo (0-4-1)
WR Ricardo Schroeder started at flanker
Hobbled by a sprained ankle suffered early in the game, Ricardo came up with 5 catches for 39 yards on the day. His ankle doesn't appear to be a serious porblem, and he's considered "probable" for his next game. He should be fully recovered in 2 weeks. Tampa Bay blew a 10-0 lead when the Voodoo exploded for 28 points in the 3rd quarter. The final score was 28-13, and the loss makes Tampa look to be among the worst teams in the league.

[cthomer5000]

Week 7 Review

Dallas Cowboys (5-1) at Green Bay Packers (3-3)
James Zandofsky started at weak inside linebacker
James Zandofsky's on-the-job training continued as he recorded 3 tackles and allowed 2 catches in 38 plays on defense. Despite his questionable performance, Green Bay jumped out to a 35-3 lead and held on for a 35-20 victory. The win over Dallas positions Green Bay as a legitemate playoff squad.


Denver Broncos (3-2) at Los Angeles Waves (1-4)
DT Nick Evans was inactive
Without the help of Nick Evans Denver eeked out an overtime win in a real shootout, 40-34. Their playoff chances look decent.


Houston Oilers (2-3) at Tennessee Mountainmen (0-5)
Terry Jackson started at right defensive end
Terry Jackson was completely manhandled on the day, recorded no statistics in 52 plays on the field. He looked like a rookie again and was frequently out of position against both the pass and run. Mirroring Jackson's effort, Houston moved one step closer to the cellar with a 28-20 loss to the previously winless Mountainmen.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5) at Kenosha Maroons (1-3-1)
WR Ricardo Schroeder was removed from the starting lineup due to injury, but was the #3 receiver on the depth chart.
Slowed by his ankle injury, WR Ricardo Schroeder pulled in just 2 catches for 18 yards on the day. Tampa Bay showed they are definitely not the playoff team of last year, as they fell to 1-6, the worst record in the league.

[cthomer5000]

Week 8 Review

Canton Bulldogs (2-4-1) at Houston Oilers (2-4)
Terry Jackson started at right defensive end
Terry Jackson turned in another underwhelming performance with just 2 tackles and 1 assist in 54 plays. The coaches must be wondering where his pass rushing skills have gone. Houston kept their season from sinking completely with a tight 24-20 win.


Staten Island Stapletons (4-2) at Denver Broncos (4-2)
DT Nick Evans was inactive
Denver played a close game in the snow against a solid Stapleton squad. But Staten Island pulled out the victory with a late field goal, 17-14.


Green Bay Packers (4-3) - bye week
LB James Zandosfky


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-6) - bye week
WR Ricardo Schroeder

[cthomer5000]

Week 9 Review

Denver Broncos (4-3) at Missouri Bison (4-3)
DT Nick Evans was moved back up to the active roster!
Happy to be back on the active roster, Nick was quickly bummed out by his playing time. Only on the field for 5 plays, Nick recorded no stats and had no real impact on the game. Denver was simply trampled by the Bison and lost 41-18.


Green Bay Packers (4-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-6)
LB James Zandofsky started at weak inside linebacker for Green Bay.
WR Ricardo Schroeder was back to full health, but still #3 on the WR depth chart.
Despite a breakout peformance by LB James Zandofsky (6 tackles, 2 assists, 2 sacks, but 2 catches allowed), Tampa Bay would pull this one out easily. WR Ricardo Schroeder picked up just 2 catches for 16 yards while the Buccaneers sailed off with a 31-7 victory.


Houston Oilers (3-4) at Akron Pros (6-2)
DE Terry Jackson started at right defensive end for Houston.
Terry Jackson has realized just how tough playing professionally is. He was again shut down by his oppenents' offensive line, and recorded just 3 tackles in 50 plays. Houston fell behind early and never recovered, they lost 20-10.

[tucker342]

I've been following your Rutgers dynasty since the beginning, great stuff