Monthly Archives: August 2015

Jay Ajayi’s Early Struggles in Camp

By some analysts of the NFL Jay Ajayi, who is from Boise State, was considered to be the steal of the draft. He was picked in the fifth round mainly because of a long term knee issue. But recently, the Dolphins VP of football operations Mike Tannenbaum says Ajayi won’t get on the field if he can’t pass protect. The author explains how, “reading blitzes and picking up free rushers can be the biggest adjustment for a rookie running back entering the NFL,” (Patra 1). Tannenbaum also seems to be hinting at the fact that no one is going to be threatening Lamar Miller’s spot as the starter. Lamar rushed for 1,099 yards last season averaging 5.1 yards per carry over the course of the season. Ajayi also has major competition to even be Lamar’s first backup. Damien Williams is one of the backs competing for the primary backup role. When called upon last year he came through and he is continuing to impress early in camp. Also, LaMichael James, former Oregon running back, is flashing the talent that brought him into the Heisman discussion in his college days.

It’s not going to come easy for Ajayi as he will have to work for what he is given. High expectations never means playing time if you can’t fulfill your potential. Ajayi must continue to work on his overall game if he wants to prove he’s a worthwhile NFL running back, and the steal of the draft of course.

13 Year Old Commits to Play Basketball at UCLA

Collegiate sporting teams are always attempting to get ahead of their competitors in the recruiting field. The UCLA Bruins basketball team has clearly done this by receiving a verbal commitment from LaMelo Ball. LaMelo wishes to follow in his two brothers footsteps by also attending UCLA to play basketball. The author examines how LaMelo plays on an AAU team with his two older brothers and in a recent tournament averaged close to 20 points per game despite being the youngest kid on the court. UCLA’s basketball program is very excited about LaMelo’s commitment since now they can continue to watch him grow as a player. They also support their decision by saying how he continuously strives to be better than his brothers.

Recruiting players at such a young age is not necessarily a new trend since it has happened before, but it is still is a risky proposition. The author explains how even though these kids are very good at a young age, they may not pan out the way colleges expect them to. If this happens, the colleges are in a difficult situation considering their investment into some of these recruits. The author even mentions how LeBron James is against recruiting athletes at such a young age. LeBron’s son, Bronny, has already received some offers which LeBron says is “pretty crazy,” adding that “you shouldn’t be recruiting 10-year old kids.” Nevertheless, UCLA is just doing what they think is in their best interest to win a championship.