. I must say that this guy lives up to the hype. He's a really cool cat, too bad he wont be at the next camp I'll be at. I definately would have sat with him.
The crew. Some of them had to hide our identities because they're so popular. Boss, Justice and I think Taz are missing from this shot. Jeezz, my hands look huge in that picture but thats what made me the monster CB I was in HighSchool!
My 1st time at training camp!
I must say that it was a complete and total blast! I got there around 7:30am and got a great spot on the 50 yard line on the front row. Two guys walked in with me who were originally from the VA area but now lived in Baltimore. Keeping an eye for my fellow Hogs got increasingly difficult as the day went on. There were entirely too many gray t-shirts out there. Everyone was by the players entrance at the beggining but I stayed put. Im glad I did because everyone was behind me and everyone else at the front trying to jockey for a good view. I stepped back about 4 feet to try and crane my neck to find my fellow Hogs, instantly I felt 100 eyes anticipating my move. People were ready to flock into my 3 feet of space and never give it back!
As soon as practice ended I ran over to the far right of the field and they knew exactly who I was... LOL. It shouldn't have been too hard, I look young, Im black and I walked directly to them who else could it have been? Chris Luva Luva.... Let me let everyone know how to pronounce it, lol. Chris-lova-lova. Its kinda like a slang word for lover. Lover-Lova... Chris Luva Luva. hahha. Everyone embraced me with smiles, handshakes and hugs. I instantly felt right at home. I never felt like the new kid, or some random guy they know, everyone was totatlly hospitable and kind. Boss and Taz offered me a place to rest because I had traveled straight from work. I'd spend another 30mins writing about these guys.
Skins:
I'm just going to mention people who stood out. I was having such a great time that I was trying to take everything in and found it hard to focus on particulars.
Antonio Brown: Looked great in special team drills and WR. He showed speed and shiftiness. He shook Shawn Springs out of his cleats on a hitch round. He didn't drop a pass that touched his hands.
Clinton Portis: Clinton is amazing fast to the outside. A receiver I can't name missed a block so Clinton yanks him into the missed block and proceeds to gain even more yardage. He was definately talking trash to the LB's who were trying to get to him. I didn't see any scuffling but there were kind words exchanged.
Royal: He caught one of Ramseys longest passes.
Matt Bowen: He was trying to knock someones head off!
Broughton/White: I dont know which one I was looking at but these kids love contact. They are exactly what I want in short yardage backs. I can't wait to see them line up for some running plays!
Campbell: This kid is extremely tall. He has plenty of zip on the ball and can fit it in there as needed. He was a bit indecisive but he's a rookie, thats to be expected. He seems pretty mobile, probally on Brunells level if not better.
Ramsey: He seemed a bit cocky to me in a way. He seemed poised and confident. I didn't get any timidness from him while he was under center.
Autographs:
ey is everything people make him out to be. I can't even say he's the nicest Skin because they were all totally respectful, thankful and nice to me.
Ryan Clark, man this cat is definately one of my favorites. I told him thank you after he signed my football and he told me "no, thank you". I also offered him words of encouragement and support. Back in the Bowen vs Clark debates, I used to vote for Clark!
Marcus Washington is nice but he walked away from me, he was hot and I understood. Skinschic cornered him for me and got him to sign my football, she;s favored by so many players. She's definately a mom all the way through and she treated me like I was one of hers. She told me that I looked exactly like she thought I would. What can I say? I am to please.
Dyson was cool, he didn't stand out to me.
Brunell Joke
Brunell: "3-40......3-40.....3-40...HUTTTT!" Everyone knows that sound. Brunell did it all last season and he still says the same thing.
Well while he was doing that during the 11-11 drills I slipped up and said; "Brunells voice travels further than his passes...". I caught a few giggles, and nasty looks from the VIP section I was standing behind. I hope his wife wasn't there.
PRE 2K4 THREAD CELEBRATION!
1ST: In your replies post a question that you want me to answer. It can be silly or whatever.
2nd: I told the staff of my plans for my 4k. They were excited to see what I had instore. Well...heres a sneak peak. Most of you won't understand but I think they'll get it a bit more.
and happy I could get Marcus back over there for you. He's a good guy. Have fun at the scrimmage. Hope to see you again soon.
I'm sorry I missed you Chris. I've had so many other obligations this week that I just haven't had a chance to get out there. I'm missing it and all of you guys like crazy though. I may be at the scrimmage game, there is a last minute kink in that plan as well. So hopefully it will work out. If not I'll definitely catch up with EVERYONE next year! 
You darn people.
