Excellent Orakpo article
Posted: Tue Apr 28, 2009 8:26 pm
I'm a fan
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Rick Snider » Cowboys hatred comes standard
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
04/27/09 9:14 PM
Tony Romo just gained bigger problems than Jessica.
Brian Orakpo wants to rekindle the good old days when Redskins defensive ends terrorized Dallas quarterbacks. Orakpo studied video of Dexter Manley and Charles Mann devouring Cowboys passers. The Redskins’ newest first-rounder grew up in Houston hating Dallas so the rivalry game suddenly becomes a little more personal, especially since Orakpo’s high school team was the Redskins.
“It’s ironic — I never was a Cowboys fan. I’m from Houston and we feud with the Cowboys all the time,” he said. “My high school coach told me once you’re a Redskin, you’re always a Redskin. We watched everything the Washington Redskins did in terms of pride and tradition. ... I’m glad I dropped to No. 13 because being a Washington Redskin is a perfect fit.”
Something tells me Redskins fans just found a new favorite player. There will be a whole lot of 98 jerseys in the stands.
Orakpo wants to be the second coming of the Manley and Mann whom the Redskins have spent nearly the last two decades trying to replicate. Orakpo might be more like Mann than Manley, who was simply a brawler. The Texas tweener will play some linebacker, some defensive end. He’s quick like Mann, but also has enough brawn to withstand a chipping end or back.
“I’m a little bit of both in how they get to the quarterbacks,” said Orakpo of his predecessors. “They both have their charisma and own competitiveness. Defensive end-wise, I just want to continue that great tradition we have.”
Ironically, Orakpo is more remindful of offensive tackle Chris Samuels. Same deep voice, calm demeanor, rock hard body. He’s just a smaller, younger version of Samuels, which bodes well given the latter’s five Pro Bowls.
“[Orakpo] seems to have a peace about his life, where he is,” coach Jim Zorn said. “Chris exudes that. I think they both have that inner drive, self starting. You might be on to something. I love Chris Samuels. The way he gets himself ready to work and motivate himself … We don’t know that yet in this guy, but he seems to go in this direction. He has a sense of humility about himself. He doesn’t come in saying ‘I’m the answer. I’m in charge now.’ He says whatever I have to do to be a better football player.”
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sport ... 35502.html
[Print] [Email]
Rick Snider » Cowboys hatred comes standard
By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
04/27/09 9:14 PM
Tony Romo just gained bigger problems than Jessica.
Brian Orakpo wants to rekindle the good old days when Redskins defensive ends terrorized Dallas quarterbacks. Orakpo studied video of Dexter Manley and Charles Mann devouring Cowboys passers. The Redskins’ newest first-rounder grew up in Houston hating Dallas so the rivalry game suddenly becomes a little more personal, especially since Orakpo’s high school team was the Redskins.
“It’s ironic — I never was a Cowboys fan. I’m from Houston and we feud with the Cowboys all the time,” he said. “My high school coach told me once you’re a Redskin, you’re always a Redskin. We watched everything the Washington Redskins did in terms of pride and tradition. ... I’m glad I dropped to No. 13 because being a Washington Redskin is a perfect fit.”
Something tells me Redskins fans just found a new favorite player. There will be a whole lot of 98 jerseys in the stands.
Orakpo wants to be the second coming of the Manley and Mann whom the Redskins have spent nearly the last two decades trying to replicate. Orakpo might be more like Mann than Manley, who was simply a brawler. The Texas tweener will play some linebacker, some defensive end. He’s quick like Mann, but also has enough brawn to withstand a chipping end or back.
“I’m a little bit of both in how they get to the quarterbacks,” said Orakpo of his predecessors. “They both have their charisma and own competitiveness. Defensive end-wise, I just want to continue that great tradition we have.”
Ironically, Orakpo is more remindful of offensive tackle Chris Samuels. Same deep voice, calm demeanor, rock hard body. He’s just a smaller, younger version of Samuels, which bodes well given the latter’s five Pro Bowls.
“[Orakpo] seems to have a peace about his life, where he is,” coach Jim Zorn said. “Chris exudes that. I think they both have that inner drive, self starting. You might be on to something. I love Chris Samuels. The way he gets himself ready to work and motivate himself … We don’t know that yet in this guy, but he seems to go in this direction. He has a sense of humility about himself. He doesn’t come in saying ‘I’m the answer. I’m in charge now.’ He says whatever I have to do to be a better football player.”
