cowboyjoe
10-01-2010, 08:05 AM
Pouncey finds his center after error-filled debut
click link here (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/13967451/pouncey-finds-his-center-after-errorfilled-debut)
Expert
By Chris Steuber
Tell Chris your opinion! The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Sep. 18, 2010
http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/football/college/img13967473.jpg
The struggles center Mike Pouncey had snapping the ball out of the shotgun in Florida's 34-12 victory over Miami of Ohio in the Gators' season opener were clearly a result of frustration and transition. And while there were plenty of frustrating moments for the 6-foot-5, 312-pound Pouncey in his debut at center, which included five errant snaps to freshly minted starting quarterback John Brantley, the events that occurred over the past nine months set up the transition.
Mike Pouncey has managed to get his snapping problem under control. (US Presswire)
It all started when his twin brother, Maurkice, who started the past two years at center for Florida, decided to forego his senior year and was ultimately selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 18th overall pick in April. Maurkice's decision not only separated the inseparable pair for the first time in their lives on and off the football field, but it also shifted Mike from his familiar guard spot to center in what is a crucial year for his professional development.
"Moving to a new position is hard," Maurkice Pouncey told NFLDraftScout.com. "I told [Mike] when I moved from guard to center as a sophomore that I had a bunch of horrible snaps in my first game. Playing your first game at center is different from thinking you have everything right in practice. You have to react quicker and make more reads during the game and that can be tricky. There's a lot to know as far as communication. And, you also have to be aware of your hand placement at all times or your snaps are going to be ugly. But, he bounced back and did much better in his second game."
click link here (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/story/13967451/pouncey-finds-his-center-after-errorfilled-debut)
Expert
By Chris Steuber
Tell Chris your opinion! The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com
Sep. 18, 2010
http://sports.cbsimg.net/u/photos/football/college/img13967473.jpg
The struggles center Mike Pouncey had snapping the ball out of the shotgun in Florida's 34-12 victory over Miami of Ohio in the Gators' season opener were clearly a result of frustration and transition. And while there were plenty of frustrating moments for the 6-foot-5, 312-pound Pouncey in his debut at center, which included five errant snaps to freshly minted starting quarterback John Brantley, the events that occurred over the past nine months set up the transition.
Mike Pouncey has managed to get his snapping problem under control. (US Presswire)
It all started when his twin brother, Maurkice, who started the past two years at center for Florida, decided to forego his senior year and was ultimately selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 18th overall pick in April. Maurkice's decision not only separated the inseparable pair for the first time in their lives on and off the football field, but it also shifted Mike from his familiar guard spot to center in what is a crucial year for his professional development.
"Moving to a new position is hard," Maurkice Pouncey told NFLDraftScout.com. "I told [Mike] when I moved from guard to center as a sophomore that I had a bunch of horrible snaps in my first game. Playing your first game at center is different from thinking you have everything right in practice. You have to react quicker and make more reads during the game and that can be tricky. There's a lot to know as far as communication. And, you also have to be aware of your hand placement at all times or your snaps are going to be ugly. But, he bounced back and did much better in his second game."