DMN Blog: '4th and Long' preview - Week 6

[WoodysGirl]

7:48 AM Sun, Jun 21, 2009 | Permalink
Barry Horn/Reporter E-mail News tips

This is easily the best episode so far.

The genius moments Monday at 9 pm on Spike TV come when the seven remaining players are limo-ed to a night out on the town. OK, it's only Coach Joe's bar in Lewisville. But when you spend all your other waking moments inside the Cotton Bowl, Lewisville may look pretty good. The good time ends around 4 a.m. And you know what comes next: a 6 a.m. wake-up call. Talk about art imitating life.

Quote of the night: ""I'm a firm believer in working hard and in the right opportunity playing hard." -- Michael Irvin.

As the show played on I realized one horrific thing. There is no one to root against. I'm not sure that's a really good thing for a "reality" show.

In the end, the players are told the episode's loser will cut himself. All he has to do is take his jersey off during a series of tortuous drills. The result might surprise you. Then again, there are the words of Lancaster High's Eddie Moten, a DB wannabe who never has much to say on the show.

"I'm doing this for you son," he says as he pushes himself. " I'm doing what it takes. It's all for you."

<snipped the player thumbnails>

 

[dillinger319]

He should really do some research before he talks... That bar in Lewisville, Hat Tricks is Coach Joes sons bar.........

 

[AdamJT13]

As the show played on I realized one horrific thing. There is no one to root against.

That's because he's not a Cowboys fan. If you're a Cowboys fan watching it, you're probably rooting against most of them, because you don't want them taking a roster spot at training camp.

 

[Tusan_Homichi]

This is really just a bad show. It's so over the top.

 

[Ren]

I really only care about Hawkins, he'd be fun to watch in preseason. The rest of them, meh

 

[Muhast]

I really only care about Hawkins, he'd be fun to watch in preseason. The rest of them, meh

he will be a pre-season star and get cut and we'll have "rue the day" threads much like Amendola... Only Hawkins looks more talented. But its hard to guage since the other players are so... whatever.

 

[thanh123]

7:48 AM Sun, Jun 21, 2009 | Permalink
Barry Horn/Reporter E-mail News tips

This is easily the best episode so far.

The genius moments Monday at 9 pm on Spike TV come when the seven remaining players are limo-ed to a night out on the town. OK, it's only Coach Joe's bar in Lewisville. But when you spend all your other waking moments inside the Cotton Bowl, Lewisville may look pretty good. The good time ends around 4 a.m. And you know what comes next: a 6 a.m. wake-up call. Talk about art imitating life.

Quote of the night: ""I'm a firm believer in working hard and in the right opportunity playing hard." -- Michael Irvin.

As the show played on I realized one horrific thing. There is no one to root against. I'm not sure that's a really good thing for a "reality" show.

In the end, the players are told the episode's loser will cut himself. All he has to do is take his jersey off during a series of tortuous drills. The result might surprise you. Then again, there are the words of Lancaster High's Eddie Moten, a DB wannabe who never has much to say on the show.

"I'm doing this for you son," he says as he pushes himself. " I'm doing what it takes. It's all for you."

<snipped the player thumbnails>

i saw that on the episode preview last week and it jus' got something in me. i'm rooting for him or hawkins.

 

[DragonCowboy]

"The results may surprise you..."

Here's hoping it's not Hawkins. I know that the winner of this show won't have much of a shot (if at all) to get a spot on the final roster, but you gotta love the way he plays.

I do NOT want Montrell Jones to win.

 

[Alexander]

So much for Hawkins being "suspended":

Hawkins won't sell himself short







By Herb Zurkowsky, Canwest News Service
June 21, 2009 8:01 PM


BROSSARD, Que. &#8212; Where do you begin to tell the story of Andrew Hawkins?

Is it his impressive pedigree? His father, Courtney, was selected in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, although only five-foot-nine and 190 pounds, spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Bucs and Pittsburgh. Hawkins's cousin, Carlton Haselrig, a Pro Bowl guard, also played for the Steelers, while his brother, Artrell, was a defensive back for the New York Jets. Not to mention his cousin, Geroy Simon, who plays a little football for the B.C. Lions.


"Growing up as a kid, it was quite natural to follow in their footsteps," Hawkins said. "If they'd become bus drivers. . . . Thank God they picked something fun."


Is it the fact Hawkins became the first two-way player for the collegiate Toledo Rockets in 40 years, playing wide receiver and cornerback?


Or how about the fact Hawkins was one of 12 participants on the reality television series 4th and Long? From a list of 30,000 applicants, Hawkins was one of 50 flown to Los Angeles to participate in a scouting combine, being selected to appear on the show, televised on Spike TV. The series, hosted by former Dallas receiver Michael Irvin, promises the winner an invitation to the Cowboys' training camp.


"Before, I was Andrew Hawkins," he said. "But now, I'm Andrew Hawkins from 4th and Long fame. That's one of the perks.


"It was the experience of a lifetime," he continued, not divulging how the series concludes. "Irvin's one of the greatest wide receivers. To be coached by him was worth the experience. It changed my life."


Hawkins has crammed a lot of living into his 23 years. And now, the five-foot-eight, 165 pounder is trying to take the next step, making it as a pro with the Alouettes. He arrived at training camp late, due to his TV obligations, but has impressed the coaches with his abilities as a receiver and kick returner.


Hawkins might be small, but he's fast. Extremely fast. And it behooves the Als to find a way of getting him on the field. He has the potential to be that dangerous; a constant threat who can take advantage of the wide CFL field.

Hawkins figures to get a long look Tuesday night, when Montreal concludes its exhibition schedule against Winnipeg at Molson Stadium. He could potentially be playing for his CFL career.


"It's a big game for him," offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich acknowledged after the Als practised indoors, at the Canadiens' Bell Sports Complex facility in Brossard. "He didn't have a lot of opportunities last week (against Toronto). But he has done some good things and we want to see what he can with the lights on. He has that potential.


"He's very quick and smart. And he learns fast. He's explosive, and we'd like to see more of him because of his athletic ability."


A native of Johnstown, Pa., Hawkins started out as a fullback at age 11, and always found he was among the smallest players on the team. He simply looked to his father, who overcame his own physical shortcomings, for inspiration.


"He just always told me to dream big and don't hold myself short," Hawkins remembered. "If you don't set lofty goals, you become stagnant. I look at my size as a challenge. I was told I'd never play Division I. Then I'd never make it to pro. I just keep fighting and use it as motivation, not a detriment. That has helped to flourish my career."


He was a better defensive back in high school, Hawkins remembered, and when the Rockets' secondary was struggling, his coaches called on him. That he was also able to play on offence &#8212; he started 25 of 37 career games &#8212; speaks volumes about his conditioning, and his gene pool; his mother, an all-American in track.


Hawkins left Toledo with 67 career receptions and five touchdowns, along with 1,107 all-purpose yards and another five majors. Defensively, he recovered a fumble while forcing two others. He also blocked a punt on special teams.


He attended training camp as a defensive back with the Jets last season. Released in October, Jets scout Brock Sunderland, who got his start in Montreal, notified the Als, who signed him in December. Hawkins talked to Simon before signing and now converses with him on a regular basis.


Hawkins has been attempting to play catch-up since arriving at camp, but won't allow that to become a deterrent. "I'm not concerned," he said. "Everything happens for a reason.


"I'm a little behind, but I've always been at my best when my back's against the wall."

 

[LSUCowboy]

So much for Hawkins being "suspended":

Hawkins won't sell himself short







By Herb Zurkowsky, Canwest News Service
June 21, 2009 8:01 PM


BROSSARD, Que. — Where do you begin to tell the story of Andrew Hawkins?

Is it his impressive pedigree? His father, Courtney, was selected in the second round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, although only five-foot-nine and 190 pounds, spent nine seasons in the NFL with the Bucs and Pittsburgh. Hawkins's cousin, Carlton Haselrig, a Pro Bowl guard, also played for the Steelers, while his brother, Artrell, was a defensive back for the New York Jets. Not to mention his cousin, Geroy Simon, who plays a little football for the B.C. Lions.


"Growing up as a kid, it was quite natural to follow in their footsteps," Hawkins said. "If they'd become bus drivers. . . . Thank God they picked something fun."


Is it the fact Hawkins became the first two-way player for the collegiate Toledo Rockets in 40 years, playing wide receiver and cornerback?


Or how about the fact Hawkins was one of 12 participants on the reality television series 4th and Long? From a list of 30,000 applicants, Hawkins was one of 50 flown to Los Angeles to participate in a scouting combine, being selected to appear on the show, televised on Spike TV. The series, hosted by former Dallas receiver Michael Irvin, promises the winner an invitation to the Cowboys' training camp.


"Before, I was Andrew Hawkins," he said. "But now, I'm Andrew Hawkins from 4th and Long fame. That's one of the perks.


"It was the experience of a lifetime," he continued, not divulging how the series concludes. "Irvin's one of the greatest wide receivers. To be coached by him was worth the experience. It changed my life."


Hawkins has crammed a lot of living into his 23 years. And now, the five-foot-eight, 165 pounder is trying to take the next step, making it as a pro with the Alouettes. He arrived at training camp late, due to his TV obligations, but has impressed the coaches with his abilities as a receiver and kick returner.


Hawkins might be small, but he's fast. Extremely fast. And it behooves the Als to find a way of getting him on the field. He has the potential to be that dangerous; a constant threat who can take advantage of the wide CFL field.

Hawkins figures to get a long look Tuesday night, when Montreal concludes its exhibition schedule against Winnipeg at Molson Stadium. He could potentially be playing for his CFL career.


"It's a big game for him," offensive co-ordinator Scott Milanovich acknowledged after the Als practised indoors, at the Canadiens' Bell Sports Complex facility in Brossard. "He didn't have a lot of opportunities last week (against Toronto). But he has done some good things and we want to see what he can with the lights on. He has that potential.


"He's very quick and smart. And he learns fast. He's explosive, and we'd like to see more of him because of his athletic ability."


A native of Johnstown, Pa., Hawkins started out as a fullback at age 11, and always found he was among the smallest players on the team. He simply looked to his father, who overcame his own physical shortcomings, for inspiration.


"He just always told me to dream big and don't hold myself short," Hawkins remembered. "If you don't set lofty goals, you become stagnant. I look at my size as a challenge. I was told I'd never play Division I. Then I'd never make it to pro. I just keep fighting and use it as motivation, not a detriment. That has helped to flourish my career."


He was a better defensive back in high school, Hawkins remembered, and when the Rockets' secondary was struggling, his coaches called on him. That he was also able to play on offence — he started 25 of 37 career games — speaks volumes about his conditioning, and his gene pool; his mother, an all-American in track.


Hawkins left Toledo with 67 career receptions and five touchdowns, along with 1,107 all-purpose yards and another five majors. Defensively, he recovered a fumble while forcing two others. He also blocked a punt on special teams.


He attended training camp as a defensive back with the Jets last season. Released in October, Jets scout Brock Sunderland, who got his start in Montreal, notified the Als, who signed him in December. Hawkins talked to Simon before signing and now converses with him on a regular basis.


Hawkins has been attempting to play catch-up since arriving at camp, but won't allow that to become a deterrent. "I'm not concerned," he said. "Everything happens for a reason.


"I'm a little behind, but I've always been at my best when my back's against the wall."

So based on this article is it safe to assume that Hawkins doesn't make it?

 

[Ren]

So based on this article is it safe to assume that Hawkins doesn't make it?

that what i was thinking too

 

[QT]

wow. Alot of people thought it was Hawkins...

 

[AMERICAS_FAN]

So based on this article is it safe to assume that Hawkins doesn't make it?

Not necessarily. Winning the show guarnatees him a slot on the 80-man training camp roster, but not the final 53-man team roster. So trying out and making other clubs is a good contingency plan in case he doesn't "stick" in the NFL, should he be the 4th-And-Long finalist.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I guess this means he likely doesn't make it. I can't imagine that they'd want the guy who wins the show, and is supposed to get the last roster spot in Cowboys training camp, going to training camp with a Canadian league team and possibly getting injured, thus wasting the whole process.

Plus I can't see anyone from those other leagues wanting to waste their time with a guy who may or may not be part of their team in about a month or so.

I'm going to guess that it's Hawkins, and possibly on this episode. That would surprise most people probably more than any other player quitting.

 

[Undisputed]

"It was the experience of a lifetime," he continued, not divulging how the series concludes. "Irvin's one of the greatest wide receivers. To be coached by him was worth the experience. It changed my life."

I guess he doesn't win. "Worth the experience" tells it all. If he had won, of course it would have been "worth the experience"...

Arggghhhh. Dude was my favorite.

 

[BAT]

Hawkins practicing w/the Allouettes does not bode well, at all. Please God, do not give us Montrell Lazy Ace Jones.

 

[Texan_Eph89]

Hawkins practicing w/the Allouettes does not bode well, at all. Please God, do not give us Montrell Lazy Ace Jones.

I think it's going to be Holley.
He's consistent, fast enough, big, strong, competitive.
Jones is Irvin's favorite due to similar style, but other than Hawkins the only guy with a chance is Holley.

 

[CATCH17]

Just a guess but I think Michael is just going to run them to death and tell them if they quit they are cut and at say around, oh, the 5 hour mark he will call it quits because all of them will show so much heart and not give up.


Just a wild guess though.

If it is running I just hope they all get a good nights rest the night before it.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Eh, so what happened tonight?

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Eh, so what happened tonight?

Pretty much exactly what the guy above you said in his 'wild guess'.