GM McKenize speaks about status of Raiders
By Steve Corkran
Thursday, June 14th, 2012 at 3:14 pm in Oakland Raiders.
Raiders first-year general manager Reggie McKenzie spent a little more than 30 minutes with the media Thursday, fresh from watching his players and coaches over three days at a mandatory mini camp.
McKenzie talked about a wide range of things, including the performance of head coach Dennis Allen and his staff, quarterback Terrelle Pryor’s progress, signing strong safety Tyvon Branch to a long-term contract, running back Darren McFadden’s health and the Raiders salary-cap situation.
Here is the entire transcript:
How do you think things went at minicamp and OTAs?
“I think we upgraded some depth in some areas. I am glad that there were no major injuries. Those are the kinds of things when you come into the offseason, the newness and the competitiveness, everyone wanting to show the coaches what they got, you have a tendency to lose one or two guys in that situation. It seems like everybody will be reporting to training camp so that’s good.”
“From a talent standpoint, I liked the tempo of the practices. I thought there was a lot of great communication between the coaches and the players. It seemed like there were a lot of great responses – players responding to what was being coached and being asked of them. That all looked good. I thought Carson Palmer had a great camp. Those quarterbacks need to get on the same page with those receivers and get the system under their belt. Trying to do both at the same time is not easy. Everybody thinks you just toss it to the open guy, but there is a lot that goes into it. Listening to the coaches, working on steps and release, it seemed like they were taking everything to heart.
How much different will roster look at training camp than it does now?
“Hopefully we can get some continuity and if everybody stays healthy, hopefully it’s not a lot different. Especially as far as starters are concerned. But there is going to be some competition, people are going to get pushed, but to stay that people who started at this minicamp are going to be the starters Week 1, I couldn’t tell you that. Hopefully, the competition raises the level of the current starter and if not then the player pushing them wins the job. To me, it’s all about playing the best man. I don’t want to predict, but I do like some of the backup guys pushing these guys.”
Q: Is team further along than you thought with implementing new system and all?
A: I personally think we’re further along than I thought we would. I knew they were going to throw in a lot on both sides of the ball. But it was good to see things going right a whole lot more than wrong as far as coaches yelling and screaming, running a play over and over again. Every day you didn’t hear a lot of that. That’s a good indication that players are getting it and coaches are coaching it. But hopefully training camp they digest it even more and we become more complete. It’s still year one. I don’t think we’re looking for a situation where players are going to act like they’ve been here for five years in one system, playing with each other and they know each other like the back of their hand. I don’t see that but I do see guys working very well together and getting it right. I feel good about it.
Q: What was done equipment-wise to get team into the present day?
A: When I say equipment you’re talking from an infrastructure on the personnel side and even for the coaches. We updated software and the film watching package and also hardware and computers. We’re re-doing the structure of rooms and monitors, stuff like that. When I talk equipment that’s what I mean.
Q: Millions spent?
A: I couldn’t tell you. I didn’t write the check. It wasn’t that. Buying some of that stuff is not … it didn’t’ get out of hand. None of that.
Q: To accomplish what? Make the job easier? (regarding upgrading equipment)
A: It made it more conducive. It was needed. It was to definitely improve not only the team concept of what we’re trying to get done, but the efficiency in getting it done and trying to get it done right.
It aided in that. Yes, it was needed.
Q: Are you comfortable with the Rolando McClain situation, both that you want him here and also you think he’ll be able to play next year?
A: Yes I’m comfortable with that.
Q: Was that hard to come by? You mentioned character early on.
A: You know, since we’ve been here he’s been great. I’m not going to hold anything over his head about what he’s done in the past. We’re only concerned with what he does from here on out. Coaches preach to the players about being accountable, being disciplined on and off the field, so we’ll take care of the issues as they come.
Q: You guys sat down and talked?
A: I haven’t. The head coach has spoken with him.
Q: Do you have to worry though that legally he could potentially not even be available to you?
A: Oh yeah. That’s part of our deal is just sitting and waiting for that process to kind of take its course. Absolutely. The only thing we can do is sit and wait.
Q: You’ve added a few guys as free agents but there’s also a lot of “big names” out there. Guys you have brought in, have anything to do with the fact you only have so much money to play on free agency?
A: That played a part, yep.
Q: What kind of cap situation are the Raiders in at this moment?
A: Are we in at this moment? I can’t go out and sign Drew Brees. I can’t make a trade for him. This year is what it is. It’s very limited. I don’t know the exact number of where we are but we don’t have a whole lot of cap space to kind of bring in a big name guy.
Q: Are you in much better cap space for next season now than you were coming in?
A: Yes. We don’t want to continue to be in cap jail forever. So yeah, the plan was to improve our outlook for the future.
Q: You still have your first-round pick next year so you can trade that for Drew Brees.
A: No we’re OK. We’re OK.
Has there been any progress with getting long-term deal with Branch?
“Other than it’s been good communication. Nobody’s slamming the phone on each other so that’s positive.”
What’s been your overall impressions of Pryor?
“You know, that’s one thing that jumps out. The guy wants to be good. And he wants to do well, he wants to play. So his effort and how he’s going about his business has been great. Now, he’s improved with his technique and his fundamentals and all the little idiosyncrasies of what they want from a quarterback, he’s improved since April when they first got him on the field. So they’ve seen some progress there. Now it’s going to be up to him to dive into that playbook and know it when he comes back and so he don’t have to think plays, technique work, and you know, it’s a whole going through his style of quarterback. His history has not been as indepth as the other guys so he’s learning the whole gamut. I’m ecstatic on how he’s going about his business here. But time will tell when we put him in preseason games. See how he does.”
You think it’s important to get the team offsite for camp?
“I kinda like that. The last 18 years I’ve been onsite, you know, in Green Bay we didn’t go anywhere, we stayed right there on the same field we practiced on during the season. But I do think there’s something to going offsite, getting away from the city, where your families are, it can be a lot more distracting than not. But the pros of it is you have everything right there without moving. If you have that facility, I think you have to take advantage of it. [Un] Like these teams that have the facilities to do that like Green Bay. If you got it you have to look at the big picture. I think staying home outweighs, as far as Green Bay is concerned, outweighs going offsite.”
Q: What does Green Bay have that you don’t have in terms of a training camp facility?
McKenzie: The thing is, the game stadium, parking lot, practice field, indoor offices, it’s all right there. We don’t have that. So trying to have training camp here is not going to work. Because you would like, of course, the hotel situation and driving back and forth. I’ve seen the Napa setup, I like it. It’s too easy as far as staying all in one place and walking out on to the practice field. The set up here, the logistics and the way everything is structured with the building and fields is not conducive to training camp here.
Q: Without a first or second-round pick, no trouble signing draft picks?
McKenzie: No, we do not. We feel good about everybody showing up at training camp.
Q: What do you think about your rookie class?
McKenzie: Most, they are what we thought, which is good. Some better. Maybe a couple that needs more practice, like all rookies. But we feel good about it. We didn’t feel like anyone was out of place, which is a good thing. But we like our rookie class.
Q: Anyone who has outshined everyone, more than what you thought.
McKenzie: Yes. I’m not going to tell you.
Q: Looking for big back with loss of Bush?
McKenzie: We don’t have that big back, but we’ve got a couple of backs that are playing fullback for us that can be that guy. We feel good about the versatility of Marcel, and all our fullbacks have the ability to run it. Schmitt can run it, short yardage. We got some guys that can, I’m kind of anxious to see them in preseason. But like I said, we’ll continue to beat down the doors and see if we can bring guys in. We won’t stop that until it’s time to play our Monday night game in September. We’ll continue. Nothing is on the horizon, though.
Q: Coaches hard at it and need to recharge, same goes for you?
McKenzie: Yes. Yes. I’ll be working a little while those coaches are relaxing a little bit. They’ve been going at it, so it’s been very good, the work that they’ve put in. But yes, they need to recharge a little bit.
Q; What have you learned about Dennis the past few months as a coach?
McKenzie: I think, from a standpoint of big picture, he gets it. He’s always a step ahead, which is good. I like the way the players are responding. And his assistant coaches. He’s all over that defense, which I like. That’s good. He’s talking to the offense, too, he’s not just all defense, but he’s acting like a real head coach. You can’t tell he hasn’t been a head coach before.
Q: Looking for teachers?
McKenzie: yes. Can’t teach, can’t coach.
Q: Can you describe your approach to the changes you made with the infrastructure?
A: “I wanted to make sure that we had football guys. When I say football guys, guys who have been around football. Scouts don’t have to have played in the NFL or coached in the NFL, but I do like guys who like football and been around it, whether they played in high school or they were involved in college some kind of way. When you interview them and talk to them, or intern them, you can tell they understand the game. When they talk it or when they write it, when you’re watching tape, they can give you stuff back. So, the guys that we got in here can do that. It was important to get a group that meshed together. I wanted to put in my system, so it was important to get somebody who understood what I wanted. A lot of that, when you’re talking about reorganizing and restructuring, in a way, those are some of the things that I looked at. And putting people in the right place, be it area scouts or pro scouting, trying to figure out which area. You put people in the right place and give them a chance to do what they do.”
Q: Was it important to bring in guys that you have a history with?
A: “Getting people that I know? And trust? And believe in? Absolutely. That’s all part of it. You kind of prepare for a possible role like this, so the thought process went into it way before I made the decision. Yeah, you want guys who kind of have a feel for you so that when they’re coming onboard they know what they’re getting into.”
Had you talked to Raleigh for years about getting into scouting?
“You know what? We talked about that, along with a million other things that twin brothers of 49 years would talk about. We talked about it initially when he did an internship with the Redskins. He liked it. That’s all I needed to know. And I was involved in getting him that internship. And he’d been to the combine about three times. So he understood what it was all about. Yeah, we talked about it.”
Has the newness of this whole situation worn off yet or is every day something new, positive or negative? Because since 1963 this organization has had one name, one face …. and now you’re that guy.
“The newness has started to dwindle, but every day is something, and I think that’s going to be for a little while, at least into the season because what you just said, things have been done a certain way for so long. It’s just the way it is. Still stuff with the building, trying to adjust. To me, changes are going to continue to be made through this time next year because you can’t build Rome overnight, so certain things will stay status quo until we can jump on it during the offseason. But yes, it’s starting to sink in, but there’s still stuff that goes on daily that needs to be addressed.”
When Huff talks about being excited to play on a real defense – you played on a defense for the Raiders that was pretty good with Al having a heavy hand in it, and he always hired offensive-minded coaches. How much of a change was needed to have a defensive-minded coach and a defensive coordinator being allowed to do what he wanted to do?
“It was important for me – I’m a defensive-minded person. But going out to specifically say I’m going to hire a defensive coach, was not the case, but going out wanting to make sure I interviewed defensive coaches and hopefully liking one, I really wanted that. Because I really, truly believe defense wins championships. But, you know, to Huff’s quote, I do think we’ve got some real defensive coaches, a real coordinator. I’m glad he feels that way that we got some good coaches and we got a good defense. I’m kind of anxious to see it play itself out in games, but more importantly I’m anxious to see how the players respond and play within that scheme.”
Q: What training camp battles are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m looking at the linebacker position, because we added so many numbers. I want to see who jumps out and makes plays. I want to see some of these young receivers in live action, see how they jump out. As well as some of these young offensive linemen. With these DBs, I want to see what shakes itself out, out of the whole. Especially the cornerback group, see what shakes out there. I’m kind of looking forward to these positional competitions. Even the tight end position. Those guys are all competing their tails off, you know? I think all those guys will show well. All five of them, really. Kind of excited to see, just from the competitive standpoint, who steps out.
Q: Cornerbacks, you think the two young guys have a chance to beat out the vets, it still in play?
A: Yeah. That’s still in play. Absolutely. Absolutely. Nobody got it locked down. Not at all.
Q: Comforting to see McFadden get through this without any relapse from his foot injury?
A: Yup, absolutely. I mean, across the board, nothing that was major. You see some of these guys throughout the league, they’re going to be out midseason, out for the season. I mean, that’s one thing you kind of dont want to happen.
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June 14th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
B auce!
June 14th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
666
June 14th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
1098.The Beeech Dawg Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Genital, you gotta check out the picture Chris Brown tweeted of his sliced chin!
Guess someone in Drake’s crew threw some Moet Chandon at him in the VIP section
Dude, if someone throws a bottle at Cousin The Genital you’re going to have to take one to the chin!
Don’t know how you’re going to scramble his eggs just right in the morning with that injury
**********************************
My bz scrambles my eggs in the morning…I dont do cooking……first off no one is throwing schit at Mike becuz he is a cool cat and doesnt get into it with folks like Chris Brown does…..funny thing is you just contradicted yourself talking about ppl who use twitter now you all over someone’s twitter? lmao hypocrite and very btch made…not surpised
June 14th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
4 OR 5
June 14th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Still waiting on Btch Poodle’s circling on sports,rappin, comedy and pullin bzies….B auce nor any on this blog believe you…YOU NEED MORE PEOPLE
June 14th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
.go on his twitter and see what he says about hig big cuzzo B auce
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Brien, I though you didn’t do twitter. I checked out your cousin’s page. I don’t see any mention of you.
June 14th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
anyhow…b auce may be back in a sec….watch for btch poodle’s lame responses….be sure to get your pillow everyone…it sure will be the usual snore it always is…..Victory is the B auce’s again…B auce ba ba ba B auce….CODE BLACK
June 14th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
6.Albert Bigelow Paine Says:
June 14th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
.go on his twitter and see what he says about hig big cuzzo B auce
———–
Brien, I though you didn’t do twitter. I checked out your cousin’s page. I don’t see any mention of you.
************************
easy go ask him AlbertaMR….you can easily do that
June 14th, 2012 at 3:26 pm
and i dont do the twitter…mike has one….very simple…and u checked my facebook and saw Mike was my cousin so please spare your nonsense
June 14th, 2012 at 3:27 pm
AlbertaMR….ask Mike who taught him the left hand scoop layup…about intensity…about running bzies…about dancing and having charisma….no doubt he gonna tell ya B auce is his dude
June 14th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
anyhow gotta run…get ready for nba finals later
June 14th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Albert Puss
I’m sure Cousin the Genital doesn’t mention anyone in his posse on his twitter, doesn’t want to ruin his rep
After flaming out in the 1st round of the tourney his choices in low grade shorties is probably pretty limited anyway
Imagine how bad it would get if he was propping his Forrest Gump watching cousin online?
June 14th, 2012 at 3:36 pm
13th….or there abouts!
June 14th, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Brian the Genital must’ve learned in Thuggin’ Class that if you’re getting badly beaten by a blog superior, you should hurry up and claim victory so you can feel a little bit better
That tuition was worth it, Genital!
June 14th, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Yo Nation. Any Raider talk??
June 14th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
RM..Nobody got it on lockdown. awesome
June 14th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Nobody got it locked down..lol
June 14th, 2012 at 3:48 pm
How about Taiwan breaking a run today, guy is fast.
June 14th, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Yo homies, just finished my new rap about the massive flag pole I busted today at Island’s
Seriously this was the greatest boner-dawg ever achieved in day light
Will probably be tracked as a smooth reggae jam by my all-star side project Rasta Ganja. Can definitely see it becoming #1 in Jamaica, mon
Gotta answer the phone, cause my hizzies be dialin’
Time for lunch and dessert at my neighborhood Islands
Dang ho, you take me for a fool?
Just get on dem knees and pay respects to me Tool
BOB MARLEY MY STONEY BRATHA, MAD PROPS IN ETERNITY
June 14th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Test test..yep, everyone went to burn one
June 14th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Future Breaking News on ESPN:
NBA point guard Michael Dixon was arrested tonight outside a club with another man who was reported to be his cousin. The two were both extremely intoxicated on Remy Martin when they were involved in an altercation with another man in the parking lot. Witnesses say, the man, identified as Michael Kelly, drove his red Corvet into Dixon’s Hummer after the two questioned his ability as a real estate agent.
June 14th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
lol Tx. And yep I am high!!
June 14th, 2012 at 4:04 pm
Ohhh Yeah!lol
June 14th, 2012 at 4:21 pm
I’m loving it!
June 14th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
Q: What training camp battles are you most looking forward to?
A: I’m looking at the linebacker position,
================================
What have I been telling you guys?
June 14th, 2012 at 4:58 pm
Yep…this was a superb Q&A interview Mr. Cork. I truly enjoyed reading. Thanks a million. Now if only our Raiders can make the playoffs(not bad for a new GM and new Coaches)….this would be phenomenal and Mr. Davis would be smiling in Heaven.
June 14th, 2012 at 6:08 pm
“I think, from a standpoint of big picture, he gets it. He’s always a step ahead, which is good. I like the way the players are responding. And his assistant coaches. He’s all over that defense, which I like. That’s good. He’s talking to the offense, too, he’s not just all defense, but he’s acting like a real head coach. You can’t tell he hasn’t been a head coach before.”
Obviously words like this should be expected of anyone the GM hires. It’s encouraging that “he’s acting like a real head coach” and not the pretend coach from last year.
June 14th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
I like it.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:07 pm
29 comments people!!!!
Free and easy to load……..
June 20th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I can’t get that SNL skit of Stephen A. Smith out of my head.
“Mario Chalmers????!!!???”
June 20th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
@JFB
what happens when this thread hits 2700 comments??
only a matter of time before peeps start showing up to discuss politics, racism, religion and substance abuse.
keep going backwards, like the Lakers?
June 20th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Well we have 2500 comments to go until we worry about that, lol.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
over/under onKK joining? 2 minutes
June 20th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Hey there guys.
How refreshing to not wait 5 mins. for the words I type to show up.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Not sure if the two blog divas (KK and MR) will saunter over until there is enough attention to be had.
Thankfully, the 3 of us won’t do for now, lol.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Did you tell KK there is a TEAM meeting? that will get him in here.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:39 pm
So…to keep up the blog topics:
-Pork is awesome
-Goodson has bad hands
-Benson’s YPC is concerning, even though it was higher last year than Bush’s (have to explain that one to me again)
-Rolando McClain will stay have to wait for RRS to join the fan club apparently
June 20th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
jesusraiderjim Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Did you tell KK there is a TEAM meeting? that will get him in here.
———————
HaHa Hilarious man!
June 20th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
30.Just Fire Baby Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
I can’t get that SNL skit of Stephen A. Smith out of my head.
“Mario Chalmers????!!!???”
—
I would love to see that. You don’t happen to know where i could find it do you?
June 20th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
It’s on youtube
June 20th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
I’m here because I stay ready to get ready.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:46 pm
Is it “On” Youtube or “In” youtube?
June 20th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
I would go with “on” youtube.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:48 pm
Here you go, for your viewing pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rdrAalZV22A
June 20th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
JFB,
I found it. Ha. Very good stuff!!!
It gave me a chance to see the Kenan Thompson bit doing Steve Harvey…that is freaking funny as he!!.
I’ve watched that one many times and it always cracks me up.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
I’m in… back to the future. It’s a posters’ revolt.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:50 pm
This blog is dead. I blame DMAC.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
We will march onward until we destroy all these prior posts!!lol
June 20th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
We’re not here. We’re all back one post. Really, I sh1t you not.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Or maybe “at” youtube?
June 20th, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Oops, wrong thread. Hah.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:55 pm
Any of you bozos voting for the Romoney/Southwick ticket?
June 20th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Not me. I’m for Lyndon LaRouche…only problem being he’s deceased.
June 20th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I love the typo in this thread title. One post per week and these hacks can’t even spell check it…might as well just start using McKneezy.
Bay Area has the worst sports media anywhere.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
I had never noticed till now, but Corkus Maximus misspelled Reggie’s name in the title of this post.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
54.Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I love the typo in this thread title. One post per week and these hacks can’t even spell check it…might as well just start using McKneezy.
Bay Area has the worst sports media anywhere.
—
Sorry Bo, you beat me to it.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
“Any of you bozos voting for the Romoney/Southwick ticket?”
Ron Paul even though its considered a wasted vote I really want the Independent party to gain momentum and one day be a valid party.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Furlough Jon Condo!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
55,
Bo, Chicago media is pretty bad too. Some are good, but others…not so much.
They are all creaming over Michael Bush and not concerned if Forte holds out.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Ron Paul is far right of independent. And a racist.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I agree johnny. It is laughable how they think Bush is another Bettis or something. The Bears have no OLine. Bush will avg. 3 yards per.
Now, getting Soup was a good move. Just not for Soup.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:05 pm
I just read all of Kirk Morrison’s month of June tweets …
he has a lot in common with JFB!
SF Giants fan that loves to visit the Niagra Falls, lol
I think I read “Rise and Grind” like 30 times though
June 20th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
60.Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Ron Paul is far right of independent. And a racist.
————————-
I do think there’s lots of racist cops out there, that target people due to skin color. That said, if Ron Paul ended the drug war, wouldn’t that be great for all races?jmo
June 20th, 2012 at 2:13 pm
while supplies last …
http://www.tseshop.com/Kirk-Morrison-Signed-8×10_p_1282.html
June 20th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
“Ron Paul is far right of independent. And a racist.”
I am just sick and tired of Republicans and Democrats blaming each other pointing fingers blah blah nothing gets done.
One party accuses the other of overspending all the while they are doing the same thing.
Just so much BS to me its disgusting that we the American people put up with that crap and find it acceptable. Sickens me!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:14 pm
I shouldn’t concern myself with it, but I would like to hear ONE media analyst explain in a legit manner why they say the Raiders will only win 5 games at the most.
If they say:
-Palmer will suck, I’d like to hear WHY he will suck.
-Changes in defensive philosophy, i’d like to hear WHY that means we’ll be worse, and compare it to last yrs. 8-8 team and tell me WHY that equals more losses.
-New regime and new direction. Again…WHY that means more losses.
Raiders may very well lose 10-11 games this yr. I don’t think so, but all the same…WHY?
I’d respect their opinions more if they would actually base it on careful, realistic research instead of just throwing it out there.
I’d just like to hear a fair, balanced analysis that is based on something that’s all.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
If democrat is in office we usually have a republican congress or senate and if a republican is in office we usually have a democratic congress and or senate.
Nothing gets done just a bunch of posturing and finger pointing excuses and they still get paid.
Government is wasteful and its even more wasteful when all they do is argue and play the blame game.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Only way to end the drug war is to stop waging it.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
Kirk Morrison attended elementary school at Sacred Heart, now called St. Martin de Porress, in Oakland, California. After 8th grade graduation he went to Bishop O’Dowd High School which is also in Oakland, California. He won varsity letters in football and track & field. In football, he led his team to two HAAL championships and two Northern California section 3A championships, was a two-time All-HAAL honoree, and as a senior, was the HAAL Defensive Player of the Year.
Morrison attended college at San Diego State University and had an outstanding playing career. While at SDSU, he was two-time Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
Morrison played in all 16 games as a rookie, ending the season with 116 tackles and two pass deflections.
He finished the 2006 season with a team leading 128 tackles, a sack, a defensive touchdown, and two interceptions.
Morrison started the 2007 season with an interception in each of his first three games, joining Thomas Howard who had an interception through each of his first 4 games. He led the Oakland Raiders with 120 tackles, and tacked on 10 passes defended and a quarterback sack to his totals.
In 2008, Morrison ranked fifth in the NFL with 135 tackles. He also forced two fumbles and had one sack.
He finished the 2009 season tied 6th in the NFL with 133 tackles. He forced three fumbles, recovering one, and had two sacks while playing most of the season with a dislocated elbow.
Morrison was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars along with a fifth-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft for the 108th pick in the same draft. Morrison’s first game against his hometown and former team, the Oakland Raiders, was held in Jacksonville on December 12, 2010, the Jaguars won 38-31.
On August 24, 2011, he signed with the Buffalo Bills.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
63.TxRaider210 Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
60.Bo Schembechler Jackson Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Ron Paul is far right of independent. And a racist.
————————-
I do think there’s lots of racist cops out there, that target people due to skin color. That said, if Ron Paul ended the drug war, wouldn’t that be great for all races?jmo
—
Amen to that. Makes too much sense though.
I don’t partake in those things…anymore, but I don’t begrudge anyone doing so in the privacy of their own homes as long as they don’t push others to do it and they don’t go driving afterwords.
Your right to throw a punch at me ends at my face.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
I just want another party, one that is not funded by big business or banks. One that can say FU to same old same old.
I don’t care if its a green party or an Independent party but someone has to do something about this debt.
Its not one parties fault its both as they both got us into this mess they need to get us out of debt. Period!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Johnnie Lee Higgins attended Sweeny High School in Sweeny, Texas, and was a student and a letterman in football, basketball, and track. In basketball, he was named his team’s Most Valuable Player
Higgins attended the University of Texas at El Paso to play football for the Miners. He received several honors, including Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year in 2006
After turning in a 4.43 40 yard dash time at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine, Higgins was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the third round (99th overall and the final pick of the first day) of the 2007 NFL Draft. He became the team’s starting punt returner and he returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks on August 30, 2007. He saw action in all 16 games in the 2007 season, starting in two of them at wide receiver.
He saw punt return action in the first three games, but it was in week 4 against the Denver Broncos in which Higgins made his first NFL reception. He caught two passes for 14 yards in the game. On special teams, Higgins recorded five tackles. In his final game of the season, he had a punt return for 54 yards, which set up fellow rookie JaMarcus Russell to throw his second touchdown of the season. Higgins finished his rookie year with six receptions for 47 yards, 20 punt returns for 103 yards, and five special teams tackles.
In the 2008 season, Higgins recorded more receiving yards than any other Raider wide receiver (tight end Zach Miller led the team in yards). He also returned punts for touchdowns in back-to-back games.
In the first game of the 2009 season, against San Diego, Higgins ran the ball one time for 19 yards
Higgins signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles on July 29, 2011. He was released on September 3 during final roster cuts
http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/07/sports/Johnnie_Lee_Higgins-1.jpg
June 20th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
“Only way to end the drug war is to stop waging it.”
Yeah thanks Reagan you really screwed us with that one.
All they do is cost us billions of dollars every year they cant keep the hard core drugs (cocaine heroin) from coming into the country so they justify their pathetic existence by busting medical marijuana dispensaries how weak!
The government has given themselves so much power in the name of the war on drugs that it has taken away our civil liberties in the process…..when will it end!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
I started out catholic, who the heck is St. Martin de Porress?
June 20th, 2012 at 2:25 pm
ah, the good old days. was reading posts from 2 years ago
Jhill blaming Kirk Morrison for the poorous Run Defense while SnB Defense blames the DT’s
June 20th, 2012 at 2:27 pm
Attn: Debo
2 years ago
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell had his best day of practice, or at least his best day in the presence of reporters.
In another day heavy with red zone drills, Russell at one point threw four consecutive touchdown passes, including one on a play in the back of the end zone when he broke to his right and found a leaping Marcel Reece against Tyvon Branch in the back of the end zone.
He also had a strike for a touchdown in what the Raiders expect to be a familiar sight, finding Zach Miller in a seam before the defense could react.
“I think earlier coach kind of emphasized giving the guys a chance,” Russell said. “If they give you a chance to put it in the end zone as far as pass rush, you’ve got to put somewhere in that location where they can catch it. Just give them a chance. We can run the ball all day. Once you get inside the 20, we’re going to take shots at the end zone and that’s what we were lacking.”
June 20th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
69 RR,
Yeah J Ford fumbled that kickoff and Garrard threw that bomb to beat us.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
“I started out catholic, who the heck is St. Martin de Porress?”
I think its the hardcore religious organizations that keep the war on drugs going….that and people over 60 who were taught that marijuana is bad.
Lets see how many people die each year from alcohol related deaths……too many for me to count.
How many people have ever died from smoking pot ZERO!
WTF is wrong with people?
June 20th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
ROFL at vegas,
he got the party started over here…
but didnt even wanna invite the mack
June 20th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Intrepid Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 2:16 pm
Only way to end the drug war is to stop waging it.
$$$$$$$$$$
id start first with drug testing all the politicians
June 20th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Here we go I found it:
Alcohol linked to 75,000 U.S. deaths a year.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6089353/ns/health-addictions/t/alcohol-linked-us-deaths-year/#.T-JA7Rdiklc
June 20th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
“I think earlier coach kind of emphasized giving the guys a chance,” Russell said. “If they give you a chance to put it in the end zone as far as pass rush, you’ve got to put somewhere in that location where they can catch it. Just give them a chance. We can run the ball all day. Once you get inside the 20, we’re going to take shots at the end zone and that’s what we were lacking.”
—
JRuss actually said those words? I’d never heard him say anything but broken sentences and stuff I could not understand.
I’m sure it’s me.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
“id start first with drug testing all the politicians”
LMAO good one!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
St. Martin de Porress is the patron saint of mixed-race people and all those seeking interracial harmony.
Among the many miracles attributed to him were those of levitation, bilocation, miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and an ability to communicate with animals. No wonder the nuns didn’t say anything about him. It might have actually been interesting.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Remember when Cable gave JaMarcus the blank DVD that was supposed to have the KC game plan on it and then asked him if he viewed it?
Classic!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
“Among the many miracles attributed to him were those of levitation, bilocation, miraculous knowledge, instantaneous cures, and an ability to communicate with animals. No wonder the nuns didn’t say anything about him.”
sounds like David Blaine
June 20th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
Lets see how many people die each year from alcohol related deaths……too many for me to count……….I’m working on it.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
Anyone who thinks Ron Paul would really end the drug war, or any war, is nuts. Don’t ever make fun of Obamma supporters buying into “hope and change” if you’re one of these Ron Paul guys who believes his unrealistic b.s. You’re cut from the same cloth, you’re just further to the right.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Yeah J Ford fumbled that kickoff and Garrard threw that bomb to beat us
***
@DJG
Also, JCamp got banged up and Boller entered the game.
we had been running the football on Jax pretty well that day, but Hue Jackson tried to get cute and had Boller throw like 4 straight passes. We all knew what would happen, he got picked! Campbell returned to the game next series – lol
June 20th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Saint David Blaine
June 20th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
Late comedian Bill Hicks on what happens when you’re elected president. Consider the threat implied and explain to me how Ron Paul would buck this system.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MRykTpw1RQ
June 20th, 2012 at 2:40 pm
“Anyone who thinks Ron Paul would really end the drug war, or any war, is nuts.”
Again you are taking things said in here out of context and twisting them so you can start an argument.
All that was said about Ron Paul is that he is an independent Then BSJ said and I quote.
“Ron Paul is far right of independent. And a racist.”
Then the topic changed to the war on drugs.
NEVER WERE THE TWO CONNECTED!!!!
Why do you have such a hard time reading what was actually written. Are you that self indulging that you cannot interpret a simple statement does everything have to be twisted and the regurgitated by you in a incorrect manner?
What the hell is your malfunction?
You have some serious issues.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
Sandusky44 wake up tard Ron Paul will never be elected president of the USA.
You missed the point that was being made because you chose to act like a 13 year old girl who needs attention badly.
Stay out of the conversation if you cant follow it correctly.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:43 pm
I told hwnrdr and beech dawg that we had abandoned that thread. Guess they didn’t believe me. Mixed blessings.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:44 pm
“Late comedian Bill Hicks on what happens when you’re elected president. ”
Yes lets all get political advice from a dead comedian!
How do you dress yourself in the morning?
How do you eat or pay bills or survive for that matter?
June 20th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
Oh, stfu before I go right to your front door and slap you.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:49 pm
You couldn’t find your way out of a simple child’s maze let alone find your way to anyone’s front door.
You are a self loathing mutant troll who lives for blog attention.
There is no way you could maintain gainful employment with your current dysfunctions I can see clearly now that you are ward of the state. I wouldn’t be surprised if a nurse has to bath daily you as you drool on the asylum floor.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Must Read: regarding Tyvon Branch and his contract
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/06/20/michael-griffin-deal-a-blueprint-for-dashon-goldson/
June 20th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
666, I wasn’t talking to you. See? You’re so full of your self that every time someone talks about kicking a chubby guy’s ass, you think they’re talking to you, because you’re a chubby guy who gets his ass kicked a lot. But I wasn’t talking to you, 666. So quit being so full of yourself.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Oh, stfu before I go right to your front door and slap you.
__________________________________________________
Becarful 666, remember that Jeffrey Dahmer had to ecscape from Sully’s apartment.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Michael Griffin deal a blueprint for Dashon Goldson
Posted by Darin Gantt on June 20, 2012, 5:24 PM EDT
For a pair of franchise-tagged safeties with comparable resumes, Dashon Goldson and Michael Griffin have handled things differently this offseason.
But Griffin’s five-year, $35 million deal with the Titans could provide a useful framework in the 49ers’ talks with Goldson, according to Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com.
Unlike Goldson, Griffin went ahead and signed his $6.212 million tender, and reported to the offseason program. Goldson has stayed away from all the 49ers workouts as he awaits his payday.
Maiocco notes that a year ago, Goldson was looking for something in the $8 million a year range of San Diego’s Eric Weddle. Since then, Goldson made his first Pro Bowl and changed agents, so it’s hard to imagine those demands have lessened.
However, the two sides apparently continue to talk, prior to the July 16 deadline to reach a long-term deal.
Across the bay, Raiders safety Tyvon Branch has signed his franchise tender and has been participating with his team while his negotiations continue. He doesn’t have the Pro Bowl on his resume, but is an ascending player who will demand a contract in the same neighborhood of Griffin’s as well.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Nice read RR thank you.
The only problem with that is Tyvon Branch is not as good as Dashon Goldson and Michael Griffin IMO.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:55 pm
“Becarful 666, remember that Jeffrey Dahmer had to ecscape from Sully’s apartment.’
LOL yeah that’s good one!
June 20th, 2012 at 2:56 pm
666 is the new king of this blog. Bow down everyone.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
You know you were talking to me Sandusky44 so pipe down or I will expose more of your dysfunctions to everyone here.
June 20th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
is Tyvon Branch even worth the six-year, $39 million contract [$16 million guaranteed] that Al Davis gave Gibril Wilson a few years back ??
$6.5 million per year is pretty steep imo
June 20th, 2012 at 2:59 pm
JLH went to Sweeney HS, as did a man named Elmo Wright, who is believed to be the first guy to dance in the end zone in a pro football game.
Not sure what is in the water there, but them dudes love to dance!!!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
No, I wasn’t talking to you. I never addressed you. There WAS NO CONNECTION! Then you assumed I was talking about you. It’s because you’re so full of yourself. You’re such a little diva you always think everyone’s talking about you. Act like a man.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
First you cal me Asian
Then you say I am fat
Then you say I cant fight
Now you say I am the blog king
You see a pattern here all of these thoughts are in your mind contrived by you who are a deranged lunatic.
Yes they are amusing to all of us who know you are a failed script writer on the verge of suicide. But in reality no one here would ever believe anything you write.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Higgins and Elmo Wright like to stay ready to get ready, Vegas. It’s their life’s motto.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
RR, I think Tyvon should be in the 5 mil/yr range, maybe 4 years..similar to Brisiel’s contract imo
June 20th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
666, I wasn’t even talking to you! Do you think every comment is about you? Stop acting like a little girl.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Now Sandusky44 is screaming at me…he will have his day in court!
You are probably a sex offender you should be castrated and not allowed to reproduce….even with your cousin!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Whats sucks is that about 4 or 5 of us were having a great conversation about politics and football until you came in here with your agenda and lack of self esteem.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Yes they are amusing to all of us who know you are a failed script writer on the verge of suicide. But in reality no one here would ever believe anything you write.
====================================
I don’t know, that one story MR was peddling about an idealistic young gay guy from Sacto who moved to Oakland to be near his favorite sports team only to have the team move to LA where he followed them there and turned a ton of the fan base into gown and makeup wearing trannies. Until the foul evil owner realized what was going on and moved them AGAIN to get away from him. That was believable.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
So my Gradkowski tales had everyone fleeing for the hills I see.
And I was just getting started, lol
I was about to break out his list of NFL records he holds (he actually does hold a few)
June 20th, 2012 at 3:07 pm
he has a lot in common with JFB!
SF Giants fan that loves to visit the Niagra Falls, lol
**************************
We both tackle about the same as well!!!!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:09 pm
“I don’t know, that one story MR was peddling about an idealistic young gay guy from Sacto who moved to Oakland to be near his favorite sports team only to have the team move to LA where he followed them there and turned a ton of the fan base into gown and makeup wearing trannies. Until the foul evil owner realized what was going on and moved them AGAIN to get away from him. That was believable.”
Ok I will give you that…..could be true.
But what about the mentally ill Chargers fan who was jacking it in San Diego?
June 20th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
@Just Fire Baby
Here is some ammo!
http://twitter.com/bgradkowski5
June 20th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
JFB you like the Giants?
June 20th, 2012 at 3:13 pm
God do you ever shut up?
June 20th, 2012 at 3:14 pm
I do.
Raiders, Warriors……Giants.
How could you not like Will the Thrill over freaking Canseco and McGwire?
Ricky and Hendu were cool for the A’s, and the Eck.
But the Nuechler was the man and I always rooted for the Gigantes.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
“God do you ever shut up?”
Now you know exactly how everyone here feels when you show up!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Plus, when you are a seamhead like myself, National League baseball is just much more enjoyable to watch.
Baseball is slow paced enough, at least some double switches and pitching changes keeps you thinking.
DH = beer-league baseball
June 20th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
666, I wasn’t talking to you. There you go again.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:18 pm
“I do.
Raiders, Warriors……Giants.”
I was at an A’s game a couple of weeks ago and it was cool to see all the Raider fans there, I wore a Raider shirt and was giving high fives all the Raider fans.
There are 54 days until our first game!!!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Why did the A’s release Manny?
AFter all that, he was hitting .300 in the minors, and I am sure he would have hit .300 in the pro’s.
A’s have been playing great the last 3 weeks, so why wouldn’t they want a legit bat in the lineup post All-Star break and maybe make a run at one of the two Wild Card berths.
I swear it is like the chick from Major League is running that team.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
“666, I wasn’t talking to you. There you go again.”
Again now you know EXACTLY how everyone here feels when you rudely but into our conversations.
Sucks when the shoe is on the other foot doesn’t it!
You could learn a lesson here if your little brain can comprehend what just happened.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
My paddle is getting warm you can keep coming back for more spankings as long as you like!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:22 pm
My paddle’s getting warm!!!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
666, what time is your “meeting” today?
June 20th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
666 and the sullen1 are going at it on both posts. Now that’s funny.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Why did the A’s release Manny?
==================================
I don’t think he was hitting in the minors. In fact I thought he was hitting like .220 in triple A.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Just Fire Baby Says:
June 20th, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Why did the A’s release Manny?
AFter all that, he was hitting .300 in the minors, and I am sure he would have hit .300 in the pro’s.
A’s have been playing great the last 3 weeks, so why wouldn’t they want a legit bat in the lineup post All-Star break and maybe make a run at one of the two Wild Card berths.
I swear it is like the chick from Major League is running that team.
$$$$$$$$$$
he was not hitting for power.
he was not hitting for extra bases.
that said, i would have brought him up to the show to see how he performed under the spotlight of MLB
June 20th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
666, I was at that A’s game. I was one of the people that slapped high fives with you.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:24 pm
“666 and the sullen1 are going at it on both posts. Now that’s funny.”
Its an epic battle and I am winning on both posts. His ass must be sore he sure like to get spanked!
June 20th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
“666, I was at that A’s game. I was one of the people that slapped high fives with you.”
OK who were they playing that day?
June 20th, 2012 at 3:25 pm
A’s just signed Manny for preseason ticket sales, then dump him before he had a chance to heat up and thus put pressure on them to re-sign him to a bigger contract? Possible.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
It’s an epic battle and I’m winning on both fronts. My paddle’s just getting warm. I’m staying ready to get read. It’s my life’s motto. I picked it up from the great philosopher SugaFree, the rapper from Pomona who’s been butchering DJ Quik’s beats for over a decade.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Preseason ticket sales?
Why would anyone pre-buy an A’s ticket , when you can show up 10 minutes AFTER the first pitch and sit just about anywhere you want?
June 20th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
He was hitting .302 on the minors, but only a .349 slugging (that is a Luis Polonia type number).
Still, .300 is .300, and he had almost an RBI per game played.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:31 pm
The A’s signed Manny to DH for them the second half of the season so they could make a playoff run.
He was injured after he served his suspension and was sent to the minors and was never able to get healthy or get his game up to par so he could come back. They cut him shortly thereafter.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:35 pm
Hence the idea of trying to raise preseason ticket sales, JFB. Sign a big name. They were staying ready to get ready. You understand, pimpin’.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Not sure why you bring in a HOF player and than base his potential promotion on what he does in the minors.
Did we care what Jerry Rice or Rod Wood did in the preseason?
Big-boy players like Manny deserve the benefit of the doubt, and you bat him cleanup and see what happens.
June 20th, 2012 at 3:44 pm
New Post by Becker!
June 21st, 2012 at 11:37 pm
http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2012/06/12/wr-moore-injured-in-practice/
June 21st, 2012 at 11:42 pm
testing one two three… http://www.ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders/2012/06/14/gm-mckenize-speaks-about-status-of-raiders/ lets go posters , lets go.
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June 28th, 2012 at 11:17 am
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