COUNTDOWN 2020 (2 Viewers)

[VPCajun]

Whenever I see Maryland's football uniforms I wonder if they were actually trying to make the ugliest uniforms possible.

As Paul Harvey used to say, "Now for the rest of the story":

Flag of Maryland - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[SaintLuke]

TONY JONES JR.

In high school, Jones played football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. One of his teammates was Cesar Ruiz, this years SAINTS number one pick in the draft. He had multiple 100 yard rushing games in both his junior and senior years at IMG. His average rushing yards per carry his senior year was 6.6 yards, and in his junior year it was 11.7 yards per run. He totaled (25) touchdowns in those two years. Jones was also an outstanding baseball player in high school. He batted .491 (26 of 53), had nine RBI’s, 11 stolen bases and 16 runs. He was highly recruited coming out of high school and Jones decided to head to South Bend to play for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He was red-shirted his freshman year, and the following year he appeared in (12) games on special teams and as a backup running back where he made three touchdowns. Last year, he became the lead back at Notre Dame, and he rushed for 857 yards and six touchdowns. He had five games with more than 100-yards rushing, including a game against Southern Cal when he ran for 176 yards. Jones finished his Notre Dame career with 1481 rushing yards. He went undrafted in this year’s draft and the SAINTS signed him. Bob Rose wrote, “ Jones has excellent vision and a natural feel for the blocking in front of him. He has good size and strength to withstand the NFL pounding. He’s an asset to the passing game because of his blocking and ability to pick up the blitz. Jones is a power runner that can be productive between the tackles and a load to bring down. He reads linebackers well in a one-cut scheme and lowers his pads for extra yardage.” The SAINTS have had a recent history of undrafted free agent running backs making the team and contributing. Will he join the company of Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, Khiry Robinson, and Travaris Cadet?

 

[CajunSaint08]

TONY JONES JR.

In high school, Jones played football at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. One of his teammates was Cesar Ruiz, this years SAINTS number one pick in the draft. He had multiple 100 yard rushing games in both his junior and senior years at IMG. His average rushing yards per carry his senior year was 6.6 yards, and in his junior year it was 11.7 yards per run. He totaled (25) touchdowns in those two years. Jones was also an outstanding baseball player in high school. He batted .491 (26 of 53), had nine RBI’s, 11 stolen bases and 16 runs. He was highly recruited coming out of high school and Jones decided to head to South Bend to play for the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. He was red-shirted his freshman year, and the following year he appeared in (12) games on special teams and as a backup running back where he made three touchdowns. Last year, he became the lead back at Notre Dame, and he rushed for 857 yards and six touchdowns. He had five games with more than 100-yards rushing, including a game against Southern Cal when he ran for 176 yards. Jones finished his Notre Dame career with 1481 rushing yards. He went undrafted in this year’s draft and the SAINTS signed him. Bob Rose wrote, “ Jones has excellent vision and a natural feel for the blocking in front of him. He has good size and strength to withstand the NFL pounding. He’s an asset to the passing game because of his blocking and ability to pick up the blitz. Jones is a power runner that can be productive between the tackles and a load to bring down. He reads linebackers well in a one-cut scheme and lowers his pads for extra yardage.” The SAINTS have had a recent history of undrafted free agent running backs making the team and contributing. Will he join the company of Pierre Thomas, Chris Ivory, Khiry Robinson, and Travaris Cadet?

So if TJ, Jr were to make the team, would that be the end of a fullback. Seems TJ, Jr would be a cross breed type of running / fullback. Which if you thought about it, would be a great idea. You really wouldn't know who is getting the ball. He would probably get more carries than the normal fullback......1 carry every 8 games.

 

[SaintLuke]

So if TJ, Jr were to make the team, would that be the end of a fullback. Seems TJ, Jr would be a cross breed type of running / fullback. Which if you thought about it, would be a great idea. You really wouldn't know who is getting the ball. He would probably get more carries than the normal fullback......1 carry every 8 games.

If he really has the ability to protect Brees in the passing game, and shows he is the best in pass protection, I think he has a legitimate shot of making the team. I think Ingram was that guy to Payton. So if we can put a guy in that backfield again that can pick up the blitz, offer good pass protection but also take a screen pass for good yardage, we are getting back what we lost when Ingram left. I think it Payton is looking to see if Jones can improve his pass catching ability out of the backfield to be that guy. Draft analysis say, he can block and pass protect, but the rest still has to be seen.

 

[SaintLuke]

DAVARIO JAMAL (D.J.) SWEARINGER

Swearinger went to Grenwood High school in Greenwood, South Carolina. He was a two-way starter for the Greenwood Eagles, and he was playing and contributing as a sophomore. By the time he completed his senior year, he had 1,820 yards rushing, (30) touchdowns on offense, along with ( 238) tackles and (6 ) interceptions on defense. He was named second-team All-State, and he was invited to play in the Shrine Bowl Game of the Carolinas. He was also a standout in track and field. He could the sprint events well, run hurdles well, and was outstanding in the high jump. and Common sense tells you, those skills are great to have as a wide receiver or defensive back. He was regarded as a three-star prospect, coming out of high school. Swearinger originally committed to Tennessee and he also had an offer from University of North Carolina among others. He ended up playing at the University of South Carolina. During his college career, he started 33 of 52 games in which he appeared, recording 244 tackles, with (6) interceptions and (3) touchdowns. After his senior year was over he was named a second-team All-Southeastern conference selection. As his college playing days were over, Swearinger was projected to be a second or third round pick by the majority of NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked the fourth best free safety prospect in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com. He came into the league in 2013 after being drafted in the second round by the Houston Texans. He played in all (16) games and started (10) of them as a rookie. Swearinger has played for the Texans, Cardinals, Tampa Bay, Oakland, and that football team in Washington DC that at the time was called the Redskins. He joined the SAINTS in week (16) last year. In his (7) years in the NFL he has, (382) tackles, (4 1/2) sacks, and (14) interceptions.

 

[SaintLuke]

We don't have a number 35 on the roster, but we do have a number 53, so let's go back and cover our new veteran linebacker.

NIGEL BRADHAM

Bradham played for four years on the varsity football team at Wakulla High school in Florida. He had (145) tackles in both his junior and senior seasons. In his junior year he had (8) sacks and (4) interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns. In his senior year he had (12) sacks and he scored four defensive touchdowns. Bradham recorded over (430) tackles and (20) sacks during his four-year career at Wakulla. Bradham was named to multiple All-American teams. He was considered a 5-Star recruit and the top outside linebacker by Rivals. Bradham had numerous scholarship offers but decided to stay close to home and attend Florida State. There was no red-shirting Bradham as he was in the linebacker rotation from day one when he arrived in Tallahassee. He played in (13 ) games mostly at weak side linebacker. He finished his freshman year as the fourth leading tackler for the Seminoles. He was a starter for (12) games his sophomore year. In his senior year, Bradham was a team captain and he had led the Seminoles in tackling for the third straight year. During his four-year career at Florida State, he recorded (306) tackles, (21.5) tackles for a loss and (9.0) sacks. He graduated with a degree in social science. In the fourth round of the 2012 draft, Bradham was selected by the Bills. He played for them for four years before going to the Eagles. He has been in the league for (8) seasons now and he has recorded (547) tackles, (8.5) sacks, and (3) interceptions. The Eagles released him in the off-season which made him available for the SAINTS to sign him as a free agent. We seem to get our best linebackers from other teams lately, so lets hope Bradham is another free agent gem.

 

[B_doggman47]

This has surely help pass the days for me. I can't get out too much due to the Corona virus and I fall in the high risk category. Plus I'm still laid off from the oilfield. It still hasn't come back as we expected.

 

[SaintLuke]

JUSTIN HARDEE

Hardee went to Glenville High school in Cleveland, Ohio. One of his teammates in high school happens to be a teammate with him in New Orleans. That teammate is Marshon Lattimore. Hardee was a receiver in high school and he had 841 yards in receptions. He also ran track. He was a 3-Star recruit leaving high school and he went onto play for the University of Illinios as a wide receiver. He red-shirted his first year but the next year he played in all (12) games, with (1) start. He played more each year and by the time he was a senior he was a full time starter and he finished second on the team in reception years. He was Academic All-Big 10. Hardee was signed by the Houston Texans in 2017 as an underrated free agent, but he was cut in early September of that year. A few days latter the SAINTS signed him to their practice squad. He switched from receiver to defensive back with the SAINTS and it was only a few weeks and the SAINTS called him up to the active. roster. The rookie made a name for himself in November against the Buccaneers when he blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown in a win over Tampa Bay. That earned him the honor of being named NFC special teams player of the week. Hardee is often labeled as a special teams ace. but he does more than special teams. In the 3 years with the SAINTS, Hardee has 39 tackles, and he also came up with an interception which he returned 77 yards. He even converted a first down with a 10 yard reception from Tayson Hill on a fake punt. Hardee has contributed enough in those 3 years that the SAINTS decided to bring him back in 2020 by resigning him this past spring.

 

[SaintLuke]

SAQUAN HAMPTON

Hampton is from Hamilton Township in New Jersey. He went to Nottingham High School where he was named New Jersey First Team All-Group IV, First Team All-South Jersey, and First Team All-Colonial Valley Conference honors after registering 17 tackles, 4 interceptions. He average more than 38 yards per kickoff return, 13 yards per punt return his senior season. He was named the Delaware Valley's Player of the Year . He was a key member of the school's Central Jersey Group III championship as a junior. Rivals rated Hampton, a consensus three-star recruit. He decided to go to Rutgers citing his desire to stay close to home. Hampton was redshirted his first year and then became a four-year letterman for the Scarlet Knights. He totaled 177 tackles, seven stops behind the line of scrimmage, five interceptions, 19 passes defensed and a fumble recovery, Hampton started all 12 games at free safety as a senior. He was named honorable mention All-Big Ten (coaches and media) and earned team MVP. In 2018, Hampton tied for the Big 10 Conference lead in passes defended by safeties, including three interceptions. He was awarded Homer Hazel award as Rutgers' team MVP. The SAINTS selected Hampton in the sixth round of the 2019 draft. In his rookie year he appeared in five games before being place on injured reserve in December.

 

[SaintLuke]

MICHAEL BURTON

Just like yesterday’s player, Saquan Hampton, Burton attended and played high school football for in New Jersey. He played for West Morris Central in Washington, NJ. Burton was a four-year starter for West Morris Central and he was named first-team All-State and Morris County Player of the Year. He owns the high school's career rushing mark of (3,332 yards), single-season all-purpose yards (2,376) and career all-purpose yards (4,498). Burton led West Morris Central to the New Jersey state championship and was named MVP of the state title game back in 2009. Once again, just like Saquan Hampton, Burton played college football at Rutgers. He didn’t receive a scholarship, began his career as a walk-on in 2010 and was redshirted his freshman year. He later became a force in the Scarlet Knights offensive backfield. Burton played in 42 career games (27 starts) and totaled 116 career rushing yards on 22 carries to go along with 401 yards receiving on 47 receptions and three touchdowns. He earned the Paul Roberson award as a senior, presented annually to an individual whose performance, leadership and dedication on and off the field during his career has had the greatest impact on Rutgers football. Burton was selected by Detroit in the 2015 draft in the fifth round. He beat out others to become the Lions starting fullback to begin his rookie season. Burton played two years for Detroit before being cut in May of 2017, and Chicago pick him up off the waiver wire. He played a couple of years with Chicago mostly as a blocking back. In 2019 the SAINTS signed Burton in May but he was released in August before the regular season started. Washington signed him a few months later and he appeared in (10) games, with (2) starts, and (3) special team stops. The SAINTS signed him again in March of this year.

 

[CajunSaint08]

MICHAEL BURTON

Just like yesterday’s player, Saquan Hampton, Burton attended and played high school football for in New Jersey. He played for West Morris Central in Washington, NJ. Burton was a four-year starter for West Morris Central and he was named first-team All-State and Morris County Player of the Year. He owns the high school's career rushing mark of (3,332 yards), single-season all-purpose yards (2,376) and career all-purpose yards (4,498). Burton led West Morris Central to the New Jersey state championship and was named MVP of the state title game back in 2009. Once again, just like Saquan Hampton, Burton played college football at Rutgers. He didn’t receive a scholarship, began his career as a walk-on in 2010 and was redshirted his freshman year. He later became a force in the Scarlet Knights offensive backfield. Burton played in 42 career games (27 starts) and totaled 116 career rushing yards on 22 carries to go along with 401 yards receiving on 47 receptions and three touchdowns. He earned the Paul Roberson award as a senior, presented annually to an individual whose performance, leadership and dedication on and off the field during his career has had the greatest impact on Rutgers football. Burton was selected by Detroit in the 2015 draft in the fifth round. He beat out others to become the Lions starting fullback to begin his rookie season. Burton played two years for Detroit before being cut in May of 2017, and Chicago pick him up off the waiver wire. He played a couple of years with Chicago mostly as a blocking back. In 2019 the SAINTS signed Burton in May but he was released in August before the regular season started. Washington signed him a few months later and he appeared in (10) games, with (2) starts, and (3) special team stops. The SAINTS signed him again in March of this year.

This dude is beefy and can catch. Surprised he hasn't stayed with one club for more than 2 years. He appears to be more than a 1 dimensional back.

 

[SaintLuke]

We have no one wearing #31 currently so lets go back and cover someone who we just found out their number....

JAMES HURST

Hurst is from Plainfield Indiana. He played for the University of North Carolina in college. Hurst was an immediate contributor at North Carolina as he became a four year starter there playing in (50 ) games and starting (48) of them. He earned All-ACC first-team honors as both a senior and junior in addition to All-ACC second-team honors as a sophomore. After college Hurst was was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2014. He made the team as a rookie, appeared in all (16) games., and even made (5) starts at left tackle. He has been in the league for (6) seasons, and has a total of (44) starts in (90) games he has appeared in . He is another versatile offensive lineman playing at (3) different positions, not always starting but has started a good number of games. The Ravens cut him in the spring and the SAINTS picked him up. Although he has been suspended for the first four games in 2020, he is certainly a proven backup. When you think about it, he won’t count as a roster spot the first four games, and we really don’t have to make a decision about him until game (5 ) of the season. He is insurance so to speak. So he just kinda serves as veteran reserve in waiting for the SAINTS until the first quarter of the season is over. If we need him we activate him if one of the young guys isn’t getting the job done. If we have an injury early, we have him ready to go after game 4. If we like our guys who went the first four games, and we don’t need him for depth, we trade him or release him.

 

[SaintLuke]

IT'S ONLY 30 DAYS UNTIL OUR SEASON OPENER!! THAT"S RIGHT, ONLY 30 DAYS! but we don't have a #30 on our current roster so lets look at some more pictures from camp.






Thanks Mr. Michael Hebert for these images since we can't be there.

 

[B_doggman47]

This is great!!!!Thanks!!!!

 

[jasonsw]

Less than 30 days now. It's getting real now. Been waiting 70 days to post that