Jasper wasting away to nothing

[YardRat]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81ff01d6/article/bills-dt-jasper-is-winning-battle-with-the-scale

The 6-foot-4½ nose tackle has lost 73 pounds since leaving Middle Tennessee State after his sophomore year to transfer to Bethel, an NAIA school in McKenzie, Tenn., and he has focused on slimming down even more since his college career closed last fall.

"(Bills regional scout) Matt Hand made a deal with me initially, saying they wanted me under 400 pounds," Jasper told the Tennessean. "After the draft, I talked with coach (Chan) Gailey, and he said just to keep working hard and keep the weight off."

[Luisito23]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

:snicker2:

[Bangarang]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

How many times can this same story be told? Jasper is getting so much hype and yet nobody knows if he can actually play football.

[mikemac2001]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

How many times can this same story be told? Jasper is getting so much hype and yet nobody knows if he can actually play football.

Guys that big and that athletic aren't easy to find

[Bangarang]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

Guys that big and that athletic aren't easy to find

But can he play football?

[hydro]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

But can he play football?

He's playing NT. Not exactly a position that requires vast football knowledge. He can be taught.

[Scumbag College]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

I'm fine with the pick of Jasper. He was a comp pick at the end of the seventh round...

If he doesn't pan out, it's not the worst thing in the world. I think any player taken at that point in the draft is a longshot to have any type of NFL career of note. It is an optimistic article and he seems to be working hard at it.

[YardRat]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

We're going to be the first team to win a Super Bowl and not have a single starter drafted before the fourth round.

[ServoBillieves]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

Honestly, how much football knowledge do you need when you can take up two blockers unintentionally? It's easy to bench press 285/305 if you're an offensive guard/center in the NFL, but try bench pressing 375 every play.

As long as he can push back and eat up space, that makes it a lot easier on the LB's and down linemen. Maybe spin, fall over and create a hurdle for the RB.

[Oaf]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

Am I the only one who thinks this seems counter-intuitive?

[TigerJ]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

I was amused at what Jasper said about a conversation he had with his trainer. Allegedly, his trainer thinks he shouldn't drop below 360 lbs. It's also been said Jasper carries a lot less fat than you'd expect for a guy that big. I'd like to find out what his body fat index is. I'd also like to learn what he can do in the 40 and other combine tests that measure short area quickness, once he reaches 360.

[NOT THE DUDE...]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

he should enter camp at 365ish.

[Goobylal]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

I believe the Bills want him at 360# and initially he said that's where he planned to be by training camp. Sounds like he's hesitant to do it, but willing.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

Well its not easy give up Krispy Kreme.

[mysticsoto]

Re: Jasper wasting away to nothing

From Chris Brown's blog:

As far as Jasper’s chances go I think there are a couple of things working against him. First, he played a lower level of college ball. Some players can overcome that quickly (see: Terrence McGee), but for most it takes a bit longer to develop into a player that can perform consistently against NFL competition. Second, he’s played offensive line each of the past two seasons at Bethel.
He has experience at defensive tackle, but its three years in the rearview mirror and to make the transition back to that position at the highest competitive level of football in a lockout shortened offseason is going to be difficult.
By no means am I doubting Jasper. I don’t know the man. I do know he has a tremendous work ethic as evidenced by his efforts to streamline his body and mold himself into an NFL prospect. He also has smarts and obvious physical ability. How quickly he masters the techniques however, will be the ultimate factor that determines his chances.

I hope Chris is wrong about this, b'cse if they are thinking that he will remain in the PS, they are dead wrong. Denver will probably snatch him up the next day! If the kid looks like diamond in the rough, they better keep him off the PS!!!