Post by TheRealDeal on Nov 24, 2011 4:45:07 GMT -5
Al Capone
Al Capone was born on February 14th, 1990. He grew up in the beautiful state of Hawaii. He's an All American linebacker who played at Florida St. University. Capone came out of college ahead of the game and declared for the UFSL Draft.
Being born on Valentines Day, many of Capone's family thought he'd grow up to be a casanova. But instead, he turned out to be a nightmare on the football field.
Early Years
Capone was born in Brooklyn, New York to parents Ambrogio and Alessandra Capone. He attended James Madison High School in Brooklyn, New York. Physically, Capone was a late bloomer. His father was the team's defensive coordinator, but declined to start his son because he was physically undersized. Capone began developing physically in his senior season, but only garnered interest from Division I schools and local community colleges. He has described his own recruiting status out of high school as "not applicable." Like his father and uncle, Capone opted to attend Florida St. University with hopes of becoming a walk-on for the Seminoles football team.
College Career
Capone played for the Florida St. Seminoles football team (2008-2011 seasons; 2007 redshirt) under head coach Sucka Cock and linebackers coach Justin Heranus. Capone entered FSU as an unheralded, walk-on student athlete. During his first season, FSU's 2008 National Championship season, he played only on the scout team and turned down several playing opportunities during garbage time during the fourth quarters of games in order to preserve his redshirt status and remaining seasons of NCAA eligibility. He remained a non-athletic scholarship (a "walk on"), reserve linebacker during the 2008 season, and played mainly on special teams. He was granted full athletic scholarship status at the beginning of the 2009 season. Capone continued to play reserve linebacker in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, and made two starts in 2010 in place of injured teammate Ben Dover. He was awarded FSU's Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010 and blocked two field goals in the latter season.
During the off-season, Capone committed to weight training and conditioning programs to gain size and improve his performance level and stamina. At the beginning of the 2011 season, defensive coordinator Hung Lo, Cock and Heranus decided to try using Capone in a hybrid "Elephant" position, where Capone would stand in the position of defensive end, but use the speed and tactics of a linebacker. The experiment was successful, as Capone recorded 7.5 sacks. Furthermore, Capone continued his spectacular special teams play and was awarded FSU's Co-Special Teams Player of the Year in 2011, making him the only player in FSU history to be awarded three consecutive Special Teams Player of the Year awards. Capone was a participant in the 2011 Senior Bowl and was considered a top prospect for the 2011 UFSL Draft.
Professional Career
Capone was drafted in the third round of the 2011 UFSL Draft, with the 9th overall pick by the New York Nightmare. Being the third athlete selected by the Nightmare, there was some concerned on where Capone would end up playing. But being the very wise and smart GM Usain Bolt is, there was no doubt in Capone's mind on where he'd be playing. "There's definitely a lot of excitement here in New York", says Capone. And rightfully so. On paper this team is locked and loaded. Capone has yet to take a snap in the UFSL, but he has already been considered by many one of the best middle linebackers in the league. Capone was not shy when announcing his close friendship with GM Usain Bolt, fellow teammates Chris Miller and AJ Rockin and stating New York was where he wanted to be.
Pros:
Speed - Speed kills, and so does Capone. His 40 yard dash was clocked at 4.52 at the UFSL Combine. It's safe to say the Capone has the speed and acceleration to reek havoc on that field.
Awareness – Having great awareness is one of the main things any defensive player needs. And although he remains a student of the game, Capone possesses extensive awareness on the field. He’s big on reading offenses and their formation, and can adjust accordingly.
Athleticism - Capone is a freak of nature and is built like a machine. One look at this guy and there is no question he also puts in a lot of work in the weight room. Teammates may joke sometime saying he's there so much, he practically lives there.
Cons:
Agility - It would be nice to see Capone have the agility linebackers need, but he has yet to master that skill. It will show in pass coverage or even getting around a blocker to make a play. But once he does figures it out, it will make him that much better.
Tackling - This one may hurt him more than anything else. The one thing you have to do as a linebacker is tackle. His lack of agility may play a huge role with this by not being able to stay in front of running backs, tight ends, or even wide receivers.
Doing too much - Capone tends to try and do too much by looking to make a big play. Whether or not its jumping a route and going for the INT, or going after the QB too hard to where the RB runs right past him. His over aggressive play might hurt and end up costing his team. He has a very high motor and he needs to learn to control it.
