DANGERLION

What follows is a timeline of sorts. It spans the past two decades and is the only way I can really express exactly why I love the New York Football Giants.

Late 1980s: Someone gifts baby Jay a Phil Simms t-shirt. I wear it, alot.

1990s: I get into Star Wars. In a bad way. Ken Ehrler and I play the customizable card game. Football is forgotten in lieu of lightsaber lovin’.

2000: Jim Fassel makes his “guarantee.” I’m back, baby.

2001: The Giants smoke the Vikings 41-0 in the NFC Championship Game. We get smoked in turn in the Super Bowl. I’m not really that distraught because Kerry Collins is drunk. He’s good and drunk.

In 2002 Tom Brady is born. I find pictures of a younger me wearing my Phil Simms t-shirt as I’m departing for college in Boston. On the first day of classes I encounter my first dose of Masshole and immediately buy a NYG winter hat to keep my ears protected against their obnoxious accents. T.O. torches us at San Francisco and we blow an un-blowable playoff game. This is my first taste of true sports fan pain. No likey.

2003: An ex-gf turns me on to Eli Manning at Ole Miss. We watch his center step on his toe during a crucial game against LSU – oh, so that’s what the Manning Curse is.

I’m bad with exact dates, but sometime thereafter:
-I acquire a blue Jeremy Shockey jersey
-There is fervent praying at the ZBT house in Boston on draft day, and we get Eli from the Chargers!
-I attend the 2004? AFC Championship game at Foxboro and see up close how good Tom Brady is as he goes off on the Colts.
-I realize how results-oriented the media is (and especially the NY media is, and, well, sports fans in general) as nearly EVERYONE hates on Eli despite him getting the G-Men to the playoffs year after year.
-Jay Feely gets booooooooooted out of NY. That Seahawks game was AWFUL.
-Eli shows moments of pure brilliance. Unfortunately, they’re overshadowed by what Bill Simmons calls the “Eli Manning face.” He just isn’t intense; Manning is too pouty. But I never give up and never stop defending him – I remember what I saw at Ole Miss. He single-handedly kept his team in games it should not be in.
-Jim Jones and “Ballin” and the fadeaway jump shots. I’ve always been an offense guy but now I understand what nasty defense can do.

We fly high, No Lie ,You know this (BALLIN!)
We stay fly, No Lie ,You know this (BALLIN!)
Hips and Thighs, Oh my, Stay focus

Before the game kick off.
From the coin toss you can get your pass picked off.(INTERCEPTION)
Gotta watch your play action
Guard Your Quarterback ’cause Strahan’ll Sack’em
Defensive line Osi attack’in
Tiki is the Captain (meh on Tiki)

Eli do the passin(GIANTS)

New York Giants Fly High and you know this(BALLLIN)
SuperBowl no lie we focused(Giants)

2007: We start off 0-2 against the Cowboys and Packers (mmmm revenge is sweet)
Steve Spagnuolo revamps the defense and we start SACKING. This guy just has the LOOK. It reminds me of our vice principal, Dr. Weiss, back in High School. He had the look – he was a guy who was super smart but could come down to your level and make you realize things (at that time it was that school might be more important than lacrosse and poker) that you were having trouble being objective about – not only that, but helping you DO things about it, too. Anyway, Spagnuolo has the LOOK and Osi gets 6 sacks in one game.
-NYG gets pwned by the Vikings… this is the first Giants game that I don’t watch completely :-/
-We start winning every road game. Every single one. We take out the Redskins and lock up the wild card spot. In the last game of the season, we play an absolutely amazing, controversial game against the undefeated Pats. We give them a GAME. We get one turnover and we knock them off. Coughlin has the playoffs locked up but he continues playing our starters (as banged up as they were this was CLEARLY the way to go), and even though we lose a nailbiter, the confidence we have from staring Brady in the eye carries us into the playoffs.
-I hate the Cowboys so much. Akash is a Cowboys fan. Why does he live in NYC and not Dallas? I don’t know. But I get drunk and bet him $500 that the Giants will beat the Cowboys in the playoffs should they meet AND that I will give him +45. Yes, 45 points. That’s how much I love the Giants.

Let me diverge for a second to talk about why I love NYG so much. It’s kind of intangible, to be honest. I played a lot of pickup football but never organized, not even pee-wee. My dad never took me to any football games. Maybe it was that Phil Simms t-shirt from my adolescence or maybe it’s just that goddamn goofy look on Eli’s face. Or the fact that my favorite color is blue. I don’t know. I just know that I bleed blue for them now and will for the rest of my life and I accept that.

-We steamroll Tampa Bay in the first round. Here come the Cowboys and Tony Romo and Jessica Simpson. Right now is a great time to quote from my favorite Jessica Simpson ditty:

Every time youre near baby
I get kinda crazy in my head for you
And I dont know what to do
And oh baby
I get kinda shaky when they mention you
I just lose my cool

My friends tell me
Somethin has come over me
And I think I know what it is
I think Im in love

Make what you will of that. But we beat those fucking Cowboys. It goes down to the wire, but we fucking beat them.

-I seriously consider going to Green Bay to help take out Favre. Literally. I know goons. But it is COLD! So we watch this one at the Hotel Nikko (as an aside, the nicest/best hotel I’ve ever been to and Chuck will agree) with Jon Levine and his friend from school. When Tynes misses the 36 yarder at the end of regulation to send us into the Super Bowl, I am very very close to impaling the plasma with a floor lamp. But I stop myself because then I won’t be able to watch OT. GB wins the toss and ALL the wind is sucked out of my sails but then Favre shits the bed and throws a pick! and all of a sudden Tynes that SICK SOB nails a 49 yarder?!? We are going to the Super Bowl?!?! WTF. WHAT THE FUCK. WHAT THE FUCK. Repeat that about 100 more times and then I calmed down and started calling/texting everyone I knew screaming for another few hours as Chuck (he is a huge Giants fan also and has season tickets) sat there catatonically watching any and all ESPN coverage of the game and the postgame coverage (Plax was miming popping champagne over and over!!!)

-I immediately order a ton of stuff from nflshop.com. My first Eli jersey (the white one) and a leather NY CHAMPION helmet to wear.

Because I am going to the Super Bowl.

 Here’s a player-by-player breakdown of USC’s Offensive Class of 2008 (the newest signees will be added as the day goes on) courtesy of Pete Carroll’s website http://www.uscripsit.com along with my own added commentary:

WIDE RECEIVER

Brice ButlerNorcross, Ga. (Norcross High) • 6-3, 215

The facts: Had 1,186 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in 2007; father, Bobby, played 12 years with the Atlanta FalconsCoach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Butler is a classic receiver and a hard-working technician2. Has ability to rack up big plays and runs precise routes. “Best route running we’ve seen in years”3. He’s a disciplined guy you can count on and has hands like Dwayne JarrettWide receivers coach John Morton: “He’s a tall, lanky kid. He has great hands, runs great routes, and is probably the most polished out of everybody. His route-running ability coming in is going to be big.”

Jordo’s take: A recruiting steal out of SEC territory in the deep south of Georgia with strong ties to FSU.  Think a taller Steve Smith: fast (4.4 40-yard time), excellent route-runner, great hands, and there’s room to grow.  With all the drops at the wide receiver position last year, Butler could come in and get some meaningful playing time year one if his hands shine during spring practices.  Was the unofficial recruiting “leader” of this class despite being so far away from everyone.  Asked the coaches to overnight the playbook as soon as he signed on LOI day, is hungry to start, and expects a lot of himself.

D.J. ShoemateAnaheim (Servite High) • 6-0, 215

The facts: Ran for 1,291 yards and 24 touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 570 yards and four touchdowns in 2007Coach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Versatile2. Excellent ability with the ball in his hands3. Has unique running back and wide receiver skills, so he can run routes out of the backfieldWide receivers coach John Morton: “He’s a smaller guy. He’s a guy that has a lot of bursts, a lot of speed, a lot of quickness. We’re going to use him in the slot to create mismatches, so we like him a lot.”

Jordo’s take: Tore up Californian high school football his sophomore year and suffered an injury which took him away from the action all junior year.  Despite that, he started his senior year as a 5-star recruit, however his stock dropped precipitously after this past season.  One possible reason, his dad, who he had long quoted as his hero and driving force, was diagnosed with cancer and it has reportedly been very difficult for Shoemate to find motivation.  Is as equally praised on defense at the safety and linebacker position as he is on offense at the tailback and wide receiver position.  Carroll intends to try him out in the slot as a receiver.  Has the type of athleticism and versatility that Carroll loves to recruit and mold into a star.  Look for him to be a force on Special Teams next season. 

OFFENSIVE LINE

Daniel Campbell Houston, Texas (Aldine High) • 6-5½, 333

The facts: Made Super Prep’s All-American team in 2007Coach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Similar to Deuce Lutui in terms of size and agility: “One of the biggest guys we’ve ever had”2. Really coordinated and a great athlete3. Has tremendous potential: “He could be the best big athlete we’ve had”Offensive line coach Pat Ruel: “Daniel has excellent size but the thing that is most evident is that he has really good feet. He’s a 330-pound-plus guy but has the feet of a 290-pound guy. He has good balance and I like his toughness. We’re excited about him. His best opportunity will be at the guard spot.”

Jordo’s take: Enormous/enormous potential guard and a great get out of Texas which has been good to SC the past couple recruiting classes.  Generally looked upon as a Camp Carlisle (Coach Carlisle = SC’s renowned strength and conditioning coach) project.  Goal is to lose fat and retain/add strength.Khaled HolmesSanta Ana (Mater Dei High) • 6-5, 292

The facts: His brother, Alex, played tight end for USC in 2000-04; Earned several All-American honors in 2007Coach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Has a lot of experience and is well-coached2. His pass-protection technique is ahead of a lot of linemen3. “Has all the stuff:” Really good body control, good size and can play either guard or tackleOffensive line coach Pat Ruel: “This is a guy who really, really came on and has made steady improvement every year. He has great technique and has been coached very well. He’s very smart and he’s going to probably pick up stuff fast. I like his toughness, his feet. He’s rated one of the best run blockers in the country, but he’s also going to be one of the best pass blockers too.”Jordo’s take: Little brother of little-engine-that-could former USC TE Alex Holmes.  Look for him to compete at right guard right off the bat and vie for backup to soph sensation Kris O’Dowd at center.  The reason, his football IQ is considered sky-high.Matt Kalil Anaheim (Servite High) • 6-6¾, 288

The facts: His brother, Ryan, played for the Trojans in 2003-06; His father, Frank, played center at Arkansas in 1978 and, interestingly enough, was coached by current USC offensive line coach Pat Ruel; Made several All-American teams in 2007Coach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Very physical, one of those really tough guys; he’s always wanting to knock somebody down and make big hits2. Really good body control, especially for his size3. “I don’t see any reason why he can’t play and contribute and be a factor for us right away”Offensive line coach Pat Ruel: “Matt runs in a line of other Kalils, he’s got great lineage. He’s going to get an opportunity at tackle. He’s very tall, and has excellent feet. His dad has trained him already. Ryan was far along, and Matt will be father along too. He comes from an athletic family. Everybody in the family has played offensive line. He’s going to be ahead in terms of knowing the game. His technique and footwork are great. He’s going to be ahead because he’s very smart and picks up things very fast.”

Jordo’s take: One of two 5-stars in the whole class, gave his verbal to SC the very beginning of his junior year and is considered the crown jewel of USC’s best offensive line recruiting class in school history.  Brother of former USC center and current Carolina Panther guard (started his rookie year as o-line in NFL!) Ryan Kalil.  His size and toughness are constantly lauded and some predict he will be USC’s starting left tackle for 2008.  I don’t think that’s likely, however, with RS Soph Butch Lewis standing in his way, but Kalil certainly isn’t afraid to throw his hat in the ring.Matt Meyer Stockton, Calif. (Lincoln High) • 6-7½, 292

The facts: Enrolled at USC this spring after graduating a semester early from high school; Earned numerous All-American honorsCoach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Versatile athlete2. Great footwork: Runs well, good body control, can pull and get out on perimeter and block on screens3. High football IQ; he’s already learning by being here a semester early and he’s a really bright guyOffensive line coach Pat Ruel: “Matt was underneath the radar a bit, but the first thing we noticed was a guy who had big size and could run really well. He has really good size, good lower body power. We see him being a guard. He’s ideally what we’re looking for at guard.”

Jordo’s take: Super-smart (4.2 GPA in HS) early enrollee was ranked the 5th best guard in the country chose USC over Stanford and Northwestern despite many other offers.  Despite being a So-Cal stalwart, SC continues to plunder NorCal treasures from the likes of Cal, Stanford, and Fresno State.Tyron SmithMoreno Valley, Calif. (Rancho Verde High) • 6-5, 272

The facts: Made several All-American teams in 2007; three-year starter on the offensive lineCoach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Clearly the best athlete we’ve ever recruited on the offensive line, just a phenomenal physical athlete2. Really light on his feet, great flexibility3. Has all the natural ability that you could want, there’s nothing to hold him backOffensive line coach Pat Ruel: “Tyron’s probably the guy of the whole group who looks more like a tight end. He’s got a great physique. He weighs 270 but look like 250. He carries his weight real well. He has probably the best balance and body control of all the guys, but that’s because he’s a little lighter. He’s a great finisher, he really finishes his blocks well. He’s a model left tackle in that he has long arms, can protect the edges and has good balance and body control.”

Jordo’s take: Holy shit.  The other 5-star in this class has been built like an NFL TE since his junior year of HS.  Possibly the most potential in this class and under the tutelage of Pat Ruel, look for Smith to be a first-rounder at the tackle position when its his time.

TIGHT END

Blake AylesOrange (Orange Lutheran High) • 6-4, 235

The facts: Had 51 receptions for 723 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007, on top of eight sacks as a defensive end; Made several All-American squadsCoach Carroll’s Three Things:1. We’ve seen him for years do everything: Catch, block, play defensive end and rush the passer2. All-around athlete (he’s a track guy and a state leader in discus)3. Aggressive and tough: Really attacks downfield and looks to run over and run through guysTight ends coach Brennan Carroll: “He’s tall and very tough, which probably sticks out the most in him. He plays with an attitude and has great pass-catching abilities.”Jordo’s take: Most likely to succeed.  Think Chicago Bears’ Greg Olsen.  Tough mofo who makes a tremendous target and is a threat to start as a freshman over the highly touted and seasoned Anthony “Bam” McCoy.  At the UnderArmour All-American practices he was the center of all coach and player talk.

RUNNING BACK

Curtis McNealLos Angeles (Venice High) • 5-6, 178

The facts: Rushed for 1,400 yards, a 10.3-yard average and 19 touchdowns; Also had 278 receiving yards in 2007Coach Carroll’s Three Things:1. Dynamic player, scores in every imaginable way2. A natural athlete and so elusive you can’t keep the ball out of his hands3. Fits the role of Desmond Reed, a highly versatile tailbackRunning backs coach Todd McNair: “He was a very productive player in high school. He makes a lot of plays, is very versatile, and we can do a lot of stuff with him. He’s similar to Desmond [Reed], because he’s small in stature but he plays big. Because of that, he’ll be able to fit right in — we already have a package that’s tailored to his abilities.”Jordo’s take: It takes big balls to be 5’6″ and walk into USC’s crowded backfield situation, but I would be shocked if “Moody” McNeal (provided he proves his blocking chops in Spring, a famous Carroll requirement) didn’t get some decent playing time next season.  A Noel Devine type who’s a homerun hitter and a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Next week I’ll breakdown USC’s Defensive Recruiting Class of 2008.  Look out for a two-or-three-part 2008 recruiting overview and a look at USC’s 2009 class thus far and I’ll discuss the possibility of next year’s class being the best recruiting class ever put together, ever.