This morning we had to complete some of the physical test. First the team we benching max lbs and max reps with 225. Due to a dislocated shoulder last year, I am unable to bench those numbers so I simply declined to do so. That wasn't much of a problem, since only a few freshmen could do that, which really surprised me. After that we went to the field for the 300 yard shuttle. We had to do it three times in 54 seconds and had two minutes in between. I had been dreading that test, but I cleared all three runs without any problems.
We had a couple of hours of after that. I spend the time in the cantina with the rest of my teammates. My expectations about the hierarchy and how freshmen would be treated was totally wrong. The older players here spend a lot of time making sure we are comfortable and answer any questions we have. I have started to talk to the starting quarterback, Ackers, a bit. That dude is a beast: 6.3 and about 235 lbs. He's been really cool with me and actually agreed to let me videotape him going through all the hand signals – and believe me, there are many! Now I'll be able to watch them over and over... and over on my computer. The hierarchy is really visible, but everyone treats each other with respect.
Like I have mentioned a couple of times, the competition here is really steep. Therefore, it is vital to make every repetition count. I had a drop today which really bothered me, but all in all I did okay. The problem is that 'okay' won't be enough to make this team. Defensive back over here are on a whole other level than Denmark. They are not really bigger, but the break to the ball at an insane pace. Even though they are playing of they will be right on your tail to make the tackle.
A thing that is really hard about the system here as the blocking scheme for receivers. It's not like you just block the guy in front of you. The scheme seems quite complex at times, since the assignments can change quite a lot. In addition, I have a hard time getting to the safety from the outside spot. We have been told that we will not make the team if we can't block. In addition, we are encouraged to blind side – even at practice. I think the words were, ”every once in a while, we get a very good angle and they don't see us coming. If that happens, we are allowed to use our shoulderpads. In fact, we are actually helping our own defense in doing so”. Guess I'll be looking to piss some safety or linebacker in the close future.
Practice later in the day went by like the day before; few repetitions and high tempo. We put shoulderpads on for the first time, and I am so glad I brought my own. As I have mentioned, the equipment here is good. However, some of the shoulderpads are older and not especially good for receivers. Senior players were allowed to pick up gear before everyone else.
On a side note, I can tell you that football over here means a lot to people. It almost seems like everyone has played at some point in time. Right now campus area is empty except for the football team living here. Walking around on the grounds maintenance workers and neighbors acknowledge me in my team colors. They'll nood their head and ask me how the team is doing. I feel like I am a part of something special, something that actually means something. Nothing is greater than having a purpose and right now I can't picture staying here without being on the football team.