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- Thread starter LordSensei1958
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This guy belongs in the HOF. Played in every single game his team played from 60-70. All time leading scorer in AFL history. Scored 20 or more points in a game EIGHT TIMES. Played wr db and kicker . Did whatever his team asked of him and did it well
Stepping onto the field as a bright-eyed freshman at Parkview High School, Julian Ashby's aspirations of being a quarterback couldn't be stopped by a 10-foot brick wall.
It was his dream to become a dependable leader for his team. At the time, fulfilling that dream meant being quarterback, but he spent his freshman year sharing the position with a fellow teammate.
His time on the field was cut in half, and in the moments he stood on the sideline he realized one thing -- what mattered to him most was being there for his teammates, not the position he played.
The time came to immerse himself in the world of varsity sports. The long bus rides full of music and motivating speeches. Being pushed harder than you've ever been and doing it as a unit, at the highest level.
Ashby caught word of an open tryout at long snapper for the varsity squad, he saw his opportunity and knew he couldn't pass it up.
"It was the best way to help my team through high school," said Ashby in his post-draft press conference.
After making his first few snaps, he was immediately approached by Parkview's running backs coach Rod Twyman. Twyman clocked Ashby's snapping accuracy and advised him to work on fine tuning his craft; he had potential to make it far. Turns out, Twyman is right.
Ashby went on to play 39 games and handled 276 snaps covering placements and punts for the varsity squad. In doing so he earned nearly a full ride to Furman University, but more importantly, left an impact on those he was leaving behind in Lilburn, Georgia.
The Young and the Selfless Teammate
The first thing former Parkview head coach Eric Godfree noticed about Ashby was his character. Coming from a family which, according to Godfree, strives to 'lead by serving others,' it wasn't shocking to him that Ashby wanted to be there for his teammates in any capacity.
"He wanted to contribute for his team, he wanted to help out," said Godfree. "Because of the person Julian is, and his work ethic, and his character, we all wanted him on the field too."
Ashby's desire to support his team turned into taking on two roles. He continued to take most reps as the second-string quarterback, which meant improving at long snapper bled into his free time before and after practice.
Ashby's commitment to being the best where his team needed him outweighed the teenager within him that wanted to play video games or hangout with his friends. The work was his outlet, and it ended up paying off. He was the perfect guy for the job.
"He turned out to be better than we could have imagined because of how hard he works at things. It's one of those spots that nobody recognizes until you mess up, or until you don't have one," said Godfree. "It really is a selfless job, and that really is him, he's an others-first guy."
As Ashby begins his campaign to take a spot on the Patriots 53-man roster, Godfree isn't worried about his success. The numbers that made him the sixth-best long snapper in Georgia and later the best in the NCAA will speak for itself. It's really Ashby that will blow New England away.
"The way that he works at it, cares for others and treats his teammates, he's going to be respected in the locker room," said Godfree. "As soon as you get to know him, you find out real quick that you're pulling for him."
Immediate Impact
After three seasons at long snapper and graduating with a degree in physics from Furman University, Ashby decided to take his final year of collegiate eligibility to Nashville to and play for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Ashby made the most of his opportunity and dove headfirst into what Music City had to offer, both on and off the field.
His resume as a Commodore quickly stacked with accolades like being named to the CSC Academic All-American, CSC Academic All-District and SEC Football Community Service Teams, as well as being named a semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, which is reserved for the best long snapper in the country who exemplify "Excellence, Integrity, Effectiveness, Teamwork, and Balance" according to the award's beneficiary website.
It was his dream to become a dependable leader for his team. At the time, fulfilling that dream meant being quarterback, but he spent his freshman year sharing the position with a fellow teammate.
His time on the field was cut in half, and in the moments he stood on the sideline he realized one thing -- what mattered to him most was being there for his teammates, not the position he played.
The time came to immerse himself in the world of varsity sports. The long bus rides full of music and motivating speeches. Being pushed harder than you've ever been and doing it as a unit, at the highest level.
Ashby caught word of an open tryout at long snapper for the varsity squad, he saw his opportunity and knew he couldn't pass it up.
"It was the best way to help my team through high school," said Ashby in his post-draft press conference.
After making his first few snaps, he was immediately approached by Parkview's running backs coach Rod Twyman. Twyman clocked Ashby's snapping accuracy and advised him to work on fine tuning his craft; he had potential to make it far. Turns out, Twyman is right.
Ashby went on to play 39 games and handled 276 snaps covering placements and punts for the varsity squad. In doing so he earned nearly a full ride to Furman University, but more importantly, left an impact on those he was leaving behind in Lilburn, Georgia.
The Young and the Selfless Teammate
The first thing former Parkview head coach Eric Godfree noticed about Ashby was his character. Coming from a family which, according to Godfree, strives to 'lead by serving others,' it wasn't shocking to him that Ashby wanted to be there for his teammates in any capacity.
"He wanted to contribute for his team, he wanted to help out," said Godfree. "Because of the person Julian is, and his work ethic, and his character, we all wanted him on the field too."
Ashby's desire to support his team turned into taking on two roles. He continued to take most reps as the second-string quarterback, which meant improving at long snapper bled into his free time before and after practice.
Ashby's commitment to being the best where his team needed him outweighed the teenager within him that wanted to play video games or hangout with his friends. The work was his outlet, and it ended up paying off. He was the perfect guy for the job.
"He turned out to be better than we could have imagined because of how hard he works at things. It's one of those spots that nobody recognizes until you mess up, or until you don't have one," said Godfree. "It really is a selfless job, and that really is him, he's an others-first guy."
As Ashby begins his campaign to take a spot on the Patriots 53-man roster, Godfree isn't worried about his success. The numbers that made him the sixth-best long snapper in Georgia and later the best in the NCAA will speak for itself. It's really Ashby that will blow New England away.
"The way that he works at it, cares for others and treats his teammates, he's going to be respected in the locker room," said Godfree. "As soon as you get to know him, you find out real quick that you're pulling for him."
Immediate Impact
After three seasons at long snapper and graduating with a degree in physics from Furman University, Ashby decided to take his final year of collegiate eligibility to Nashville to and play for the Vanderbilt Commodores.
Ashby made the most of his opportunity and dove headfirst into what Music City had to offer, both on and off the field.
His resume as a Commodore quickly stacked with accolades like being named to the CSC Academic All-American, CSC Academic All-District and SEC Football Community Service Teams, as well as being named a semifinalist for the Patrick Mannelly Award, which is reserved for the best long snapper in the country who exemplify "Excellence, Integrity, Effectiveness, Teamwork, and Balance" according to the award's beneficiary website.
captain stone
Well-known member
Not signing either Cam Robinson or Jaylon Moore - among other missteps - makes the big splash as significant as pissing off a bridge.
TheRainMaker
Well-known member
They lost me at RB with anyone over Adrian Peterson. This list is the epitome of why PFF is so hated. Calvin Johnson and Champ Bailey off the list is just dumb. Troy Polamalu is the most overrated S in NFL history. Tom loved throwing his way. Antoine Winfield was a good CB, but not in Bailey's league.
Patriots Eyeing Free-Agent Edge Rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Za'Darius Smith
The New England Patriots have bolstered their roster across both offense and defense this offseason. Still, even after a strong draft haul, the team could look to strengthen its defensive line.
Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston highlighted two edge rushers who might be on the Patriots' radar in free agency following the 2025 NFL Draft. Perry pointed to former Detroit Lions pass rusher Za'Darius Smith and Carolina Panthers edge defender Jadeveon Clowney as top candidates for the Patriots to consider.
While adding an edge rusher isn’t the team’s top priority, the success of defenses like the Philadelphia Eagles shows that having elite pass rushers off the edge is crucial.
The Patriots currently have a capable rotation at edge rusher, featuring Harold Landry III, Anfernee Jennings, Keion White, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Bradyn Swinson. Yet, the team could still benefit from an experienced run-stopper and pass-rusher.
With Swinson, Landry, Jennings, and Chaisson being somewhat lighter at the position, Clowney’s addition could significantly bolster the run defense. Perry notes, “…if they want to add run-stopping power, Jadeveon Clowney, recently released and familiar with Mike Vrabel from their time in Houston, could be a prime target.”
Clowney’s career boasts 108 tackles for loss and 58 sacks. At 32 years old, he brings 11 seasons of NFL experience and remains a formidable presence. His ability to reinforce run defense while providing a solid pass rush would be valuable for the Patriots.
Alternatively, if the Patriots want to boost their pass rush, Za’Darius Smith could be the answer. Over his 10-year NFL career, Smith has compiled 85 tackles for loss and 69 sacks.
In 2024, Smith split the season between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, totaling 9 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. Now a free agent, he’s expected to attract interest from several teams, including the Lions, so the Patriots would face competition to sign him.
Whether they pursue Smith or Clowney, the edge rusher position will be one to watch as the regular season nears. Perry connected both veterans to the Patriots, and either former multi-time Pro Bowler would be a strong addition to New England’s defensive front.
The New England Patriots have bolstered their roster across both offense and defense this offseason. Still, even after a strong draft haul, the team could look to strengthen its defensive line.
Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston highlighted two edge rushers who might be on the Patriots' radar in free agency following the 2025 NFL Draft. Perry pointed to former Detroit Lions pass rusher Za'Darius Smith and Carolina Panthers edge defender Jadeveon Clowney as top candidates for the Patriots to consider.
While adding an edge rusher isn’t the team’s top priority, the success of defenses like the Philadelphia Eagles shows that having elite pass rushers off the edge is crucial.
The Patriots currently have a capable rotation at edge rusher, featuring Harold Landry III, Anfernee Jennings, Keion White, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Bradyn Swinson. Yet, the team could still benefit from an experienced run-stopper and pass-rusher.
With Swinson, Landry, Jennings, and Chaisson being somewhat lighter at the position, Clowney’s addition could significantly bolster the run defense. Perry notes, “…if they want to add run-stopping power, Jadeveon Clowney, recently released and familiar with Mike Vrabel from their time in Houston, could be a prime target.”
Clowney’s career boasts 108 tackles for loss and 58 sacks. At 32 years old, he brings 11 seasons of NFL experience and remains a formidable presence. His ability to reinforce run defense while providing a solid pass rush would be valuable for the Patriots.
Alternatively, if the Patriots want to boost their pass rush, Za’Darius Smith could be the answer. Over his 10-year NFL career, Smith has compiled 85 tackles for loss and 69 sacks.
In 2024, Smith split the season between the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, totaling 9 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. Now a free agent, he’s expected to attract interest from several teams, including the Lions, so the Patriots would face competition to sign him.
Whether they pursue Smith or Clowney, the edge rusher position will be one to watch as the regular season nears. Perry connected both veterans to the Patriots, and either former multi-time Pro Bowler would be a strong addition to New England’s defensive front.
Karen Guregian: Patriots ‘gladiator’ Kyle Williams is a QB turned WR. Sound familiar?
Patriots rookie receiver Kyle Williams has something in common with Julian Edelman and Jakobi Meyers.
Growing up, Kyle Williams loved watching Michael Vick, Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson carve up defenses both with their arms, and legs.
He dreamt of playing in the NFL. The Patriots rookie wanted to be a quarterback, just like his favorite players.
And that’s the position he played in high school. His talent was obvious both throwing the football, and tucking it away and running, much like his childhood heroes.
But something happened on the way to being the league’s next great dual-threat quarterback.
During his senior year, Anton Clarkson, his coach at St. Monica Catholic High School in Los Angeles, took Williams aside and basically told him his football future was as a receiver. He told him he needed to make the switch sooner, rather than later.
Williams was taken aback.
“For me, it was shocking. This is what I grew up my whole life wanting to be. I watched You Tube videos on this. This is all I know,” Williams said. “I got the ball in my hand every play. Then I got to switch out and have somebody else throw me the ball? I was like, ‘Nah.’
“But we had a couple more talks. At that point, I was just like, ‘You know what, I just want to play at this point,’ so I trusted him. And look at where I am now.”
He’s in New England, poised to make his living catching passes from Drake Maye. The Patriots may have drafted a couple of receivers in the early rounds last year (Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker), but thought enough of Williams’ receiving talent to select him in the third round of this year’s NFL draft.
Patriots fans certainly know a little something about quarterback-turned receivers. Julian Edelman, this year’s entrant into the Patriots Hall of Fame, was a college quarterback at Kent State.
But Bill Belichick saw something in Edelman to believe he was better suited to play receiver in the pros. He was right.
Jakobi Meyers, a former Patriot who was a dependable target for four seasons in New England, transitioned to receiver following his freshman year at NC State.
Clarkson said having Williams make the switch made sense after watching him play, and factoring in his overall skillset.
“He was an extremely interesting kid because, you watch his film, he played quarterback, and he was pretty good with a lot of the stuff he did,” Clarkson said, “but still, as a player, he was electric with the ball. We could see that when he got out on the perimeter, he was moving at a different speed than anyone else.”
Clarkson, a former quarterback, said it became obvious he needed to “throw to that guy” as opposed to having him throw it.
According to Williams, while accurate and strong-armed, he was told by Clarkson he didn’t have the best mechanics throwing the football. That also factored in.
“He was an exciting football player. But longevity-wise, he was like a fish in water with the position switch,” Clarkson said. “Honestly, it was a pretty natural (move).”
Before long, instead of studying NFL quarterbacks, Williams turned to receivers. Stefon Diggs, Stevie Johnson, Doug Baldwin, and naturally, Edelman.
“Those guys were really smooth and fluid in their game,” Williams said. “Those were the guys I watched. Those were the guys I wanted to model my game after.”
Williams, however, still had to get used to not being in charge of the ball every play. He loved having the ball to start every play. He loved being the center of attention.
So there was an adjustment. He essentially had to wait his turn, or wait until the quarterback found him open.
“Once I got the ball in my hands I was always able to make something shake, even when I was at quarterback and I took off,” Williams said. “I was always scoring touchdowns. So catching the ball, and scoring was easy. But not having the ball every play was the hard thing to adjust to.”
Williams, however, ultimately had an advantage having been a former quarterback.
It’s an edge Edelman spoke about in New England, as well as Meyers.
In an interview with ESPN, Edelman said his experience as a college quarterback definitely benefited him in making the switch to receiver in the NFL.
What he gained as a quarterback gave him a unique perspective on how to understand defenses, and the best ways to exploit them.
Clarkson also believes a receiver who’s played quarterback has a better understanding of how to make a quarterback’s life easier.
“Oh yeah, no doubt. Just the way they see the field. It’s a much broader scope,” Clarkson said. “Just making yourself presentable for a quarterback, how you see the defense, all that stuff helps. If you’ve been a quarterback, you’re able to see things from a much bigger prism.”
Williams took it further. He said he understands the importance of route depths, and running to the designated spot, as opposed to being a few feet away. He also talked about that same big picture view, and knowing how he could best help a quarterback.
“You understand why you have to be there. Really, as a receiver, a lot of us want to understand the why, so being a quarterback and making the transition, I understand the why of why everything has to be a certain depth, or you have to be in a certain zone or split because everything opens up something else,” Williams said. “So, once you understand that, you understand, I might not be doing this for myself, I might be doing this for my teammates. Once you get that, get that connection, the opportunities just grow.”
Williams, who is 5-11, 190 pounds, ran a 4.4 40-yard dash at the combine. So he’s pretty fast. His final year at Washington State, he caught 70 passes for 1,198 yards. He had 14 receiving touchdowns.
Beyond the numbers, he showed the ability to separate in any coverage, and create big plays.
Clarkson has no doubt Williams will make it in the pros. He also believes his former star wideout is very much “in step” with the Patriots culture.
“He’s an extremely stubborn kid. He’s stubborn in all the best ways,” Clarkson said. “He’s just a kid that truly, truly loves the game. There’s nothing fake about the kid.”
And, given his ability to throw the football, Williams offers offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels other possibilities for moving the football in terms of trick plays, end arounds, etc.
One of the Patriots most memorable plays during the recent line of championships came with Edelman throwing Danny Amendola a touchdown pass in the division round of the 2014 playoffs.
Williams, who indicated he had seen that play a hundred times since one of his close friends is a Patriots fan, said his college coaches didn’t believe him at first when he told them he could throw the ball. Then they watched him in practice.
“They drew up a couple of plays. I’m 2-for-2 in my career,” Williams said. “One was for a touchdown.”
At this stage, however, Williams isn’t showing off his arm in practices. He’s just trying to prove he belongs as a receiver.
“I’m still knocking off some bumps and bruises with the playbook and everything,” he said. “But once I get adjusted, everything will come a lot smoother. I’m really excited.”
Already, he’s off to a good start. He flashed during rookie camp, making several notable plays the first day.
“We used to joke, he just wanted to make the position switch because he wanted to wear gloves,” Clarkson said with a laugh. “But he’s very much in the mold of how Julian Edelman would be, Hines Ward would be, or Steve Smith would be. Just roll up your sleeves. He’s going to give you everything he’s got. He’s an old-fashioned gladiator.”
