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Jarett Dillard and James Casey...stolen in the NFL Draft
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James Casey - Photo by Anthony Vasser/Rice Sports
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Maybe I'm just biased, but watching from the booth while calling games with Dave Saltzman during the 2008-09 football season, I was just a little surprised that Jarett Dillard and James Casey didn't get plucked by NFL teams a little sooner than what they did. These two guys were simply amazing to watch, both with ballet-like acrobatic precision-type skills that are rare in Conference USA. But, Dillard and Casey are not just great players, they are great people who you could take home to dinner and not have to worry whether or not you'd have to clean up after them once they've finished eating. They are CLASS and that is simply why I feel that two NFL teams are very lucky to have drafted them.
Dillard and Casey would both go in the fifth round -- Dillard first to the Jacksonville Jaguars, followed by Casey who was picked by the hometown Houston Texans.
Regardless of my bias and what I think, these teams have professionals making decisions who have been in the business of drafting quality players much longer than I have been working as a paid observer. In addiion, I can guarantee you that both men could care less about when they were drafted. They both are just elated to have the opportunity to play in the NFL, especially Jarett Dillard.
"Well, it feels good to finally have dreams come true in life. I hope to continue chasing my dreams and goals and continue to be successful."
There's no doubt that Dillard will do just that based on what we saw from him last season and the two seasons before. The two-time All-American came to Rice to play in the option offense, but wound up the most productive receiver in NCAA football history leading the nation wih 20 touchdown catches in 2008 and becoming the FIRST to catch more than 20 touchdowns in two seasons. Also to his credit, he became the first player in Conference USA History to top 4,000 yards finishing with 4,138. Dillard became Rice's first All-American since Buddy Dial in 1958. Oh, and by the way, he graduated from Rice in May 2008 with a degree in Political Science.
It has been projected by most that Dillard will see time as a slot receiver. The Jags finished 5-11 last season and desperately need wide receiver help. Former Arkansas star-quarterback-turned-receiver Matt Jones led the team with 761 yards on 65 catches with two touchdowns last season. However, due to drug-related issues, Jones has since been released. Ten-year veteran Dennis Northcutt caught 44 balls last season. None of their receivers caught more than three touchdowns. The Jags recently signed former St. Louis Rams star receiver Torry Holt. So, this is a great situation for Dillard who I think will make his name in goal line situations his rookie season. As a rookie, he will bring a different level of character to that locker room.
James Casey, on the other hand, is going to give NFL teams problems with his size and versatility. 'Thor', as he was nicknamed during his Rice days, will find defenders much bigger and quicker than those in the college ranks. However, Casey has tremendous skills at three or four different positions and it will be difficult to key on him once he gets a handle on how NFL teams defend. Texans Offensive Coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, is very happy with the pick and has big plans and much praise for Casey.
"He is such a special athlete and competitor that he adds immediate depth to our entire team. He is a weapon in the pass game and while he develops into more of a complete tight end, he will help us on special teams and give us an option as an emergency fullback. With roster limits, his versatility is very valuable."
Jarett Dillard - Photo by Anthony Vasser/Rice
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Casey is the first Rice player to be drafted by the Texans and the first player to be drafted by the hometown entry since 1975. Casey was second in the country last season with 111 receptions, which set a Conference-USA record. He caught 13 touchdowns, rushed for six more and threw a pair. The stat that really boggles the mind is that Casey became the first player in NCAA history to have two games in which he would throw a touchdown, run for a touchdown, and catch a touchdown. He achieved these feats versus Tulsa and the University of Houston.
The Texans are also getting a really smart guy. Casey is a triple major in Economics, Managerial Studies, and Sports Management. He earned second-team All-American academic honors with a 3.84 GPA. This accomplishment should translate into astounding intellectual capabilities in the film room and 'Super-Thor' like abilities on the football field.
Another advantage to drafting Casey: He is a high quality character guy who is married and settled. The Texans will not have to worry about where this guy is during his off time.
Training camps and the season awaits. So will we also wait and watch to see what these tremendous Rice products will produce during their rookie seasons in the NFL.
Also see http://riceowls.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/rice-m-footbl-body.html.
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