When you're a Cohen, there are inherent privileges that you come to expect. One nice perk, is avoiding the crowds. Since my Uncle Dustin (also my God-Father) played in the NFL, I was permitted beyond the yellow ropes separating your average Joe from the "Superstars". I attended today's morning session with my daddy and papa.
This is me with 3rd round pick Michael Johnson out of George Tech. He's got tremendous size as a D-End with a lot of upside and looks to get some action early in the season. Look for big things from this quiet leader.
This is me with Daddy and Starting RB Cedric Benson. A lot of people have been impressed with his slender build at camp and incredible work ethic. Cedric told me that he's out to prove a lot of his prognosticators wrong. I like the way he thinks.
This is Frosty Rucker. Apparently no one has ever given him a "Good Game" slap on the butt. He appeared somewhat surprised. Frosty is in his 4th year out of USC. Frosty looks to stay healthy and contribute to a young defensive front four. He played in a career high 11 games last year before being sidelined with hamstring issues for two consecutive weeks. The injury bug has been the achilles heel of his young career.
This is me with Rey Maualuga. Widely rated as one of the major steals in the 2009 draft, Maualuga is a second-round choice with high promise for first-round results . He carries a reputation as one of the hardest hitters the college game has seen, and he covers the field with great quickness . Three-year USC starter who helped lead Trojans to a 46-6 record over his four seasons. Consensus All-American as a senior last season, he was leading tackler on a unit that led the nation in scoring defense (9.0 per game) and finished second in fewest yards allowed (221.8). Won 2008 Bednarik Award as nation’s top defensive player and was named National Defensive Player of the Year by CBSSports.com
He was VERY HAPPY TO MEET ME!
I did NOT like it when he took the jersey off, from over his head! Everyone else appeared to though!!
I also got an opportunity to speak with Chad Ocho Cinco. Or as my Papa calls him, "Chad Ochinko." He signed my jersey too. As did Domata Peko (I love him)
I see a lot of potential with this team. If they can stay healthy, develop a discipline that we have yet to see under a Marvin Lewis team and create a little attitude in the Jungle, I think we got a chance to make some noise in the division. Keep an eye on that Rey Maualuga. He reminds me a lot of myself in about 20 years. He is the future of this Bengal Franchise! Impressive.
