Sports
Former Bobcat Preseason Standout in NFL
< < Back to former-bobcat-preseason-standout-nflWhile the Ohio football team is about a week into fall camp, the NFL preseason camps are well underway, and teams are getting ready for preseason match-ups.
Former Ohio wide receiver LaVon Brazill, who was drafted in the sixth round by the Colts in the draft last April, has become a standout so far in camp.
"Camp's been going real well," Brazill told the Herald Bulletin in a story published earlier this week . "I've been working hard, been following notes from Austin (Collie) and Reggie Wayne. Those guys have been good mentors to me. I'm just trying to stay focused, handle my business, and play football."
The Colts released a depth chart this week and Brazill was second behind Reggie Wayne in the first set of wide receivers. Brazill also had the number one spot for both kick-off return and punt-return.
"They've got me at both right now," Brazill said. "I'm looking forward to it. Special teams is the most important thing in this organization, so I want to just make my mark as a special teams player."
"LaVon has impressed everybody with his speed and route running so far," George Bremer of the Herald Bulletin said. "But his real edge is going to come on special teams. He and T.Y. Hilton bring an explosive quality to the kick and punt return games that Indianapolis hasn't had in a long while."
Bremer explained that Brazill is probably the number five receiver for the Colts at this time. He said that the Colts will keep five or six, and that there is a lot of competition for the last two or three spots between Brazill, Hilton, Kris Adams, Jeremy Ross, Jabin Sambrano and Griff Whalen. Yet, Brazill's chance of earning a spot is looking good.
"Special teams, and the fact that they're draft picks, likely will give Brazill and Hilton an edge," Bremer said.
Brazill is excited about the opportunity he has been given.
"[It's a] chance to make a play and get my team in good field position," Brazill said.
Brazill finished his career at Ohio after setting six school records and wrapped up his senior season by setting school records with 1,146 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
While his former teammates miss the MVP of the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, they couldn't be more happy about his success.
"I knew he was going to go in there and compete and have a chance to play right away," quarterback Tyler Tettleton said. "He's a special player It's hard loosing him. It was fun throwing to that guy but I just wish him the best and I know he's going to do great."
"I think it's unbelieveable," wide receiver Donte Foster said. "I knew he was a good receiver and everything so I'm happy for him. I talked to him the other day and he said he is just trying to move his way up the depth chart so it looks like he is doing well."