Post by Bornthrilla on Apr 7, 2005 8:28:37 GMT -5
www.westcoastdraft.com/ditr-juniuscoston.html
"Big Juice" Thirsts for NFL Chance
Jason Brown isn't the only OC prospect in North Carolina
A quick scan through NFL rosters shows that more "sleepers" play along the offensive line than any other position in the game.
NFL scouts agree that one of the better prospects to continue this trend in 2005 is North Carolina A&T's Junius Coston.
"He's an interesting guy. He has the size you look for and is athletic. We see him as a mid round guy - a guy who has a shot to surprise and make the First Day," says one NFL Scouting Director.
Size? Coston has it. He was officially measured by NFL scouts this past spring at a shade over 6'3 and 307 pounds.
Strength? Coston hs it. He maxes out at 405 pounds on the bench press and boasts a 610 pound squat.
Something extra? He has it. Coston was given the nickname "Juice" by a high school coach who struggled to pronounce his first name. The nickname stuck, with the addition of the adjective "Big" as he grew into a 6'3, 305 NFL prospect.
Athletic ability? This is what separates him from the others. Most centers enter the NFL running in the 5.20-5.30 range. Coston ran a pair of 5.1's earlier in the year and that was before any kind of training. The general consensus is that with training, he could crack the 5.10 barrier.
Even Coston, himself, a humble man, acknowledges that it his athletic ability that separates him from the other players at this level.
"I haven't faced a player yet that could beat me athletically," he admits.
The surrounding coaches and media seem to agree, as Coston earned all conference recognition after his junior season and was a preseason choice to repeat these accolades this year.
Coston realizes, however, that the next step up to the NFL isn't one to be taken lightly.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll meet players at the next level who are even better athletes than anyone I've ever played against. I think I can play with them athletically-speaking, but that is where my technique has to come in."
Coston does play with good technique, though he knows he'll need to improve it to play at the next level.
"You have to keep working on the fundamentals. I've always been taught that if you don't play with good technique, you have nothing. I really believe that."
He uses his hands well, keeps his head on a swivel and looks to help his fellow linemen. He has the rare athletic ability to get out in the open field and contribute blocks on back seven defenders.
College all-star game directors have begun to notice, as well. The Gridiron Classic has invited him and Coston is checking his messages daily hoping that other senior contests will consider him, as well.
Hopefully they will, as Coston is not only a legitimate NFL talent due to his athletic ability, but is also considered a leader. He has been voted team captain each of the past two seasons by his peers and it is an honor he takes pride in.
"I originally came here because of the Aggie pride and the whole atmosphere that I experienced at the campus. To be voted team captain is a big honor. I'm not a big rah-rah guy. I think I was voted captain because I've received some conference honors, but also because I play hard and work to be the best player I can be. I think my teammates respect that."
And with the respect provided by his teammates, coaches, media, and the NFL come expectations.
We're expecting that Coston has the juice to keep the offensive linemen sleeper tradition alive and well in the NFL come this April.
"Big Juice" Thirsts for NFL Chance
Jason Brown isn't the only OC prospect in North Carolina
A quick scan through NFL rosters shows that more "sleepers" play along the offensive line than any other position in the game.
NFL scouts agree that one of the better prospects to continue this trend in 2005 is North Carolina A&T's Junius Coston.
"He's an interesting guy. He has the size you look for and is athletic. We see him as a mid round guy - a guy who has a shot to surprise and make the First Day," says one NFL Scouting Director.
Size? Coston has it. He was officially measured by NFL scouts this past spring at a shade over 6'3 and 307 pounds.
Strength? Coston hs it. He maxes out at 405 pounds on the bench press and boasts a 610 pound squat.
Something extra? He has it. Coston was given the nickname "Juice" by a high school coach who struggled to pronounce his first name. The nickname stuck, with the addition of the adjective "Big" as he grew into a 6'3, 305 NFL prospect.
Athletic ability? This is what separates him from the others. Most centers enter the NFL running in the 5.20-5.30 range. Coston ran a pair of 5.1's earlier in the year and that was before any kind of training. The general consensus is that with training, he could crack the 5.10 barrier.
Even Coston, himself, a humble man, acknowledges that it his athletic ability that separates him from the other players at this level.
"I haven't faced a player yet that could beat me athletically," he admits.
The surrounding coaches and media seem to agree, as Coston earned all conference recognition after his junior season and was a preseason choice to repeat these accolades this year.
Coston realizes, however, that the next step up to the NFL isn't one to be taken lightly.
"Oh, I'm sure I'll meet players at the next level who are even better athletes than anyone I've ever played against. I think I can play with them athletically-speaking, but that is where my technique has to come in."
Coston does play with good technique, though he knows he'll need to improve it to play at the next level.
"You have to keep working on the fundamentals. I've always been taught that if you don't play with good technique, you have nothing. I really believe that."
He uses his hands well, keeps his head on a swivel and looks to help his fellow linemen. He has the rare athletic ability to get out in the open field and contribute blocks on back seven defenders.
College all-star game directors have begun to notice, as well. The Gridiron Classic has invited him and Coston is checking his messages daily hoping that other senior contests will consider him, as well.
Hopefully they will, as Coston is not only a legitimate NFL talent due to his athletic ability, but is also considered a leader. He has been voted team captain each of the past two seasons by his peers and it is an honor he takes pride in.
"I originally came here because of the Aggie pride and the whole atmosphere that I experienced at the campus. To be voted team captain is a big honor. I'm not a big rah-rah guy. I think I was voted captain because I've received some conference honors, but also because I play hard and work to be the best player I can be. I think my teammates respect that."
And with the respect provided by his teammates, coaches, media, and the NFL come expectations.
We're expecting that Coston has the juice to keep the offensive linemen sleeper tradition alive and well in the NFL come this April.
