This is a very cool time of year.  Spring ball is in full swing at the college and we’re installing a new defense.  Many new players are working out and have joined the team and there is a new vibe, a new sense of direction and purpose.  Lots of energy!  Camps are literally just weeks away!  The weather is warming and everything is in bloom.  And then there is the NFL Draft.

The draft signals the beginning of football once again.  Like spring brinning plants back to life, the draft rejuvenates us fanatics.  While the “Boy’s of Summer” are under way and cut through three other sport seasons while they run in circles around the base pads, we know football is coming.  Could the Super Bowl have been three months ago already?  Is it really almost May?

One of the things I like most about the draft is all the speculation by the so called experts.  The gaffs at what they think are stupid picks, the adulation over what they consider a great pick.  Some are obvious, of course but most, in my opinion, are just educated guesses.  The Detroit Lions took QB Jeff Belevansky, who is believed to be the very best QB prospect this year.  First round, first pick.  Good for him!  Anyone remember Ryan Leif?  What about Dan Marino going so late in the draft?  How about that guy Joe Montana who didn’t go until the third round in 1979?

The Raiders passed on the highly touted Michael Crabtree, immediately snatched up by the 49ers, and instead took Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland. (Go Terps!)  The pundits jumped on this and are still talkling about it.  They couldn’t slam Al Davis and the Raiders enough!  As I look back through the history of the draft one thing is for certain: Nothing is for certain.  I will admit it makes for fun TV watching these guys get all worked up.  Maybe they know football is just around the corner too and can’t help but get excited in their own way.  Time will be the only judge and provide the only verdict regarding the draft.  Time will tell. . .

Speaking of Time!  Hey!  LinemenInc Camp registrations are due no later than June 1st.  That is just 32 days away!  Our first camp is only 50 days away!  Stockton already has campers from Amador Valley High School, Antioch High School, Carmel High School, Davis High School and Madera South High School registered. 

Long Beach is filling fast with players from Buena High School, Corona High School, Eagle Rock High School, Granite Hills High School, Los Osos High School, Marina High School, Otay Ranch High School, Palmdale high School, and St. Joe’s High School in Santa Maria.

Shawnee, Ok. welcomes Aledo High School, Brownfield High School, Cassville High School, Cave City High School, Fishers High school, Raymond Peculiar High School and Rockwall-Heath High School.  Look for our ad in the Yype virtual magazine beginning May 12th.  www.vype.com

“Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”  Now is the time to strike.  Now is the time to take advantage of an opportunity and make something different happen.