Inside the Mind of a NFL Draft Prospect: Daniel Holtzclaw
by Joel Thorman on Mar 13, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Draft
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via media.scout.com
Last summer, there was a piece on Arrowhead Pride detailing how rebuilding might progress. In it, Eastern Michigan LB Daniel Holtzclaw was projected as a mid round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, since he comes from a small conference and there's limited tape on him available, Direckshun did his best to piece together how Holtzclaw might fit into the Chiefs plans.
In Herm’s Cover 2, you need an elite MLB. Obviously, Holtzclaw does not seem to be that guy, although he might be a great backup.
Several days later, Holtzclaw responded to Direckshun, AP contributor and author of the original piece.
Holtzclaw chided me for not following him closely enough to make that judgment (which is a completely fair point). He accused me of overlooking him because he plays in a less prominent conference, but that he was going to be extremely motivated to working his ass off to embarrass my prediction.
So, Lanier63 took the lead and we tracked Holtzclaw for the rest of the season. He was snubbed at the Combine a few weeks ago, which he admits was disappointing, but nevertheless provided more motivation to work his tail off.
So that's the Holtzclaw story for many of you newbies.
Today, we're talking Holtzclaw again. Or, more accurately, he's talking. Daniel was nice enough to answer a few questions for us as he prepares for the NFL Draft. We're going to keep up on his progress and get updates from him as April 25th-26th nears.
Let me say, after reading a few of his responses, I walked away even more impressed. Without a shadow of a doubt, he has the mindset to play in the NFL.
Daily Workouts
My daily workout consists of waking up at about 6:00 AM and grabbing a light breakfast. On some days (Mon, Wed, Fri) I go run at Bowen, an indoor track where our pro day is going to be held at 9:00 AM. So, waking up at 6:00 gets my body used to waking up at an early time to perform well.
After running and practicing my technique I head home to to eat again (usually consisting of egg whites and light carbs).
My goal was to cut down weight coming into training to about 250 lbs. I cut down to a shredded 240 and I'm running well. The less body fat = faster.
Finishing up my meal I will either take a nap or relax till about 10:00 to 12:00 where I'll head up to the convocation center (weight room) and perform my lift for the day (either upper or lower body).
After I finish my workout I usually stretch and ice (cold tub to warm tub). Some days after lift my old team will be out with the coaches where I will try to hop in with them and do linebacker drills. If not I'll practice either my 5-10-5 or 3 cone or continue working on my starts on the 40 yd dash.
When that is done I finish with a stretch again, head home eat. Replenish my body with nutrients, and relax. Finish the rest of the day/night eating making sure I'm consuming enough calories (lean meat) to not get too big but stay around the low 240's.
NFL Draft
As far as being drafted, I hope I can sneak into mid rounds. I hope.
My overall goal is to be drafted and so far I've heard late rounds and FA. Not being in any all-star games or combine definitely hurt me, but it is what it is.
No Excuses
I can justify and make excuses but no one wants to hear that. I look at it like football. As you reach a higher level of play in football there is more adversity. Same goes with life. Nothing is perfect, you don't get everything you want, you only get a few opportunities in life so when your name is called be prepared to execute at the highest level possible.
Defensive Scheme
I see myself playing either in the 3-4 or 4-3. I have the size, weighing 240+ lbs, and could easily put on 10-15 lbs if needed and still move. In a 4-3 I can drop to 230 lbs if they need.
They tell me I need to be something before camp, and you better believe the day I step into their facilities what they wanted is what they get. I see myself playing inside or outside as well.
I plan on running a 4.5 on my pro day. I hit a electronic 4.65 I believe a month ago so we'll definitely see here in a week.
Making A Name For Himself
As far as resembling another person in the league it's hard to say. The reason for this is because I don't want to live in someone's shadow. I want to make a name for Daniel Holtzclaw.
GO CHIEFS!!!!
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Yeah
He certainly says the right things, that’s for sure.
I definitely wish him the best of luck.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 13, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
This young man is a blue collar kid
Apparently nothing has been handed him and he has had a good upbringing. One thing I like most about him is he recognizes who he is and what he has to do to earn a job. I say earn a job, because so many of these guys that are in the top 2 or 3 at each position, many times take things for granted and wait for someone to hand them their next lunch. Daniel comes prepared each and everyday for the challenges he may face or the victories he helps to accomplish.
It would be great for a team to draft him and show him some respect for the work he has put in over the last 4 years. Did we mention that he started his Freshman year?
The sad part of all this is, there are many more young men who are in the same predicament that Daniel is in, but don’t get any breaks at all. These are the players we will never know of and end up moving on before their time is up. We (owners) settle for brainless assclowns such as Terrel Owens and Tank Johnson and “Pacman” Jones. Yes, because they can put a few more people in the seats, these are the guys who are said to “have it”. I once would love to see a game played, where most all of the kids are playing because they love the game. No money, No Glory and media hounds, just the love of the game of football.
Oh, I know where that is…it’s down the street at the local High School or junior leagues. I think I’ll go watch a few of those this year.
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
Good call
Pro football is fun to watch but the younger stages are where the game is still true.
Good luck Holtzclaw!
Anything we can do besides AP blogs
to draw more light to this kid? Could we start an email, snail mail campaign, get some kind of publicity for this guy, get the Chiefs to at least send a scout to his pro day or something?
by Your_Moms_Boyfriend on Mar 13, 2009 12:42 PM CDT reply actions
Thats a good question
I am not familiar with anything like that in the past. But I think it would certainly help if we sent some messages to Pioli’s office. Or, we try to approach one of the Scouts in some way.
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
I just emailed the Chief's office
I’ll see if I get a reply, if not we storm the stadium at 4pm. :)
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
what's the email for the Chiefs office?
by Your_Moms_Boyfriend on Mar 13, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I went to the Mothership
and had to do a generic email under contact us.
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
I'm sure they're aware of him
And some folks at One Arrowhead Drive read this blog.
by Joel Thorman on Mar 13, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes
Holtzclaw is that smart football player that Pioli has said he looks for. I’d much rather draft a kid like that in the mid to later rounds who will work out and push those around him by setting an example; the blue collar ethic as it were, than draft someone like Smith who again and again seems like he expects it handed to him on a silver platter. That dude is seriously shooting himself in the foot.
Holtzclaw (from reading Direckshun and Lanier’s posts and emails about him) really reminds me of the Chiefs players of the Mid 90’s; Tough, smart, and full of heart.
by Eastcoastransplant on Mar 13, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions
Good luck Daniel
You’ve done a nice job of getting noticed by the organization and the fans. From what you’ve said and the commitment you’ve made, I’m hoping to see your name selected in the draft by the Chiefs. It certainly sounds lke you would fit in well with their defensive scheme and your attitude would be welcomed in the locker room.
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