Chiefs' Andy Studebaker Points to Mike Vrabel as a Leader and a Teacher

by Joel Thorman on Sep 19, 2009 6:25 PM CDT in 2009 Campaign Comment 6 comments

Chiefs OLB Andy Studebaker goes after a Rams running back. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)

For those questioning the mentoring aspect of the Kansas City Chiefs recent influx of veteran leadership, look no further than OLB Andy Studebaker. Hailing from small school Wheaton College (D-III), Studebaker has been seeing time mostly on special teams.

"I figure I'm in on one out of every five or six plays on average, whether it is kickoff, kick return, punt return or whatever," Studebaker said. "Special teams are a big part of the game, especially in the NFL. It's a lot of fun, too."

But when called upon to take on a larger role as an outside linebacker, he'll be ready thanks to Mike Vrabel.

"He has taught me a ton," Studebaker told Randy Kindred of the Pantagraph. "He's the kind of guy who's an open door. He wants to teach you and help you. Before I met Mike I was like, 'Will he help me? Will I be on my own?' From day one, he's been a big-time mentor for me."

This is what Todd Haley has been talking about when bringing in guys like Vrabel, Zach Thomas and Mike Brown. We always talk about the "veteran leadership" aspect of the game but, from the outside looking in, we never really know what that means.

As Haley has said before, he wants that leadership to ooze down to the Chiefs younger players. In fact, Kansas City has the second youngest roster in the NFL.

"They want hard workers here who play smart football," the second year pro said. "If you do those things, you have a shot on this team."

Studebaker's been playing a role in a unit that Haley stresses as one of the most important parts of the game - special teams. At the end of the day, though, it's still football.

"You get to run down the field as fast as you can and hit people. It's still football on special teams. You still wake up sore on Monday morning."

So, when we talk about bringing in a veteran player as a stopgap who can help develop younger players, look to Mike Vrabel's impact on Andy Studebaker as evidence.

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Good ole' Studebaker...

I’ve always liked Studebaker. He seems like a decent special teams player. I hope he gets a shot and plays well for us during snaps and not just ST.

by Chiefsfan85 on Sep 19, 2009 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How many years have we talked about the Chiefs needing a leader on defense?

Since DT passed away?

Even if Cassel turns out to be a flop, I think Vrabel will be well worth the price we paid to have a guy that can teach these young guys how to play.

http://ajax-dj.mybrute.com

by ChiefDJ on Sep 19, 2009 7:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I've thought that ever since the trade

He kind of got thrown in on top of Cassel, but I think he may have as much impact on the defense as Cassel will have on the offense…at least this year. What a steal of a trade.

Chiefs go 9-7. LJ makes 1400 yards. DBowe makes 1200 yards. Defense #18.

by Zodeman on Sep 19, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe he is thinking of coaching after his playing days are over

just a guess

"There are few secrets in football. So execute." ~Coach Stram
"I think it's the fans. The place is crazy. It's a good crazy, if you're Kansas City." ~Coach Schottenheimer

by Bad Medicine on Sep 20, 2009 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What Studebaker can turn into under Vrabel's tutelage will even over-compensate for that second

considering we didn’t give up anything to pick up Studebaker. Imagine that for the long haul, Studebaker, DJ, Mays, and Hali. two undrafted players two first rounders.

Time is a great teacher... unfortunately it kills all it's pupils.

by 808NaNz808 on Sep 20, 2009 1:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs