LLT
07-01-2010, 03:24 AM
Powhatan’s own Kyle Jolly
Published: June 30, 2010
By Richard Carrier
Admitting that we vicariously share the achievements of our athletes, don’t fail to Google the player roster for the 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Look for number 67, a rookie offensive tackle. Powhatan’s own Kyle Jolly is on the official roster of the Steelers.
Sure, as an undrafted free agent on the current 80-man roster, it’s a stretch that he will stay there, but no one can take away the fact he made it.
I considered calling him to check in to see how he was doing and what the experience was like (I would really love to know, but realized he didn’t need even the smallest distraction).
But I did contact his dad, Eric, who has always been very forth-coming and he willingly provided some insights.
The OTA’s (Official Team Activities) are a test of learning the extensive playbook and concentration during practices and, according to Mr. Jolly via Kyle, he has not missed any assignments.
“[That’s] a pretty substantial feat given the rapid pace they introduced the offense,” Mr. Jolly said. But that was pretty much Kyle’s signature as a player at the University of North Carolina: smart, steady and fundamentally sound.
It is interesting that survival has also become a team effort. Kyle and his roommate, Highland Springs’ (6’2”, 306 pound guard out of James Madison University) Dorian Brooks work together to learn the playbook. He has also learned the consequences of less-than-stellar performance.
Another roommate, a rookie center from Vanderbuilt, has been cut.
And then there is the rubbing-shoulders-with-the-super-stars syndrome.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger invited all of the offensive lineman to his home (I do not know the time-frame as it relates to his recent legal problems, but it would almost have to be post-suspension by the Commissioner) with a large pool and swim-up bar and multiple sports cars in the driveway.
In the end, though, Kyle remains pragmatic, according to his Dad and “he takes things as they come.”
Next for Kyle is summer camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and the gradual paring down of the roster to 53 players.
http://www.powhatantoday.com/index.php/sports/article/a-break-for-the-beautiful-game/23115/
Published: June 30, 2010
By Richard Carrier
Admitting that we vicariously share the achievements of our athletes, don’t fail to Google the player roster for the 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers.
Look for number 67, a rookie offensive tackle. Powhatan’s own Kyle Jolly is on the official roster of the Steelers.
Sure, as an undrafted free agent on the current 80-man roster, it’s a stretch that he will stay there, but no one can take away the fact he made it.
I considered calling him to check in to see how he was doing and what the experience was like (I would really love to know, but realized he didn’t need even the smallest distraction).
But I did contact his dad, Eric, who has always been very forth-coming and he willingly provided some insights.
The OTA’s (Official Team Activities) are a test of learning the extensive playbook and concentration during practices and, according to Mr. Jolly via Kyle, he has not missed any assignments.
“[That’s] a pretty substantial feat given the rapid pace they introduced the offense,” Mr. Jolly said. But that was pretty much Kyle’s signature as a player at the University of North Carolina: smart, steady and fundamentally sound.
It is interesting that survival has also become a team effort. Kyle and his roommate, Highland Springs’ (6’2”, 306 pound guard out of James Madison University) Dorian Brooks work together to learn the playbook. He has also learned the consequences of less-than-stellar performance.
Another roommate, a rookie center from Vanderbuilt, has been cut.
And then there is the rubbing-shoulders-with-the-super-stars syndrome.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger invited all of the offensive lineman to his home (I do not know the time-frame as it relates to his recent legal problems, but it would almost have to be post-suspension by the Commissioner) with a large pool and swim-up bar and multiple sports cars in the driveway.
In the end, though, Kyle remains pragmatic, according to his Dad and “he takes things as they come.”
Next for Kyle is summer camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania and the gradual paring down of the roster to 53 players.
http://www.powhatantoday.com/index.php/sports/article/a-break-for-the-beautiful-game/23115/