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New Mexico State Center Valerian Ume-Ezeoke


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Here's some stuff on him. I'm kind of excited about a few of our UDFAs. Since R_The Great is the UDFA Center whisperer I'd like to know his take on this guy.

08/11/14 - 2014 PRESEASON RIMINGTON TROPHY AWARD WATCH LIST: Valeria Ume-Ezeoke, New Mexico State, Senior...Ume-Ezeoke started at center for the Aggies offensive line during the 2013 season, recording 56.5 knockdowns, second highest on the team. He had a season-high 10 knockdowns against Louisiana (Nov. 2). Ume-Ezeoke’s play helped the Aggies’ leading rusher Germi Morrison rush for an average of 4.1 yards a rush on 109 carries for 451 yards and a team-high four rushing touchdowns. - New Mexico State football
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A total of 11 players worked out, but there is one prospect who is a late-round 2015 NFL Draft possibility or priority free-agent pickup for a team following the draft.
Center Valerian Ume-Ezeoke (6-foot-2, 305 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 5.45 and 5.44 seconds. He had a 30-inch vertical jump and an 8-foot-10 broad jump. He had a 20-yard short shuttle time of 4.82 seconds and a three-cone drill time of 8.15 seconds. Ume-Ezeoke -- who has 32 1/8-inch arms -- performed 25 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press.
Ume-Ezeoke had what was described as "an awesome" workout, especially when you take the weather conditions (52 degrees and raining) into consideration. He had gone into his pro day with some concern about his weight.
Follow Gil Brandt on Twitter @Gil_Brandt.
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2012 (Sophomore): Ume-Ezeoke played in all 12 games for the Aggies in 2012, starting at the center position. He recorded 44 knockdowns and allowed no sacks during the season. He was a vital part of the Aggies pass protection that allowed wide receiver Austin Franklin to earn All-America honors. Ume-Ezeoke also helped quarterback Andrew Manley throw for 2,764 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2012, as he ranked 47th in the nation in passing. The 2,764 passing yards by Manley is sixth all-time in a single season, while the 18 touchdown passes rank tied for seventh in a single season. Ume-Ezeoke was named an Academic All-WAC selection and a 2012 Capital One Academic All-district VII first team member for his work in the classroom.
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And also if they are looking at this guy to replace anyone, its Hawley and his 1 year 4 million dollar contract coming off an ACL surgery situation. Hawley could play in a wheel chair and everyone here would say "START HIM!!!"

laugh.png

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I find it amazing how a guy who a cool name is all of the sudden a fan favorite, while the beast and greatest Center of all time in James Stone gets no love. Stone will stone your *** and put you in your place.

I don't by that Stone doesn't get any love. Let's face it, the majority on here make reference to your pointing out Stone and their eating crow. The true fans are most happy that you were correct.

All that aside have you checked this guy out and do you have an opinion on him?

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For what it's worth, the guys on PFF listed him as one of our best UDFA signings, along with Kevin White and Joey Mbu.

If we're going to consider switching James Stone to OG, then this kid has a good chance of winning the backup OC job. I mean, all he would have to do is beat out Peter Konz.

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For what it's worth, the guys on PFF listed him as one of our best UDFA signings, along with Kevin White and Joey Mbu.

If we're going to consider switching James Stone to OG, then this kid has a good chance of winning the backup OC job. I mean, all he would have to do is beat out Peter Konz.

Thats an interesting take bro

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This guy has the mean streak and toughness that Konz has never shown.

One thing that really stands out when watching the LSU tape is his excellent understanding of angles and how to work them, he is a very intelligent blocker that understands body positioning very well. He also is almost always the first guy to engage on both the O & D-lines, almost always getting his hands on the defender faster than the defender can engage him.

He need to work on his leverage and his body strength, but these things are coachable, could be a sit for 1 year then maybe a starter after Hawley & Konz walk after this season?

I really hope this guy steps up in the preseason, he has surprisingly good tape and showed that with some work he could have a place against better competition.

Will be one of the most fun players to follow this off-season.

Edited by Danish-Fanboi
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Pancake shawty! Dude was pancaking people all last year regardless of the competition. Plays angry and most importantly, finishes his blocks. I can see him and Hage getting into some scrums in camp. So much competition at all positions this year, and I love it! Few people safe...

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