Editors Letter
09 season. It’s time.
E v e ry C o a c h ’ s D r e a m : Chris Johnson Bankin’ on Brandon W i l d c at f o r m at i o n : t r e n d o r fa1 d ?
The Team Head Coach Editor-in-Chief – Richard Boadu
Defensive Coordinator Asst Editor-in-Chief – Claude Clayborne
Offensive Coordinator Managing Editor – Lori Spears
table of contents first down LETTER FROM THE EDITORS SCOUTING REPORT (What to expect for 2009 football)
2 3-5
in the trenches ICU Big Hits of 2008
6-7
Best Runs and Shakes of 2008
8-9
Best Snags of 2008
10 - 11
fanhood
12 - 13
Forever Remembered
14 - 15
Non-Football All-Stars
16 - 17
In the Booth - Wildcat
18 - 19
Jimmy Awards Preseason Awards list
20 - 21
spatted up
22 - 23
on the island Chris johnson feature
24 - 25
Brandon Banks Feature
26 - 27
RANDY SHANNON: MOTIVATION
28 - 29
2-minute drill Upcoming Games preview
30 - 31
Fan contest article
32
Next Issue Preivew
33
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LETTER FROM THE EDITORs Letter from the Editor-In-Chief, Richard Boadu
Richard Boadu aka “the Head Coach” 6Magazine Publisher/Co-Editor-in-Chief
Yo, what’s good. I just wanted to say thank you to all of our loyal readers for holding us down over the past year and helping us get to a point where we are able to distribute our first issue. This is the first of eight issues this year. We are going to give you football information from your point of view, the topics you care about, and the things that other media outlets are afraid to discuss. We got no choice but to keep it from the heart because you all wouldn’t have it any other way. We’ll be the first digital magazine to feature video interviews. Don’t worry though, if you want a print issue they will be available to order online. Also, this is one of the few publications where the fans voice will be actually heard and seen, with out fan contest of articles, photography, illustrations and even design. If you make it hot, whether it be an article, interview, photograph, illustration, or design then our staff will select which is the best and put your work in an upcoming issue. Get ready. We going in this year! - 6Magazine is football and hip-hop culture PS – My business partner, co-publisher/president of 6Magazine, CJ says what’s up.
Claude Clayborne Jr. aka “the D- Coordinator” 6Magazine Co-Editor-in-Chief
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scouting report
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what to expect for 2009 football Now that summer is over and pool parties are coming to an end, football fans across the country can rejoice as the annual fall crusades are about to begin. Training camp for the pros, two-a-days for college and high schools programs have begun across the country. Football is in the air, damn it feels good to be a football junky. Let’s take a look at NCAA and the NFL upcoming seasons. Prep ranks following in six exhilarating installments. College Football What everybody knows already. Florida is good enough to win the NFC East! There hasn’t been this much talent returning to a team since Desperate Housewives began shooting season five. The Gators have more speed on offense than your cable modem and the defense not only returns every starter but word on the block is that a few of them may lose their starting jobs to younger players on the squad, keep an eye out for Will Hill. Focus may be the only problem as it is rare that a team goes wire to wire to win the title. The ACC really needs to break out of the rut it has been in as of late. The conference while dominating college basketball for the most part has not provided a championship contender since it went to 12 teams in 2004. There is a chance this year with Virginia Tech looking to have a great season even after losing start tailback Maurice Evans for the season with a torn ACL. Florida State is looking to send Bobby Bowden “perhaps” out in style with a team that has all the tools to make a run but has disappointed since their last national title appearance in 2000. Georgia Tech, running its Flexbone has to be taken seriously as they
are so tough to prepare for because no team other than Air Force and Army are running the ‘Flex’ and neither of those service academies have the horses that Tech does. Miami is really a year away similar to Oklahoma State last year, but if the Canes can get a few big plays and momentum rolling look out. Notre Dame is fresh off a dominating bowl win, loaded with returning talent and a vicious recruiting class looks to regain footing among college football’s elite. The Golden Domers however, have a schedule that is among the easiest in the country and if they beat what should be an improved Michigan team and USC at home they have a great chance to go to a BCS bowl. Tennessee, although they are not a contender besides to themselves, has raised so much hell with new coach Lane Kniffin that they will be under the microscope the entire season. The Vols will take some lumps but will be greatly improved, especially after mid-season when they expect to get some receivers back after losing several in camp to injuries. Remember this name, Nu’keese Richardson, the freshman from Pahokee and last second Florida de-commit will make waves for the Vols. One last note about Rocky Top, Phillip Fulmer left the pantry quite bare after some great years early in his career, Kiffin and recruiting guru, Ed Ogeron (recruited all of Ole Miss’ current talent) are quickly becoming a major force by putting together an awesome first class. They have already gone head to head with top SEC powers and have been winning some battles to have what is shaping up as another great class for next year. Not since the 1940’s have the top 3
1st Down three Heisman trophy finalists returned the following season. The trio of Colt McCoy, Sam Bradford, and last but definitely not least Tim Tebow return to put up astounding stats and lead their teams to greatness. The trio will no doubt once again make their annual pilgrimage to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremonies. All evidence points to a national title game involving two of these three superstars. Robert Griffin, the Baylor QB dominated as a true freshman last year with blinding speed and patience polished approach to the passing game look for rumblings to come from Waco before seasons end about this kind in the Heisman race. Jimmy Clausen, the once heralded Notre Dame QB showed a flash of brilliance in the Hawaii Bowl last season which reminded us why he was the boy wonder of the century coming out of high school in California. 6Magazine must reiterate that this is mostly due gross riches at wide receiver with Golden Tate, Shaq Evans, Duval Kumara, and Michael Floyd. Look for Clausen to put up McCoy and Bradford type numbers this year and throw his name is the Heisman race as well. If Colin Kaepernick, the skinny Nevada QB, played at any other school he would be a household name but he still is the “Big Gun” that makes Nevada’s Pistol formation offense shoot. The 6’6 215 pounder passed for 2,818 yards and 22 touchdowns and has big time running ability, rushing for 240 vs UNLV last year and eclipsing the 100 yd mark in rushing five games last season. Kaepernick will be a force to be reckoned with this year, so look for gaudy numbers from the leader of Pack. This is going to be a great year in college football, I suggest a DVR, a flatscreen lcd tv, and a Dos Equis ‘cause it’s going to be a good one in 2009. NFL Brett, Brett, Brett, Vick, Vick, Vick, Tom, Tom, and more Tom. Expect to hear these names a lot in 2009. You already know these three high profile quarterbacks will make major noise. Will that noise be a sweet offensive symphony or the noise from a busted speaker in a 1985 Honda Accord hatchback has yet to be seen. Tommy B will be exactly who he is and will look top his magnificent 2007 numbers with more weapons for2009. He’s been playing this preseason which he didn’t do in ’08 preseason, which he eluded to during an interview might have been a reason for his season ending ACL injury last season. Vick will work his way slowly back into the fold. The Eagles are a smart organization and will not throw this man under the bus. He will be used in the wildcat but he was not brought in to be a “wildcat” quarterback. As Donovan McNabb and the rest of the Eagles organization has stated, he is a quarterback first. The question mark of the three Pro Bowl quarterbacks is Brett Favre. How will he hold up? Yes, we know he has more records than you’re favorite ‘80s DJ, but this is the second straight off-season that he did not workout with the team or go through OTA’s. Most veterans retire not because they can’t play the game anymore but they can’t go through the rigors of training camp mixed with a 16 game season and a playoff run. Favre broke down last season and we can only hope it doesn’t happen this season. To make matters worse for Favre he has a partially torn rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder.
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1st Down “It all depends how partial the partial tear is,” a doctor with experience treating high-level athletes in both football and baseball told profootballtalksports.com “If the tear encompasses an area of five to seven millimeters and is well-conditioned in the area around it, it may hold up for a while. On the other hand, if it’s a two-centimeter tear and there’s retraction around it, it’s much less likely to do well.” Favre said that the tear was discovered by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews as he repaired Favre’s biceps tendon. Favre noted that, according to Andrews, the partial tear may have been present longer than the biceps tear. There is a risk that the tear could worsen over time because of trauma or overuse.
“Cleared to play does not mean ‘cleared to play well’,” said the medical source. “He’s at high risk [for greater tearing] both because of trauma and his style of play in which he will go downfield or throw with a lot of velocity. He’s going to stress his cuff.” Favre in essence is a ticking time bomb.Look for Adrian Peterson to bring home his first MVP award and Offensive Player of the Year award. This is just not for the NFL either “All Day” will win MVP of the Milky Way as well! Yes, Favre is in the house, but the Vikings core is looking very similar to ’98 and ’99 Denver Broncos teams but no Super Bowl insight for these guys this year. As a side note, if Peterson and company run well enough to keep the heat off Favre’s cuff and get the play action going they may be dangerous. Don’t be surprised if Brady is the hunt for MVP and Drew Brees makes some OPY noise as well. The NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award will go to DeMarcus “Night” Ware as well. This man is a force to be reckon with and will break Michael Strahan’s sack record of 22.5 sacks. That does not make any sense 23 sacks in a season but mark it down like tardies in the third grade. Last season he posted 20 and he has averaged an increase of 4 sacks on his previous years totals for his last three seasons. Antonio Cromartie could come in and pick this away from Ware and be the first corner to win the award since Deion Sanders in 1994. The Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year will be Bills TE, Shawn Nelson. The 4th round selection will surprise many, get several GM’s scolded by their owners and a few GM’s fired for not drafting this kid. Defense will have two, Redskins Defensive End, Brian Orakpo, and Bengals Middle Linebacker, Rey Maualuga. The Super Bowl XLIV winner will be the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers have the two-headed monster at running back, Jon Beason in the middle, and Julius Peppers crushing bones to bake bread in hopes of getting that big money free agent, contract which will help this team win it all in Miami. Call me crazy, but it’s a Super Bowl pick in August. What do you expect?
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FANHOOD 12
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richard boadu
Fanhood is almost most as much a measurement of a man as a man’s manhood. It shows if you are a waffler or a loyalist through and through. Will you turn on your favorite team at the hint of a bad season or will you ride it out? Will you jump ship when the new hot team is not who you’ve been riding with since day one? How much fanhood do you have? I have a lot, maybe too much for my own good. I am Oklahoma Sooner born and Oklahoma Sooner bred. I bleed crimson because everyone’s blood is crimson, but the Sooners colors were not crimson you’d know what I mean. Not only am I Sooner born and bred, I am an alumnus and a former student athlete as well. I loved every minute of my undergraduate education and I miss it dearly. I am now getting my Master’s degree at the University of Texas. It is what it is, believe me if I could get the degree I needed at OU, I would have. I view this as nothing more than a two year business trip. I wear as much OU gear as possible on this campus as well. I went to my first UT football game this weekend. I didn’t care to go to any games last year. I of course wore an OU t-shirt. I mean, a few of my friends were giving me a hard time, saying that I could have just wore a white t-shirt if I didn’t want to wear a Texas t-shirt. But I posed this analogy to them, if you go on
a business trip and it was loaded with attractive members of the opposite sex, would you take off your wedding ring? Wearing a Texas t-shirt would be like cheating on my wife and not wearing an OU shirt at all would be showing shame for where I am from. Like I said, I have alot of Fanhood. The game was okay. I was highly critical of every mistake the Longhorns made. Every time they scored a touchdown the crowd went nuts and I was the only person in the stadium with his arms crossed in a calm manner. Then it happened. During a timeout, the camera was showing fans on the jumbo-tron. I was on the big screen with all the Texas fans to see with my OU shirt on. The boo birds started pouring in. The camera stayed on me long enough for me to give the highly disrespectful upside down Longhorn sign to the whole entire stadium. I didn’t know if I was going to make it out alive and I didn’t care. I felt like a war hero who died for his country. I was proud to be a Sooner. Then the timeout ended, and I realized I was daydreaming. I stayed around until halftime in anticipation to make my daydream come to reality and honor my school. I never got the opportunity, but I will now be at every Longhorn game for the rest of this season to make this daydream a reality.
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rashad salaam
by Jonathan Reynolds
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Forever remembered
Rashaan Salaam is definitely a name out of the past. A name that conjures up images of Colorado Buffaloes glory days, which let’s be honest are pretty few and far between. He played 8-man football for his high school team in California and took his talents to Boulder in 1992. His freshman year, he managed only 162 yards on the ground behind a couple of more experienced backs. Salaam improved dramatically in his sophomore campaign accumulating 844 yards and 8 TDs. Based on these two seasons there was really no way to see what was going to happen in his Junior season. His Junior campaign in 1994 proved to be a landmark year for the Buffaloes in more ways than one. In 1994 the Buffaloes went 11-1 and blasted Notre Dame 41-24 in the Fiesta Bowl to finish #3 in the final AP Poll. You may also remember a slightly famous play from that year where Michael Westbrook somehow came up with a hail mary tossed by Kordell (“Slash”) Stewart in the Michigan end zone as time expired. The only loss of the season would come at eventual national champion Nebraska, 24-7. Salaam was a huge part of this incredible season in which he had one of the great seasons in college football history by talling 2,055 yards on the ground and 24 TDs. He was a unanimous All-American and won the Heisman Trophy. This would prove to be beginning of the end for Rashaan. He left Colorado after his junior season and was the fifth running back taken in the first round of the 1995 draft; Ki-Jana Carter, Tyrone Wheatley, Napoleon Kaufman, and James Stewart were all selected before Salaam. His NFL career started off with great promise. He set a Bear’s rookie record with 1,074 yards and also added 10 TDs. Salaam’s record was broken in 2001 by another “Forever Remembered” candidate Anthony Thomas. His rookie year was unfortunately where he reached his peak. He only rushed for a combined 610 yards over the next 3 seasons. Salaam suffered
through injuries and a Tiki Barber like inability to hold onto the ball. Tiki managed to learn how to not fumble and also how to parlay his off the field charisma into a nice broadcasting career, Rashaan did not. He was the 4th all time leading rusher in the XFL (not really sure if that it is an accomplishment to be a prolific rusher in the same league as someone named “He Hate Me”) with 528 yards. Rashaan attempted a few comebacks with the 49ers and later with the Toronto Argonauts before being suspended. He admitted in 1999 to being addicted to marijuana during 1998 when he missed the entire season due to a leg injury. Someone addicted to weed coming out of Boulder??? No Way!!...(dripping with sarcasm). “It really took the life out of me. It took away my love for football. My love turned toward the weed,” Salaam said this week. “That’s not the person I really am, you know what I’m saying. I want to play football, not smoke weed all my life. My life got away from me. Winning the Heisman wasn’t a curse, I sort of made it that way. I had a gift and I abused my gift.” Salaam said in a 2003 interview. Rashaan Salaam was an immense talent. He was 6-1 225 and made great cuts and was tough to bring down. He was a star that burned extremely bright and faded away almost as quickly as he had arrived. I know that when someone mentions his name I will always remember his Junior season at Colorado where he rushed for over 200 yards in four consecutive games on his way to the Heisman Trophy and one of the greatest seasons of all time. At the time of this article, efforts to find Salaam and see what he is up too now a days turned up nothing. If you seen Rashaan let us know how he is doing, heck if you’re reading this Rashaan holla at us,
[email protected] . Salaam was a great college running back and will always be remembered. 15
in the trenches Non-Football All-Stars 2009 I watched Usain Bolt set a world record in the 100m which seemed impossible. He ran 9.58 at the World Track and Field Championships in Berlin. I know people have teased with what if Usain Bolt played football, but what if he really did? It got me to thinking and here is 6Magazine’s non-football all-stars for 2009. QB - Joe Mauer - I mean you see the kid killing it for the Twins. I can only imagine he would have been as equally adept had he gone to FSU and played QB. RB - Carl Crawford - At 6’2” 215 you know he has the size. He leads the majors in stolen bases so you know he has the speed. He’s from Texas so football is in his blood. He was recruited by Nebraska to be an option qb, OU, UCLA, and more, so you know he can tote the rock as well. I’m sure he has shakes, and let that boy get in the open field....it’s a wrap. RB - Alex Ovechkin - Alex the great stands 6’2” 220 lbs. You seen how nice he is on the ice weaving in and out of defenders. You also seen him deliver a blow. I see Ovechkin similar to Adrian Peterson, being that there is no such thing as an out of bounds line. FB - Prince Fielder - 5’11” 268 he’s clearly got the size. He’s nimble on his feet too. You see the passion with which he plays too! If you don’t look up how gangsta he got when he went to the Dodgers locker room after getting hit by a pitch. This is someone I want to be on the field with no matter what the sport. 3rd down back - Bryan Clay - at 5’11” 185 the reigning Olympic decathalete champion does it all. So why not put him here. You need to run a draw on 3rd and 7, he’s got your first down. Screen plays, he’s the man. Gotta a blitzing lineback, Clay’s cutting ‘em pronto.
quote Vince Lombardi, “ I want a seal here! And a seal here! with Big Show, that’s not two lineman that’s his two arms with the DE and DT at his mercy. Center - Adam Dunn - Dunn spent a season at Texas playing as a redshirt QB, but then ditched the gridiron for the diamond. He’s 6’6” and 275 lbs. So he’s a we bit big to be under center. Also, I’m not as impressed with this footing or fielding in the outfield, but he’s perfectly athletic and big enough to run my offensive line. Right Guard - Ryan Howard - He stands 6’4” and 256 pounds which is tiny for a offensive lineman, but hell, you try and find NFL sized lineman in other sports. I know Howard would get the job done, and that’s why he’s here. Right Tackle - Glen Davis - Davis is going to wreck shop plain and simple. With Shaq on the blind side, Davis won’t have too much pressure on him. Only thing he’ll be asked to stop is run stopping DE’s and blitzing linebackers, but that’s something his nimble 6’9” 289 lbs body can handle. KR - Dwayne Wade/Ichiro Suzuki - To run a kickoff back in the NFL it takes speed and balls. You have to be super fast and have the courage to go through the black hole also known as the wedge at full speed when you don’t know what or who could be on the other side waiting. You seen the way D-Wade goes to the rack? Fearless. I know you see him slash through the lane as well. Ichiro has the speed and it wouldn’t surprise me if the had he courage as well. ATH – Andrew McCutchen – Umm have you seen this kid run?! What?! Man. You missing out if you haven’t. Google him, fast. Oh yah, he played football in Florida, so you know that means he can ball. PR - Derrick Rose/Jimmy Rollins - Speed. Moves. Agility. Quickness. Ohh wee! K - David Beckham - Strong leg? Check. Bend it through the uprights from the far hash?
Split End - Lebron James - Did you expect someone else. I don’t need to say much besides, 6’8” 250 lbs. runs like the wind and jumps like gas prices in the summer. Flanker - Usain Bolt - 6’5” 190 lbs. Oh yah I forgot to mention he runs the 100m in 9.58 seconds. Imagine how deep your safeties are going to have to be to account for this guy. I’ve seen Randy Moss out run deep safties, so I know Bolt can. Also send this guy on a dig route over the middle with an accurate quarterback, and he’s going to the end zone every time. Slot Receiver - Allen Iverson - Quick as hell and tough as nails, thats what he has and exactly what it takes to play in the slot. High school A.I. was also a top D-1 football recruit. Ask about em. Tight End - Matt Kemp - At 6’2” and 230 lbs, he is shorter and smaller than what you expect in most tight ends but something tells me at only 24 he’s got room to gain weight and what he lacks in height in makes up for in leaping ability.
DEFENSE Right Defensive End - Blake Griffin - Just as big as Lebron James. Maybe a hair or a half notch less athletic, but at DE he’d be a force to be recon with ala Julius Peppers. Defensive Tackle - Jack Swagger - He is 6’6” 263 lbs. If you didn’t know he actually played DT in college at OU, so you know is going to do his thing. Nose Guard - Ben Wallace. His height might have him a bit out of place and susceptible to being cut, but he has the mean streak and will find a way to sack the quarterback and stuff the run.
Left Tackle - Shaquille O’neal - 7’1” 340 the Big Aristotle has feet like Ichiro Suzuki. Not really, but you know what I mean. He’s carried all the teams he’s played for on his back. The Left tackle normally does the same in the passing game. Who’s going to get around him? Plus he’d be an offensive lineman with a defensive lineman’s mentality. Scary.
Left Defensive End - The Rock - I mean he played DT for the U in the early 90’s. What more do you want? He has left the wrestling arena thus having slimmed down, that’s why we made him move to DE, but it should be a seamless transition.
Left Guard - Big Show - 7’0” 485 lbs. Uhh, running lanes, big ones too. To
Weakside Linebacker - Torii Hunter - He’s bigger than you’d expect for as
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athletic of plays you see him make in the Summer. He’s a deceptive 225 lbs in a 6’2” frame. Perfect for covering TEs, RBs, and FBs and blitzing Qbs.
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Middle Linebacker - Ron Artest - Besides being 6’7” 260 lbs, he’s freaking Ron Artest. Could you imagine anyone else? If you can, “reconsider, read some litta” Strongside Linebacker - David Wright -Yes he’s tiny for a MLB (6’0” 217lbs.) But with the right weight program you know he can add on some pounds, and he’s one of the tougher smarter players in baseball today which would translate to MLB. Left Cornerback - BJ Upton - At 6’3 185 have fun getting seperation or catching jumpballs on him. Right Cornerback - Justin Upton - Can’t have one brother at one corner and not have the other brother at the other side. He’s bigger at 6’2 205 so have fun getting off the line on him. Also he’s the more cockier of the two. If you run his way he’s probably going to flip you and make you feel really stupid. Free Safety - Derek Jeter - At 6’3” 200 lbs, Jeter has the perfect size for a safety. You seen his work in short and sometimes in the corner was well. Pick City! Strong Safety - Jose Reyes - The NYC Metropolitan is 6’1” and 200 lbs even. He looks like he’d be great in the box, a fearless blitzer and a tight end’s down comforter.
Dime Back - Cristiano Ronaldo - Sure he is a skinny 165, but he’s 6’1 and quick enough to cover any slot or #4 wideout and blitz from the edge as well. Punter - Time Lincecum - He’s small like a punter, but pitches like a wizard. I have no basis for this, but the way with which he places his pitches exactly where they need to be leads me to believe that his punts will be no different. Special Team Specialist - Sean Avery - Most special teams studs are fan favorites, small sized, and scrappy. Avery at 5’10” 195 has all 3 bases covered. Dime Back - Cristiano Ronaldo - Sure he is a skinny 165, but he’s 6’1 and quick enough to cover any slot or #4 wideout and blitz from the edge as well. Punter - Time Lincecum - He’s small like a punter, but pitches like a wizard. I have no basis for this, but the way with which he places his pitches exactly where they need to be leads me to believe that his punts will be no different. Special Team Specialist - Sean Avery - Most special teams studs are fan favorites, small sized, and scrappy. Avery at 5’10” 195 has all 3 bases covered. Dime Back - Cristiano Ronaldo - Sure he is a skinny 165, but he’s 6’1 and quick enough to cover any slot or #4 wideout and blitz from the edge as well. Punter - Time Lincecum - He’s small like a punter, but pitches like a wizard. I have no basis for this, but the way with which he places his pitches exactly where they need to be leads me to believe that his punts will be no different.
non-football allstars
Nickel Back - Jozy Altidore - You see how much ground he covers on the soccer field. It’s a wrap when the gets on the football field. Watch out for him on the blitz too.
Special Team Specialist - Sean Avery - Most special teams studs are fan favorites, small sized, and scrappy. Avery at 5’10” 195 has all 3 bases covered. 17
in the trenches In the Booth: The Wildcat Formation text
Claude Clayborne
It’s the first day of class at 6Magazine Tech High School. On this day, when you walk in class and open your text and all you see is a big picture of Darren McFadden in his Arkansas Razorback glory days. Why is he here though? Outside of his natural abilities, he is here because of David Lee, Gus Malzan, and Houston Nutt in combination because of their genius formation known as the Wildhog for them and Wildcat for everyone else. For those who believe the masses, Guz Malzan created the Wildcat formation in 2006 while serving as assistant coach for the Razorbacks. Lee, current Miami Dolphins Offensive Coordinator, devised an offense that used a running back at quarterback and another running back as well, a running back. The additional running back is in fact the x-factor in this new trendy offensive phenomenon that’s taking over football. He also added other wrinkles such as including an extra tackle with the quarterback split out wide and putting the extra running back in motion. There are three basic plays that the running back runs, which are a power play to the strong side, a hand off to the offset running back who is running in motion before the play as he runs a basic off tackle run, and the last being a counter to the backside to counteract
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the defensive flow to the strong side. The challenge with the Wildcat formation for defenses is that they don’t know what is coming, even though all they have to worry about is three basic plays and maybe a few trick plays it is still a huge challenge for defenses. Colleges all across the country are running it, by whatever name they choose, Ole Miss has their “Wild Rebel”, Virginia Tech has the “Wild Turkey” and Oregon’s is known as the “Wild Duck”. Take Florida’s base offense for instance, subtract the extra lineman and they for the most part running the Wildcat. They have lots of speedy options on offense but they challenge you with a full time quarterback that is a valid threat at any time to put his nose down and get six to nine yards at any given time. When the Gators did get into the conventional Wildcat formation they spread the entire field and created and simultaneously gashed open running lanes vacated because of the receivers being spread all over the field. The Florida Gators are perhaps the best Wildcat formation college team. Although former Gator wideout Percy Harvin has left for the NFL, Chris Rainey, Jeff Demps, and Brandon James will fill his role just fine. “People in this league saw that if you don’t have a mobile quarterback, you can still attack in this way by putting the back, back there and
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wildcat splitting the quarterback out.” LSU coach Les Miles The Wildcat was thought to never work in the NFL, but the Miami Dolphins bucked the system and made it work very well over the course of the 2008 season. Running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams ran the Wildcat to perfection using the formation to rip the Patriots last year, running the formation only six times during the game and scoring four touchdowns. The ‘Fins also added some passing wrinkles with Brown tossing a halfback pass for a touchdown, and also running hybrid flea flickers with Chad Pennington tossing several deep balls as well for big plays downfield. Some would argue that the Wildcat is Pop Warner’s Single Wing T formation used from the grave, and for all likely purposes it is. However, the myriad of passing options solidifies its validity and the far reaching grip on football it has at every level. Why is this seemingly unconventional offense taking such a precedence in today’s refined offensive football diasporas? The answer is speed and simple mathematics. Typically offensive football (besides the Option, Read option, or quarterback draw) is played 10 men vs. 11 on defense. The wild [insert team name here] is legitimate 11 on 11 football with extra beef and tons of speed. This
is the same formula that makes the Flexbone of Georgia Tech and Wishbone of OU’s yesteryears go. The formation makes the defense defend every man on the field, and all those men on the field just happen to be faster than greased lightning. How did the spread of the wildcat reach the NFL, “Arkansas didn’t have a mobile quarterback; they had a passer, so they put McFadden back there,” Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told Steelers.com. “It all stems from everybody watching Arkansas tape in preparation for the draft.” The newest Wildcat quarterback this year will be Michael Vick for the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, Vick was brought in to be a quarterback first, but head coach Andy Reid will give defenses head aches preparing for all the possible formations they may face with Vick running the Wildcat. It was hard enough for teams to stop Vick when they were not sure if he was running or not, it will be even harder to stop him when there is actual planned blocking scheme for the exciting quarterback. What the Wildcat has missed in recent years was a legit passing threat, insert Michael Vick, who as I stated earlier is a quarterback first which means he has a cannon to thrown the ball deep and accurately.
I’m sure many defenses will take a page out of the Baltimore Ravens handbook and run blitz the Wildcat which stifled the trendy formation last year when the ‘Fins and Ravens met in ‘08. The biggest issue defenses have with the Wildcat may not be the plays executed, but the extra time used to prepare for possible Wildcat plays. If defenses spend ten to fifteen minutes of practice preparing for the Wildcat that’s ten to fifteen minutes they lose preparing for their opponents base offense which could come back to bite them if they are not properly prepared. So, the next time you see a relatively easy play turned loose for a big touchdown, the ghost of the Wildcat may have played a part. It’s not known whether the Wildcat is a trend or fad, but as for now it is here to stay. The formation has spread like a nano virus across the country. Who will get infected next the AFC West or the Mountain West? The answer remains to be seen, as for now there is no cure or antidote so get ready watch this wrinkle/virus to spread on Saturdays and Sundays for the time being.
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Jimmy Awards Preseason Awards list 1st team All-Americans Offense QB – Jevan Snead – Ole Miss RB – Jahvid Best – California RB – Jonathan Dwyer – GA Tech WR – Dez Bryant – Oklahoma State WR – Damien Williams – Southern Cal TE - Jermaine Gresham – Oklahoma OT - Russell Okung – Oklahoma State OG - Rodney Hudson - Florida State C - Kristofer O’Dowd – Southern California OG – Jeff Byars – Southern California OT – Ciron Black – Louisiana State K – Kai Forbath - UCLA KR - Marshawn Gilyard – Cincinnati ATH – Jeff Demps – Florida
Defnese DE – Carlos Dunlap – Florida DT - Gerald McCoy – Oklahoma DT – Ndamukong Suh – Nebraska DE – Jerry Hughes – Texas OLB – Sean Spence – Miami MLB – Brandon Spikes – Florida OLB – Sean Weatherspoon – Missouri CB – Syd’Quan Thompson - California CB – Trevard Lindley - Kentucky FS - Taylor Mays – Southern California SS- Eric Berry – Tennessee P – Zoltan Mesko – Michigan PR – Brandon James – Florida ATH – Sergio Kindle – Texas
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2nd Team All-Americans Offense QB – Colt McCoy - Texas RB – Nic Grigsby – Arizona RB – Noel Devine – West Virginia WR – Julio Jones – Alabama WR – A.J. Green – Georgia TE – D.J. Williams – Arkansas OT – Trent Williams – Oklahoma OG – Brandon Carter – Texas Tech C – Josh McNeil – Tennessee OG – Mike Johnson – Alabama OT – Sam Young – Notre Dame K – Josh Arauco – Arkansas State KR – Jordan Shipley – Texas ATH – Dexter McCluster – Ole Miss
Defense DE – George Selvie – South Florida DT – Tay Cody – Alabama DT – Marvin Austin – North Carolina DE - Antonio Coleman – Auburn OLB – Travis Lewis – Oklahoma MLB – Rolando McClain – Alabama OLB – Stevenson Sylvester – Utah CB – Joe Hayden – Florida CB – Patrick Robinson – Florida State FS – Reshad Jones – Georgia SS - Kam Chancellor – Virginia Tech P – Bryan Anger – California PR – Javier Arenas – Alabama ATH – Perrish Cox – Oklahoma State
in the trenches
NFL 1st team All-Pros
Offense
Defense
QB – Tom Brady - Patriots RB – Adrian Peterson - Vikings FB – Le’ron McClain - Ravens WR – Larry Fitzgerald - Cardinals WR – Randy Moss - Patriots TE - Antonio Gates- Chargers OT – Ryan Clady - Broncos OG – Leonard Davis - Cowboys C - Andre Gurode - Cowboys OG – Steve Hutchinson - Vikings OT – Joe Thomas - Browns K – Rob Bironas - Titans KR – Josh Cribbs - Cleveland ATH – Chris Johnson - Titans
DE – Julius Peppers – Panthers DT – Albert Haynesworth – Titans DT – Kevin Williams – Vikings DE – Jared Allen - Vikings OLB – DeMarcus Ware - Cowboys MLB – Patrick Willis – 49ers OLB – James Harrison – Steelers CB – Champ Bailey - Broncos CB – Nmandi Asomugha – Raiders FS - Ed Reed - Ravens SS – Troy Polomalu - Steelers P – Shane Lechler - Oakland PR – Devin Hester - Bears ATH – Shawne Merriman
Offense
Defense
QB – Drew Brees – Saints RB – Michael Turner – Falcons FB – Leonard Weaver – Seahawks WR – Andre Johnson – Texans WR – Reggie Wayne – Colts TE – Jason Witten – Cowboys OT – Walter Jones – Seattle OG – Chris Snee – Giants C – Jeff Saturday - Colts OG – Alan Faneca – Steelers OT – Brian Waters – Chiefs K – John Carney – Giants KR – Leon Washington - Jets ATH – Chad Johnson - Titans
DE – Mario Williams - Texans DT – Tommie Harris - Bears DT – Haloti Ngata - Ravens DE – Justin Tuck - Giants OLB – Terrell Suggs - Ravens MLB – Jon Beason – Carolina OLB – Lance Briggs – Bears CB – Asante Samuel – Eagles CB – Antonio Cromartie – Chargers FS – Reggie Nelson – Jaguars SS – Bob Sanders - Colts P – Jeff Feagles – Giants PR – Roscoe Parrish – Bills ATH – Darrelle Revis - Jets
2nd Team All-Pros 21
in the trenches
Spatted Up text
Claude Clayborne
The absolute best look in football, undoubtedly, is the spat, the over-the-cleat ankle tape job worn for support and style. In case you’re scratching your head: Spats are cloth coverings that fit over the top portion of shoes or boots. Football players don’t wear actual spats, but the way they tape their ankles sometimes makes it look that way. Who wants to wear clunky black cleats with high white socks? Nobody! Not to mention black cleats with low white socks, this look is enough to get a player snatched off the field and beaten by the fashion police. And the spat is completely functional: Having played football in both high school and college, I can’t imagine what I would have done without the spat. My favorite is the black on black spat, which consists of a black cleat wrapped with black tape. Athletes at Auburn, Missouri, Miami, Colorado, Michigan, and Ohio State employ the use of spats. Spats are sometimes used when a player injures an ankle. If you look closely in some games a player will have one shoe spatted in order to protect an old injury or help support a new one. Spatting is part of the grossly overlooked subsection of gridiron stylings. Other overlooked football fashion basics are visors, towels, tape belts, and any different combination of arm and leg adornments. In the words of Deion Sanders “If you look good you feel good. If you feel good you play good. If you play good they pay good.” Therefore, spats are the key to financial success for any football player. The godfather of the spatted look is Colts halfback Lenny Moore. The short version is that it provided more ankle support. Moore whose nickname was, of course, “Spats” is the only player whose tape was restricted to the upper part of the shoe. The more typical version involves taping under the bottom of the shoe, making sure that it does not come off in the heat of battle. Because the tape can obscure the Nike and Reebok logos, the manufacturers have responded by moving their logos toward the toe of the shoe instead of on the side of the shoe. Manufacturer guidelines in the NFL have become so specific that Nike and Reebok will end a sponsorship agreement with a player if they do not go spat-free. In fact, it was a dispute over this very issue that led Auburn to switch from Nike shoes to Under Armour. Word on the street is that Nike was upset that Auburn was taping over the swoosh on the former star running backs Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams, to protect their ankles and stay fresh on the field, nothing devious to spite Nike. Rumor also has it that Nike dropped Auburn over 22
it. This issue that Auburn had with Nike can be viewed as a spat over spats, as it were. Oregon is king of football uniforms, that is a fact that was handed down to us football brethren by Nastradamus. However, if you look closely during a game you will notice that some of the players who undoubtedly have a subscription to GQ and choose to adorn themselves with spats in accordance with high fashion values. So next time you see a tailback break through the line and cut left know he could not have done it unless he was spatted up! The NFL uniforms compared to the college uniforms are ugly. Plain and simple, they just don’t compare to how those college kids rock their jerseys. You would think that professional players would be granted a little more leeway in terms of dress code, but they aren’t. If your shirt tail hangs out, you’re fined. Socks down around your ankles, fined. If you’re not wearing the ugly socks, fined and the list goes on and on. You know what NFL, you win. We understand that if you bend the rules on the NFL dress code, you’ll have players sending messages through uniform modifications that may not reflect or convey the NFL properly. Cool, you don’t want a player to write “Obama” on his wrist band, because that could turn off Republican or non-Obama supporters off the NFL. The players aren’t the league, they are representatives of the league and they should be privileged to play in the NFL yadda yadda yadda, we know. I said you win didn’t I? I do make this request let us have the socks and shoes please. That’s all we(NFL players and fans) want is the socks and shoes! The godfather of 6Magazine, Deion Sanders, once said, “If you look good you feel good, If you feel good you play good, If you play good they pay good.” To the NFL player, their occupation is a great career, a very lucrative and enjoyable career, but still a career. There are tons of people who have careers that love, like and enjoy them. They enjoy them better when they have a cool CEO that allows the employees to be themselves a little bit and not be so buttoned up. Companies that allow casual work environments are great and often very successful. Employees are chipper, having fun, and this makes them want to work ten times harder for their CEO because they are giving them some room to be who they are. Too often in the business world, an employee’s main focus is blend in and represent the company. The NFL capitalizes of players all the time, I mean you know the real reason that although Chad Johnson’s name was legally changed to Ocho Cinco, he still had to wear the Chad “Johnson” jersey last season right? Well if you don’t, in short, the NFL did not have any printed “Ocho Cinco” jerseys and they would have lost money by not selling the “Chad Johnson” jerseys and by making new Ocho Cinco jerseys. It was a pure business move. An even better business move would be to give the players more leeway with their socks and shoes. You could keep it uniformed and only allow players to wear socks and shoes of their team colors or designated shoe color. Let the players wear colored shoes, of their team colors of course. Allow the players to tape their shoes with tape of the same color. This would eliminate the ugliness that plagues NFL
in the trenches
CHECK HIS FOOTWORK jerseys, those damn ugly ass socks. I admire players who find a way to make it look good, but the rule is stupid, there is no need for a white sock. Why is this a better business move? The players will look good, they will feel good, they will play good, and if they play good, the NFL will get paid good. Fans will be into new look and feel of the NFL. High school and college kids will be more entranced by the game. Imagine a fresh tape job on a New Orleans Saints uniform or even the Miami Dolphins. Of course, the players will be playing at an all time high, feeling free to be who they truly are and look fresh at the same time. NFL records will be broken by the droves and the NFL will be caked up with more money that it ever imagined. Heck, the NFL could even brand the socks and the tape, much like the NBA does with their socks. Mr. Goodell, you’re a fine owner, leader, and a great business man. Make a fashion statment. Give the players their sock and shoe freedom back!
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on the island
Pro Bowl Phenom to Homeless Hobo
CHRIS JOHNSON
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click image above to watch video
And with the 24th pick of the 2008 NFL draft, the Tennesee Titans select, Chris Johnson, the 5th best running back in the 2008 draft class. Running backs, Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, and Rashard Mendenhall were all selected ahead of Johnson, but for some odd reason he had more rushing yards (1,228) and TDs (9) than all of the previous backs taken before him and the only back in the entire 2008 class to be selected to the Pro Bowl. We can’t forget to mention that he shares carries with LenDale White so those already gaudy numbers might be down right retarded. 5th best running back drafted in ‘08? Nah homie, the best running back of the 2008 class and one of the best in the league. Johnson flies his 40 in 4.24 seconds, probably faster when people are chasing him. Catching Johnson from behind is like getting Lil’ Wayne to admit he is NOT the best rapper alive, neither of those two thing are going to happen, ever. Johnson has a new season to look forward to, a new self-proclaimed nickname, and he’s now homeless. We caught up with the fastest player in the NFL to see what’s been going on with him. 25
on the island
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click image below to hear Brandon Banks audio
BRandon
banks
Household name in ’09. Take that to the Bank. Brandon Banks ring a bell? Well it should. He is the best player in college football that no one is talking about outside of the state of Kansas and the Big 12 conference. The 5’7” 155 pound senior wide receiver out of Kansas State that won Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year in 2008 will be a household name this year, you just watch. Have you heard of Percy Harvin and Jeff Demps, the two wideouts that left dead grass streaks all of the SEC last year? I’m sure you have, Harvin was a first round draft pick last year, and Demps is one of Florida’s top returning players. Banks is considerably smaller than both, although they all three have the same playing style, but Banks is better than both of the Florida standouts. Yes, I said it. He is just as quick, a better route runner, has better hands, and for as small as he is he goes over the middle fearlessly. If he Banks was 5’10 175 and not 5’7 140 ish he was when he came out of JUCO, he would have been a 5 star recruit coming out of Bakersfield Junior College. Look at last year’s number for the KSU wideout. He posted 67 grabs for 1049 yards and 9 tds, added one more with a 93 yard touchdown run against Mizzou, and a 98 yard kick off return against Nebraska. I can’t wait to see what he does in 2009. Whatever it is, it will be monumental and this kid will play in the NFL. Once he gets there, he needs to buy Roscoe Parrish, Santana Moss, and Sinorice Moss all nice watches for bringing the extremely small wideouts back into style. 6Magazine caught up with Brandon to talk about the upcoming season.
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Motivation:
Randy Shannon text
OPTIMUS BONK
Randy Shannon is in his third year as the head coach at the University of Miami and even though he has a 12-13 record during his time at Miami. The “U” has the right coach at the right time to make a return to the elite in college football. Shannon has been associated with the Miami program since his playing days there in the late 1980’s. Shannon started as a graduate assistant in 1991 and has been coaching at Miami since, besides a 3-year hiatus in which he served in various coaching positions for the Miami Dolphins. Shannon is a Cane through and through and understands the essence of what it means to be a Hurricane from a player’s and a coach’s perspective. While success on the field has followed Shannon since his days at Miami Norland High school, what sets him apart is the heartache he has endured while his career has been as successful as any other coach in the country. When Shannon was 3, his father was murdered. Since then, he’s lost three drug-afflicted siblings to AIDS and saw one brother jailed for stealing Shannon’s identity. All of this puts the challenge of rejuvenating a Canes program rich in tradition and championships, in perspective.
“I will never feel my world is coming down. You have to control the world. You can never let it control you.” - Randy Shannon Randy Shannon has never been a victim of circumstance. Randy Shannon has never let his environment and surroundings detract from the goals he has set for himself. Nowhere has this been more evident than his successes as a defensive coordinator at Miami. Shannon was the winner of the 2001 Frank Broyles Award as national assistant coach of the year. In Miami’s 2001 National Championship year his defense ranked number one in turnover margin, scoring
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on the island defense and pass efficiency. This was not a fluke as Miami lost first round draft pick after first round draft pick on the defensive side of the ball Shannon’s defenses excelled year after year. During Shannon’s six years as UM’s defensive coordinator, his defenses ranked as follows in total defense nationally: 2001 - 6th, 2002 - 7th, 2003 2nd, 2004 - 28th, 2005 - 4th, 2006 - 7th. Shannon is a defensive genius; to maintain that type of defensive success is really awe-inspiring. More impressive is that some of those teams during this string of defensive supremacy were average at best with only the 2001 team posting a national championship. Coach Shannon had his first winning season last year leading the Canes to a 7-6 record. The Hurricanes finished the season with a tough loss to California, 17 -24, in the Emerald Bowl. The same toughness and character that illuminates Shannon will be tested this year. The Hurricanes first four games are against, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, and Oklahoma. The coach has to have a lot of confidence in himself and his young team, which many consider is a year or two away from greatness to have the moxy to schedule such a tough schedule. The gamble could make or break Shannon’s tenure in Miami. A team is a reflection of their coach, expect the Hurricanes to soon resemble the Hurricanes of old with high confidence in themselves and no fear for anyone else. Aside from a great coach, Shannon is also a disciplinarian. Miami led the ACC in academic all-conference honorees with 13 in 2007. Furthermore, Shannon has a list of strict rules. Among them: no hats or cell phones in the football facility and no hats at dinner. He also sets aside time to speak with his players about how to treat women. Shannon is as well-rounded an individual as they come personifying what it is to be a contributing member of society. Through all the struggles he has endured in his life, he still takes the time to be more than just a football coach, but a mentor and leader for his football team. Randy Shannon may not win a national championship this year, but if he continues to rope off South Florida as “Canes Only” recruiting territory, he will win at title in short order. Shannon has stood on the shoulders of giants and should serve as an example for those who think their circumstances are too much to bear. Charles Barkley may not be a role model but Randy Shannon is on the field and off it.
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upcoming games PREVIEW text
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richard boadu
2-minute drill
Week 1
Week 2
Georgia vs. Oklahoma State
USC vs. Ohio State
Georgia loses their quarterback and running back to the first round of the NFL draft as well as their senior wide receiver. This will be a test to see how good of a recruiter Mark Richt is. OSU, however is primed and ready for a national championship push. We’ll see if they are the real deal or not very early in the season.
USC has lost too many key people to be able to put up a good fight in this one. Remember last year’s rout of the Buckeyes, look for them to avenge that loss in the same fashion this year. The sideshow between Terrelle Pryor and Taylor Mays will be a great one to watch as well.
Bama vs. Va Tech.
Syracuse vs. Penn State
Bama loses their starting left tackle, quarterback and running back to the NFL draft. Va Tech loses its starting tailback to season ending knee injury. Even? I don’t know about all that, but Bama returns 9 starters on defense that only allowed 74 ypg last season against the run. Don’t forget the Hokies have Tyrod Taylor under center, this should be a good one.
It’ll be interesting to see how Greg Paulus fares at quarterback against a tough Big 10 defense on the road after not playing football for four years.
UM vs. FSU
Bills vs. Patriots
The annual battle for Florida game between the University of Miami against Florida State will take place. Now, I know them boys in Gainseville will take issue with me saying this is the Battle for Florida but historically speaking it has been. Nevertheless, both teams don’t have quite the same glory as they did in the past, the game will still be a good one and something to watch Labor Day evening after all your cookouts have ended.
T.O. vs. Randy Moss. Do you need anymore details? Okay, 139 td grabs for Owens (2nd all-time) vs. 135 td grabs for Moss (3rd alltime, who knows how many he’d have if he wasn’t sent to the Hell of an organization that is the Oakland Raiders for two seasons). Oh ya, Tom Brady is back too.
Week 3
Week 4
Tennessee vs. Florida
California vs. Oregon
Did you not hear all the mess NEW(as in hasn’t even coached a game yet and didn’t’ do too hot in his last stint with the Raiders) Tennessee Head Coach Lane Kiffin was talking all off-season. This will be a lesson learned to act like head coach and keep his mouth shut.
The will be the first test for the Cal Bears as the look to run the town of the Pac-10 while USC is in a down year, and could be Jahvid Best’s Heisman trophy game as well.
Saints vs. Eagles It’s quite possible for Reggie Bush and Michael Vick to be on the same field. Even if they are not, Donovan McNabb and Drew Brees will put on a show.
Southern Miss vs. Kansas This is more of a sleeper than a big game, but look for So. Miss stars, running back Damion Fletcher and wideout Andre Brown to make big noise in the national spotlight.
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FAN CONTEST here is how it goes.
you write, we like, we publish, you star. Write a story, any story you’d like 500-750 words. Send us links to the images you would like to use with your story so that we may legally purchase and publish them. You know all the red tape garb. Either way, if you ball out, we’ll publish you. At the end of the year the Yes, it’s that simple. Get ya grind on’ homie so you can get published with the quickness. The same goes for our photographers and illustrators. Picture taker people, send us your best action photography shots and they could get published in our next issue and be a photographer on a 6Magazine feature story. Illustrators, send us your best art work and you could get published in an upcoming issue of 6Magazine. The beauty of it is that at the end of the year, all the writers will have a chance to be guest editor of the final 2009/2010 issue, the photographers will have the chance to be photographers on the 6Magazine feature story, and the illustrators will have a chance to design an entire issue of 6Magazine. 6Magazine is written for the players and fans, so why not let you all get in on the producing of this publication. Send all of your stories, photographs, and illustrations to
[email protected]. Materials will be due 25th of each month to insure insertion into the next month’s issue. We can’t wait to see what you all have in store on September 25th. Good luck!
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NEXT ISSUE PREVIEW text
richard boadu
Check out the next issue of 6Magazine next month. We will have a special NFL superstar be guest editor for our October issue. He’s primarily calling the shots, but we’ll talk about a few things such as the lames in the game that are stealing money from hard working NFL owners and some of the most underrated players in the NFL. We explore the exploitation of college football players and much more. Thanks for supporting our first issue baby! Holla at us! PS – It’s football season again! Damn. Take time out to research the great Walter Camp for creating this game that we all love. And for all those addicted to
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football is back. time to go ham.