Full Set of Gear

X recounts his few days practicing with the University of Tennessee Volunteers:

I had a full set of gear, but don't recall if the jersey was orange or not.

I know I had SALMON X written in black magic marker, on white duct tape, on the front of my helmet -- so the scholarship players knew which dullard they were nailing during the drills.

I guess the highlight was getting reamed out (see note below) by Jim Bates (current Green Bay Packer defensive coordinator) because I didn't do something correctly in the linebacker drills. He was the Dolphins interim coach last year for a while I think. Shon Walker tackled me almost full speed during a half speed drill with all of the players cheering as he hurtled me backwards into the dirt.

I did actually get in some tackles in a scrimmage and believe I tackled Chuck Webb or one of the all-star running backs once (maybe Tony Thompson?).

Another semi highlight that second day was seriously being scared they were going to call my name during the drill where you have one blocker and one runner -- going against a defender. It's called the gaunlet or something. They had lineman as the runners, etc. There were some tremendous collisions. The loudest, most ferocious hits I've ever witnessed in my life.

I really just did two days of spring practice. This was after three months of winter drills/weightlifting with Mark Moore.

Note: He said something like X, do you think I'm doing this for my health! because he had to repeat the drill to me or something. I am almost certain that was his exact quote. Keep in mind he had no idea who I was other than that duct tape saying SALMON X in big bold dullard lettering.