Re: Local kid needs lobbyists...

[Tutor]

On Apr 29, 10:45 am, buRford <buRf...@buR.ford.com> wrote:
> I just stumbled on this article...  love the kids name, and he went to one of my *alma
> maters*   ;)
>
> Undrafted Stony Brook RB Conte Cuttino generates internet buzz as Jets rookie mini-camp
> nears
> By Manish Mehta/The Star-Ledger
> April 28, 2010, 6:37PM
>
> The groundswell of support came without warning, a tweeting tidal wave that flooded my
> account.
>
> Not long after the NFL draft wrapped up, Jets fans went on a Twitter march for a running
> back from their backyard. They recited his stats, relayed his skills and attached a catchy
> hashtag to all their tweets -- #Cuttino2NYJets.
>
> Before long, I felt like I’d known Stony Brook’s Conte Cuttino my entire life.
>
> For all the transactions the Jets have made this offseason, the fans have one more move
> they'd like their team to execute: Give this Long Island kid a chance at rookie mini-camp
> this weekend.
>
> Strip away his social media savvy - Cuttino is active on Twitter and Facebook - and here’s
> what’s left: A 5-10, 200-pound running back with impressive skills. Cuttino, Stony Brook’s
> all-time leading rusher (3,067 yards), gained 836 yards on 177 carries (4.5 ypc) last
> season in the Division 1-AA Big South Conference.
>
> Although certain restrictions apply, there’s no limit to the number of tryout players for
> rookie mini-camps. In other words, the Jets - who recently left their long-time training
> camp home at Hofstra - really have nothing to lose to invite the Long Island native.
>
> For now, Mickey Dean (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) and Marlon Lucky (Nebraska) are the only
> running backs who will be trying out during the Jets rookie mini-camp April 30-May 2. Rex
> Ryan’s club, of course, is pretty well set at the position with Shonn Greene, LaDainian
> Tomlinson, Joe McKnight and Chauncey Washington.
>
> Cuttino, who starred at Uniondale High School in Long Island, simply wants a chance to
> display his skills.
>
> "I can give a team diversification with my abilities," Cuttino told The Star-Ledger in an
> email. "I have quickness and catching ability that make me able to be a change-up back. I
> can be a threat in the pass game, like screens, routes out the back field and in the slot
> position. My drive and determination, along with my talent, makes me a great player to
> work with for any coach. I feel that if given the opportunity to participate in a minicamp
> or if I am given a tryout, I will open a lot of eyes and raise some eyebrows just like in
> my pro days, where I ran a 4.45 40yd at Albany. I truly feel that I have the ability to
> matchup or exceed my competition on the field in the NFL."
>
> Cuttino - who has the Twitter handle @Cuttino_01 - has received hundreds of tweets this
> week from the Jets’ faithful.
>
> A sampling of the support:
>
> From @WVU_RedsNYJ_K_I: "#Cuttino2NYJets only seems logical. He's got potential outta this
> world. Watch sum film. I don't care who he is playin against"
>
> From @D_Wyatt13: "Conte's #s compared to RB's at combine: 40 yard (4th best), Vertical
> (2nd best), Broad Jump (1st), 3 cone (1st) 20 yard (1st) #Cuttino2NYJets"
>
> From @WG_SPA: "#Cuttino2NYJets Sign this dude Jets!!! He is better then Danny Woodhead!!"
>
> Some people implored Jets players " From @PortugalBoy: “@Revis24 Hey Dude let Mr. T know
> that the #Jets fans want @Cuttino_01 to be given a chance. #Cuttino2NYJets"
>
> @Gscott1847 cut right to the chase: "#Cuttino2NYJets #Cuttino2NYJets #Cuttino2NYJets
> #Cuttino2NYJets #Cuttino2NYJets #Cuttino2NYJets #Cuttino2NYJets #Cuttino2NYJets #NFL
> #NyJets"
>
> "I truly feel blessed to know that I have so many people in my corner as I go about this
> journey to achieving my dream," Cuttino said. "Taking my time to network through Facebook
> and Twitter and be close to fans and others definitely is paying off. Things can be done
> more effectively with hundreds of voices instead of one (me). I thank all that voice their
> opinion and support on Twitter and am deeply grateful for them all. I am really humbled by
> the outpouring."

BuRf... you went to Stony Brook? I started college there back in the
"Bridge to Nowhere" days. Transferred in my soph year and finished
at Queens College.