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Chick Ludwig covers the Cincinnati Bengals. He also writes about his other passions: college football, basketball and golf.Home > Blogs > Chick Ludwig At Large > Archives > 2008 > June > 05 > Entry
Two rookie CFAs with a chance to stick
‘DON’T JUST MAKE THE TEAM;
MAKE THE TEAM BETTER’
Two of the most pleasant surprises during OTAs are rookie college free agents — cornerback Simeon Castille (Alabama) and tailback James Johnson (Kansas State).
They just don’t look good. They look fantastic. Castille fell out of the draft with a slow 40 time, but is showing his ability to make plays on the ball in the air. All Johnson is doing is running with great burst and toughness.
Head coach Marvin Lewis recently singled out both players as a pair of guys who have flashed and caught the coaches’ attention.
“That’s always good when the head coach recognizes your play,” Castille said. “I’m just out here trying to make some plays and first of all learn the plays, and just contribute.
“Coach Coyle (defensive backs coach Kevin Coyle) has this sign in his office that says, ‘Don’t just make the team. Make the team better.’ That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m not trying to just be out there. I actually want to contribute and be one of the guys that, if it comes time for me to go in, then they’re not worried. They can depend on me.”
Folks, believe me, both of these cats have a chance to stick.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment | Categories: Bengals
Comments
By Derrick
June 5, 2008 2:10 PM | Link to this
It is always exciting to hear about players like these who get a slim chance and make the most of it. I hope it works out well for everyone.By harold
June 5, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this
Castille has a good chance to stick, but where will Johnson stick? Already there are six players for the position which they generally keep four (Rudi Johnson, Jeremi Johnson, Watson, Perry, Dorsey,and Irons) and that doesn’t include Coats. At best he can make the pactice squad.By Irish Murphy
June 5, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this
We have so many running backs it isn’t funny, I just hope the coaches get it right as to who to keep. As far as Castille, while a longshot as well, I just hope the coaches get it right as to who to keep. ABy psychostats
June 5, 2008 11:50 PM | Link to this
Uh oh. Doug Gabriel lasted only a few short days after the Chickster gave him a nod. Now we have these poor lambs being lead to the slaughter. Should be interesting to see if they make it through the month of June.By TJ da man
June 6, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
Hey, Castille can play and had no business lasting thru the whole stupid draft. I hate Bama, but you ask anybody down here in SEC country that knows the game and everyone will say the same thing. He’s an NFL football player. Much more so than Ethan Kilmer. Kilmer is a tremendous athlete that is learning how to play the game at a position. Not only will he make the team, you’ll see him on defensive sets, ot just on special teams. Heard it here first.By Mikey
June 9, 2008 9:52 AM | Link to this
To those who say we have too many running backs for the newest Johnson to make the squad: Jeremi Johnson is a fat lazy pig who has not performed to his level of pay, who has not worked to stay in shape, and who frankly, did great his rookie season, but after he got his raise, he punked out on us and the team. Kenny Irons will end up on the PUP list at minimum if not on IR for the entire season. All reports say he isn’t ready to play, and his injury is taking longer than expected to heal. Thank you Bengals Medical Staff for your continued ineptness. Chris “Two-Carry” Perry will injure himself putting on his pads for the first time. He is bound for the IR list, again. We might as well do an injury settlement and let him retire, because he’s Mr. Glass. That leaves our stable at R. Johnson, Watson, and Dorsey. Johnson has every opportunity to beat out Dorsey and Watson. Even if he doesn’t, he is eligible for the practice squad.