David Ball Cut http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080830/SPORTS/808300334/1004/SPORTS New York Jets release David Ball August 30, 2008 By James Biggam Times Argus Staff Former New York Jets wide receiver David Ball tries to make a catch as he is hit by Philadelphia's Nick Graham during Thursday's preseason game. Photo: AP Photo David Ball's eight-month stint with the New York Jets ended Friday when the NFL team released the 24-year-old Spaulding High School graduate. "I've had an opportunity to really build quite a relationship with a lot of the guys and it was tough with all of the cuts today," Ball said during a phone interview while he was driving back to Vermont. "A lot of good players came into training camp and a lot of good players left. There were a lot of empty lockers and a lot of hurt feelings. It's one of the toughest parts to this league because I made a lot of friendships with my teammates and now I've got to make some new ones." Ball is optimistic that another team will show interest in him following Sunday's deadline for final cuts. He gained national name recognition at the University of New Hampshire, where he hauled in 58 career touchdown receptions to break the previous collegiate mark of 50 set by Jerry Rice. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound wide receiver also ranks second for career receiving yards (4,655) in college and he tied another Rice record by racking up 100 receiving yards in 23 different games. "Right now I'm waiting to hear from my agent, who called me about potentially (signing with) another team," Ball said. "Some teams could suffer four injuries in the last pre-season game and have to scramble to fill some spots before the season. And typically the first few weeks of the NFL season it can be pretty hectic." With Friday marking the final day of preseason, this year's NFL season is set to kick off Thursday when the New York Giants host the Washington Redskins. In the meantime, Ball hopes to relax a bit back in the Green Mountain State and then see which teams are in the market for wide receivers after Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline for final cuts. "Right now I'm in great shape and I've got a football mindset," he said. "I've been molded into a football player ? it's become my profession and I'm willing to go out and compete however I'm needed. It's all about sticking your foot in the door and opportunities will come your way. That's what I'm hoping for. And each preseason, as long as I have an opportunity to put more and more film (clips) together, that will give me the chance to let other teams hear about me." Ball caught two passes for 15 yards during Thursday's 27-20 preseason victory over the Eagles, including a 6-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. He failed to catch another pass, but the ball was significantly underthrown. "I've grown very accustomed to that end zone and any time I get in there it feels great," he said. "I don't think there's ever been a skill player from Vermont who's had a touchdown in an NFL game, so it was a great experience. It felt a little bit different because it was the first one for me and you always want to get that under your belt, but it doesn't change much." A three-sport standout at Spaulding, Ball helped the Crimson Tide win one basketball state championship and also claimed seven individual titles in track and field. Following his career at UNH, he was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2007. After about six months, the Bears released him officially on Sept. 24, 2007. The Jets then signed Ball to their practice squad on Nov. 29 and added him to their active roster under a one-year contract on Dec. 29. After spending much of the summer in Vermont, Ball returned to New York for training camp and became a target for Brett Favre after the Jets signed the legendary quarterback on Aug. 7. "Catching balls from him was an amazing experience ? only players from the Packers really had the chance to do that before," Ball said. "He's going to be a Hall of Famer, so to be able to be on the same practice field with him was unbelievable. He really picked up the offense quickly and he's going to be a great piece of the puzzle for them this year." Despite Friday's setback, Ball is still proud to have made it through his second preseason in one piece. "I'm just happy to get through another NFL training camp healthy and to be able to carry on hopefully with another team," he said. "It's a tough thing in this game, going out for four weeks in the preseason and battling for a job. It's top-caliber, high-speed contact, and I survived it and I'm healthy. Now I'm ready to have a good season with somebody else."
Jacob Bender Cut http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&p=9&c=2&cid=784871&nid=3684186&fhn=1 BREAKING NEWS: Jets Waive Bender by Scout Rumor Central of ScoutNFLNetwork.com, August 30, 2008 at 3:27pm ET Jacob Bender Profile The New York Jets waived backup OL Jacob Bender, Scout Rumor Central has confirmed. The former sixth-round pick out of the 2007 draft was backing up at guard and tackle during training camp.
with our WR depth (and TE and RB depth) Ball never even had an outside chance of making anything other than the practice squad
At first I thought he'd be a good project.. turns out he's a walking penalty box. Good luck and good riddance, Mr. Bender.
I thought this guy had some potential, but could feel the noose tightening every time I saw him get a penalty or miss a block this summer.
I don't think there was ever a question that the guy was going to make the roster. He was a long-shot from day 1.
A few names released from Cimini http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/ LB Matt Chatham CB Hank Poteat OT Jacob Bender TE Jason Pociask S Cameron Worrell (waived/injured) OT Nate Garner (seventh-round pick)
i hate losing late round picks to cuts in their rookie seasons. i think we should trade all our 6th-7th round picks and try to move up to a 4th round pick, since we always find our gems there.
I think he has some talent and seems like a good sport.. I would have liked to see him make the cut, even if the chances were slim.
