Jarvis Varnado

[espn_hall_of_famer]

Just a curiosity question. With the Chris Johnson signing, it got me to thinking back at why Chris Johnson was an afterthought in the SEC for centers back in his day and it was due to the 3-time SEC defensive player of the year Varnado with MSSt breaking every block record Shaq had created and averaging nearly 5 BPG for his last 3 years.

So I remember Miami drafted him in the 2nd round and cut him from the roster and now he's off playing in some obscure Italian league. So I assume they hold his rights, but how hard would it be to trade away some of our 2nd round scraps to Miami to get that from them and bring in a true center? Just wondering if anyone has any takes on that idea.

 

[PapaG]

I liked Varnado as a freak prospect. Players who do niche things really well (in this case, block shots) always make me wonder how that skill with translate into the NFL. I'm surprised he didn't land on an NBA roster. Athletically, he is way above average for the NBA. I saw him play against UW in the 2009 NCAA tournament at the RG, though, and Brockman ate his lunch.

 

[chris_in_pdx]

Works for me. Nate and his crew seem to be able to work magic with poo-poo platter players lately.

 

[RR7]

I liked Varnado as a freak prospect. Players who do niche things really well (in this case, block shots) always make me wonder how that skill with translate into the NFL. I'm surprised he didn't land on an NBA roster. Athletically, he is way above average for the NBA. I saw him play against UW in the 2009 NCAA tournament at the RG, though, and Brockman ate his lunch.

My guess is his ability to block shots didn't translate well enough to the NFL, so nobody gave him a look.

 

[PapaG]

My guess is his ability to block shots didn't translate well enough to the NFL, so nobody gave him a look.

I'm watching football.