Duane Brown/Xavier Adibi from a former VT equipment manager

[VTFootballGrad]

Hello all you Texans fans. I thought you might want to hear some inside information on the 2 guys you selected from VT. I know both players very well. I was an equipment manager with VT for 4 years and i worked specifically with the Linebackers for my final 3 seasons.

Let me tell you, the Texans picked up to of the most classy guys on our team for the past 4 years. Both of these are very athletic and stand up guys.

There is no better team player then Duane Brown. He came in as tight end and like everyone expected because of his tremendous size he moved to RT his sophomore year. Then the next year he moved to left tackle. He truly was the anchor of our O-line the past 3 years. He has tremendous speed and if he can't start at the online right away he will be a great asset for you guys on special teams. He might be a little raw, but I believe he can play just about anywhere for you guys because of his speed. He is the ultimate team player and you won't be disappointed in him. His nickname is the big luscious.

Now X is just a great player. He can be plugged right into your OLB position and make plays. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and technique. He broke the VT speed record for speed in the 40 at around 4.6. I can't remember the number exactly, but I recorded the time before spring practice started 2 years ago. He is a great guy and after working with the linebackers for 3 years, he had the best technique out of all of our LB's. He is smart, he can hit, hes great in coverage from sideline to sideline, and he has great hands. I can't believe he fell so far, but let me tell you he will not disappoint. I wouldn't be surprised if they moved him to strong safety because of his size, but wherever he plays I'm sure he'll be great.

Hey I'll be checking my post periodically today, if you have any questions fire away.

[SAMURAITEXAN]

Thanks for your insight! Yes, we are looking forward to seeing them in texans uniform this year.

GO TEXANS!!

[WaldovonPutz]

Hey, thanks for the info. It really helps the average fan because there was some "expert" arguments about Brown. We stand at ease. The X man just looks terrific in his highlights. He will join an up and coming defensive secondary here with the Texans. I really believe we are building a hard nose defensive minded, running team here and I am sure he will get a chance to be a big contributor. "Big Luscious". eh?

[VTFootballGrad]

Is what our old Tight End coach that gave him that name. I'm thinking because he was big and luscious for tight end, but know one really knows why. He got fired a year later, but no biggy. You just would hear the coach yelling it all the time. It just stuck.

[Jwwillis1]

Cool we got the "big luscious" and the "x-man". I am so pumped.

[larryj357]

Going into the draft I wanted Adibi. So I was really happy when we got him. I remember him contributing as a freshman on that really good VA Tech defense. To come from a defense with that pedigree is a good thing.

[SuperstarII]

Is what our old Tight End coach that gave him that name. I'm thinking because he was big and luscious for tight end, but know one really knows why. He got fired a year later, but no biggy. You just would hear the coach yelling it all the time. It just stuck.

If some guy called me big luscious and it was a guy. I would have to question him. I myself am a big guy and wouldn't like that nick name...

thanks for the info dude! I can't wait to see what these guys bring to the playing field.

[HuttoKarl]

If some guy called me big luscious and it was a guy. I would have to question him. I myself am a big guy and wouldn't like that nick name...

thanks for the info dude! I can't wait to see what these guys bring to the playing field.

Maybe a girl gave him that name and it just stuck???

[SuperstarII]

Maybe a girl gave him that name and it just stuck???

I wouldn't mind that, but I think he said the coach gave it to him.

[VTFootballGrad]

by most of the staff and players. I didn't have a problem with him, but hey he's big he's luscious, and he can block. Thats what the Texan's need.

[headsplint]

by most of the staff and players. I didn't have a problem with him, but hey he's big he's luscious, and he can block. Thats what the Texan's need.

Big Lucious is fine with me. I don't care what ya call him we got our LT! Thanks btw for the insight and welcome to the board. If you could say in one word how the VT coaches would sum him up what it would it be?

[VTFootballGrad]

special. This because of his speed. He was a solid special teams player along with a solid tackle. He was on Pride (punt team) because he could get down faster then any other linemen. His speed is what makes him so great and hes a great team player. I saw him 2 weeks before the draft and I told him your jumping up all the draft boards because of the combine. I was like you were listed as a 5th rounder and after the combine you shot up all the way to the second round. He won't disappoint!

[SMC-22]

Hey you can't beat info direct from the source.I bet it's pretty sweet to have several friends get to the NFL at the same time.

[headsplint]

special. This because of his speed. He was a solid special teams player along with a solid tackle. He was on Pride (punt team) because he could get down faster then any other linemen. His speed is what makes him so great and hes a great team player.

Ya the video I watched showed one run play where he made his block at the Line of scrimmage, and then he caught up to the running back and made another key block that really just made the play, but what impressed me was how fast he got back into the play to make that second block where alot of other guys wouldn't have the speed to do that. I am so excited about this pick. I don't care where he was slated to be drafted, i'm just stoked we went LT with our first pick, and i'm glad it was him. I had no idea who he was prior to the draft but my man love for this guy is steadily growing. :D

[VTFootballGrad]

entire draft just to see where people would land. Another manager and I were talking over the phone and we were just like we have to keep up with lot's of different teams now because we know these guys real well. The thing is one of our best players didn't even get drafted. Vince Hall was a great leader and player. I was so surprised he didn't get picked up, but got signed by the Ram's. Vince was more productive then X just not the same type of athlete. We used to argue who was better Vince or X, but X was no doubt the most athletic. X's brother Nathaniel who played for the Jags for a bit said X would most likely play Strong Safety in the NFL, but either way he's a great player.

[da Bull]

Along the lines of Duane Brown and VT. What are your thoughts regarding Brandon Frye?

[TransplantTexan1]

In 2006, after Mario Williams was picked first (to the chagrin of 95% of football fans, Texans and otherwise), we went into the second round with a room full of fans depressed and disillusioned by whoever we were going to pick at #33. When DeMeco Ryans was on the board, I was hoping we'd go after him because we lacked athleticism at LB. When he was called, I was ecstatic (I'd seen DeMeco play the year before, including in the Cotton Bowl, where he helped neutralize Tech's explosive offense, and I was sold). I knew we were going to have a potential pro bowler at LB.

While I'm not expecting Adibi to be a pro bowler, I did get the same rush when he was picked. I think he's going to be a helluva player for us.

As for Brown, I'm optimistic. He wasn't my first choice at tackle but the fact that Gibbs in particular seems to really like the guy is reason enough to feel comfortable with the pick (especially if we were able to pick up Slaton as a result of moving down).

In any case, thanks Equipment Manager for the testimonials on the two guys. We're hoping to really get to know these two kids very well over the coming years.

[VTFootballGrad]

was not that great at Tech. He always sucked in practice, but when he got his first chance in the Gator Bowl he played really well against Elvis Dumberville. He started his entire senior season, but I never thought he was gonna get drafted. He's a nice guy and he works hard to keep his weight on. If he doesn't eat whats on his diet he could drop 20 pounds in close to a week. He could be a serviceable backup nothing more.

[da Bull]

Thanks. He came into the Texan's fold with some fanfare (hype) then sort-of disappeared onto the practice squad (a couple of times, I think) without much discussion. I wondered why and now you've at least presented a bit of an explanation. Thanks again for your input on the VT-Texans.

[zanth91]

Howdy Virgin(ian). nah jk! :p

I'm very happy and excited the Texans have drafted (what I can see on video) 2 great players. Both fit exactly what we need. Thanks for reporting and keep coming back!

[michael123]

GO TEXANS BABY,.... CANT WAIT FOR THE 08-09 season.

[eyeguy]

How does he compare with Brandon Frye?

[zanth91]

How does he compare with Brandon Frye?

Basically, Frye is just a bit slower. Better inside guy.

[TEXANottoMAN]

I just love inside info. Thanks.

[Towlie]

Hello all you Texans fans. I thought you might want to hear some inside information on the 2 guys you selected from VT. I know both players very well. I was an equipment manager with VT for 4 years and i worked specifically with the Linebackers for my final 3 seasons.

Let me tell you, the Texans picked up to of the most classy guys on our team for the past 4 years. Both of these are very athletic and stand up guys.

There is no better team player then Duane Brown. He came in as tight end and like everyone expected because of his tremendous size he moved to RT his sophomore year. Then the next year he moved to left tackle. He truly was the anchor of our O-line the past 3 years. He has tremendous speed and if he can't start at the online right away he will be a great asset for you guys on special teams. He might be a little raw, but I believe he can play just about anywhere for you guys because of his speed. He is the ultimate team player and you won't be disappointed in him. His nickname is the big luscious.

Now X is just a great player. He can be plugged right into your OLB position and make plays. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and technique. He broke the VT speed record for speed in the 40 at around 4.6. I can't remember the number exactly, but I recorded the time before spring practice started 2 years ago. He is a great guy and after working with the linebackers for 3 years, he had the best technique out of all of our LB's. He is smart, he can hit, hes great in coverage from sideline to sideline, and he has great hands. I can't believe he fell so far, but let me tell you he will not disappoint. I wouldn't be surprised if they moved him to strong safety because of his size, but wherever he plays I'm sure he'll be great.

Hey I'll be checking my post periodically today, if you have any questions fire away.

http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/character10.gif (http://smileyjungle.com) http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/character23.gif (http://smileyjungle.com) http://smileyjungle.com/smilies/character49.gif (http://smileyjungle.com)

[CoogBull]

Did Brown ever have any signifigant issues with injuries while at VT?

[HydrOshocK]

Excellent thread VT. This is the type of information we need in order to settle everyone's draft nerves around here. The "reach" talk is starting to turn into "bust" talk, all because of where the guy was supposed to be drafted. The fact is that it was a value pick. We would not have been able to get our OT in the 3rd round and the Cowboys snagged the best CB still available so we used it to take Brown anyway.

Who cares if it's the sexy pick? If the best line coach in the business says he's the guy then I have no doubt he's that good. The fact that Brown studies law tells you he has the brains to learn any position our coaches want him to. With his size and quickness I have a feeling he'll be making it to the second level real quick on his blocks. Add backs like Green, Taylor, Walker, and Slaton to the mix and you have an explosive offense, which we desperately want and need.

As for X I have never really followed him, but I've definitely heard his name name called in several VT games. In a way he also reminds me of the Zac Diles pick because they are both smaller sized LBs. X would probably have to bulk up his frame if he wants to be an every down LB in the pros though because 220 is too small.....that's why I love your suggestion that he could play SS. Trust me, I don't think any of us would have a problem with that. ;)

A guy with his quicks will be all over the field much like a bigger version of Bob Sanders.....I'm down with that.

[edo783]

That "Where he is supposed to be drafted" gets me. That might hold true somewhat if we ran a conventional line scheme, but ZBS guys don't fall into that mold. I said elswhere that the 10th ranked tackle for normal schemes might in fact be the #1 ranked guy for a ZBS scheme. So if you picking a guy for the ZBS, the normal rankings really don't come into play. In this draft there were only 4 actuall ZBS type guys Clady, Williams, Albert and Brown. Not sure I believe this, but supposidly Gibbs like Brown the most.

[misterpc]

Interesting, thanks for the insight. Im really curious about the position Adibi will play. Although I would like to see somebody take over CC Brown's spot at safety, converted LBs make me nervous in the secondary. From what the coaches have said so far it sounds like they consider him a LB. After all Adibi is basically the same size as D. Ryans and Z. Diles. He weighed in at 236 lbs at the combine, which makes me think linebacker more than safety. From the highlights I saw he is good in coverage though and quick too...

[TiredofSuffering]

I do think we stole Adibi where we got him.

[Wolf123]

Love hearing great things about our picks. Look out NFL the texans are coming!

[ib4texans]

Excellent thread VT. This is the type of information we need in order to settle everyone's draft nerves around here. The "reach" talk is starting to turn into "bust" talk, all because of where the guy was supposed to be drafted. The fact is that it was a value pick. We would not have been able to get our OT in the 3rd round and the Cowboys snagged the best CB still available so we used it to take Brown anyway.

Who cares if it's the sexy pick? If the best line coach in the business says he's the guy then I have no doubt he's that good. The fact that Brown studies law tells you he has the brains to learn any position our coaches want him to. With his size and quickness I have a feeling he'll be making it to the second level real quick on his blocks. Add backs like Green, Taylor, Walker, and Slaton to the mix and you have an explosive offense, which we desperately want and need.

As for X I have never really followed him, but I've definitely heard his name name called in several VT games. In a way he also reminds me of the Zac Diles pick because they are both smaller sized LBs. X would probably have to bulk up his frame if he wants to be an every down LB in the pros though because 220 is too small.....that's why I love your suggestion that he could play SS. Trust me, I don't think any of us would have a problem with that. ;)

A guy with his quicks will be all over the field much like a bigger version of Bob Sanders.....I'm down with that.



Hmmmmmm, I think that SS would be oh so nasty!

[greedimidi]

That "Where he is supposed to be drafted" gets me. That might hold true somewhat if we ran a conventional line scheme, but ZBS guys don't fall into that mold. I said elswhere that the 10th ranked tackle for normal schemes might in fact be the #1 ranked guy for a ZBS scheme. So if you picking a guy for the ZBS, the normal rankings really don't come into play. In this draft there were only 4 actuall ZBS type guys Clady, Williams, Albert and Brown. Not sure I believe this, but supposidly Gibbs like Brown the most.

well said homie!

[TexBiff]

Speed is the name of the game.

[ObsiWan]

That "Where he is supposed to be drafted" gets me. That might hold true somewhat if we ran a conventional line scheme, but ZBS guys don't fall into that mold. I said elswhere that the 10th ranked tackle for normal schemes might in fact be the #1 ranked guy for a ZBS scheme. So if you picking a guy for the ZBS, the normal rankings really don't come into play. In this draft there were only 4 actuall ZBS type guys Clady, Williams, Albert and Brown. Not sure I believe this, but supposidly Gibbs like Brown the most.

Especially when its usually coming from talking heads who aren't responsible for player development or building our offensive line or secondary or whatever. Those talking heads don't really "have a dog in the fight" do they? They aren't building a team. All they're doing is making a list to sell to the great unwashed public.

Given a choice between going with our GM & coaches, who will lose their jobs when they're repeatedly wrong, and buying into the talking heads who won't lose a ****ed thing if they're wrong, I'll go with our current F.O. and coaching staff.