Nico Law Interview (Commits to Iowa)

Ht: 6'3 Wt: 190

Pos: S Hometown: Clinton, MD

40 time: 4.47s Max bench: 300

Bishop McNamara High School (Forestville , MD) safety Nico Law, a three star rated prospect by rivals.com and one of the most feared defensive players in the WCAC, committed to the University of Iowa to play football next fall. Mr. Law, who received over twenty Division I Scholarship offers made this decision after he took a trip to Iowa City for his official campus visit over Halloween weekend. I caught up with Nico before the Mustangs season finale against the rival DeMatha Stags. Here is what he had to say about his commitment.

AF: What made the University of Iowa stand out above the twenty other Division I Schools that offered you scholarships?

Nico Law: I thought Iowa was the perfect fit. Iowa is a winning team and [has] been a winning team for the past ten years. Their coaching staff has all been there for more than ten years. The majority of their players have eventually moved on to the NFL or achieved something great in life. I think the opportunity to play early was something that I want to do and having the chance to play on a big stage that is filled with 75,000 plus fans. Plus they have one of the best defenses in collegiate football, something I would want to be apart of.

AF: According to a report by the Washington Post you had a negative impression of Iowa going into your official visit this past weekend. What changed your view of the school and the surrounding areas?

NL: My first negative thought was what can I possibly do in Iowa? Nothing! I can’t do this for the next 4 years. When I went up to [the University of] Iowa I actually realized that Iowa was located in Iowa City. There was more to do up there then I thought and the people were more genuine then the type of people I have grown up with, seen, or surround myself with everyday. I felt like I was stepping into the home, a family.

AF: How big of an influence did Coach Ferentz and the staff have on your decision?

NL: The coach had some influence on me as far as stability wise and just being [welcoming]. I respected the coach’s character and started to feel more comfortable about my surroundings.

AF: How big of an affect did the Hawkeyes 37-6 blowout win over previously undefeated Michigan State, a game you were in attendance at, have on your decision to verbally commit?

NL: Man the game was crazy I never seen so many fans in my life! Even though they blew them out it really didn’t impact my decision because I expected that. Iowa is about that business!

AF: Brandon Coleman (McNamara c/o 2010), currently a redshirted freshman at Rutgers stated that a strong relationship with QB Tom Savage played a major role in his college choice. Do you have any such relationships that have swayed you to choose Iowa?

NL: Marcus Coker from the DMV who went to DeMatha and a couple other guys from New Jersey.

AF: What was the whole recruiting process like for you? Did you enjoy it or was it stressful?

NL: The recruiting process was probably the one of the most cherished moments of my life. I got to see over 10 plus college campuses and the way they do things. I got to experience the media like being interviewed almost every other day, meeting wise men who made me mature faster and having the opportunity to actually have my own fans. It was kind of stressful too because you never know what decision you make in life will lead you to the right direction you want to take. I had the opportunity to go to more then twenty schools but you can only choose one. I had to do a lot of research.

AF: When did you first start following Hawkeye Football? Did you follow them at all before they started recruiting you?

NL: I never was a fan but I love watching college football so if you’re on TV, then you better believe I’m watching. So yes, I [had] been watching them before the recruiting process.

AF: In college, specifically the Big- 10 where a smash mouth style of play is commonplace you will be banging bodies with players much bigger then you. What do you plan on doing to be able to match up better physically with these guys?

NL: In my style of play I really don’t look at size. To me it’s all about heart and faith. I got a big heart so I plan to fulfill my aspirations. Each person on the field puts their clothes on just like me, why can’t I be the best on the field? I plan to workout Monday after this football season is over. I’m not really concerned with my size because when I go to college they are going to easily put 20 or more pounds on me. I’m going to workout twice a day and work on areas such as my speed and strength.

AF: Do you believe that it will be easy for you to transition from being an OLB in High School to being a Safety in college?

NL: It is what it is. Whatever I need to do to get on the field I will do to perfection. So if they decide to move me back to OLB, best to believe I’m laying down the law.

AF: Has it been talked about at all whether you will be redshirted freshman year or if you will contend for immediate playing time?

NL: I’m really not sure if I will be redshirted but I highly doubt it. I think this really depends on if I learn the game quick enough.

AF: What did you do over the summer to work on your game leading into the season? Did you attend many team or individual camps?

NL: I have never attended any football camps except Maryland during my sophomore year. I think attending camps isn’t necessary. My whole offseason work out consisted of 4 workouts a day. My whole attitude was to be the best on the field no matter what. In the summer I worked out 6:30-8:30 every morning with my personal trainer Andre. Then worked out again at 12:00, ate lunch, and took a nap. Then had team lifting at 5:30-6:30, worked out on the field, then came home and did my daily routine of a thousand push-ups.

AF: What do you believe your biggest strengths are?

NL: My biggest strengths are probably my heart and speed. I never quit even when my team quits on me. I play for respect and the love of the game. I am faster then most of the people on the field and I have competitive speed.

AF: What do you feel you still need to work on as a player to excel at the Division I level?

NL: I feel as though I can work on everything to help me excel on the collegiate level. If there is an area to become better in, then there is always room for improvement.

AF: Do you plan on going to your remaining official visits before National Signing Day?

NL: I only plan on going to my official visit with Maryland.

AF: You started playing football your freshman year at Bishop McNamara. When you first tried out did you ever even think football would open the doors that they have for you today?

NL: It’s kind of crazy you ask me that because when I look back I still can’t believe this happened to me. I never even played football until high school. I feel as though I’m living a dream. Road to success!

AF: Before I go, how do you think the Iowa Hawkeyes will do next season with you on their team?

NL: They will do the same thing they do every year! Win!

Going to prestigious school like Iowa with great coaching and great competition in practice and in conference as well as having great academics will help Nico continue on his path to becoming a well rounded and successful individual. All of us at MVP Sports Talk want to wish Nico luck as he continues his football career in the spotlight at a top ten university.

-AF

2010 MLB Free Agent Predictions

Cliff Lee- New York Yankees. They missed trading for him over the summer but they won't miss him again, their wallets will make sure of that.

Carl Crawford- Boston Red Sox. With the Rays looking to shave 35 million in salaries this off- season there is no way that Crawford will be back. Sadly for them he will stay in the division bolstering a strong Sox team.

Jayson Werth- Los Angeles Angels. the consolation prize after the team loses out on Carl Crawford.

Brandon Webb- Washington Nationals. He needs a new start and they want to show they are free agent contenders.

Adam Dunn- Washington Nationals. He wants a four year deal and when he doesn't get it he will come back to the Nats, the same reason he was here in the first place. He also likes the area.

-A

NFL's Crackdown on Helmet to Helmet hits

Honestly, I think the NFL all of a sudden handing out staggering fine amounts for unflagged hits is just ridiculous. If you hand out a hefty fine for a blatant and illegal helmet to helmet hits like the pair dished out by Patriots safety Brandon Meriweather onto defenseless Ravens Tight End Todd Heap, resulting in a major concussion. In that case where he was penalized for the tackle(s) I agree with the huge 50,000 dollar fine that he received. I even say suspend him. Just don't touch a player for a legal hit.

Two players fined for such tackles last weekend were Steelers linebacker and former defensive player of the year James Harrison and Atlanta Falcons Cornerback Dunta Robinson. Harrison was fined 75,000 for two incidents where he launched his body at the unsuspecting Browns players making a crushing helmet to helmet blow. In neither case were the hits illegal nor was the laundry thrown because they were both on runners, making them legit hits. If the rulebook says you're allowed to do a certain type of tackle you can't fine a player for doing it.

-A

United Star Rooney wants out

Manchester United Forward Wayne Rooney, one of the most recognizable faces in all of the soccer world wants to leave Manchester United, his team since 2004. After allegations of an affair surfaced about the English National Rooney's play just hadn't been the same as it usually was. As he was jeered by away fans and United supporters alike Rooney's play has faltered this season. He has played in only five of his team's first eight Premier League games and only scored one goal after tallying 34 last season.

This got even worse as Rooney has missed the last few games with "ankle problems" according to manager Alex Ferguson. Rooney has denied that he has had any problems with his ankles and says he just wants to play. Ferguson said that he is prepared to have Rooney comeback to the club when his contract expires in 2012 but is more than prepared to transfer his third star forward in the past two years. Teams like FC Chelsea and Manchester City seem to be the top clubs in contention for Rooney, but if he makes the transfer list you can expect to see a lot more interest surrounding this great player with a bit of a temper.

-A

The Benefits of Sports

Most people have played at least one type of, and probably many sports sometime in their life. Organized or pickup, playing these games have probably given them the chance to meet new people, and provided them with new friends and great memories. Participating in sports also helps feed some people’s competitive spirit, increase their talents, gives them a chance to spend time with friends and it presents an opportunity to get out excess energy that has stored up during the school day. For those that don’t participate in athletics, sports still have a lot to offer for them through entertainment. For some, like trainers, coaches and sports analysts, their job relies on professional and college athletic events. Whether it’s running around for fun, honing specific skills, chasing success, entertainment, or even bolstering the economy, sports are a very beneficial part of a life in America.

Sports are first and foremost a game. Games, and therefore sports are meant to allow people to have fun. Also there are many different types of sports, so even if you don’t like one type, there will always be something else for you. They allow you to enjoy your self with others that you like to be around. As a team progresses through a season they become more than a team. They become a family. This makes being out on the playing field even better because you always have more fun when you are with people you like. Individual sports also provide great fun even if you don’t have that family out there with you. They give you the thrill of competing in that one on one environment, or even against yourself if it is a timed sport. Even when you are on the field/ court alone, you always know you have someone there for you watching and that makes it all the more fun.

Athletics also give you a chance to improve skills you can use both in the sport you play, and in life. Along with teaching you things like balance, sports such as soccer, basketball, and football teach you teamwork, one of life’s most important skills. They also teach you to trust your teammate, which in life leads you to trust others around you. What would a football team be if the Quarterback didn’t trust his line to block for him? What would a group project be like if you didn’t trust your partners to do their part of the assignment? In both circumstances it would just be a total mess, and that’s why the lessons we learn in athletics are important on the field and off.

Sports are also beneficial because they give people a reason to work hard at something. Maybe you come from a poor neighborhood with almost no way out. Maybe you struggle through school and no college will accept you. There is an answer for this. Sports. Athletics and Athletic Scholarships to colleges and private high schools offer kids and teens a chance at a good education and a better life. They also give people a chance to make a name for themselves. Another thing sports gives goes hand in hand with the chance at success. It provides the opportunity at financial stability for life. The best athletes today are raking in well over five million dollars from their contracts and you can add a few million in endorsements to that. What they make in a year, many people would love to make in their life. Sports can lead to huge success, what do people have to lose?

In our world where there must be something going on every second of our lives sports offers great entertainment value. First of all it gives people something to debate and talk about. What team is better? Who will win the Super Bowl? Those are questions that can be heard over and over at any point during the year. Sports are one of the biggest markets in the world, and us Americans embrace it. Families and friends get together for cookouts or to tailgate at the stadium or at home before the big college or pro football game that they will all go in to see. Some of the most watched cable television channels are Sports Channels ESPN and ESPN2. Along with all of that, the most watched show/ event on television is the Super Bowl. This just shows how much Americans love their sports.

The sports industry employs many Americans, and the money generated for the private sector and the government alike is one of its primary benefits. The support that sports gives to the economy goes well beyond the amount of jobs it supplies though. At stadiums you may have noticed, they charge a 10% stadium tax on all food and merchandising items. With the amount of these items that teams sell, this raises a whole lot of money for the local and federal government. Having a sports team in the area also helps local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and bars. People often will fly into a town to watch their favorite sports team. During and after one of these events the bars and restaurants around he stadium will get a huge boost to the amount of customers that they get. Sports teams are an essential part of the American economy because of this huge boost that they provide to the finances of the government and private businesses.

The sports world has the world and country we live in a hold. It is one of the ways we can relieve our stress and ourselves of leftover energy while having fun and improving our physical condition. It teaches us many life lessons and helps us strive for success. It provides many with entertainment and that big game on the weekend provides an escape from the hassle of daily life. And the positive economical impact that the sports market gives to the country is a huge part of why even in a recession we are still staying afloat. Because of all the benefits it gives us, sports are an essential part of life in America.

-A

MLB Races tight til the end

Two serious MLB Divisional races went right down to the wire, both ending on the regular seasons final day. Today both the Tampa Bay Rays and the San Fransisco Giants clinched the AL East Division and the NL West Division respectively. In a 3-2 12 inning victory over the Kansas City Royal Tampa Bay held of a New York Yankees team that just failed to finish strong (3-7 in last 10), therefore giving the Rays home field advantage up until the World Series if they make it there. There is still hope for Yankees fans, because although they failed to win the division, they still got a wild card spot and have a great chance to make noise in the postseason.

Another Exciting Division clinching game happened today in the Bay Area during which a charging Giants shoved a Padres team that was shrinking under pressure out of its way in a 4-0 win. The victory not only Puts the Giants in and keeps the Padres out of the playoffs, it also puts retiring Braves manager and surefire hall of famer Bobby Cox into the final month of the season to tough it out one more time. This baseball season was exciting all around, and hopefully the postseason will be just as good.

-A