LaMarr Woodley's 2nd Journal Entry

Don't know how I missed this, but LaMarr Woodley updated his Yahoo Sports Recurring Rookie Journal on the 23rd. Entry #2 is right here.

No Keith Sweat in this entry, unlike entry #1 (PSaMP's take on entry #1 is here), but it is still a good read. LaMarr talks about a rookie symposium where he listened to guys like Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Jamal Lewis and Roger Goodell. Lewis's role was to tell the rooks to not use their cell phone to set up a cocaine deal. No joke...I'm completely serious.

He said he trained with Max Starks to get ready for training camp. Now all we need is to get Lawrence Timmons to try some of the same, lest he get injured again...oh wait, Lawrence Timmons did get injured again.

Go read LaMarr's journal. Its cool to take a peek into the mind of a young guy preparing for his first NFL training camp.

LaMarr Woodley Is Confused By Pittsburgh

Interesting read here. LaMarr Woodley, the Steelers' 2nd round draft pick, is updating Yahoo Sports with a recurring rookie journal. His first entry is a great glimpse into the life of one of the newest Steelers.

Apparently, Woodley is confused with the geography/roadways of his new city. Don't feel bad, Wood, it happens to a lot of first-time 'Burghers. Some key points in Wood's account:

- He keeps tons of change in his car.
- His brother is a backup singer for Keith Sweat (Awesome).
- His financial advisor's name is Marty Blaze (Also awesome).
- He is real comfortable around Mike Tomlin (That's good, for a young player and all).
- He wants to play at 260 lbs.
- He's passionate about being the best player he can be. Here's the best quote:

What I know for sure is I'm staying in Pittsburgh right up through training camp. That's the only way I'm going to get better. There is no time for a rookie to take a vacation. I have the rest of my career to think about things like that. Right now, it's time to focus and work my way to the top of the position. I know I have the heart. Now I just have to work to catch up with everything else.

That's a great attitude for a rookie. With all the Cincinnati Bengal-types out there, Wood's demeanor seems to fit in with the blue-collar, hard-working Stiller mold. Another great quote:

You can never change where you're from. When you come from a place like Saginaw (Michigan), you play with heart. And you can never teach heart.

I said before that Woodley was a steal at pick 46. Let us review the accolades that have been bestowed upon our newest linebacker:

-2005 Co-MVP of Rose Bowl (split with Vince Young).
-2006 Ted Hendricks Award winner (Top Defensive End).
-2006 Lombardi Award winner (Top College Lineman or Linebacker).
-2006 Chuck Bednarik Award finalist (Best Defensive Player. Won by Paul Posluszny).
-2006 Lott Trophy finalist (Best Defensive I.M.P.A.C.T. Player. Won by Daymeion Hughes).
-2006 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist (Best Defensive Player. Won by James Laurinaitis).
-2006 Outland Trophy watchlist (Best Interior Lineman. Won by Joe Thomas).
-2006 First Team All-American.

Oh yeah, these, too:

-2004 All-Big Ten Conference Second Team (coaches) and Honorable Mention (media).
-2005 All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention (coaches and media).
-2006 All-Big Ten Conference First Team (coaches and media, both unanimous).
-2006 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
-2006 Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year.

LaMarr, contact PSaMP if you're still having trouble with the Pittsburgh geography. Hell, I just graduated from St. Vincent College, where you will be spending a lot of time in a few weeks. I can give you some tips about surviving in and around the Latrobe area.

I look forward to more Woodley journal entries.