"He was the most explosive, emotional, full-effort guy I played against,"
said former Bears center Jerry Fontenot, now the Packers' assistant offensive line coach. "And he ran his mouth as hard as he played."
Fontenot said the best defensive tackles he played against in his 16-year
career were Jerry Ball, Chester McGlockton, Eric Swann and Randle—but only Randle played hard on every snap.
"He was one of the fun guys to play against," Fontenot said. "You knew
exactly what you were going to get from him on Sunday. He made me a much better
player because you knew if you didn't bring your 'A' game, he would find a way
to expose you."
Randle had to play with all-out effort and seek every edge possible because
at 6 feet 1 inch and 275 pounds, he was operating at a severe size disadvantage.
He was built like no other defensive tackle in the game, but he used his compact
frame to his advantage, getting underneath blockers' pads and often spinning and
squirming to free himself.
An undrafted free agent from Texas A & M-Kingsville, Randle willed
himself into one of the fiercest defensive players of his era. He played in
seven Pro Bowls and finished tied with Richard Dent for sixth on the all-time
sack list. He is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the first time
this season and is one of 25 semifinalists.
Javelinas football recruiting focused on 'spots'
KINGSVILLE — For a football program that has endured some serious growing pains the past couple of seasons, one might think the needs for Texas A&M-Kingsville would be many when it comes to the recruiting process.
Coach Bo Atterberry and his staff have been traveling the high-school and junior-college paths since the Javelinas' 7-4 season came to a close earlier this month. And while coaches never will pass on landing someone they think could provide some help, A&M-Kingsville can afford to be a little choosy.
The reason: the Javs' cupboard simply isn't that bare.
Buffs' strength could be ground game
Graduation has raided Air Raid.
The starting quarterback, four starting receivers and two linemen are gone, putting West Texas A&M in its biggest offensive rebuilding mode under coach Don Carthel.
The Buffs have boasted the top passing offense in Division II and have been even more dangerous the past two seasons with a more effective running game.
Harris ready to pull trigger in WT's offense
Son, here are the keys to the car. It's a big responsibility. Have fun, but be careful.
Former West Texas A&M quarterback Matt McIntyre once called the Buffs offense "a finely tuned Cadillac." Opposing defenses may have thought it was a Hummer that ran over them each week of the season.
It doesn't matter to junior-to-be Taylor Harris what he's driving. As the heir apparent to the Buffs' Air Raid attack, he'll be in the driver's seat of Division II's No. 1 passing attack and No. 2 total offense.
"Some of the guys have come up to me and hit me in the ribs and said, 'You're the starter now.' It's my job to lose but I still have to earn it," Harris said.
