Bolts love Cason’s skill, character
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Saturday, Apr 26, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
When Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith evaluates players, he places a premium on production and character. He believes Antoine Cason, the Bolts’ first-round pick in Saturday’s NFL Draft, passes those tests with flying colors.
“We got a guy that we think is going to be a terrific football player,” Smith said. “Solid character, work ethic, production over the years. Fantastic. (There were) a lot of quality, good football players and we got ourselves one.”
Cason (6-0, 191) brings a wealth of experience to the Chargers, having started 46 games during his four years at the University of Arizona. He was twice named First Team All-Pac 10 and was the recipient of the 2007 Jim Thorpe Award, which is annually given to the top defensive back in the country.
“This is a big guy (with) 4.45 speed,” Chargers Assistant General Manager Buddy Nix said. “He’s a guy that’s got size. This guy is a great character kid. When we visited the school, the first thing they told us was when (they) recruited this guy, he has been the face of the program since we got him. He’s that kind of leader and that kind of character.”
On the field, Cason has been compared with another former Wildcat corner, Baltimore Ravens’ three-time Pro Bowler Chris McAlister. His 15 career interceptions rank fourth in school history, and the Long Beach, California native played in a conference that often pitted him against big, physical receivers.
“He has been a very, very productive player,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “He’s been a four-year starter. He’s a very, very competitive player. He’s very physical. He’s matched up in a passing conference against some of the best receivers through the years. He had outstanding games against USC, against some of the bigger receivers. He can play a very physical game.”
With the Chargers, Cason will likely compete for the nickel cornerback position. Nix and Turner believe his skills translate well to playing inside.
“You’d also like to see a guy that’s got some size, a guy that can bang those guys inside,” Nix said. “He’s got to be a decent run player, which he is. A lot of those corners won’t hit a lick until they have to. This guy will contribute verses the run. (He’s) a guy that’s got ball skills and can cover.”
In studying Cason, Nix saw him play the outside cornerback spot, the nickel and also some safety. The Chargers like his versatility and are excited about the flexibility Cason will provide in the sub packages. They also believe he can contribute on special teams.
“(He’s) a guy who’s got very good short-area quickness, uses his hands real well,” Turner said. “Antoine is an outstanding tackler. Then it’s a bonus because Arizona does it a lot, they used him on the corner blitz stuff. Obviously the way we used Eric (Weddle) some last year coming off the slot, the way Drayton blitzed, we can use Antoine as a blitzer. When you get a complete player, you get a physical player, there’s great carryover in the kicking game. He’s going to come in and compete with our young guys.”
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The Chargers love Antoine Cason's physical style of play.
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Chargers talk Antoine CasonChargers General Manager A.J. Smith, and Asst. General Manager Buddy Nix, Head Coach Norv Turner are thrilled to welcome talented cornerback Antoine Cason to the team. |
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Chargers No. 27 pickThe San Diego Chargers select Antoine Cason with the No. 27 pick in the 2008 Draft. |
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