DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum Long shot Ali making an impression - Zac Jackson

Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
07.03.2007

As an undrafted rookie from an off-the-radar college program, Charles Ali knows he's going to have to do something to show the Browns' coaches and decision makers that he's not just another guy.

For four weeks of spring OTA and minicamp practices, Ali tried to make an impression by knowing the offense and showing he can keep up with the speed of the NFL game. As one of just three fullbacks on the spring roster, he got plenty of opportunities and tried to make the best of each of them.

But Ali knows his real chance will come in training camp, and not just because the game will be faster and the stakes higher. The Browns are going to be in pads, and Ali will have some chances to deliver the kind of punishing lead blocks that put him on the NFL radar in the first place.

"I've been looking forward to wearing the pads," he said. "I actually had no idea I'd go this long without the pads. I'm definitely looking forward to getting the chance to hit somebody.

"I'm anxious to blow somebody up."

Ali. Maybe he will knock a couple people out.

He only carried 13 times last fall for Arkansas-Pine Bluff, but he was an important player in helping Pine Bluff to a school-best 8-4 record. Ali opened holes for the SWAC rushing champion and helped Pine Bluff to the league's Western Division championship.

He didn't earn many individual accolades for his blocking work, but he did earn at least a chance to keep playing football at the game's highest level. The Browns list Ali at 6-foot-2, 265 pounds, and he's anxious to throw his body into bigger, faster linebackers and defensive lineman than he ever has.

"The speed of the game is definitely different," he said. "The first thing I noticed is the speed of the O-line. It's a lot different than the conference I played in. Big Joe Thomas gets out there real fast.

"The playbook is big, and the terminology is different. A good thing is that at Pine Bluff we did use the same type of plays, just different terminology. I've made rookie mistakes but every day I try to get better -- not make the same mistake twice."

Ali said he's enjoyed his NFL experience thus far and is comfortable with the Browns -- "everybody is real personable. Nobody is bigger than the team," he said.

"I'm learning the plays, learning the system," he said. "I know it's a blessing to be here. I think it's been good so far."

And when the pads come on later this month, Ali will get his chance to stick around.

Not to jinx the young man but, he does have the size of a Kevin Mack at least.

Talented college player if I remember correctly. How that translates to the NFL is yet to be seen... Hey I always seem to be cheering on the underdog and anyone that comes in as an UDFA is an underdog for sure...

Must be some kind of lovefest between Cleveland sportswriters and fullbacks.

Peen, I think if he shows a lot of promise, he could make the PS and eventually become a starter after Jamal Lewis packs it in. JMHO

There's always some of that "wanting the underdawg to win" in all of us.......beat the odds. Unfortunately, we also have to be pragmatic when there are only so many spots of a roster to fill.

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There's always some of that "wanting the underdawg to win" in all of us.......beat the odds. Unfortunately, we also have to be pragmatic when there are only so many spots of a roster to fill.

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Yeah, I know, but sometimes, being pragmatic really really sucks

Welcome to Camp Fodder, Mr. Ali. Play hard, enjoy your summer. We feature several specialty courses, free meals, soft bunks and Crafts Time will feature blowing people up.

and if you are good enough you will enoy the practice squad

nrtu

I won't be surprised if we keep a fullback in addition to Vickers...I also won't be surprised if Vickers ends up as Lewis' backup with Harrison as the 3rd down guy.

Lewis/Vickers
Vickers/Ali
Harrison
Wright or Barclay or some other guy we don't know too much about

We all know that ST ability will play into the decision of how many RBs to keep...especially with so many talented young DBs on the roster.

Vickers and Wright seem to be more multi-dimensional and would make solid backups.

Harrison or Barclay...but I doubt we keep both.

I'd like to see this kid work hard and make the team, to me, this is not impossible, it's not like Vickers is setting the league on fire. If Ali has the play of Mack to go along with the size then he's in, IMO. Maybe he just needs to learn to pass the ball like Vickers.....

Can the kid catch the ball and bust a wedge? He had better be above average on each of these to stick around.

all we need is one FB... if we need two.. then we dont have the right FB on this team yet and we need to keep looking..

I love the underdawg! I wish him luck,,hopefully it works out for the guy!

This is my favorite part....

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The Browns list Ali at 6-foot-2, 265 pounds

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If this guy can move...then we might have the lead blocker that Lewis likes...and we still have a FB that is more versatile in Vickers. There isn't a magical FB out there that does everything. You have to give a little here and there. you want a guy to blow people up so he needs some weight and strength..so speed suffers some...you want a guy who can run like a running back and catch like a wide receiver(or at least a TE)...well you are going to sacrifice size and a little strength...Vickers is one of those Jack of all trades, master of none. Well that isn't necessarily true...he sacrifices some of his size and blocking abilities for more speed and hands.

I will not be suprised in the least if we keep 2 FB's. Besides...can you imagine the goal line Wisbone with Vickers, Lewis and posibly a 265 pound guy named Ali of all things.....LOL

i wonder if any other teams are talking so much about the FB spot???!!

you can definitely tell its the off season...

I too am expecting a varied numbe rof fullback's, mainly because of unsure depth when Lewis leaves so that one of them may step up. Saying that, there is Harrison and Wright, but I think Vickers will eventually make his way to a runningback.

If he does indeed make convery sometime int he future, it will be nice to still have additional help at the FB anf RB postitions.

A plan to a good team is always depth.

we always need more than "one" of everything. If vickers gets hurt in game one, do we just go without a fullback the rest of the year? It drives me crazy when people think we only need one good starter. Five good starters on the Oline means you need 3 more guys to have a good line. Anybody happy if we have just one good QB? Just two good starting recievers all we need? Just two good corners?

How many positions last year suffered zero injuries? You always need a back up, even if he's on the PS.

And taking it a step further.... Each one, even if he fails to make the final 53 man roster, is a man that by the end of camp and preseason will know the offense... so in the event our depth is depleted (see Cornerbacks last year), we now have names at the top of our phone list that can come right in and be up to speed with the offense within one week.