In case you haven’t noticed, it’s E7 week. Things get plenty exciting once the players get checked-in, stretched and warmed-up ready for action against guys (often times) they’ve never seen before in person. Sometimes the names and the bright lights precede the arrival of a certain prospect and the “fun” begins shortly thereafter. You see the guys that are full of piss-and-vinegar to get after these so-called “elite” guys and sometimes it goes well, and sometimes it doesn’t. Regardless of the outcome, it’s all a part of the process and the expected atmosphere that surround these events. Here now are some things you can look forward to this Sunday in Land O’Lakes.
It’s business, not personal…
There will be fireworks, you can rest assured with invitations on the line and plenty of young prospects trying to make a name for themselves that someone’s feelings will get bent out of shape. Some prospects will look and feel like they belong, while others will simply be going through their motions. The 2016 guys will be out to prove that they’re the privileged and that the younger ballers should wait their turn. Teenagers (although at times seemingly NOT) are in fact, human. Emotions will run high due to the testosterone and the self-expectations gone right or wrong. This would be one of those times to remind you that we all fail. Sunday, (although important) is more than just a day in which you’ll leave the house to go play a game. Keep your perspective in front of your premise and take us to church since we will have to miss it.
“You sleep…”
The million-dollar phrase being used amongst the cool kids nowadays is “you sleep on [insert name here]” and quite frankly we will take it over some of the other phrases and terminology being thrown out there like “bae” and “on fleek” since we can actually decipher what they’re trying to say. Yes, we are old men compared to yourselves so YES WE WILL SLEEP…sometime between 1pm and 3pm if you ain’t making an impact out there. Don’t worry if we “sleep” on you and you don’t get an invite either; there’s this little thing called a “video camera” that can help our old brains retain all of the possible goodness that you’ve provided on the field if we missed it the first time.
Who stops the show first?
There’s always that ONE guy that blows the doors off the testing or in individuals. This Sunday will be no different. The slippery slope that’s traveled is that we (media and fans) tend to get a little gaga over something that’s just happened that isn’t as real of a simulation as we think it is. Case in point? The NFL Combine. But we digress. This is a friendly reminder that we are aware that you’re running 40-yard dashes in shirts and shorts. We are aware that the moves you make are significantly quicker because of the lack of movement-restricting equipment you’re wearing. These are the moments that are akin to the days of playing in the backyard or in recess though and when it happens, you’ll know it. The entire field or station will simply let out “that sound.”
Don’t be alarmed…
If you see plenty of mistakes being made even IF these guys have been hyped up. Keep in mind that there are 92 players registered for this event that are from the Class of 2017 or younger. Some of them may be on fast tracks to success, but none of them are going to make it look as easy as some of the more polished prospects from 2016 do when they come back for Xecutives. Best believe we mean what we say when we talk about the competition aspect. Repetitions make everything more smooth. Growing pains will be witnessed this weekend.
Don’t get cursed…
When you make a play, it’s exciting. But as the curse of Lil’ B seems to be an actual real thing at the moment, save your chef pantomimes for the comfort and safety of your homes. We’ve already recognized that emotions will be running hot-and-heavy. Specifically this comes during 1-on-1’s and not-so-ironicallty during the “hottest” part of the event. The 1-on-1’s can be the showstoppers and worth every single second you’ve sat out there in those stands or stood in the position group lines waiting to provide the entertainment. Just remember all that noise that you make after the play drowns out the symphony you just created seconds before. Don’t let Lil’ B catch ya cookin’ if ya ain’t ready to get chopped and diced in the playmakers kitchen.
About those individuals…
There will be some pretty big names even with all of the youth present this Sunday. If you absolutely want to know why we love this sport and this process then pay close attention, whether players or parents or even coaches attending for the first time. There will be prospects present that already possess Xecutives invitations and will be out there in those jerseys trying to ensure that NOBODY gets to tread on their turf and that’s when the fun starts. Guys like Joey Russum, Dante Glover, Armand Chalk and so on will want to show the likes of the others that this is their time. Make sure you get there early and get a good spot.
