Eric the Red
Team HuskerBoard
Playboy gathering gives glimpse into 2007 draft
By Gil Brandt
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(May 16, 2006) -- This past weekend, Playboy magazine assembled its 2006 Playboy Preseason All-America Football Team at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix.
This year marks the 50th edition of the concept, which was first published in the magazine in 1957. Collier's magazine, which had published a previous version of the All-America team, folded in December 1956. Hugh Hefner recognized that a great sports tradition was about to die, so he hired Collier's sports writer Francis Wallace and moved the preseason All-America team to Playboy.
Justin Blalock, Gil Brandt (Super Bowl XII) and Frank Okam show off their championship rings.
Wallace selected the first team, which featured Alex Karras and Playboy coach of the year Forest Evashevski, both from Iowa. Iowa finished the season 7-1-1 and ranked No. 6 in the polls. Detroit drafted Karras in the first round (No. 10 overall).
In 1958, Hefner turned the job over to Anson Mount, a Playboy PR man, who passed away in 1987. Then Hefner turned the job over to Gary Cole, who, with the help of yours truly, has done the job ever since.
The 50-year list of Playboy All-Americans reads like a who's who of college football. There were the obvious picks like d!(k Butkus, Dan Marino, Archie Griffin and John Elway. However, sometimes Playboy was able to uncover a future Hall of Famer before they became stars.
There was a big defensive tackle at North Texas State in 1968. He was Joe Greene, and he was a Playboy All-American before the Steelers ever imagined the Steel Curtain.
In 1988, Playboy tabbed Oklahoma State tailback Barry Sanders, who up to that point had played backup to Thurman Thomas and returned kicks. The Playboy notice came before the season, and Sanders was named the Heisman Trophy winner while his team was in Tokyo preparing for its regular-season finale.
Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson and USC's Dwayne Jarrett pose with Playboy sports editor Gary Cole.
Last year, Playboy selected Florida State's Antonio Cromartie at defensive back even though he had only one start under his belt. He was the 19th player selected in the 2006 NFL Draft (San Diego).
While the magazine gets most of its press from the photos it publishes, it has been uncannily accurate with its preseason Top 20 predictions. A few years ago, The Village Voice did a study of all the major media that picked a Top 20. It turns out that Playboy won the top spot, beating out the likes of Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, USA Today and the New York Times.
Here is an abbreviated schedule of what happened at this year's Playboy All-America Team Weekend:
Friday, 9:30 a.m. -- This is when the weekend officially started, because our first player, Miami defensive back Brandon Meriweather, arrived from Florida. We spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon picking up players, some of whom traveled with their school's sports information directors (SIDs).
Friday, 5:30 p.m. -- Now that everyone has arrived, all the honored players gathered at the hospitality room at our hotel and started signing footballs. This might have been the hardest "work" the young men had to do all weekend, but it was worth it because every player got a football signed by entire Playboy team. They also received some specially made Reebok equipment that did not exceed the value ($325) the NCAA allows its players to receive at this type of event.
Longhorns players Frank Okam and Justin Blaylock do their share of autographing footballs.
Some of the players spent the afternoon around the pool. Others played golf or hit golf balls, and some just hung around the room wanting to talk.
This is something I look forward to because it gives me a chance to get to know these players a little better, and it's a lot of fun talking to them.
Bennie Blades was on the Playboy team in 1987 and Detroit took him with the third selection in the draft in 1988. (He will be going into the College Football Hall of Fame this year.) His son, H.B., a linebacker with the University of Pittsburgh, is on the 2006 Playboy team.
Another example is Gaines Adams of Clemson, who is our first All-American to come from a high school that played eight-man football. In high school, he caught 158 passes for 4,394 yards and 65 touchdowns. He also had 33 sacks and 10 interceptions. Don't be shocked if he is taken in the top half of Round 1 in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Friday, 7:30 p.m. -- This is our welcoming party, where players get to see pictures of the previous Playboy team and enjoy a good meal. This was a great chance for the players to get to know one another and spend some time together.
After dinner, the first "event" of the weekend took place when "Game Night" commenced. Whenever you get this many football players together in one place, the competitive juices can't help but flow. This was a chance for everyone there to play different athletic-skill games against each other.
Frank Okam takes some virtual swings on 'Game Night.'
So the players and guests divided, each with their own NFL team name. (We borrowed the Raiders, Bears, Cowboys, Packers, Eagles, Giants, Bills and Dolphins monikers). Teams shot hoops, hit baseballs, threw footballs, drove golf balls, shot for goals in hockey and soccer, and swatted tennis balls.
The Packers -- led by coach Bill DeKraker along with players Brandon Meriweather, Mason Crosby, Patrick Willis, Kevin Connor (guest) and Bob Rosinski (guest) -- finished first. Jason Light of the Eagles finished second, coach Steve Meylan (Giants) finished third, and coach Angelia White (Dolphins) finished fourth.
It's worth noting here that Texas finally lost a game. Longhorns players Frank Okam and Justin Blalock were not on winning teams after winning 20 straight at the University of Texas.
After "Game Night," players were free to do whatever they wanted for the rest of the night.
Saturday, 11 a.m. -- The start of the Water Olympics. Again, the players were divided into teams. The competition took place in the pool at the hotel, followed by lunch. The big guys really stood out. Clemson's Gaines Adams, Nebraska's Adam Carriker, Wisconsin's Joe Thomas and Texas' Frank Okam were very good and everyone enjoyed the event.
Saturday, 3 p.m. -- The team picture. d!(k Izui and Jim Larsen do an outstanding job with the taking of the picture, and have something special planned for the 50th anniversary picture. The players love this part of the weekend. They spend a lot of time after the shoot exchanging shirts, hats and shorts, and in some cases, jerseys and helmets. The changing of gear has become a big part of the event.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. -- The last event of the weekend is a cowboy carnival and awards dinner. Here, players could try their hand at riding a mechanical bull, take part in a roping contest or fire off in a quick-draw game. The players and guests had a blast. Daymeion Hughes' father joined his son for the weekend and had a great time taking part in the various events.
Justin Blaylock and Frank Okam get into the spirit at the Saturday night cowboy carnival.
We had some very talented players this year, but we were spoiled by the impromptu talent show Jason Allen and DeAngelo Williams put on last year. This year's group could not match the 2005 talent show.
Following that, we wrapped up the weekend with our annual awards ceremony. Every year, we give out awards for off-the-wall things like Best Dressed (none this year), Funniest Player and things like that. We'll share those awards with you below.
Sunday -- No events were scheduled, but players were seen lounging by the pool, working out and generally relaxing before they flew home. Cell phone numbers were exchanged and handshakes were all around as the 2006 Playboy Preseason All-America Football Team "broke camp."
Cast of characters
So who made the team? Let's end the suspense -- here they are:
Offense
Player Pos. College
Troy Smith QB Ohio State
Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma
Garrett Wolfe RB Northern Illinois
Dwayne Jarrett WR Southern California
Joel Filani WR Texas Tech
Zach Miller TE Arizona State
Joe Thomas OL Wisconsin
Sam Baker OL Southern California
Justin Blalock OL Texas
Arron Sears OL Tennessee
Dan Mozes C West Virginia
Defense
Player Pos. College
Gaines Adams DL Clemson
Quentin Moses DL Georgia
Frank Okam DL Texas
Adam Carriker DL Nebraska
Paul Posluszny LB Penn State
Patrick Willis LB Mississippi
H.B. Blades LB Pittsburgh
Leon Hall DB Michigan
Daymeion Hughes DB California
Brandon Meriweather DB Miami (Fla.)
LaRon Landry DB Louisiana State
Special Teams/Coach
Player Pos. College
Mason Crosby PK Colorado
Nic Schmitt P Virginia Tech
Ted Ginn Jr. All-purpose player Ohio State
Jay Henry Scholar athlete (CB) West Virginia
Joe Paterno Coach Penn State
Drumroll, please ...
As promised, here are the awards from our Friday and Saturday night ceremonies. You'll see soon enough these are fun awards -- nothing that can be put on a football résumé (aside from being on the Playboy team).
Quick-Draw Award
Mason Crosby, Colorado
Arron Sears, Tennessee
The only player ever quicker than these two was Dré Bly. He was here two times.
Bullriding Award
Jay Henry, West Virginia
Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California
We had a more active bull than in previous years.
Best Overall Athlete
Ted Ginn, Ohio State
You name it, he can do it. Table tennis, driving golf balls, throwing a football ... he is very good at everything and is a great person.
Best Fastball
Troy Smith, Ohio State
If he can't play quarterback in the NFL (I think he can), he could be a Major League pitcher. He can throw heat and strikes. He put on a show Friday night.
Quiet Man and Nice Guy Award
Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
Doesn't say much, but went out of his way to be nice to the players and guests.
Player You Would Like Your Daughter To Marry
Leon Hall, Michigan
Dan Mozes, West Virginia
Both are outstanding people who will make great husbands someday.
Hospitality Award
Zack Miller, Arizona State
He grew up in Phoenix and did a great job showing the players his hometown.
Frank Okam earned praise for his prowess in the pool.
Mr. H2O Award
Frank Okam, Texas
Gaines Adams, Clemson
Both were very good in the water games and helped their teams with great effort.
Best Leaders
Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
Troy Smith, Ohio State
Both players seemed to have the respect of all the players present.
Longest Drive
Brandon Meriweather, Miami (Fla.)
He drove the ball 341 yards Friday on "Game Night" and helped his team (Packers) win first place.
Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries Award
Arron Sears, Tennessee
He's always smiling and happy, and enjoying being around others. You would have thought he was running for public office.
Leg-Up Award
Mason Crosby, Colorado
Nic Schmitt, Virginia
These guys were the kickers, and while kickers often are ignored, these two were welcomed players all weekend long. They were part of everything.
Great To Be Around Award
Quentin Moses, Georgia
Patrick Willis, Mississippi
Both seemed great to be around and enjoyed the chance to be part of the weekend.
Best Putter Award
Justin Blalock, Texas
He looked like a pro golfer rather than a football player.
Best Home Run Hitter
Kevin Cole (guest)
He hit five of his team's nine home runs to help his team (Packers) win. Kevin is in fifth grade.
Longest home run
Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
Move over Barry Bonds, because this 5-foot-7 guy hit one out of the park at a distance of 521 feet.
Special Thanks Award
To all the players who made the weekend so great.
Final word
Last but not least, the SIDs and PR executives who helped make this weekend special deserved to be thanked. They are:
Mike Korcek SID Northern Illinois
Korcek is retiring after this football season. It will be a big loss to the college football community.
Rick Korch SID Miami (Fla.)
Justin Doherty SID Wisconsin
Thomas Stepp SID Texas
Tim Tessalone SID Southern California
Greg Hotchkiss SID Pittsburgh
Steve Snapp SID Ohio State
Chris Jenkins PR Buffalo Bills
Jason Light Scouting Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle O'Brien Scouting New England Patriots
Ted Monago Scouting Chicago Bears
Bill DeKraker Scouting Arizona Cardinals
Steve Malin Scouting N.Y. Giants
Justin Chabot Scouting San Francisco 49ers
And a special thank you to Nancy Cole, the event coordinator who does a nice job of getting everything organized over the weekend.
By Gil Brandt
NFL.com Senior Analyst
(May 16, 2006) -- This past weekend, Playboy magazine assembled its 2006 Playboy Preseason All-America Football Team at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort in Phoenix.
This year marks the 50th edition of the concept, which was first published in the magazine in 1957. Collier's magazine, which had published a previous version of the All-America team, folded in December 1956. Hugh Hefner recognized that a great sports tradition was about to die, so he hired Collier's sports writer Francis Wallace and moved the preseason All-America team to Playboy.
Justin Blalock, Gil Brandt (Super Bowl XII) and Frank Okam show off their championship rings.
Wallace selected the first team, which featured Alex Karras and Playboy coach of the year Forest Evashevski, both from Iowa. Iowa finished the season 7-1-1 and ranked No. 6 in the polls. Detroit drafted Karras in the first round (No. 10 overall).
In 1958, Hefner turned the job over to Anson Mount, a Playboy PR man, who passed away in 1987. Then Hefner turned the job over to Gary Cole, who, with the help of yours truly, has done the job ever since.
The 50-year list of Playboy All-Americans reads like a who's who of college football. There were the obvious picks like d!(k Butkus, Dan Marino, Archie Griffin and John Elway. However, sometimes Playboy was able to uncover a future Hall of Famer before they became stars.
There was a big defensive tackle at North Texas State in 1968. He was Joe Greene, and he was a Playboy All-American before the Steelers ever imagined the Steel Curtain.
In 1988, Playboy tabbed Oklahoma State tailback Barry Sanders, who up to that point had played backup to Thurman Thomas and returned kicks. The Playboy notice came before the season, and Sanders was named the Heisman Trophy winner while his team was in Tokyo preparing for its regular-season finale.
Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson and USC's Dwayne Jarrett pose with Playboy sports editor Gary Cole.
Last year, Playboy selected Florida State's Antonio Cromartie at defensive back even though he had only one start under his belt. He was the 19th player selected in the 2006 NFL Draft (San Diego).
While the magazine gets most of its press from the photos it publishes, it has been uncannily accurate with its preseason Top 20 predictions. A few years ago, The Village Voice did a study of all the major media that picked a Top 20. It turns out that Playboy won the top spot, beating out the likes of Sports Illustrated, The Sporting News, USA Today and the New York Times.
Here is an abbreviated schedule of what happened at this year's Playboy All-America Team Weekend:
Friday, 9:30 a.m. -- This is when the weekend officially started, because our first player, Miami defensive back Brandon Meriweather, arrived from Florida. We spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon picking up players, some of whom traveled with their school's sports information directors (SIDs).
Friday, 5:30 p.m. -- Now that everyone has arrived, all the honored players gathered at the hospitality room at our hotel and started signing footballs. This might have been the hardest "work" the young men had to do all weekend, but it was worth it because every player got a football signed by entire Playboy team. They also received some specially made Reebok equipment that did not exceed the value ($325) the NCAA allows its players to receive at this type of event.
Longhorns players Frank Okam and Justin Blaylock do their share of autographing footballs.
Some of the players spent the afternoon around the pool. Others played golf or hit golf balls, and some just hung around the room wanting to talk.
This is something I look forward to because it gives me a chance to get to know these players a little better, and it's a lot of fun talking to them.
Bennie Blades was on the Playboy team in 1987 and Detroit took him with the third selection in the draft in 1988. (He will be going into the College Football Hall of Fame this year.) His son, H.B., a linebacker with the University of Pittsburgh, is on the 2006 Playboy team.
Another example is Gaines Adams of Clemson, who is our first All-American to come from a high school that played eight-man football. In high school, he caught 158 passes for 4,394 yards and 65 touchdowns. He also had 33 sacks and 10 interceptions. Don't be shocked if he is taken in the top half of Round 1 in the 2007 NFL Draft.
Friday, 7:30 p.m. -- This is our welcoming party, where players get to see pictures of the previous Playboy team and enjoy a good meal. This was a great chance for the players to get to know one another and spend some time together.
After dinner, the first "event" of the weekend took place when "Game Night" commenced. Whenever you get this many football players together in one place, the competitive juices can't help but flow. This was a chance for everyone there to play different athletic-skill games against each other.
Frank Okam takes some virtual swings on 'Game Night.'
So the players and guests divided, each with their own NFL team name. (We borrowed the Raiders, Bears, Cowboys, Packers, Eagles, Giants, Bills and Dolphins monikers). Teams shot hoops, hit baseballs, threw footballs, drove golf balls, shot for goals in hockey and soccer, and swatted tennis balls.
The Packers -- led by coach Bill DeKraker along with players Brandon Meriweather, Mason Crosby, Patrick Willis, Kevin Connor (guest) and Bob Rosinski (guest) -- finished first. Jason Light of the Eagles finished second, coach Steve Meylan (Giants) finished third, and coach Angelia White (Dolphins) finished fourth.
It's worth noting here that Texas finally lost a game. Longhorns players Frank Okam and Justin Blalock were not on winning teams after winning 20 straight at the University of Texas.
After "Game Night," players were free to do whatever they wanted for the rest of the night.
Saturday, 11 a.m. -- The start of the Water Olympics. Again, the players were divided into teams. The competition took place in the pool at the hotel, followed by lunch. The big guys really stood out. Clemson's Gaines Adams, Nebraska's Adam Carriker, Wisconsin's Joe Thomas and Texas' Frank Okam were very good and everyone enjoyed the event.
Saturday, 3 p.m. -- The team picture. d!(k Izui and Jim Larsen do an outstanding job with the taking of the picture, and have something special planned for the 50th anniversary picture. The players love this part of the weekend. They spend a lot of time after the shoot exchanging shirts, hats and shorts, and in some cases, jerseys and helmets. The changing of gear has become a big part of the event.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m. -- The last event of the weekend is a cowboy carnival and awards dinner. Here, players could try their hand at riding a mechanical bull, take part in a roping contest or fire off in a quick-draw game. The players and guests had a blast. Daymeion Hughes' father joined his son for the weekend and had a great time taking part in the various events.
Justin Blaylock and Frank Okam get into the spirit at the Saturday night cowboy carnival.
We had some very talented players this year, but we were spoiled by the impromptu talent show Jason Allen and DeAngelo Williams put on last year. This year's group could not match the 2005 talent show.
Following that, we wrapped up the weekend with our annual awards ceremony. Every year, we give out awards for off-the-wall things like Best Dressed (none this year), Funniest Player and things like that. We'll share those awards with you below.
Sunday -- No events were scheduled, but players were seen lounging by the pool, working out and generally relaxing before they flew home. Cell phone numbers were exchanged and handshakes were all around as the 2006 Playboy Preseason All-America Football Team "broke camp."
Cast of characters
So who made the team? Let's end the suspense -- here they are:
Offense
Player Pos. College
Troy Smith QB Ohio State
Adrian Peterson RB Oklahoma
Garrett Wolfe RB Northern Illinois
Dwayne Jarrett WR Southern California
Joel Filani WR Texas Tech
Zach Miller TE Arizona State
Joe Thomas OL Wisconsin
Sam Baker OL Southern California
Justin Blalock OL Texas
Arron Sears OL Tennessee
Dan Mozes C West Virginia
Defense
Player Pos. College
Gaines Adams DL Clemson
Quentin Moses DL Georgia
Frank Okam DL Texas
Adam Carriker DL Nebraska
Paul Posluszny LB Penn State
Patrick Willis LB Mississippi
H.B. Blades LB Pittsburgh
Leon Hall DB Michigan
Daymeion Hughes DB California
Brandon Meriweather DB Miami (Fla.)
LaRon Landry DB Louisiana State
Special Teams/Coach
Player Pos. College
Mason Crosby PK Colorado
Nic Schmitt P Virginia Tech
Ted Ginn Jr. All-purpose player Ohio State
Jay Henry Scholar athlete (CB) West Virginia
Joe Paterno Coach Penn State
Drumroll, please ...
As promised, here are the awards from our Friday and Saturday night ceremonies. You'll see soon enough these are fun awards -- nothing that can be put on a football résumé (aside from being on the Playboy team).
Quick-Draw Award
Mason Crosby, Colorado
Arron Sears, Tennessee
The only player ever quicker than these two was Dré Bly. He was here two times.
Bullriding Award
Jay Henry, West Virginia
Dwayne Jarrett, Southern California
We had a more active bull than in previous years.
Best Overall Athlete
Ted Ginn, Ohio State
You name it, he can do it. Table tennis, driving golf balls, throwing a football ... he is very good at everything and is a great person.
Best Fastball
Troy Smith, Ohio State
If he can't play quarterback in the NFL (I think he can), he could be a Major League pitcher. He can throw heat and strikes. He put on a show Friday night.
Quiet Man and Nice Guy Award
Adrian Peterson, Oklahoma
Doesn't say much, but went out of his way to be nice to the players and guests.
Player You Would Like Your Daughter To Marry
Leon Hall, Michigan
Dan Mozes, West Virginia
Both are outstanding people who will make great husbands someday.
Hospitality Award
Zack Miller, Arizona State
He grew up in Phoenix and did a great job showing the players his hometown.
Frank Okam earned praise for his prowess in the pool.
Mr. H2O Award
Frank Okam, Texas
Gaines Adams, Clemson
Both were very good in the water games and helped their teams with great effort.
Best Leaders
Joe Thomas, Wisconsin
Troy Smith, Ohio State
Both players seemed to have the respect of all the players present.
Longest Drive
Brandon Meriweather, Miami (Fla.)
He drove the ball 341 yards Friday on "Game Night" and helped his team (Packers) win first place.
Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries Award
Arron Sears, Tennessee
He's always smiling and happy, and enjoying being around others. You would have thought he was running for public office.
Leg-Up Award
Mason Crosby, Colorado
Nic Schmitt, Virginia
These guys were the kickers, and while kickers often are ignored, these two were welcomed players all weekend long. They were part of everything.
Great To Be Around Award
Quentin Moses, Georgia
Patrick Willis, Mississippi
Both seemed great to be around and enjoyed the chance to be part of the weekend.
Best Putter Award
Justin Blalock, Texas
He looked like a pro golfer rather than a football player.
Best Home Run Hitter
Kevin Cole (guest)
He hit five of his team's nine home runs to help his team (Packers) win. Kevin is in fifth grade.
Longest home run
Garrett Wolfe, Northern Illinois
Move over Barry Bonds, because this 5-foot-7 guy hit one out of the park at a distance of 521 feet.
Special Thanks Award
To all the players who made the weekend so great.
Final word
Last but not least, the SIDs and PR executives who helped make this weekend special deserved to be thanked. They are:
Mike Korcek SID Northern Illinois
Korcek is retiring after this football season. It will be a big loss to the college football community.
Rick Korch SID Miami (Fla.)
Justin Doherty SID Wisconsin
Thomas Stepp SID Texas
Tim Tessalone SID Southern California
Greg Hotchkiss SID Pittsburgh
Steve Snapp SID Ohio State
Chris Jenkins PR Buffalo Bills
Jason Light Scouting Philadelphia Eagles
Kyle O'Brien Scouting New England Patriots
Ted Monago Scouting Chicago Bears
Bill DeKraker Scouting Arizona Cardinals
Steve Malin Scouting N.Y. Giants
Justin Chabot Scouting San Francisco 49ers
And a special thank you to Nancy Cole, the event coordinator who does a nice job of getting everything organized over the weekend.
