Valentine Showing Off Improved Physical and Mental Conditioning

Mavric

Mavric

Yoda
Staff member
A year ago at this time, Vincent Valentine walked into fall camp having just been issued what amounted to a public challenge from his coach.


During last year’s Big Ten Media Days, Bo Pelini talked about the “self-imposed hurdles” the Husker defensive tackle faced, and how Valentine needed to “learn how to work and how to push through.”

Valentine nods his head when reminded of that anniversary. You’ll get no dispute from him about such analysis from a year ago. But he also feels he’s traveled some distance from that point: Still plenty to prove, yes, but the sophomore feels different. A good kind of different.

“I think I have a different mind state,” Valentine said. “Going into that year, I’d never played. I kind of took things for granted a little bit. I really wasn’t out there … knowing what it takes to be on the field with the guys.

“I didn’t know what I really wanted. But now that I’ve been on the field, I know what it takes to get to where I want to be, because the ultimate goal is always to go to the league. So I’ve been pushing myself harder. I’ve gained mental strength, and I think that’s the most important thing to me.”
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LJS

 
VV came a long ways last year. He's now down some 25 pounds from when he showed up to campus. If his conditioning and focus is now matching his strength, I feel sorry for opposing guards.

 
I still remember the sack he made in the Iowa game....blew up the center or guard I believe to get a very nice sack. If he keeps that intensity up, the d-line with definitely be a real strength this year.

 
I've said it already, I think VV goes pro with RG after the season. Making it that important that we see the defense do special things this year.

 
That is such crap. I would understand RG but dangit. I really wish they wouldn't count redshirt years. Thats stupid.

 
RedRedJarvisRedwhine said:
saunders45 said:
RedRedJarvisRedwhine said:
I've said it already, I think VV goes pro with RG after the season. Making it that important that we see the defense do special things this year.
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He'd need to have an amazing year because he nowhere close to being ready.
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I think he will. Everything's set up for him to have a great season.
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Remember that both Suh and Crick had pretty good to really good Jr. years and still waited to improve draft stock. I don't think VV is going to be an upper round guy this year even if he has a good year. I think he plays at least another year. Frankly, he still has to show that he can harness his potential consistently, let alone fine tune his skills.
 
I hope this is the case and not just preseason hype. I would love to have RG and VV scare the hell out of opposing offenses. To the point where it makes things a big easier for the LB's and secondary and cover up any weaknesses we might have.

 
I hope that RG4 doesn't leave after this year. I know there is only a small chance he comes back, but Suh came back!

 
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