LB Brian Rolle (Official Thread)

[Buckskin86]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SO6Hmibyhqg"]YouTube - Brian Rolle - 2011 NFL Combine - Eastbay[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IERDf5x5-84"]YouTube - Brian Rolle Draft Profile[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Rolle aims high in NFL draft
Immokalee grad: Height no hindrance
Apr. 26, 2011
Written by
Craig Handel
[email protected]

Rather than grouse and grumble as his height and size are analyzed like a Holstein cow at a county fair, Brian Rolle has been proactive in the days leading up to the NFL Draft.

The former Immokalee High and Ohio State linebacker has the utmost confidence in his abilities, and he says he?ll shock the world when teams make their player choices Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

?I?ve earned a top-50, 65 pick,? Rolle said. ?I?m like most guys who feel they?re the best player in the country. Now, I?m not gonna slight (the draft?s top-ranked linebacker, Texas A&M?s) Von Miller; he?s pretty good. At the time, I?m not going to let where somebody has me ranked determine how I feel.

?I?ll continue to talk about myself even though agents are paid to do that. I talk about me because nobody knows me more than myself.?

Rolle, who?s arriving in Southwest Florida today, will watch the draft with family. He said a handful of teams have shown interest in him, mentioning the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Draft analysts also thought the 5-foot-91?2, 235-pounder's talents would fit well with the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings and Cincinnati Bengals.

Cleveland Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises said Rolle could be a Pro Bowler in the NFL as a special teams player.

ESPN's Scouts Inc. said Rolle has "outstanding top-end speed, but it is overshadowed by marginal size."

In the April 11 issue of Sporting News, he gave compelling reasons why his frame can be more of benefit than a detriment.

"My height can even play to my advantage - working in zone schemes at Ohio State," Rolle told writer Vinnie Iyer. "It allowed me to sneak upfield and shoot through gaps. That's something some bigger guys aren't fast enough, athletic enough or quick enough to do."

Rolle is just getting warmed up.

"(Ohio State) coach Jim Tressel said God built my butt close to the sidewalk for a reason," he said. "When you are starting lower, leverage is most important. As for the people who say I can't see over the line, I'm standing well over linemen when they're in a three-point stance - it evens out."

Cont...

http://www.news-press.com/article/2...ay/Rolle-aims-high-NFL-draft?odyssey=nav|head

 

[Buckskin86]

Don't shortchange this linebacker
OSU linebacker Brian Rolle is determined to prove he can make it in NFL despite his size
Thursday, April 28, 2011
By Ken Gordon
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Neal C. Lauron | Dispatch photos
Brian Rolle says his performance on the field shows he plays bigger than his 5-foot-95/8 and 229-pound frame.

Whether Brian Rolle has success in the NFL is going to come down to this question: What's more important - height and weight, or heart and will?

There's little doubt that the linebacker has plenty of the latter. At Ohio State, Rolle forged a reputation as a fierce, enthusiastic competitor. But there's also no denying that he's lacking in some of what NFL draftniks like to call "the measurables."

At the NFL combine in February, Rolle was charted at 5 feet 95/8 inches and 229 pounds. Over the past three drafts, the average size of linebackers drafted in the first four rounds was 6-13/4 and 243 pounds.

It's the main reason Rolle is projected as a fifth- or sixth-round pick. And that does not make Rolle happy.

"People who say (size) is an issue, they must not have seen any film," Rolle said, "because put on Von Miller (the draft's top-rated linebacker, from Texas A&M) and put me on film, and everything he does, I can do just as well. So scouts and coaches - guys who actually watch film and evaluate me - I'm pretty sure they know I can play football."

Cont...

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...dont-shortchange-this-linebacker.html?sid=101

NFL DRAFT: Ohio St., Immokalee High alum Rolle plays it cool while waiting for 'the call'
By WOODY WOMMACK
Naples Daily News
Posted April 27, 2011

IMMOKALEE ? The way Brian Rolle sees it, he has a few options when it comes to approaching this week?s NFL Draft. He can sit in front of the TV for three or four days, waiting anxiously for his phone to ring, or he can get back to his hometown roots and just enjoy spending time with his friends and family.

The former Immokalee High and Ohio State star said he?ll go with the latter option, choosing to spend Friday and Saturday fishing with his father, Arthur, rather than taking in the endless hours of live TV draft coverage.

?I?ll be fishing and if I get a call I get a call,? said Rolle, who said he plans to make sure he has cell signal while they?re on the water. ?It?ll be a chance for me to hang out with my dad, my uncle and my girlfriend and just enjoy some time off.?

Cont...

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011/apr/27/nfl-draft-ohio-st-immokalee-high-alum-rolle-plays/

 

[Buckskin86]

Brian Rolle

As the NFL draft arrives and months of combines and workouts come to an end, OSU linebacker Rolle is prepared to hear his name called and take the next step in his football career.

"I'm glad it's winding down," Rolle said. "I'll tell you that."

Ranked as the No. 13 outside linebacker and the No. 157 player overall by CBSSports.com, Rolle is projected to go in the middle to late rounds of the draft.

At OSU, Rolle started his junior and senior seasons at middle linebacker. In 2010, his senior season, Rolle led the defense with 76 tackles. However, being listed at 5-foot-10, 229 pounds, he is considered undersized for the NFL.

Despite this disadvantage, Rolle is quick, athletic and notorious for delivering punishing hits. At the combine, he ran one of the fastest 40-yard dash times among outside linebackers, with a time of 4.56 seconds. His versatility makes him a candidate to contribute in the NFL, likely as a special teams player and as a capable backup.

With the NFL lockout situation still undecided and the coming NFL season in jeopardy, many players are concerned. Rolle, however, understands there is little he can do about it.

"It'd be heartbreaking to get drafted and not be able to go to camp," he said. "It's out of my hands."

Despite all of the uncertainty, Rolle seems confident an agreement will be made.

"I don't know much about it. ? They have to agree on something," Rolle said. "For me, I let the NFLPA take care of it."

With draft day here, Rolle is at home in Florida with his family. He is excited, but isn't too concerned about where he'll end up.

"I'm not really nervous at all," he said. "I'm excited about it."

http://www.thelantern.com/sports/outlook-for-buckeyes-entering-nfl-draft-1.2212545

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-drKhgTmM8"]YouTube - Catching up with Brian Rolle[/ame]

 

[Jake]

Just picked by the Eagles in the 6th round. Congrats, Brian!

 

[y0yoyoin]

just picked up by the Eagles....congrats Brian

 

[TDunk]

I like him in Philly. Good system and Kurt can help him shorten the curve on getting acclimated. Good luck B-Rolle.

 

[MD Buckeye]

Congrats Brian!!!

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

I highly suspect Rolle knew he was going to Philly... he had a fabulous visit/interview... he felt very comfortable... and he felt he would fit perfectly in their system...

Congrats Brian

 

[Buckskin86]

Immokalee graduate headed to Philadelphia
Eagles select Rolle with 6th-round pick
Apr. 30, 2011
Written by
Craig Handel
[email protected]

Ohio State linebacker and Immokalee graduate Brian Rolle awaits the start of play against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 2, 2010, in Champaign, Ill. / getty images

Former Immokalee teammates Aaron Henry, left, and Brian Rolle celebrate after beating Naples 28-0 on Sept, 15, 2006. / The news-Press file photo

Those closest to him may have started getting a little anxious, but Brian Rolle never lost faith that he'd be drafted.

That perseverance paid off as the Philadelphia Eagles chose the former Immokalee High and Ohio State football star in the sixth round on Saturday in the NFL draft.

Rolle was the 193rd player taken.

"I was starting to get a little antsy, but I never got down," said Rolle, who flew to Immokalee to be with friends and family. Weather canceled his plans to go fishing. "People were walking around, a little nervous, but I said, 'That's OK, God's not finished with me yet.' I was joking with my girlfriend that now I'm going to have to get a job."

That ended when Arthur Coleman, Rolle's father, took the call.

"He said, 'Someone on the phone is from the Eagles,' " Rolle said. "I said, 'Shut up.' Sure enough, it was.

"An opportunity, that's all I wanted. My agent and I talked and we said I could get chosen in the third round and there was a chance I wouldn't get drafted."

Draft analysts had Rolle going to a variety of teams in a variety of places but as the draft went into the sixth round, John Weber, Rolle's high school coach at Immokalee High, was beginning to get a little worried.

"But I think that's where he was hoping to go. I'm thrilled. I'm happy for him," he said.

Cont...

http://www.news-press.com/article/2...-Philadelphia?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Sports

When Rolle finally got his call, he said the emotion he felt was familiar.

"It was almost as good as looking at the scoreboard after beating Michigan," said Rolle, who never lost to the Wolverines. "It was a relief."

At 5 feet 10, he knew there were skeptics about his chances to play linebacker in the NFL, but Rolle pushed his versatility of being able to play inside, outside or at nickel back, and a willingness to take part on all four special teams. The Eagles went for it.

"I am blessed with this opportunity, and I was overwhelmed to think there was a team out there that took the chance - not a chance, really, but a team who really got a steal," Rolle said. "That's because I feel like I can bring a lot to an organization."

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...s-finally-ring-for-four-buckeyes.html?sid=101

The situation affects all rookie players, drafted or not. Ohio State's Brian Rolle was taken by Philadelphia yesterday in the sixth round and keenly felt the lockout's bite soon afterward.

"It's heartbreaking to be drafted and not be able to go to camp," he said. "You think about (getting drafted) all your life, and you've seen guys get picked, and then the next day they are taking pictures at the team's headquarters. (Thursday and Friday) you saw guys doing it.

"But they put the lockout back in, which means the guys picked after, it was unfortunate that they can't take part in something like that. It is real confusing."

But as Rolle added, "We all know I'm an Eagle now."

Cleveland-based agent Neil Cornrich said he is advising his clients to stay in school (if they have not graduated) and keep working out.

That's exactly what Rolle plans to do. He is on track to graduate in June.

"I am going to continue what I've been doing, which is going to school to get my degree, and continue to keep working hard - everything that 'B-Rolle' always does," Rolle said. "I know what my purpose is now. I know I have an organization that I'm now a part of."

http://www.dispatch.com/live/conten...ndrafted-players-are-out-of-luck.html?sid=101

LB Rolle Quickly Welcomed Into The Eagles Family
By Steve Lienert

Right after he was selected by the Eagles in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Brian Rolle looked down at his phone and saw a text message from a former Ohio State teammate.

The message was from current Eagles safety Kurt Coleman, who welcomed his Buckeye brethren into the Eagles' fold.

"Actually, he was the first person to text me," Rolle said. "He just said best of luck being an Eagle and he’s glad to have me as part of his brotherhood there, just as well as when I became a Buckeye."

Rolle, who played outside linebacker and strong safety at Ohio State, sees himself as a linebacker in the NFL.

"I’m a guy that loves to stick his nose in piles and get dirty," Rolle said. "So, I just consider myself as somebody down in the box, but whatever plans the Eagles have for me, I’m going to embrace it and excel."

After working out for the Eagles prior to the draft, Rolle said he had an idea that the team was very interested in his services.

"Honestly, it was great and I felt like it was great," Rolle said. "You know, you have one of those days where you just feel invincible and that’s how I felt during that workout. I felt great, I moved great and I had a great time talking with (linebackers) coach (Mike) Caldwell, who worked me out."

Cont..

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/n...s-Family/9489dfec-5302-4f99-8d47-739f9d5bd56e

Quick Reid Hits On The Day-Three Draftees

On Brian Rolle - "An outside linebacker, predominantly weakside linebacker/nickel linebacker, from Ohio State. Brian is a rare breed man. He's not real tall, he's put together like no other and he makes plays all over the field. If you look at the linebackers, he's one of the finest athletes in that group ... Rolle would be considered small. What an amazing thing. For this guy to come in and start two years for Ohio State and be all-Big-Ten and that whole deal. This guy's a heck of a football player, really fun to watch."

http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/n...-Eagles-/c02d51d9-de1c-4a80-be5e-5f1dda105b15

 

[Buckskin86]

Interview with Brian Rolle
Charlie_green_man_tiny by JimmyK on May 3, 2011

Terry Gilliam - APMore photos ?


I had a chance to speak with Eagles' 6th round pick Brian Rolle today. Seems like a smart, good kid. I thought the most interesting tidbit is when he talks about about having met before the draft with Bobby April. I think it's pretty clear that the assistant coaches had a lot of influence on some of the picks made in this draft:

JK - Congrats on being an Eagle.

BR - Glad to be one.

JK - Have you even had a chance to speak with the Eagles since you've been drafted.

BR - Briefly after, I talked to the GM, the linebacker coach, as well as the defensive coordinator, but after that, not much, because of all the lockout stuff. They only allow you to allow to talk so much.

JK - You want to take a minute to vent about people that are fixated on your height?

BR - People that talk about my height as being a problem don't watch my film and don't know much about me. I'm a playmaker. They may have thought my height was an issue playing the MIKE backer position, and that's why people project me as a WILL backer, but I feel like I can play all 3 positions. I'm a linebacker and I'm a linebacker until someone proves otherwise. You turn on the film of me and any other linebacker in the country and if you show me something that I can't do (they they can), then I'll hush up. Until then, I'm gonna continue to play the position and make plays.

JK - I think I saw on your twitter account (@B_ROLLE, by the way), you wrote OLB and SS. Do you think you're going to be in some sets where you'll be playing on the back end?

Star-divide

BR - Possibly. I really haven't had a chance to talk to some of the coaches about stuff like that, but I may be a guy that they bring in on nickel downs. I was just putting that there... maybe... not sure yet.

JK - Do you think there will be a plan for you to bulk up a little bit, or do you think you'll be playing at 230?

BR - I'm pretty sure I'll be fine at 230. I've been getting on the scale every morning and 233 has been popping up, so that should be a pretty good weight to play at. If they feel like I need to bulk up, I will. They have a few linebackers that play at around 230, like Ernie Sims is another guy, so I don't think weight is an issue.

JK - Keenan Clayton is another one too, and he's a fast guy like you. What did you run at the combine, anyway?

BR - 4.56, 4.53, 4.58.

Cont...

http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2011/5/3/2150336/interview-with-brian-rolle

Draft reaction from Rolle- video

http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/sports/bff/videos/wsyx_vid_599.shtml

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maZO-o0kWsI"]YouTube - Brian Rolle Drafted By Eagles (ESPN)[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Football: Former Immokalee star Rolle says he was offered car at Ohio State in '09
By WOODY WOMMACK
Posted June 2, 2011

Former Immokalee High School star and Ohio State linebacker Brian Rolle said in an interview Wednesday night that he was offered a car in 2009.

Speaking with Jason Smith on the nationally syndicated ESPN Radio show ?All Night? late Wednesday, Rolle, who was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in April?s NFL Draft, said he purchased a 2002 Volkswagen and then was offered a better deal.

?Somebody actually offered me a car and I said no,? Rolle said. ?I bought a 2002 VW Jetta in ?09 and someone offered to give me another car, a better car, and cheaper, and being the type of a person I am I said no to it because I wasn?t raised to do something like that.?

Cont...

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011...mokalee-star-rolle-says-he-was-o/?partner=RSS

 

[y0yoyoin]

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2011...mokalee-star-rolle-says-he-was-o/?partner=RSS

i love the honesty but was it really necessary? guess it doesnt really matter in the long run

 

[MaxBuck]

i love the honesty but was it really necessary? guess it doesnt really matter in the long run

Points out that it's easier to be in violation than to be in compliance at a place like Ohio State.

Temptations are very strong, especially for kids who grew up with very little.