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Atkinson, Josh

Card: Sage 2017
Acquired: 2017, Box Breaker

Josh Atkinson put up solid numbers for the University of Tulsa. In 2015 he had 76 receptions for 1071 yards and 5 touchdowns- one of them going 80 yards to paydirt.  He had equally impressive numbers in 2016 recording 78 receptions for 1058 yards and 8 touchdowns from QB Dane Evans.  Atkinson ran a 4.64 40, and with the knock he was from a ‘small school’ wasn’t selected in the 2017 NFL Draft. I hope he continues his football career. I think that he’d make a good fit for the Arena Football League or one of its competitors.

I like this card of Josh a lot. The photo is well placed in the composition, and the highlighted area is a nice touch to really emphasize the autograph.

NFL, University of Texas

Swoopes, Tyrone ‘Swoops’

Card: Sage 2017
Acquired: 2017, Hobby Box Breaker

A rock solid athlete, Tyrone Swoopes played for the Texas Longhorns. During his time at UT, he played quarterback and wide receiver. At the scouting combine, scouts liked his frame and skill set so much they thought that Swoopes was better suited to be a tight end. That begs the question. Were things that bad at the University of Texas at quarterback during the Charlie Strong era at one point, that their best quarterback was a tight end? Tyrone played mostly mop up duty in 2013. His best season at quarterback came in 2014 when he compiled 224/384 with 2409 yards passing and 13 TDs.

In 2015, Strong opted to take the offense in a two-headed quarterback approach with Jerrod Heard primarily manning the starting position, while Swoopes came in as part of the 18 Wheeler package. The 18 Wheeler was a mismatch package the Longhorns used placing typically 7-8 men on the line, while the QB sat in shotgun with a RB while a FB moved in motion. More often than not, it was a run play.  Primarily from this formation, Swoopes finished with 74 carries for 451 yards and 12 TDs rushing. He also threw for 537 yards and 4 TDs.  With the arrival of QB Shane Buechele on the 40 acres and him stretching the yardsticks, the Longhorns didn’t really need to use the 18 Wheeler package as much. Swoopes was backup QB for the season, and rushed 54 times for 174 yards and 7 TDs.

Swoopes is fondly remembered at UT home games for inspiring the school to play “Whoomp There it is” after every TD that Tyrone scored. Longhorn Legend Rod Babers is credited with making the association and changing the song to “Swoopes There it is”. The rest is history.

Tyrone was not selected in the 2017 NFL draft. He elected to sign with the Seattle Seahawks as a tight end. It should be an interesting transition for the former quarterback as he did not catch a single pass in college. He made the practice squad for the Seahawks and was activated for their final game in 2017, but did not see any significant playing time.

CFL

Wilson, Dontre

Cards: Sage 2017, Sage 2017 Peak Performance
Acquired: 2017, Box Breaker

Dontre Wilson played college ball for Ohio State. A school known for cranking out NFL grade talent, Dontre WIlson was not selected in the 2017 Draft, thanks in part to injuries incurred over his college career. During his time at the Horseshoe, Dontre rushed, received, kick returned, and punt returned for the Buckeyes. He finished with 77 receptions for 925 yards and 10 TDs, rushed 65 times for 428 yards and 2 TDs, had 53 kick returns for 1280 yards, and 31 punt returns for 243 yards.

Dontre initially was rumored to be signing with the Chargers, but a doctor scuttled the free agent contract because of a previous foot injury.  Dontre signed as a free agent with the BC Lions in October of 2017 and spent the remainder of the season on the franchise’s practice squad.

I really like these Peak Performance insert cards. They look great with autographs on them. The design on them seems random enough, but the gloss, finish and colors are all very vibrant, making the player pop from the canvas.