CFL, NFL

LeFors, Stefan

spx_sleforsCard: SPX 2005 (#0197/1275)
Acquired: 2016, Target Autograph Memorabilia

A two year starter for the Cardinals of Louisville in 2003 and 2004, Stefan LeFors led the nation with a 73.5% completion percentage, 10.1 yards per pass attempt, and a 181.7 quarterback rating.  He finished his career at Louisville with 416 of 630 for 5853 yards, 38 TDs to 13 picks and a 159.8 quarterback rating.

He participated in the NFL combine and clocked a QB best 4.56 40 yard dash. NFL teams were abuzz, but felt that due to LeFors lack of size and bulk, he was more adept to being a halfback or safety at the pro level.  The Carolina Panthers drafted Stefan with the 121st pick (4th round) of the NFL draft. With Jake Delhomme firmly entrenched as the starter and Chris Weinke as his backup, LeFors was placed on the practice squad.  He did not see any action in 2005 and did not make the final cuts of the 2006 team.

Lefors signed with the CFL later that year, joining the Edmonton Eskimos, and was named the team’s backup quarterback.  In 2007 he was named the CFL’s offensive player of the week when he threw for 412 yards in his team’s 36-29 overtime loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He served as the Esk’s backup QB through the duration of the 2008 season.  He was traded to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2009 and threw for 459 yards and 2 TDs.

As of 2016, he is a coach in the Louisville area, and previously had served as a color analyst for his Alma Mater.

NFL

Cash, Jeremy

sage16 jcashCard: Sage 2016
Acquired: 2016, Hobby Box Breaker

Jeremy Cash is a force to be reckoned with while in the box. The strong safety is a physical presence evidenced by him recording 326 tackles and 7 forced fumbles over 3 years for the Duke Blue Devils. 10 years ago, there’d be a lot more buzz on Cash, but as the game has evolutionized to more of a passing game, there’s been less and less room on a roster for a straight line in the box safety.  While his pass coverage may be considered suspect by scouts, there’s no question that he’s an elite enforcer that some team will pony up for. Drawing comparisons to TJ Ward, Cash somehow slipped completely off the draft boards; However, Jeremy paid no mind, as a bidding war ensued for his services. Apparently upwards of 20 teams had him targeted as a priority free agent. He’d later sign with the Carolina Panthers as Jeremy received one of the most lucrative signing bonuses among the free agent class. The Panthers plan to utilize him at linebacker.

NFL

White, LenDale ‘Smash’

Card: SPX2 2006 (265/350)
Acquired: 2016, EBay

LenDale White was part of a devastating backfield trifecta for the Tennessee Titans that included both Chris Johnson and Vince Young.  While Johnson’s skill set was of the fleet footed, and Young was always a threat to take off backyard football style after not finding a receiver, White was a pure downhill power runner.  He recorded his first 100 yard performance in 2007 against who else -but the Houston Texans. White and Johnson became known briefly as ‘Smash and Dash’.

The NFL can be a cruel place. LenDale was much maligned by the media and scouts after he declared from USC. While the weigh in and subsequent body inspections have been likened to a meat market, White did not look at his best and was essentially body shamed for it.  He had a putrid rookie season after being selected in the second round of the 2006 draft by the Titans, but turned it around with a solid 2007 campaign rushing for over 1,100 yards on 303 carries, bringing back fond memories of Eddie George with his downhill running style helping Tennessee reach the playoffs.  It’d be in 2008 that White was joined by Chris Johnson, and while White’s numbers were down, his change of pace and style allowed the Titans to frustrate opposing offenses all year long.  Briefly, the Titans success, coupled with Vince Young, eclipsed the Texans broadcasts shown locally in the Austin area, much to my chagrin. It was a dark time in Texans history.

In 2009 White got into serious shape, which may have led to his downfall. LenDale’s play style was much more akin to being a powerback. He’d just bowl over defenders to counter for his lack of elite speed. Without that, he was lost in the shuffle behind Johnson by the end of the season.  After resigning with the team in 2010, he was traded to the Seahawks, reuniting him with his college head coach Pete Carroll.  He’d be released shortly thereafter for violating a drug test, and then sign with the Denver Broncos. During a preseason game, LenDale blew out an Achillies and never recovered. He’d be released in 2011.

White is perhaps best known as being a member of USC’s back to back national championships in 2004 and 2005 alongside Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. The team failed to score the trifecta when they were defeated in the 2006 Rose Bowl by the Texas Longhorns. LenDale can be seen in the ESPN 30 for 30 presentation Trojan War where he is interviewed about his impressions of the 2006 Rose Bowl and the USC Trojans teams of lore.  He also is an active USC Alum and can be frequently seen on the sideline during games.

LenDale is another player that you have to wonder about. He failed the NFL Combine drug test in 2006, and then again in 2010- which he was suspended for, apparently all over marijuana.

G/Gs 58/18      R 628      YDS 2349      AVG 3.7      TD 24      LG 80T
REC  42      YDS 204      AVG 4.9       TD 0      LG 15

Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.