Tag Archives: Jacksonville Jaguars

NFL

Smith, Jimmy ‘Lightning’ (2)

aprks92 jsmithud92 jsmith

Card: Action Packed Rookies 1992, Upper Deck 1992
Acquired: Paid Signing, C/o Gameday Sports Tours
See Also: Jimmy Smith

I had gotten Jimmy at training camp all those years ago in 1992 on a Classic and ProSet card. At the time Action Packed had missed the boat- just barely, on releasing a card in time for the start of training camp. I never was able to get back around to Jimmy, whether it was due to injury at camp or a matter of seeking the bigger plate, it just didn’t happen. It was a wild ride for Jimmy since his departure from the Cowboys, battling his way back up the NFL ranks, through addiction and incarceration to where he is today.  I had given up long ago in getting him to sign TTM since he’s been so enigmatic.

I decided to do a paid signing through Gameday Sports Tours when I saw that he was available. As a member of the board that they are a part of, Gameday even offered me a slight discount, so I went ahead and got a second card signed.  Gameday was quick and prompt with returning my autographs after the event.

I planned on using their services again or attending an event in person, but after later reading a frustrated rant from the owner of Gameday on Texas Autograph Club characterizing some people who attend his free events as loafers who take advantage of him, I  postponed those plans indefinitely.

NFL

Marks, Sen’Derrick

Card: Upper Deck 2009 (#039/199)
Acquired: 2012, Target Authentic Autograph Memorabilia

A heavily accoladed defensive line prospect from Auburn, Sen’Derrick Marks was taken in the second round of the 2009 draft by the Tennessee Titans. At 6’2″, 296, he was considered an enigma by many draft pundits. A talented one gap lineman, with an inconsistent motor, Sen’Derrick can play so low sometimes, he loses track of the ball.  He played sparingly for the Titans, but has made 66 tackles, 3 sacks, and forced 3 fumbles.

Marks was allowed to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2013 and played in his first of two consecutive 16 game slates as a starter. He had his best season as a pro in 2014 with 34 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and 8.5 sacks – but tore his ACL late in the year.

Sen’Derrick returned for 2015, but tore his triceps ending his season after only 4 games. With his contract near an end, Marks has rounded out as a useful defensive end for needy 3-4 teams, however his injury history may scare some teams away from the bargaining table.

 

NFL

Otten, Ryan

leaf13 otten

Card: Leaf Draft 2013
Acquired: 2013, Box Breaker

As a junior in 2011, Ryan Otten played 11 games and had 52 receptions for 739 yards and 5 touchdowns, earning an All-WAC selection.  He earned a followup All-WAC selection in 2012, when he had had 47 receptions for 742 yards and 4 touchdowns. Notably his 15.8 yards per catch led all Division I tight ends in 2012, and he joined Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert as the only two tight ends who ranked in the top 100 nationally in both receptions and receiving yards per game in 2011.

Oddly Otten would not be selected in the 2013 NFL Draft due to average speed and lack of bulk. The Jaguars signed him as a priority free agent . Later that year he’d be on the practice squad of the Chargers. In 2014, Otten signed a futures contract with the Bengals, and then later joined the Vikings who he played for through 2015.