Playing for the Crimson Tide during his college career, Amari Cooper posted impressive numbers, including leading the nation in receptions with 124 catches in 14 games (2014). After the year, he’d earn the Fred Biletnikoff award given nationally to the best college receiver in the nation and be a unanimous All-American.
Amari was taken with the 4th pick of the 2015 NFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders were rebuilding on the offensive side of the ball and were trying to surround young quarterback Derek Carr with offensive weaponry. Cooper connected immediately with Carr and finished his rookie season with 72 receptions for 1070 yards and 6 touchdowns. He’d also chip in returning 8 punts for 41 yards. Arguably Cooper’s best game came in a 37-29 win over the Chargers in which he had 5 receptions for 133 yards and a TD. After the season Amari was selected as a Pro Bowl Alternate.
After grinding it out in JC for two years, Cameron Artis-Payne transferred to Auburn- a school steeped in tradition of quality ground games. He rushed for 610 yards on 91 carries and a strong 6.7 yards per carry in 2013. Artis-Payne proved it was no fluke in 2014 when he led the SEC with 1,608 yards on 303 carries and 13 TDs.
He was selected in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Carolina Panthers. Artis-Payne battled fellow rookie Brandon Wegher in the runningback rotation behind Johnathan Stewart and Fozzy Whittaker. Cameron saw action in 116 snaps, carrying the ball 45 times for 183 yards- primarily in relief of Stewart. His first TD came against the Tampa Bay in a 38-10 thrashing of the Bucs.
Taylor Heinicke turned Colonial Athletic Association Old Dominion into a contender with his arm, and a school record 11,483 career passing yards and 102 touchdown passes. He was also an adept runner and handled punting duties from time to time. In 2013, Taylor threw for a record 730 passing yards, which stands as a Division I record. Despite this, Taylor’s draft analysis did not stand up well, with many scouts also knocking his size. He went unselected in the 2015 NFL draft. Although he was courted by the Falcons, Taylor felt more like he had a chance going to Minnesota. Taylor called it, “A dream come true,” to play in the NFL and for the Vikings. Heinike had a great camp and preseason going 27 of 41 for 279 yards and two touchdowns in the preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. Comfortable with incumbent Teddy Bridgewater and Shaun Hill moving forward, Minnesota cut Christian Ponder. While Taylor has not dressed for any games, he looks to challenge 14 year veteran Shaun Hill in the near future for the backup job.
Celebrating the game, the players, the cards, and the autographs for over 25 years.
Card: Sage HIT 2015 (159/250), Sage Artistry 2015 (75/100)
