Chiefs Associated Press: Studebaker struggling to go from Div. III to NFL

**Tribal Warfare** · 08-19-2009, 12:53 AM

Studebaker struggling to go from Div. III to NFL

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP)—People who like to cheer for the underdog will love Andy Studebaker(notes).

The second player from tiny Wheaton College to be drafted into the NFL— first in the modern era of the draft—Studebaker is struggling to win a starting job in the NFL.

Like many defensive players in Kansas City’s camp, the second-year pro is switching from defensive end to linebacker in the Chiefs’ new 3-4 alignment.

The competition is heated and as a Division III player, Studebaker didn’t benefit from the topflight coaching and instruction that players from BCS schools enjoy. But Chiefs coach Todd Haley is happy with Studebaker’s progress, and very happy with the way he played in last weekend’s 16-10 loss to Houston in the preseason opener.

Studebaker has also benefited from the clean-slate policy the first-year head coach has installed for a team that is getting a major overhaul after winning only six games the past two seasons.

“I’ve been taught, and I feel like that’s what I love about this situation is that the best guys are going to play,” Haley said. “That was one of the most attractive things about this situation. I know that’s the way we’re going to play football. We’re going to play with the guys who give us the best chance to win.”

Against Houston, Studebaker had two quarterbacks pressures and shared a sack with first-round pick Tyson Jackson(notes). But there is a huge difference between Division III and the NFL. He relishes the challenge of doing something no one from his school had done before.

“Kind of showing the little guy can make it sometimes too, you know what I’m saying?” Studebaker explained “With the right work ethic, it doesn’t matter where you are from as long as you do what is necessary to succeed.”

A descendant of the family that developed the famed Studebaker automobile, the 6-foot-3, 248-pounder started only five games his senior season because of a foot injury. But he was still taken in the sixth round by Philadelphia in 2008. The Chiefs picked up Studebaker off the Eagles’ practice squad midseason and played the final six games on special teams, totaling six tackles.

That was a huge break, landing on a team that was about to undergo a front office housecleaning and head in an entirely new direction. Plus, he figures he also got a break playing behind veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel(notes), who was a mainstay on New England’s Super Bowl teams.

“Just learning from a guy like Mike Vrabel right now, he’s played in the league for 12, 13 years at a high level,” he said. “I’m getting a lot of opportunity to take reps in practice, but also watch him.”

Chiefshrink · 08-19-2009, 12:56 AM

He will make this team.

Mr. Arrowhead · 08-19-2009, 12:57 AM

he showed some flashes last saturday night, I hope he can keep it up

teedubya · 08-19-2009, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Arrowhead

he showed some flashes last saturday night, I hope he can keep it up

Funny, that is what GoChiefs one sexual conquest said.

ChiefJustice · 08-19-2009, 01:30 AM

Interesting

I didn't know he was related to "that" Studebaker.

Direckshun · 08-19-2009, 01:32 AM

I have him slated in my final depth chart.

I think the guy has potential.

Fish · 08-19-2009, 08:11 AM

Quote:

A descendant of the family that developed the famed Studebaker automobile

Holy shit that's crazy....

KCUnited · 08-19-2009, 08:15 AM

He's got a great motor.

milkman · 08-19-2009, 08:17 AM

That headline sucks.

**Skip Towne** · 08-19-2009, 08:17 AM

I hope he fares better than the "Stupidbaker" car.

**rockymtnchief** · 08-19-2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

A descendant of the family that developed the famed Studebaker automobile

The kids motor is non-stop.

**rockymtnchief** · 08-19-2009, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCUnited

He's got a great motor.

Beat me to it. I shouldn't have answered the phone.

LTL · 08-19-2009, 08:20 AM

Nice article, but where in it does it indicate he is struggling. Nice words from Haley and nothing but a good attitude from the kid.

**Lzen** · 08-19-2009, 08:43 AM

Why do they automatically assume that he didn't get top notch coaching just because he went to a Div. III school?

KCUnited · 08-19-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTL

Nice article, but where in it does it indicate he is struggling. Nice words from Haley and nothing but a good attitude from the kid.

I haven't seen enough of him to say he's struggling, but he did blow a coverage on a TE last Saturday. His coverage skills seem to be the knock on him, but he is learning a new position. Scanlonbaker is what they've been calling him around The Falls I hear.

08-19-2009, 12:53 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $482813	Associated Press: Studebaker struggling to go from Div. III to NFL Studebaker struggling to go from Div. III to NFL RIVER FALLS, Wis. (AP)—People who like to cheer for the underdog will love Andy Studebaker(notes). The second player from tiny Wheaton College to be drafted into the NFL— first in the modern era of the draft—Studebaker is struggling to win a starting job in the NFL. Like many defensive players in Kansas City’s camp, the second-year pro is switching from defensive end to linebacker in the Chiefs’ new 3-4 alignment. The competition is heated and as a Division III player, Studebaker didn’t benefit from the topflight coaching and instruction that players from BCS schools enjoy. But Chiefs coach Todd Haley is happy with Studebaker’s progress, and very happy with the way he played in last weekend’s 16-10 loss to Houston in the preseason opener. Studebaker has also benefited from the clean-slate policy the first-year head coach has installed for a team that is getting a major overhaul after winning only six games the past two seasons. “I’ve been taught, and I feel like that’s what I love about this situation is that the best guys are going to play,” Haley said. “That was one of the most attractive things about this situation. I know that’s the way we’re going to play football. We’re going to play with the guys who give us the best chance to win.” Against Houston, Studebaker had two quarterbacks pressures and shared a sack with first-round pick Tyson Jackson(notes). But there is a huge difference between Division III and the NFL. He relishes the challenge of doing something no one from his school had done before. “Kind of showing the little guy can make it sometimes too, you know what I’m saying?” Studebaker explained “With the right work ethic, it doesn’t matter where you are from as long as you do what is necessary to succeed.” A descendant of the family that developed the famed Studebaker automobile, the 6-foot-3, 248-pounder started only five games his senior season because of a foot injury. But he was still taken in the sixth round by Philadelphia in 2008. The Chiefs picked up Studebaker off the Eagles’ practice squad midseason and played the final six games on special teams, totaling six tackles. That was a huge break, landing on a team that was about to undergo a front office housecleaning and head in an entirely new direction. Plus, he figures he also got a break playing behind veteran linebacker Mike Vrabel(notes), who was a mainstay on New England’s Super Bowl teams. “Just learning from a guy like Mike Vrabel right now, he’s played in the league for 12, 13 years at a high level,” he said. “I’m getting a lot of opportunity to take reps in practice, but also watch him.”
Posts: 42,177

08-19-2009, 12:57 AM	#3
Mr. Arrowhead MVP Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Wichita Casino cash: $10015708	he showed some flashes last saturday night, I hope he can keep it up
Posts: 7,763

08-19-2009, 01:30 AM	#5
ChiefJustice The Stig Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: "Some say he has no home" Casino cash: $10004900	Interesting I didn't know he was related to "that" Studebaker. __________________ Dante Hicks: But you hate people. Randal Graves: Yes, but I love gatherings. Isn't it ironic?
Posts: 4,806

08-19-2009, 01:32 AM	#6
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $4153447	I have him slated in my final depth chart. I think the guy has potential.
Posts: 59,317

08-19-2009, 08:15 AM	#8
KCUnited Cheat Death Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Land of Drincoln Casino cash: $1858244	He's got a great motor.
Posts: 34,167

08-19-2009, 08:17 AM	#9
milkman Dumbass! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Leading the Marty bashing Casino cash: $10029395	That headline sucks. __________________
Posts: 70,769

08-19-2009, 08:17 AM	#10
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	I hope he fares better than the "Stupidbaker" car.
Posts: 69,689

08-19-2009, 08:20 AM	#13
LTL Starter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tulsa Ok Casino cash: $9914995	Nice article, but where in it does it indicate he is struggling. Nice words from Haley and nothing but a good attitude from the kid.
Posts: 311

08-19-2009, 08:43 AM	#14
Lzen Supporter Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16 Casino cash: $1930692	Why do they automatically assume that he didn't get top notch coaching just because he went to a Div. III school? __________________ If at first you don't succeed ...skydiving is not for you.
Posts: 41,477