bengal4life Posted August 24, 2006 Report Share Posted August 24, 2006 NAIA standout makes solid run at job with Bengals Thursday, August 24, 2006Bill Rabinowitz THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH DeDe Dorsey has a simple running philosophy. "Run from the bad guys," he said with a smile. The bad guys the Cincinnati Bengals running back is running from these days are a lot bigger, faster and stronger than he’s used to. It’s a big jump from even the Ohio States of the college world to the NFL. Imagine the leap Dorsey is trying to make coming from an NAIA school, Lindenwood (Mo.) University. So far, Dorsey has adjusted well. He is Cincinnati’s leading rusher through two exhibition games with 12 carries for 90 yards, including a 46-yarder on his first carry in the opener against Washington. "It was kind of a relief," Dorsey said. "There’s always the question, ‘Can I play? Am I going to do it?’ To come in and your first run to break one, it was off my back and then it was just playing." He also is the Bengals’ thirdleading receiver thanks to a 59-yard gain on a short pass against Buffalo. "He’s making plays, and that’s what this game is about," running backs coach Jim Anderson said. A native of Broken Arrow, Okla., Dorsey said Big 12 colleges recruited him until he suffered a broken ankle and dislocated shoulder as a high school senior. He enrolled at Ottawa (Kan.) University and followed coach Patrick Ross to Lindenwood. Dorsey played his first three seasons at safety, earning NAIA All-America honors as a junior. Late that season, he switched to running back when injuries hit the offensive backfield. As a senior, Dorsey ran for 1,600 yards and 18 touchdowns to earn All-America honors again. "He’s got height, weight and quickness," Anderson said of the 5-foot-11, 196-pound Dorsey, who has run a 4.4-second 40-yard dash. "All the things he’s showing us on the field he showed at the workout. He’s just young and inexperienced at our level. But every week he gets better and better." Dorsey remains a long shot to make the team. The Bengals will likely keep three halfbacks. Rudi Johnson is the starter and Chris Perry the backup, though Perry could land on the physicallyunable-to-perform list. If that happens, Dorsey would have to beat out third-down back Kenny Watson or Quincy Wilson, who has also been impressive. If Dorsey doesn’t make the final 53-man roster, he would be a strong candidate for the practice squad. brabinowitz@dispatch.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rishipatel Posted August 24, 2006 Report Share Posted August 24, 2006 I hope his guys eventually gets his opportunity to make a roster. It just doesn't look like it'll be ours this yr. Prime for practice squad though, if he's not picked up by anyone else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stripes Posted August 24, 2006 Report Share Posted August 24, 2006 I think he'd have had to score twelve touchdowns this preseason to make the team, but even if he doesn't... He'll have a great opportunity elsewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArmyBengal Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Yep, he'll make a team somewhere if not here... I'd still like to see what he can do against someone besides 3rd stringers.WHODEY !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schweinhart Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Dorsey was highly impressive once again. He runs a little too straight up but his footwork is real good and he absorbs hits wells while usually continuing to move forward after contact. There's no nonsense with him hitting holes and cutting once to get upfield. As a receiver, he looks more than solid. If he's anything at safety like he is at RB, they need to keep looking at him and maybe keep him, especially if he can return punts and prove he can blitz block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aaronburr Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 I'm still skeptical since we haven't seen him against 1st stringers, but his bio on .com is impressive....All-American DB and RB...16 blocked kicks over his entire college career....once returned a kickoff 98 yards for a TD...once ran a 4.41 40.Which makes me wonder why he's only getting time at RB. Sounds like he might be better suited for Ethan Kilmer or Reggie McNeal's intended roles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinneymulleT Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 I though i read he was 210? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jditty47 Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 PS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KoKaine777 Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 He is 209.8. Funny tidbit at bengal.com. Apparently Dorsey wanted to know why people keep writing that he is only 196lbs. The reporter didn't believe he was 210 and Dorsey took him to the scale to prove it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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