Tony Fiammetta – Just hit something
May 1, 2009
At minicamp today, my eyes were on a player that none of the other media types were paying any attention to. His name is Tony Fiammetta, and he may be the rookie with the most impact this season.
At 6 foot and 245 pounds, Tony is not the biggest fullback in the league, although an NFL training regimen may give him 10 pounds by the start of the season. Tony was known at Syracuse as a blocking machine, willing to accept a role of little carries, many blocks.
Music to my ears.
Tony lined up in the runningback drills for the first time today, looking a little nervous. Assistant Head Coach Jim Skipper had simple instructions for Fiammetta, watch Brad Hoover, do what he does. Hoover began his drill, nimbly keeping his feet moving around cushions, all the while maintaining perfect balance, 3 quick steps between cushions. It was then Fiammetta’s turn, and it wasn’t pretty. Only one step between cushions and knocking one out of place. Skipper stopped the drill, had Tony reset the cushion, and he did it again until he got it right. It was clear this rookie was rough around the edges, and his footwork would be a concern through much of camp. I began to wonder why the Panthers drafted him, and pondered the possibility of a short Carolina career.
The next drill was the gauntlet. Running backs burst through two opposing lines of players, all trying to strip the ball. In addition, cushions are on the ground to trip the players up, acting as ankle tackles. Two veteran players made it through the drill without issue, Brad Hoover again providing the visual of a correct drill. Next up was Tony Fiammetta. A fumble here would set a very bad tone for his offseason workout experience.
Tony takes the snap from Jim Skipper, and heads into the gauntlet with reckless abandon. He kicks over the first cushion, as Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart try to strip the ball. Fiametta then slams right in to Decori Birmingham, knocking him back and leaving him a bit confused as the other players chuckled. Fiametta then looked more comfortable than he had all morning. He just needed to hit something.
Tony Fiammetta
