Just Blog Baby » Darryl Blackstock

Stephon Heyer Steps Away From The Bay

Chris Shellcroft — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:36:17 +0000

Lost in all of the Reggie McKenzie roster moves that been made are some of the ones he hasn’t. Namely allowing a group of unrestricted free agents that were contributors last season to simply walk away this season. Guys like Quentin Groves last week and now Stephon Heyer who signed with the Jets yesterday.

Heyer joins a small faction of former Raiders that have found work wearing green in NYC. The Jets boast of former Raiders receivers coach Sanjay Lal who will continue to coach up Chaz Schilens and now are joined by reserve lineman Heyer.

Heyer saw time at tackle and guard last season including making two starts both of which came against the San Diego Chargers. His value was found in providing depth for the O-line during his one season in Oakland.

Until yesterday Heyer was listed on the Raiders roster under the Unrestricted Free Agent heading. His name is now gone leaving the likes of Kyle Boller, Darryl Blackstock and T.J. Houshmanzadeh among others that are still Raiders in theory only.

53 Men that Will be Raiders: Predicting the Final Cut

Chris Shellcroft — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 05:43:17 +0000

The Raiders and Seahawks closed down the most unique preseason we’ve seen in years. We’re still waiting for the first win of the Hue Jackson era as Oakland folded in Seattle, losing 20-3 and going 0-for-the preseason.

This is the last off-season of labor strife for at least a decade. Despite the lockout ending before too much was lost there were plenty of casualties of the subtle kind.

For some straight cash was lost, homie. Vets that sought long term deals had to settle for one-year auditions.

For others, roles went by the wayside no thanks to the loss of OTAs, time with team trainers and just plain poor showings in the four weeks of camp.

For many, the chance at a job in football ends tonight as the final cut downs are due by 3pm Pacific Standard.

Here is one blogger’s picks for the 53 men lucky enough to earn a living wearing silver and black in 2011.
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Raiders Add LB Jeremy Leman, Waive S Zac Ethridge

Chris Shellcroft — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:41:14 +0000

Looking to fill the void left by the injury to Travis Goethel the Raiders claimed linebacker Jeremy Leman off waivers. In order to make room for Leman the team placed safety Zac Ethridge IR for the purpose of waiving him.

Leman has yet to suit up in an NFL contest but has spent time on the practice squads of the Egales, Vikings and Chargers. The Illinois alum was most likely referred to the Raiders by Chuck Bresnahan. Like current Raider Darryl Blackstock, Leman spent time with Bresnahan in the UFL while they were all members of the Florida Tuskers.

Leman is going to be wearing #53 but he in no way resembles the last man to wear #53 for the Silver and Black. Unlike Thomas Howard, Leman was clocked at a lumbering speed of 4.8 in the 40. Leman also plays on the inside. During his time at Illinois, Leman was a first team All-Big 10 selection while also being named a semi-finalist for the Dick Butkus Award.