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| INDIANAPOLIS -- Daniel Adongo is finally starting to feel comfortable with the Colts. Thats good: The Kenyan rugby star is about to play his first football game -- ever -- when Indianapolis faces Cincinnati on Sunday in a showdown of division leaders. Adongo has figured out the lingo and nuances of the sport, learned the proper way to put on pads and a helmet, and knows his place in the Colts locker room. Theres still more work to do, but the newly minted linebacker will get to show the whole football world how far hes come in four months. He will be primarily on special teams, but playing football for the first time in the NFL in a game with playoff implications? "I am excited," Adongo said Wednesday, one day after being promoted from Indys practice squad to the active roster. "As I said before and Ill reiterate it, my excitement is being subdued by the fact I have a task, an obligation and a duty to perform whats being asked from me for the coaches and my teammates." It was late July when general manager Ryan Grigson decided to take the plunge after a yearlong quest to find an overseas player who could help his team. Grigson gambled on Adongo, a Kenyan native and world-class rugby player who was big, fast and had a penchant for hitting. Adongo, surprised initially by the invite, made the flight to Atlanta, then hopped on a connecting plane to Indy and worked out at the Colts headquarters during a rookie mini-camp. Within hours, the Colts signed Adongo to a contract and two days later, the 6-foot-5, 257-pound football novice stood out when he reported to training camp in a pair of short shorts and soccer-style shirt. Back then, of course, some wondered if Adongo could cut it in the worlds best football league. There are few doubters left. "It was a stretch," NFL sacks leader Robert Mathis said when asked about his initial thoughts of Adongo succeeding. "I think hes made everyone believe." By some accounts, Adongo has become a major headache for the Colts offensive line in practice. And now that hes up to 270 pounds, he could create problems for opponents, too, if he gets into the game as a pass-rusher at Cincinnati (8-4). The Colts (8-4) are being patient, though. Rather than pushing Adongo into preseason games, they kept their secret under wraps as he got acclimated. Adongo started the season on the practice squad. But with Adongo showing steady progress in practice and Mario Harvey, a key special teams player for Indy, going on season-ending injured reserve with a torn meniscus Tuesday, the Colts decided to give Adongo a chance. Coach Chuck Pagano said he expects the rookie to play primarily on special teams and hes confident Adongo will make a difference. "The guy is a smart guy. We know from a physical standpoint hes very, very athletic. He can run. Hes big. Hes strong. Hes a tireless worker. Hes been a great pro," Pagano said. "Even though he hasnt played, hes picked up a ton. Our veteran guys, guys like Robert (Mathis) and the rest of the guys in the defensive room, have been tremendous working with him and mentoring him and bringing him along and helping his development to this point." One thing the Colts do know is that Adongo can hit. He began his athletic career playing for the Kenya Harlequins junior rugby team. Eventually, he wound up on the countrys U-18 and U-19 rugby squads. In 2006, scouts from the University of South Africa spotted Adongo during a tournament and a year later, he was attending the school. Then it was off to the prestigious Sharks Academy, and last year he competed in the Varsity Cup for the University of Pretoria. This year, he was playing for the Southern Kings of Super 15 Rugby when the Colts got in touch. Now, just a few months later, Adongos teammates believe hes ready. "Hes taken the language, the lingo, digested it and regurgitated that to the point now where he asks questions and we have to go back and look it (the language) up," Mathis said, smiling. "The last few months, Ive seen it every day in practice, whether its a spin move, a bull rush or whatever, and thats when you knew he was getting better." All he has to do now is prove he can play on game day. "Im still just getting comfortable with my movements in pads, and that type of stuff," he said. "Im not happy where Im at right now." Notes: Pagano said right guard Jeff Linkenbach would not play Sunday because of a partially torn quad muscle. He did not name a replacement but said the Colts would take a look at former starter Mike McGlynn, backup Joe Reitz and left guard Hugh Thornton. ... Starting cornerback Greg Toler, who has missed five straight games with a groin injury, did return to the practice field Wednesday. He is considered day-to-day. J.R. Sweezy Jersey Black Friday ." Meet the "Genie Army" -- a dozen boisterous Aussies who, despite boasting zero connection to Canada, have become Bouchards unofficial cheerleaders at the Australian Open. Doug Baldwin Seahawks Jersey Cyber Monday .J. Burnett made a couple of mistakes with his pitches and gave up the lead in the seventh inning. http://www.theseahawksnflshop.com/customized/. According to the Washington Post, the Washington Capitals placed Green on the long-term injured list on Thursday meaning he wont be back in the lineup before February 1st. Kam Chancellor Jersey Black Friday . TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted Monday morning that Callahan - who is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is now open to a six-year contract at less than $7 million per season. Jeremy Lane Seahawks Jersey Cyber Monday . The leagues competition committee met Monday, two days after a controversial goal in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final that involved contact on Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, and discussed making more situations subject to review. BUENOS AIRES, Argentina -- Top-seeded David Ferrer of Spain defeated Argentine Facundo Bagnis 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday to reach the quarterfinals of the Copa Claro clay-court tournament in the Argentine captial. Japans 22-year-old Kei Nishikori justified his No. 4 seeding, beating Victor Hanescu of Romania 3-6, 7-5, 6-1 to reach the last eight. No. 6 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland also made the quarterfinals, winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 over Benoit Paire of France. The happiest player into the quarterfinals was Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, who will retire after next months Masters tournament in Florida. Gonzalez defeated Spaniard Albert Ramos 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5). "I am always aware I have few matches remaining," Gonzaalez said.dddddddddddd Ferrer is one of the games best on clay and he showed his experience against the 21-year-old Argentine. "He made it difficult for me, but he failed on some important points," Ferrer said. Ferrer now has a day to relax with his quarterfinal set for Friday. Ferrer played local Argentine players in both his matches here, yet got a little more support from the fans Wednesday. "The support was very equal today," Ferrer said. "Here they treat you like you are at home, or even better." Wawrinka was playing a player he knows well in Paire. "I was playing against a friend, and it wasnt easy," he said. "Besides, he played a good match." Cheap Soccer Jerseys Cheap NHL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys cheap jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China ' ' ' |
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posted on: 11/18/2015 03:21:58 AM
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