Sage Rosenfels may not be the biggest name in NFL circles — not even close — but he at the very least knows a thing or two about playing football at a high level.
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Over the weekend, Rosenfels used that knowledge to call out one of the nation's top 2018 recruits on Twitter, Xavier Thomas. Recently at The Opening, a top recruiting combine hosted by Nike, Thomas was filmed by Craig Haubert of ESPN knocking down a lineman in one-on-one drills.
#ESPN300 No. 1 overall player & #Clemson commit DE Xavier Thomas w/ a dominant rep in 1-on-1's #TheOpening @atxlete pic.twitter.com/Aud7T1uK0N
— Craig Haubert (@CraigHaubert) July 2, 2017
Rosenfels apparently took offense at Thomas' rep, though, Tweeting about how Thomas broke an unwritten rule of one-on-one drills:
You don't bullrush in a non-padded 1on1 drill. If I'm the left tackle, I cut the DE on the next play. Then get ready to fight him. #fairgame https://t.co/d9YZeIxOIk
— Sage Rosenfels (@SageRosenfels18) July 3, 2017
While it's true that one-on-one drills between defensive and offensive linemen are usually more for showing off technique, speed, and hand-fighting ability, that's not to say that a good, solid bull rush has never happened. Yes, coaches prefer to see technique and speed in these situations — power is generally reserved for full pads or at least shells — but there was nothing in this video that suggested Thomas did this to embarrass the offensive lineman.
And even if that was the case, isn't that his job as a defensive end? Defensive ends are some of the most aggressive players on the football field, and that's because they have to be. That's not to say that these high schoolers need to "get at it" during a camp that's basically a glorified practice or training session, but part of the game of football is aggression. And as a defender, part of the game is catching your opponent off guard.
That was likely instinct more than anything else, and it certainly wasn't something that deserved a call out from a former NFL quarterback.
When push comes to shove (pun intended), no matter Rosenfels' thoughts on the matter, Thomas is going to be just fine. He's one of the top 2018 recruits in the nation and he's committed to one of the best football programs in the nation in Clemson. He has a long, bright future ahead of him as a football player, and frankly, his NFL prospects are a bit brighter than Rosenfels' were at the time, though you never do know how things will play out.
It's worth noting what people see in Thomas. According to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, he's ranked as the No. 2 player in America and the No. 1 overall strong-side defensive end. He has nearly 30 scholarship offers to his name.
Rosenfels was a two-year starter at Iowa State (1999-2000) and even though his numbers weren't stellar (4,164 total yards, 18 touchdowns thrown compared to 26 interceptions), he was drafted in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins. Rosenfel's NFL career seemed destined for the perennial backup role, though it's worth noting that he did start 12 games in 11 seasons and his very first professional throw was a 76-yard touchdown pass for the Miami Dolphins.
So, Aaron Rodgers he's not, but he's been there and done that — something that most people can't say, at least in terms of professional football.
