Warren helps keep Spokane on winning track
As mentioned in a previous post, I put together a feature on Justin Warren (No. 11 pictured above) for Thursday's S-R. You can read the unedited version below.
By
Staff writer
Spokane Shock linebacker Justin Warren has developed a knack for making something positive out of seemingly tough situations.
When R.C. Slocum, the coach who recruited
Shortly after signing a free-agent contract with the New England Patriots,
“I was looking to do some teaching and coaching,” he said.
Instead, another playing opportunity surfaced.
Meanwhile, Jason Jack and Lee Foliaki, two of
“I came up here for the second game (last season),”
The 6-foot-3, 250-pound
“Ever since Lee came to A&M from a junior college, it’s been (Nos.) 57 and 10 there and 11 and 13 up here,”
“It’s bittersweet. I still talk to Lee, but at the end of the day the older we get the more we realize it’s a business. Once you get kids and families involved you have to keep moving forward.”
“Lee was a great player and it was awesome playing next to him, but if someone had to come in and fill that position, I wouldn’t want it to be anyone other than Justin,” McCullough said. “He’s one of the most athletic guys on the team. He makes it easy for me and he knows what he’s doing.”
Said head coach Adam Shackleford: “The pressure in the middle has been very obvious. It’s his true position and he’s the perfect size and weight for it. To have a guy that can play both positions and run down on special teams, it’s been a huge impact.”
Like most arenafootball2 players,
“It’s not a glamorous job, but we know what we’re up here for,” he said. “We’re up here to win and get good film so we can go to the next level.”
If that were to happen,
“But it’s power everything and it’s in good condition,” said Warren, who is fifth on the team in tackles (34), second in sacks (8) and tops in fumble recoveries (3). “It just needs some cosmetic work. It’s running good. It gets me from point A to point B.”
“I know I can play linebacker,” he said. “It’s a chance to help the team out. That’s how I have to take it. I can’t take it as I’m taking my friend, my brother’s position. I’m doing what the team needs.”