04-30-2011
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 | Die-Hard All-Pro | | Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Massillon, Ohio
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Joker  We still have holes to fill and we take developmental player. I warmed up to the Taylor pick and I am liking the 2nd round, but I don't like this one. Too many better players at positions of need still on the board. | It's a 4th round pick, they are all developmental players. Quote:  Juan Carlo/The Star Jordan Cameron practices catching the ball in the afternoon at Peppertree Park in Newbury Park. The Newbury Park High graduate and former USC tight end is preparing for the NFL draft.
From the moment he started playing sports, Jordan Cameron dreamed of being drafted.
He envisioned himself going through workouts and meeting with general managers. He imagined visiting different cities and gathering with family to watch the picks being made.
But Cameron always figured he would hear David Stern calling his name, not Roger Goodell.
"If somebody had told me I would get drafted, I would have never thought it would be football," said Cameron, a Newbury Park High graduate. "I definitely would have thought it would have been basketball. It's funny how things work out."
From an aspiring NBA prospect to an intriguing NFL prospect, Cameron's transformation has been filled with as many routes as his playbook.
Despite only catching 16 total passes at USC — all in his senior season — Cameron's stock is quickly rising.
The 6-foot-5, 254-pound tight end opened eyes with strong performances at the NFL combine and USC's pro day.
Cameron had the second-fastest time among tight ends at the combine in the 40-yard dash (4.59 seconds), the second-highest vertical leap (37.5 inches) and led tight ends in the three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle.
Some mock drafts have Cameron projected as high as the third round.
"His athleticism makes people take notice when you watch film, and I have a feeling the kid will continue to develop and get better as he becomes fully immersed in football," said Charles Davis, a draft analyst for NFL Network. "I think that ultimately he can become one of those guys who emerges and becomes a pretty decent player."
It's a far cry from where Cameron was as a junior in high school.
 Juan Carlo/The Star Jordan Cameron had the second-fastest time among tight ends at the combine in the 40-yard dash (4.59 seconds), the second-highest vertical leap (37.5 inches) and led tight ends in the three-cone drill, 20-yard shuttle and 60-yard shuttle.
Cameron had to be convinced by his close friend Jordan LaSecla to join the football team midway through the season.
On Cameron's very first play, he caught a touchdown pass from LaSecla that set the wheels in motion for a football career.
"Right then I kind of thought I was meant to be doing this," Cameron said. "I always loved football, but I came from a basketball family and was a basketball guy."
Cameron attended Brigham Young University on a basketball scholarship, but decided to transfer after redshirting his freshman season.
He wanted to enroll at USC immediately, but had to spend a year at Ventura College because some academic units did not transfer.
Cameron didn't make a single catch playing wide receiver his sophomore and junior seasons at USC. He switched to tight end his senior year and finished with 16 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown.
"People wonder how this kid is even getting looked at and talked about or even getting drafted after making only 16 catches in three years," Cameron said. "They might not think I deserve it, but being at a school like USC you are surrounded by so many good players and great athletes. It's hard to get a niche in that program."
But Cameron isn't worried about how his production will translate to the NFL.
"I believe I can make a difference at the next level and make an impact with my athleticism and create mismatches on the field," he said. "I think I have the versatility to be productive. I want to get better as a blocker. That is my main thing right now."
All the motivation Cameron needs to improve is found when he looks into the eyes of his 2-year-old son, Tristan.
"He is a big reason why I am able to do what I do," Cameron said. "Being a father, I have the responsibility of providing for my son and trying to give him opportunities in his life. This will give me that chance. I want to be a good example of having goals and reaching those goals."
Cameron has taken pre-draft visits to Oakland, Tampa Bay, Miami and New Orleans.
 Juan Carlo/The Star Jordan Cameron practices catching the ball in the afternoon at Peppertree Park in Newbury Park. The Newbury Park High graduate and USC tight end is preparing for the NFL draft. His 2-year-old son Tristan Cameron is the biggest motivator for him to reach the NFL so he can provide for him financially and be a role model. 04/13/11 Newbury Park, Ca
"I haven't had any one team talk to me more than others," he said. "There is a good buzz going around after my combine performance. I don't really care where I end up, I just want the opportunity to get into a camp and show what I can do."
Cameron generated even more buzz after receiving a glowing endorsement from Clippers star forward Blake Griffin.
Cameron and Griffin are good friends who play pickup basketball together in the summer. Cameron's agent, Michael Hoffman, came up with the idea to create a YouTube video of the pair to increase Cameron's visibility.
The "Mars Blake-Man" spoof showcased Cameron's athletic ability and Griffin's wit.
"It's really cool for Blake, with his stature and how big-time he is, to do this for me because I needed more publicity," Cameron said. "You could really see his personality and how funny he is. I don't think people really see that in his interviews."
Cameron won't be joining Griffin in the same professional league like he once dreamed, but it's a choice he never second guesses.
"I don't think I could have made it in the NBA," Cameron said. "I am a slow, white guy. They don't work out in the NBA. You have to be a freak athlete to survive. I am definitely more suited for the NFL."
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