The Runner Sports
Home / NFL / Jacksonville Jaguars / I Believe In LaRoy Reynolds

I Believe In LaRoy Reynolds

NFL: Preseason-Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars

Hard work and experience don’t go hand in hand. You cannot construct experience from any expanse of work ethic. You must undergo experience - you have to suffer, endure.

The Jaguars’ defense is young and hungry. Inexperienced, sure; but they’re ambitious. They’re enduring. Time and expertise might not be on their side, but the work ethic is there regardless. In training camp, the Jags’ D-line has been stout. The secondary has been aggressive. The offense is making inspiring strides, but the defense has been relentless. And frankly, the Jags’ defense has been shutting down the offense pretty consistently.

Linebacker LaRoy Reynolds has facilitated his fair share of shutting down. Yesterday, LaRoy completely stuffed Jordan Todman in the backfield after carving through a block. Reynolds met Todman with a little more intensity than a practice blow. It was beautiful. It sucked the air right out of the stands.

It’s the kind of intensity that seems to exclaim, “I’m here to make a difference.” LaRoy Reynolds worked to make a difference last year after the Jaguars signed him as a UDFA from Virginia. The rookie had a steady preseason, sneaking his way onto the final 53-man roster. Reynolds made a solid contribution on special teams during a rookie season that was limited by a 4-game suspension.

Regression is not a theme that shadows LaRoy as he works toward his second preseason. Reynolds is getting better. He’s getting stronger and smarter, and you can see it everyday during training camp. Reynolds’ will look to steal reps at the Jaguars’ new OTTO linebacker position during the season. I have no doubt that he will find success there. LaRoy’s position on the team is becoming clearer, and soon he’ll make his contribution clear as well.

LaRoy was built for this team. He was built for Gus Bradley, and I was never more sure of this than when the guy sprinted down the field on a kickoff, got his helmet ripped off, and still demolished the ball carrier. All while baring a look of intensity and savageness. It was terrifying.

This upcoming season, I don’t expect Reynolds to undertake helmet-less confrontations. But I expect him to impress. Reynolds is primed to break out. You can see it in the way he works, in the way he practices, in the way he conducts himself as a person. It’s all there. LaRoy Reynolds has every opportunity to push through obstructions and make his mark this season.

And I’m damn excited to watch.

Author: Cole Hartley

Follow me on Twitter for Jags intelligence and retweets of old news you heard last week.

Twitter