Why I Predicted Jasper To The Bills

by Buffalo for Eternity on May 1, 2011 2:57 AM EDT

My sig for the past several months included the following: With pick #245 the Buffalo Bills select Michael Jasper (6'4" 395 lbs) Bethel University.

I wish I could say it was due to a crystal ball, or some amazing prognostic talent. If either of those were true I'd get the lottery numbers, sharing with all my fellow Rumblers of course. I did not have an "in" with the Bills Front Office either.

The real story is that my nephew C J and my son are his friends. C J went to High School with Jasper, and my son was on the football team of one of the schools that played C J & Jaspers team every year, both in Wilson County just east of Nashville, TN. Currently they work out together off and on.

My son, Ken, is an Army Reservist currently attending MTSU. An avid Buffalo Bills fan (chip off the old block). He and C J filled me in on Mr Jasper.

"Great guy, tireless worker, listens and uses all the instructions from some former NFL players. Plays hurt, plays to the whistle, doesn't tire (that big who would have thought he might not need a play or two off) and pushes his teammates on the field and in the weight room."

Buddy Nix stated he wanted to get "bigger" players, Michael Jasper is bigger than most people in the world. Seemed like a good fit. I was told that members of the Bills organization were in touch with him several times these past few months, and that he was hoping the Bills would draft him.

Given the preferences of Buddy Nix, Michael Jaspers' size and desire to be a Buffalo Bill, and my tenuous connection to both parties, I felt obligated to provide some free advertising for him in my sig.

He is a very devout Christian. Had a scholarship at Ole Miss, wanted something different. Transferred to MTSU, then UT-Martin before finding his match at a Christian-based school, Bethel University. Some may not like his multiple transfers, but I think finding a school that mirrored his belief system shows he has dedication and loyalty.

One more piece of information: Michael Jasper played High School football on the same team as Levi Brown. May want to keep that in mind before bashing Levi. Just kidding (maybe) about that.

Just another great fan opinion shared on the pages of BuffaloRumblings.com.

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Comments

Great story!

And what a great connection! This guy seems exactly like the kind of person we want in a Bills uniform and I wish him the best. Here’s hoping he makes the team!

by AussieBill on May 1, 2011 3:09 AM EDT reply actions

first i want to say gr8 story and awesome prediction. secondly...

Check out his webpage www.lesliemikejaspernfl.com then go to his videos. this dude is athletic, mobile , and strong as hell. nothing like MT. cody from last yr. that dude had some very jiggly parts about him this seems like he actually has a low percent of body fat…. any way i really liked this yrs draft class. and the three guys im most excited about for this foorball team are DAR-E-US , A williams, and Jasper. i have a feeling this kid could end up being the steal of the draft. very vince wilfork like but bigger stronger and more inshape…

Thurman Thomas literally deleted me on twitter..... i laughed then cried.... @rcallahan57

by OC-BILLS-FAN on May 1, 2011 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

That's pretty cool stuff.

I recognized the sig for awhile, didn’t know the story behind it. I went to look him up after the selection and couldn’t find anything. Waited and waited for Brian’s post then eventually we got some information as Brian had to wait and search a little himslef. Sounds like a great guy. I think many of us would love to see things work out for him as long as we don’t have to feed him.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on May 1, 2011 3:20 AM EDT reply actions

i knew nix wanted to get bigger players i just didnt realize how big he wanted to get

where oh where has aaron maybin gone oh where can he be
was picked so high and not one has seen oh where can maybin be
seriously where the hell is he ?

by Gpluehri on May 1, 2011 4:21 AM EDT reply actions

The best part about drafting him

Is that he wanted the BILLS to draft him. I’m sure he just wanted to get drafted period but it seems that buffalo may have been one of a few if not the only team really interested in this guy and it seems like he was looking at the bills as his only shot to get drafted. Wonder if that just sparks a sense of motivation to go all out for the team. Dude dropped to 375 when the bills told him to shed weight! That’s a great sign of being dedicated

by bruuuuuuuce on May 1, 2011 8:12 AM EDT reply actions

I heard one of our scouts...

Basicly was all over this guy for the last few months. He was blown away by the athletic ability of a man that size. He’s down to 374 now but actually played at 430. Thats incredible. Hope nothing but the best for him & hopefully a roster spot :)

by Gr8dane00 on May 2, 2011 2:57 AM EDT up reply actions

Oddly enough

it sounded like Shepp and Marcel wanted us to draft them too! This could be an exciting trend!

"I lost my mind three months ago when I woke up married to a pineapple, an ugly pineapple... I still love her though."

by Seattlite on May 2, 2011 9:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Rec'd

This has to be the greatest prediction in draft history!

Maybe OBD read your signature and actually looked him up.

ALL SPILLER NO FILLER

by Jason Holodook on May 1, 2011 9:20 AM EDT reply actions

i thinks its awesome you nailed that. this sig was the only reason i knew the guys name and when i saw the pick i was floored.
i actually think his chances of making this team are decent. we lost 2 DL from our roster this offseason (stroud, mccargo). and now weve added two (dareus, jasper). unless im missing something, if we dont bring anyone else in he just has to beat out kellen heard for that roster spot. jaspers odds there must be decent, if they didnt like him as a player they wouldnt have drafted him

by boomsauce on May 1, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions

THE REAL GODZILLA IS COMING

ALL I CAN SAY IS THAT IM SO SUPER DUPER CHOPPER TRUCKER ROCKER WONTOKER THAT WE HAVE THIS GUY AND HIS STORY IS A GOOD ONE NEVER GIVE UP JUST KEEP PUSHING HARD AND WHEN YOU FALL 9 TIMES GET UP 10

by abayarde on May 1, 2011 9:47 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs

Had to rec this for....

SUPER DUPER CHOPPER TRUCKER ROCKER WONTOKER

Abayarde get the whagonblaster ready!!!

I love work that looks like work when you’re at work, but isn’t work that is work you should be completing at work.- TheAfghan Twilight

by Byrdeputt on May 2, 2011 10:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Great story

Greater prediction, Rec’d

by Jasey on May 1, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

This is the kind of stuff that is awesome to hear.

The score dictated they pass

by norcaliangelsfan on May 1, 2011 10:46 AM EDT reply actions

very cool!

hope he’ll be an awesome NT for us!

by dgrid on May 1, 2011 12:00 PM EDT reply actions

What a great story

I’ll be rooting real hard for him !

It was Cookie's turn to lead the "easiest exercise" during the Monday practice after a game-- he said-- "we're going to do deep breathing--everybody inhale--dehale "---As told by Jack Kemp at my high school sports banquet circa 1966.

by radan on May 1, 2011 12:19 PM EDT reply actions

This is good stuff.

The player I would like least at #9 would be my sister’s cat, Captain Creamsicle. She does have a great work ethic and agility, but I’m really concerned that at 9 lbs., she’s too small to play safety in the NFL. She also bites way too often on play action and is easily distracted by someone waving string in the crowd. Lastly, her wonderlic score was pretty awful, answering "meow meow meow" for most of the questions- Dr. Brackish Okun

by mob16151 on May 1, 2011 1:20 PM EDT reply actions

Great Story

I’m sure I can speak for most Bill’s fans when I say we will all be rooting for him! Good Luck to Monster Man Mike and welcome to Bills country!

by BuckeyeBillsFan on May 1, 2011 1:57 PM EDT reply actions

Thanks for the story - Especially the logistics to his transfers

He definitely sounds like a good solid kid. It sounds like he’s got a real chance at developing into our cornerstone NT for our not so distant run into the playoffs! Yeah Baby!!

Rebuilding a team properly takes time and patience

by keysh67 on May 1, 2011 2:45 PM EDT reply actions

Read your sig for months...

Kept meaning to look him up, but never did!

Great story and like everyone else, thanks for the insight!

by StandingBillFan on May 1, 2011 4:02 PM EDT reply actions

I don’t think I’ve ever rooted for one player to make the roster and contribute to the team as I will for Jasper to do so. Great story, great prediction – great post!

Perception is reality; but if your perception is off, you live in your own reality. -- perkispower

by thefourwinds on May 1, 2011 4:39 PM EDT reply actions 3 recs

Recd

by radan on May 1, 2011 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

keep 'em comin'

Went to my first "BB" meeting today... When I stood, introduced myself, and admitted I was a Billsaholic, the other members threw beer cans at me!!

by Cinga on May 2, 2011 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Great connection and story!

Thanks for the post, and It only left me wanting more. The more I learn about this kid the more I LOVE the pick. Most scouts did not take him serious obviously, but he seems to have a desire to play for us. If I am understanding this right he played OG for the school he wanted to be at rather then play the position he wanted to play, at a bigger school. This decision probably cost him in the draft, but the thing to remember is that he now wants to play for us. So we can expect that same devotion that he gave to Bethel. The kid obviously has drive, and I will be rooting for him to make the team. The thing I want to learn more about is his DT history and skills. Please give us more inside info!!!!

Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.

by jbbillfan on May 1, 2011 6:14 PM EDT reply actions

History

Mike is my best friend and former teammate. Played with him since 7th grade. Played both ways in high school, and yes was at times our kicker. Went to UTM and started out on defense, then because of injuries was moved to offense. Same thing at Bethel. Trust me he knows what he’s doing at DT/NT and his heart is unmeasurable. Talked to him today and we can’t wait to get up to Buffalo….LEGO BILLS NATION!!!!

by CAshby10 on May 2, 2011 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for that!!

You tell MR Jasper that he already has some serious fans here at Rumblings. I for one will be rooting for him. I just have had a good feeling about him, and I really appreciate a guy who will keep his head down, and keep working even when it looks like no one is paying attention. IMO he earned that pick, Nix as much as said that they did not have to draft him they could have just signed him as a UDFA. Good for him, and keep up the hard work.

I also appreciate a guy who is strong enough spiritualy, and mentaly to get where he is going even by taking the road less traveled. I know some of those decisions had to be hard for him. In a way Buffalo could be an extention of that trip. I really believe he could be a part of a great team in just a few years.

Feel free to drop an occasional comment to keep us informed of his workout progress or any other relevant info. Keeping up with our team one player at a time is a lot of what Rumblings is all about.

Realy fired up about this kid!!!
Go Bills!!!

Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.

by jbbillfan on May 3, 2011 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Side Note

Meant to throw in there too, for those who haven’t figured it out or don’t know, Levi Brown was our QB in h.s. and we all graduated together. And if given a shot Levi will do great as well.

by CAshby10 on May 3, 2011 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

BILLieve me, he already has a fan base here in Buffalo!

Tell him to bring his lunch-pail and work hard!
I already want to buy his Jersey.
We are Bills fans and we love the underdog.

"There is not a loser in this room." Marv Levy.

by SERGEANT MAJOR THOR on May 3, 2011 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions

New Underdog Favorite

Step aside D. Bell and Stevie Johnson, I sense Craig Jasper may become the new underdog favorite on this board.

by south123 on May 1, 2011 9:00 PM EDT reply actions

Ok if he's my favorite I should learn his name.

Michael Jasper

by south123 on May 1, 2011 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

haha

"I lost my mind three months ago when I woke up married to a pineapple, an ugly pineapple... I still love her though."

by Seattlite on May 2, 2011 10:00 PM EDT up reply actions

great story

another reason for me to like this class.

Ryan FitZpatrick - The Inconvenient Truth.

by kgun201 on May 1, 2011 10:41 PM EDT reply actions

Great story, thanks for sharing. I'd love to see this guy become a player.

Any insight as to why most people have never heard of him? I mean despite going to a small school. I was watching his workout videos and was completely surprised by what i saw. I expected a flabby, slow MT. Cody type. He really looks to be very athletic for a man his size (33" vertical) and rediculously strong. So many teams and scouts get so hung up on measurables, I would think he would have been talked about much more based purely on potential alone, unless there are serious red flags as to why he won’t make it at the NFL level. There must be something scouts don’t like about him other than the small school thing. Any ideas?

"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby. That’s what we’ve got to do. We’ve got to show you the baby, and the baby is winning." - Buddy Nix

by Schwing9 on May 2, 2011 4:50 PM EDT reply actions

moved around from school to school

and then when he did get to Bethel he changed position. Couple that with his size (430) and the small school. Lots to turn off a busy scout with lots of big names to get to. All that is just my best guess.

Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.

by jbbillfan on May 2, 2011 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d love for him to be a pulling guard though – oh man would I love to watch that

When you innovate, you've got to be prepared for everyone telling you you're nuts.

by J2 on May 2, 2011 4:58 PM EDT reply actions

Not even Abayarde

could put that sound to words! That is one big boy!

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it comes dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

by HurricaneJay on May 2, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

But he ...

came close:

SUPER DUPER CHOPPER TRUCKER ROCKER WONTOKER

and give him time he’ll improve upon that.

I love work that looks like work when you’re at work, but isn’t work that is work you should be completing at work.- TheAfghan Twilight

by Byrdeputt on May 2, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions

Here’s another article on Jasper.

by Fanntastic on May 2, 2011 8:15 PM EDT reply actions

I believe.....

Buffalo Bills college scout Matt Hand

should be given the key to the city of Buffalo!

I love work that looks like work when you’re at work, but isn’t work that is work you should be completing at work.- TheAfghan Twilight

by Byrdeputt on May 2, 2011 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Heck....

Maybe he should run in the Republican Primaries. He could help the US economy shave off the deficit like he had Jasper shave off the weight- :-).

I love work that looks like work when you’re at work, but isn’t work that is work you should be completing at work.- TheAfghan Twilight

by Byrdeputt on May 2, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Great jersey number!

haha

seriously though, as long as he keeps up his work ethic and desire to get better every day I wouldn’t be surprised to see him crack the starting line-up in a year or two.

by Renegade23 on May 2, 2011 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions

great read!

I really loved the part about how he was practicing without pads bc they coould not find any big enough, and his head coach saying his helmet that took three weeks to find(they are not fooling me they had to special order that thing in) looking like a bucket.

His 40 time is a half second slower than Dareus, while carring an extra 100 pounds. When he gets down into the 350 range he is going to be a beast.

Please base your arguments in provable facts instead of pulling stuff out of your rear. -CanadianBillsFan- This is why talk is cheap because the supply always exceeds the demand.

by jbbillfan on May 3, 2011 12:56 AM EDT up reply actions

why i think this was a great pick...

First of all, if your drafting with a compensatory 7th round pick your just taking a chance on a guy. Who better than a 375 pound physical specimen? He has tools to become an effective nose tackle, and outside of Troup we don’t really have anyone to play the position (assuming Troup can in fact play the position well this season)…

That being said, I understand he has an uphill battle to make the team. But whats wrong with throwing him on the practice squad for a season if he doesn’t cut it? It’s not like anyone is going to be rushing to pick him up, and who knows what an extra year of coaching could do for the kid. Maybe he flat out can’t play, or maybe he didn’t get noticed because he was a small school guy. I don’t know, but I’m willing to throw a 7th round pick in and find out. What’s there to lose?

by astrazz2 on May 3, 2011 1:35 AM EDT reply actions

I have the inkling that if this guy works hard he will make the team (can’t be said for everyone). Especially since Buddy Nix had a scout “practically stalk” him until the draft.

Give this a listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xjdkc14-zwQ

by NordicBillsfan on May 3, 2011 2:06 AM EDT reply actions

Let's hope he gets his Pat Williams moment!

I remember the first time the Bills put Pat Williams in, he was unheralded, but unstoppable!

If I remember correctly big Pat had 3 sacks in 3 series and was on his way to a long and productive career. I hope the same happens for Michael Jasper!

I don’t think I have ever hoped a 7th rounder will make the team more than Jasper!

Nice call BFE!

Girls use hair spray, Men don't.

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GROW UP BY NOT USING HAIRSPRAY MALES!

Don't be a Paully!

by The Buffalo Kid on May 3, 2011 4:45 AM EDT reply actions