My trip to the Raiders

I have been making a lot of trips to the NFL teams the last two weeks and wanted to catch the Yard up with my visits. I had a great visit with the Raiders last week. It was my first trip and I had a great time. I got in Monday night and went to dinner with the offensive coordinator, Greg Knapp, and the running backs coach, Tom Rathman. Coach Rathman picked me up the next morning for breakfast. He gave me a tour of the facility and then we watched some film. We watched two of my games - one against Alabama and the Arkansas-LSU game. Coach Rathman seemed to like what he was watching. He said he likes tough running backs. In the LSU game we ran a dash right, a sprint out pass to the right. When the defensive end came charging in I hit him real good and knocked him backwards. Coach Rathman liked that play a whole lot. He is a coach I would love to play for. He is the type of coach who can take me to the next level and I'm a player who is looking and willing to work to get to that next level. I think we'd be a great combination. I also got a chance to meet Al Davis. I was really excited about that. I'm just a guy from little ol' Arkansas meeting a legend like him. That was great. He had a lot of energy and he knows so much about the game and all the players in the draft. We spent about 10 minutes together and I enjoyed it very much. I'll fill you in on my New England trip next. Darren

Add Comment

Comments (36)

Latinferno said April 16, 2008

Exciting times indeed. Curious as to why NE would have you out for a visit considering that they have Maroney. But I guess he's been in the doghouse so I suppose that's a valid argument. Good luck with your future trips and I look fwd to watching you on T.V. during the draft! :)
Reply
- Pinkpanthrrr replied April 16, 2008
  
  why is Maroney in the doghouse??? Mcfadden would replace Faulk down the line...NE won't get him anyways.
  - FIVERINGS replied April 16, 2008
    
    Maroney had a good run at the end of the season and in the playoffs. Can't see N.E. jumping on this guy.
    - Pinkpanthrrr replied April 17, 2008
      
      yeah, they wont, however, NE likes to have 2 rbs at all times
    - Pinkpanthrrr replied April 17, 2008
      
      They actually are really going after Rashard Mendelhall...(can't remember how to spell his last name! sorry Rashard!)
rcs360 said April 16, 2008

Glad you liked your trip to Oakland.
Reply
- tommyr replied April 16, 2008
  
  bring it we'd love to have ya
theoneandonly said April 16, 2008

If Dfad is okay with Oakland, I guess I have to be too... Im pretty sure that you will bring them up out of the hole they have been in. Your big, strong, and fast. Those are three things I would love to have in a runningback. Plus once Jamarcus gets into his role, and the raiders have a SEC backfield... That is good. Maybe wherever DMC goes they can pick up Peyton Hillis in a later round.... That would be great.
Reply
Sportaphile said April 16, 2008

I don't think the Raiders have a glaring need for a running back, but we'd love to see you here in Oakland
Reply
kimiray said April 16, 2008

A gut from lil ol Arkansas has made it a long ways. Im happy for you and I pray that God blesses you through your future endeavors.
Reply
jtw320 said April 16, 2008

Darren, are you related to anyone from Saginaw, MI? I know some McFadden's, one played for Tampa Bay last year?
Reply
ck0712 said April 16, 2008

congrats sir, you are the TOP podcast @ ESPN heres the link if anyone wants to listen, sounds like the Raiders are tuned to him!!!

http://espn.go.com/

CLICK Mr.McFadden's picture for the podcast to open up!!
Reply
- tommyr replied April 16, 2008
  
  listening now like i said above we'd love to have him
- FIVERINGS replied April 16, 2008
  
  Jerry Jones may be tuned in.
pelechati said April 16, 2008

God if you got on the Patriots I would be so excited.
Reply
Sneaky said April 16, 2008

Run DMC!! You don't need to go the the Pats, cause you will soon be a Raider!!

Raider Nation, Prepare for Glory!!
Reply
raiderfan said April 16, 2008

We would love to have you on tha Raiders Darren. I really hope Al Davis drafts you. If he does you should take number 32!
Reply
kgoon1590 said April 16, 2008

Don't go to the Raiders. That's a salary cap Titanic waiting to happen...
Reply
- CoreyO replied April 17, 2008
  
  (Crickets chirping........More silence) Yeah dude..... As if any Potential NFL star is really going to take financial advice from an anonymous blogger. Hilarious (LOL)!!!
  Yaaiiiddaaahhhhssss!!!!!!!!
  - kgoon1590 replied April 18, 2008
    
    Uh, because I thought he would take my advice ... just sharing my opinion with everyone. Isn't that what this site is for?
- justwinbaby replied April 19, 2008
  
  The Raiders always find a way to beat the salary cap....no worries here..Big Al is old,but he still has alot of football knowledge left.
ClaytonHOF22__ said April 16, 2008

They shelled out big money for JaMarcus after a long holdout, they don't want to go through that again. Al Davis though loves his playmakers, and Darren fits right into that category. I think they will go with Darren if they have confidence that they will be able to sign him and get him into camp early. Otherwise, there are plenty of other good players that fit need positions that should be available there (one of Dorsey and Ellis, one of C. Long or Gholston, etc.)
Reply
HayatoKanzaki1 said April 16, 2008

Yea. Maybe you can turn that really bad team around. Who knows?
Reply
- CoreyO replied April 17, 2008
  
  Bad? (N)ot (F)or (L)ong, grasshopper. Not for long.
  
  Yaaiiidddahhhhsss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DubsFan said April 17, 2008

He's not falling to New England, he shouldn't bother going there for a visit.
Reply
PantyRaider said April 17, 2008

"McFabulous" in da House....
The Raiders will love having you here...You watched film so did they show you any USC films of how you will be used like Reggy Bush....I can see you split out and in the slot...Lined up at Tail Back and HB....Maybe we will use some of that "Wild Hog" thing in the NFL....Direct hikes from Center....Reverses....HBP....Flea-Flicker...Decoy....With all that versatility that you bring they will use you all over the field...I see you in the game with M Bush and Fargas and basically every play on every down....Why would they take you out...Every where you go the "D" has to follow and devote their attention away from other potential recievers and ball carriers....9 more days baby....PantyRaider....Pimping "McFabulous"....
Reply
joyces said April 18, 2008

You really got me turned on for some football. Thanks for the exciting foreplay Darren, I am so ready! And I like the Oakland Raiders, yummy!
Reply
cashflow50 said April 18, 2008

I believe you will be a raider. Mr AL wont pass on you if you're there. With all the jake long metting and stuff, I truly believe Miami will take Chris Long. Welcome to the nation Run DMC.
Reply
justwinbaby said April 19, 2008

D.Mac...what ever team is lucky enough to draft you....you will be an immediate impact for that team..I hope you will be wearing the silver and black.....good luck
Reply
RaiderKnight said April 21, 2008

All I know is that it's going to be an exciting matchup when the Raiders play LT and the Chargers twice a year.
Welcome to Oaktown, D-Mac!!!
Reply
theNATION08 said April 21, 2008

The Raider Nation is ready to embrace you come the NFL DRAFT. I think in time you'll find there is no more loyal or greater fan base then that the Oakland Raiders have. You have an extreme talent yet still are facing extreme critisim. We, a Nation of Raiders are ready to stand behind you and face any adversity that comes your way. Looking forward to seeing you in Black & Silver
Reply
drtysrgn said April 21, 2008

Raider Nation welcomes you D-Dawg!!!! We the fans would love to see you in silver and black, Your a great player and we are looking forward to seeing you play.. Good luck to you!! drtysrgn
Reply
richhamilton12 said April 22, 2008

Even though Oakland doesn't necessarily need a running back, I would still be stoked if they drafted you with the 4th pick. Jamarcus and you got that SEC connection, dominating the best college competition.

For all the people who think Al Davis is some schmuck, think again. He's trying so hard to get Oakland back to the promised land... and I believe he's darn close. He'll be THAT much closer with Run DMC on the roster.
Reply
Mandaou said April 22, 2008

Interesting that there's no message of meeting the head coach Lane Kiffen. If they're that interested wouldn't the coach be part of the process?
Reply
Mandaou said April 22, 2008

Previous comment should say "no mention of meeting the head coach...."
Reply
Raiderbob said April 21, 2008

Al Davis is senile. Once his old ash dies, the Raiders will rise again! Out with Al. Somebody tell Al that the 1970's are over and time moves on. Good luck with that old fart if you do get drafted by the Raiders!
Reply

My trip to the Raiders

Add Comment

Blog Info

Contributors

Popular Posts

Links

Archive

My Videos