1 ON 1: Fins RB Kory Sheets
By Josh Baumgard
Reggie Bush may be the Dolphins running back with the most hype heading into the season. He is the electric name, the flash, and the former Heisman winner.
But there’s another back on the roster capable of taking Reggie out in a race. Enter Kory Sheets, the undrafted third-year jet-with-legs out of Purdue.
Sheets was signed off of the 49ers practice squad in October 2009 before missing last season in it’s entirety due to a torn achilles suffered during training camp. With Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas ahead of him on the early depth chart, he has some work to do to earn a roster spot. Not only is he recovering from a brutal injury for a tailback, but he’s also entrenched in a battle against Lex Hilliard, a mainstay as a reserve in the Dolphins backfield the past two seasons.
Whether Miami keeps four backs this year may be dictate whether Sheets makes the 53-man roster. Regardless, he’s a runner with plenty of upside if he’s able to regain his pre-injury physical skills. He would add another homer-run hitter to what’s been a stale offense.
I had the luxury of interviewing Sheets days after Miami’s preseason win in Atlanta. It’s clear he’s hungry for an opportunity to prove himself and be a contributor in what we can only hope is a revamped offense.
First off, how is your health? Are you 100 percent?
Yes. I feel better than ever.
Due to injury, Dolphin fans haven’t seen much of you yet. What strengths do you bring to this team?
My speed, quickness, and the power brought from that.
How much harder is it to make an impression on the coaches with the shortened offseason? What did you do during the lockout to stay ready?
For me it’s been very hard because I’ve been here and have yet to show them anything other than practice. And all i did was rehab my achilles.
Besides yourself, who is one player ready to break out for the Dolphins this year?
I’m not sure, but I guess Chad [Henne] would want to have a good season.
What are your individual and team goals for this season?
To be a major contributor on this new offense, get to the playoffs, and then make the Super Bowl.
Quick Hitters
Favorite restaurant in South Florida… STK
All-time favorite movie… Cruel Intentions
If you weren’t a football player you would be… Playing baseball
Favorite non-football related activity… I’m a big movie buff. I see most movies when they come out and every Tuesday I buy blu-ray movies at Best Buy.
Dolphin wins this year… As many as we need to get to the playoffs
Fastest 40-yard dash time.. A 4.26 but that was in my high school days. Now it’s a 4.39
