Aikens An Apt Pupil

[Fin Fan in Cali]

http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/Aikens-An-Apt-Pupil/3d5657d6-8fb8-4f41-8ddc-06832d63418f

The Dolphins have two established veterans at safety with Louis Delmas and Reshad Jones, so Walt Aikens figured it would make sense to seek their input as much as possible.

Not that Delmas and Jones really have given him much of a choice.

They’re constantly offering advice to Aikens, and the early indications are that it’s paying off because the second-year player from Liberty University is off to an impressive start at training camp, punctuated by a start in the preseason opener against the Chicago Bears.

“Every day, good or bad,” Aikens said in reference to how often he hears from Delmas and/or Jones. “If I’m doing something bad, they’ll get on me and then make the changes and move on. If I’m doing something good, they’ll get on me and keep pushing me to do better. It’s a win-win situation.

“They can’t let me get complacent and I appreciate that. We’re out here trying to get better with each other.”

To be absolutely clear, Aikens welcomes the input, which has focused on the importance of film study.

It’s something Aikens felt he needed to take the next step after a rookie season that saw him appear in 15 games without a start and record nine tackles on defense with one interception.

“You’ve got to personally check yourself,” Aikens said. “I had a rookie year. I’m no longer a rookie. It’s go time. Last year I was just getting my feet wet. Now, it’s, shoot, I’ve got to make a big impact on the team. I’ve got to help these guys out just like they help me out. When you’ve got guys like Louis and Reshad and Mike Thomas, you can’t do nothing but excel. Those guys bring so much energy to the team, it’s hard to follow that. So I’m doing whatever I can to uphold that standard.”

I hope Walt can continue to grow and get better.

Please click on the link for the rest of article.

 

[Phishpunk@WCU]

I am really excited to see how he does this season. With Delmas' injury history he could get some opportunities to show he warrants a starting position next season. As good as Michael Thomas has been I feel the ceiling is higher for Aikens and he is the safety that will be paired next to Jones for the next half dozen seasons or so. There isso much talent at the position it is nice to see after the years of mediocre play from Chris Clemons.

 

[I am Bane]

yeah i read on that earlier myself... Aikens been getting a lot of time and opportunity to work as well. great to have great knowledgeable leaders around whom are 100 percent willing to work with everyone!!!

 

[ITS!MATEO]

I am really excited to see how he does this season. With Delmas' injury history he could get some opportunities to show he warrants a starting position next season. As good as Michael Thomas has been I feel the ceiling is higher for Aikens and he is the safety that will be paired next to Jones for the next half dozen seasons or so. There isso much talent at the position it is nice to see after the years of mediocre play from Chris Clemons.

Say what you want about Clemons being mediocre, but the kid NEVER gave up big plays or let offenses throw over the top of us. I think he was a good starter.I like the size of Aikens. Hopefully he continues to look good because more than likely he's our starter for half of the year, once Delmas goes down.

 

[NRA]

Its obvious now what Hickey's draff m/o is.

He looks for players who thrive on competition and have a team first attitude. In Hickey's second draft and free agency haul, this team suddenly has a chemistry, a true comradery not seen around here since the early 80's. Maybe longer.

And that is how the great teams have become great teams. Chemistry and comradery. The 70's dolphins and steelers. The Lombardy packers. The JJ era cowboys. Billicheats patriots of the early-mid 2000's, the 80's buffalo bills. These teams were a true family and would die for each other. True friends on and off the field.

Its nice, but we shall see how this bunch turns out this season. Love is one thing, winning is another. But a big part of a winning team has been installed with players who are competative and team players and have chemistry with each other. I dont see a superbowl this year but i see a team that absolutely should be playing in january. I see the makings of a dominant team for years to come.

I'm feelin' the love for sure. It's catching on, even with the fans.

 

[xXwarXx]

He's probably one of the best athletes on the team, with Tripp out for who knows how long, Aikens really needs to step up to show that last years development draft picks weren't busts.