Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 27, 1993 TAG: 9307270054
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Jack Bogaczyk
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium
"Playing in the NFL was a dream, yeah," said Stock, the former VMI receiving star. "Now, it's just a job. And it can be a very painful job. Like today, it's a bruise above the right knee. Tomorrow, who knows?"
That was one day last week in the Washington Redskins' training camp. On Saturday, Stock was singled out by new coach Richie Petitbon as the only hopeful Redskin whose performance didn't have to be fumigated in a scrimmage against Pittsburgh. He caught three passes, but he's really feeling pressure to grab a job in a crowded receiver corps.
"Training camp isn't anything new to me," said the 6-foot, 185-pound Stock. "It's different this year though. I'm feeling more stress. Maybe because in my mind, it's the best opportunity I've had. No question, this is my best chance. Somehow, some way, I'm going to make this team."
It's more than the reality of sweating his fifth training camp for a third different team that pushes Stock. It's more than surviving not only VMI's "Rat Line," but also the last season of the World League of American Football, aptly known as the W-Laugh. It's more than his age, 27, or his wedding of 3 1/2 weeks ago.
If Stock makes the 'Skins' roster and sticks for the 1993 season, he will have completed three years of NFL employment. Under the basic agreement ratified this summer, the same one that brought free agency to the league, players are vested in the pension plan after three seasons.
"One of my career goals coming out of college was to play in the NFL for six or seven years," Stock said. "This is already my fifth season out, and time is running short, but I still can get those six or seven. I have to get started now."
A sixth-round draft pick by the Steelers in '89, Stock made Pittsburgh's practice squad and then was activated for the second half of the season. He eventually moved into the starting lineup for a playoff team, but was a camp cut in 1990. He returned to VMI, and worked as a volunteer assistant coach and with the admissions office.
The next summer, Stock signed with Green Bay - and was the Packers' last cut before the season opener. He played for Sacramento the next World League season, and performed in the last World Bowl. Then, despite the presence of "The Posse" pass catchers in Washington - not to mention the arrival of Heisman Trophy receiver Desmond Howard - he signed with the Redskins.
When training camp arrived, Stock couldn't work out. He had a torn quadriceps muscle. Then he injured a hamstring. He finally became healthy enough to practice, and finished the season with the scout team, imitating opposing receivers and cornerbacks. It's obvious, in his second Redskins' camp, why the club kept him.
Stock still has the same hands that grabbed all those wondrous catches at VMI. He also is the second-fastest player on the Redskins' roster, chasing veteran cornerback Darrell Green. Stock has run the 40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds.
With NFL rosters expanding to 53 players plus five practice-squad members, Stock should make the 53, from which the weekly 47 actives are chosen. Still, Washington has to go deep to reach Stock - past Ricky Sanders, Howard, Art Monk, Tim McGee, even Stephen Hobbs. The VMI grad's stock rises because he also is a likely special teams player, and has been working out as the up-back on the punt return team.
Stock knows his future hinges on how he performs in scrimmages and next month's preseason games.
"This is my best shot, and maybe my last shot," he said.
The bumps and bruises Stock can take. It's the cuts that are painful.
by CNB