Barstow Sports Blog

We reported about Derrick Jones and his long road to play professional football last week. He has almost made it through the first three weeks of Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. The Silver Valley and Victor Valley Community College grad is fighting for a spot on the team as a defensive lineman. As an undrafted free agent, the odds are against him, but Derrick has been impressive so far, according to several accounts.

He got some significant playing time during Sunday’s preseason opener against the Saints. Derrick started out on special teams in the first half and played the entire fourth quarter on defense. However, Derrick was added to the team’s injury list on Tuesday.

He’s got some of the Pittsburgh-area media talking though. Here’s what they have said …

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports Derrick recently impressed special teams coach Bob Ligashesky during drills.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ed Bouchette said in an online chat that Derrick has shown “some pass rush ability”

The Tribune Democrat in Johnstown, Pa. reported Derrick is a part of the Steelers future plans and might have moved ahead of Shaun Nua, seventh round pick from 2005.

AOL Sports blogger J.J. Cooper described Derrick as being “pretty active with a non-stop motor” but isn’t sure if that will ensure him a roster spot.

There was also quite a bit of information left out of the feature story on the former Trojan. Here are some of quotes that didn’t make it in the story.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes it in the NFL or if he works for a Fortune 500 company.”— Grand Valley State defensive line coach Matt Yoches

“He’s a good young man. He works his butt off, and he’s done all that I asked. It’s just a matter of time. … He pays attention, asks questions and asks very intelligent questions.” — Steelers defensive line coach John Mitchell

“The first practice was a big eye-opener. The size of the lineman, the speed, the practice tempo. It’s a whole different world just being in the locker room. Pretty much, they are all men at that level.” — Derrick, on attending Steelers minicamp

“It’s so gratifying for kids like that to be successful. Derrick Jones is an absolute blessing to our program. He’s a quality human being. You can’t do a lot better than that.” — VVCC coach Dave Hoover

“Don’t listen to people who tell you because you’re from Silver Valley you can’t be successful.” — Lucerne Valley coach Doug South, on not letting your school size determine success

— Matthew Peters, sports editor

According to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim’s Web site, Shannon Ebel, Barstow native and wife of Angels third base coach Dino Ebel, gave birth to a boy at 10:45 p.m. on July 25 in Las Vegas. Brady Alex Ebel weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces at birth.

The Angels finished up their series with Oakland on 25th and were off on the 26th before beginning their explosive sweep of Tigers.

The oddest part of the baby news might be where else it landed. Brady’s birth made the Celebrity Baby Blog. You can find the Ebel’s entry right below one on Christina Aguilera.

Dino might be the last person you’d think of as a celebrity. Sure, he has a prominent position with the AL-West leading Angels, but he often returns to his hometown, can go practically unnoticed at Barstow sports events and preaches hard work to make it in life. I don’t know any other celebrities with those qualifications.

— Matthew Peters, Sports Editor

Dino Ebel didn’t even get his name on the back of his All-Star jersey when he served as Vladimir Guerrero’s pitcher and help him win the Home Run Derby, but that doesn’t mean he walked away empty handed. Vlad gave Dino a Rolex watch for pitching to him according to the Press-Enterprise and the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

— Matthew Peters, sports editor