WELCOME TO CANADA

"Conte Cuttino - Signed as a free agent on September 14, 2010" - The announcement Conte knew would eventually come. The announcement he's dreamed of since he was 7 years old. September 14th is the beginning of his dream come true!

Penning a deal with the Hamilton Tiger Cats today, Conte officially begins his professional football career. He is "excited to be in Canada," and "sees a long and prosperous career up in Hamilton." His goals are "set in making an immediate, positive, and long standing impact in the Canadian Football League;" and we have no doubts that he will do just that!

Here are several links to Canadian media outlets who reported on Conte's first day: 

http://www.ticats.ca/blogs/ticatsconfidential

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4091009

http://scratchingpost.thespec.com/2010/09/ticats-sign-running-back-conte-cuttino.html?cid=6a00d83451bb7469e2013487558a11970c#comment-6a00d83451bb7469e2013487558a11970c

 

Although Conte is currently signed to the practice squad, he has intentions of making the active roster sooner rather than later. Here is a list of the remaining games for the Hamilton Tiger Cats this season:

9/18 @ BC Lions 10:00pm 

9/25 vs Saskatchewan 6:30pm

10/3 @ Edmonton 4:30pm

10/8 vs Edmonton 7:30pm

10/15 @ Toronto 7:30pm

10/22 vs Montreal 7:00pm

10/29 @ Calgary 10:00pm

11/6 vs BC Lions 2:00pm 

(Courtesy of http://www.ticats.ca/schedule/year/2010/6) 

Let's Go #21!!! 

What we've been waiting for

Here's Conte, to personally give you his BIG announcement that we've been waiting for since draft day:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-1Zpqgv_Lw

Congratulations Conte on living your dream come true.

We are all proud of you, and always will be! :o)

New Highlight Video!

Part 1 of my new highlight video. We're under new management now, so watch out for some big moves. Let's go ya'll! Don't lose faith now!

Jets fans are the best fans! Thank you to the #Cuttino2NYJets loyal fans!

"Undrafted Stony Brook RB Conte Cuttino generates internet buzz as Jets rookie mini-camp near"

Manish Mehta of the Newark Star-Ledger published an article today about Conte and the internet buzz being created over this undrafted talent:

The groundswell of support came without warning, a tweeting tidal wave that flooded my account.

Not long after the NFL draft wrapped up, Jets fans went on a Twitter march for a running back from their backyard. They recited his stats, relayed his skills and attached a catchy hashtag to all their tweets -- #Cuttino2NYJets.

Read the full article here:  http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2010/04/undrafted_stonybrook_rb_conte.html

Conte would like to extend a VERY sincere "Thank You" to his loyal twitter family. You all are encouraging, exciting, gracious and great spirits! Thank you!

ESPN Interview: Cuttino plays waiting game in NFL draft

Conte interviewed with Jane McManus from ESPNNewYork.com this morning. An important point was made:
"It's not where you start, it's where you finish!"

Here is an excerpt from the article:

He can tout his 3,067 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns for the Seawolves, his 2007 MVP award, his status as the school's all-time leading rusher, but now there's nothing left to do but wait.
He could go in the sixth round, but he could easily be one of the players who gets a phone call after the draft is over. Even though he doesn't expect to go in the first two days, as a potential undrafted player he has three full days of watching and anticipation on tap this year.

CBS (Channel 2) Sports article: "Green Lantern: Meet Conte Cuttino, NFL Hopeful"

JEFF CAPELLINI, WCBSTV.com Senior Sports Producer interviewed Conte Friday morning. Read what he had to say about this NY native NFL Draft Prospect here:

http://wcbstv.com/sports/conte.cuttino.nfl.2.1652492.html

Here is an excerpt:

"I'm on that field. I want to make a play. If third-down back is what they need, I'm here. It doesn't matter."


If his phone rings this weekend, Cuttino said he'll cherish the moment, but then quickly turn the page. To him, becoming an NFL player is all about processes. You complete one, you quickly move on to another. While just getting to the big stage would be nice, Cuttino said he has more to offer. He intends on one day being the real deal, the guy offensive coordinators turn to in their moment of need.

"I have the drive to train and be the athlete that you will like. I am the guy who wants the ball. When it's fourth and inches I want the ball. I have the heart and drive to help the team as opposed to hinder the team," Cuttino said.

And if the phone doesn't ring?

"Any opportunity to get my foot into the door, I'll take. I mean, obviously, this is process. After, it's not the end. Another door will open for me to get eventually into the league. It's not a dream you give up that easily. You have to fight for it."

And fight, rest assured, Cuttino will.

Harnessing the power of social media

Conte had an interview with Chris Price over at WEEI Sports Radio Network last week:

What has really made him stand out is his aggressiveness when it comes to building pre-draft buzz. In the months leading up to the selection process, Cuttino reached out to draft insiders and pro football writers via social networking sites such as Twitter for interviews. He also has an impressive website, as well as a blog that details his thoughts, as well as what others are saying about him. In addition — like any prospect — he’s also harnessed the power of YouTube, posting his own highlight video.
“I’m just trying to reach out to anybody and everybody in hopes of getting my name out there,” he said. “Coming from a small school, it’s a challenge just for people to know who you are. Hopefully, it’ll help out in the long run.”

Despite the fact he has crazy numbers, he knows that coming from a small school, there are preconceptions about his ability to make it at the next level.

 Read the rest of the article here: http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports/newengland/football/patriots/2010/04/21/draft-prospect-using-social-networking-to-try-and-break-through/

Conte attends ESPN the Magazine Presents 7th Annual Pre-Draft Party

Conte practicing his red carpet stroll at the ESPN the Magazine Pre-Draft Party on 4/21/10

Great pic! http://www.life.com/image/98602247

Making Chances: Conte Gets Draft Ready

Take a look at this insightful interview Conte had with Sidelinepass.com. Here's an excerpt:

His numbers were great, ranking him within the top three in every category tested when compared to the same position players who attended the NFL Combine. Mighty impressive for certain. But what’s more impressive is what lies behind the numbers. That will and drive to succeed cannot be taught. You either got it or you don’t. I’m not speaking of talent, As Calvin Coolidge said, nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. He’s got the inner drive. Persistence is what takes a person to the next level. Conte has that persistence along with an unwavering faith in God instilled in him by his mother. That’s a mighty combination.

Read the full article here: http://www.sidelinepass.com/making-chances-conte-gets-draft-ready/

FCS Players in the NFL Draft

This is a great article that pinpoints the difficulties of being an FCS (Formally Division I-AA) player competing in the NFL Draft.

From the many interviews Conte has done, the one common theme has been his fight as an underdog. FCS players have to work harder, shine brighter, and yell louder in order to make a dent in the draft atmosphere.

With the NFL Draft just one day away, we will find out if Conte's perserverance and dedication to fighting harder has paid off. Please continue to lift up Conte in your prayers as he is heading into the final stages of his journey through the Draft.

http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=cfoot2/news/news.aspx?id=4305897

"Conte Cuttino picked 6th by the NY Jets!" - This draft analyst thinks it's possible!

Sixth: RB Conte Cuttino. Maybe it is too early for Conte here but I got a feeling that the Jets would try to secure him early. He is a hidden gem and I certainly wouldn’t mind adding him to the backfield especially since there is so much uncertainty regarding how much LW can handle and the possibility of injury to LT and SG.

4 days until the NFL Draft! Here's another projection of Conte!

If you remember my blog post on Stony Brook University Running Back Conte Cuttino, the 4.4 quick speedster overlooked by a number of draft experts, a source close told me that Cuttino's being looked at closest by the teams in the East: the New York Jets, New England Patriots, New York Giants, and the Philadelphia Eagles. No, not the Buffalo Bills on the list. As to where Cuttino may go, he looks to be taken in the 3rd round, but with leaks about the condition of Cal Running Back Jahvid Best, Cuttino could move to as high as the 2nd round.

Follow this draft analyst on Twitter via @Zennie62

Interview with Prointerviews.org - A more personal side of Conte Cuttino

Conte was interviewed by Max Strauss over at Prointerviews.org. Check out this excerpt:

MS : If you could meet anyone in the world (alive or dead), who you have not met before, who would it be and why?

CC : I would like to meet Muhammad Ali. He is someone who, despite the obstacles and odds against him, he was still able to find a way to overcome and achieve his goal. He is a man that lived through what I am living through now.

Here is a link to the full interview:

http://prointerviews.org/2010/04/14/contecuttino/

The Football Fan Spot's exclusive interview with Conte

Steven Lourie from The Football Fan Spot did an interview with Conte this past weekend. Great questions. Thanks Steve! 

TFFS: One final question, if an NFL GM were standing right in front of you and asked you, why should we draft you, what would you say to him?

CC: I am a great character player. Growing up in a household with correction officers for parents, I was raised with great discipline and respect. I am a versatile back and can be used in multiple ways within your offense. I can also return kickoffs and punts while still being a threat in the pass game. You can always count on me to represent your team and the league in a respectful manor.

http://www.footballfanspot.com/contecuttinointerview.htm

High Hopes For Local Prospect

Hey, don't knock guys from small schools. The NFL is filled with guys from the second and third tier programs. Stony Brook's Conte Cuttino is hoping to be one of them.

4/9/10 Radio Interview with Football Reporters Online

Leave your comments - what do you think about Conte in the NFL Draft?

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/football-reporters/2010/04/09/football-reporters-online

Fordham Pro Day Recap by John Kelly

"[Conte] truly dominated every facet of this pro day. On film he explodes through holes like former Giants Running Back Jim Morris and turns the corner like current Jets running back Leon Washington. He has great hands out of the backfield on screens as well. His long jump of and his vertical of was the best of all players on the day including the wideouts."

Read the whole article here: http://www.footballreportersonline.com/?p=2202

*Update: Conte ran a 4.44 at the Albany Pro Day on 3/23/10*

Conte Cuttino on Football Reporters Radio Show TONIGHT

Tune in at 9:05pm to hear Conte talk about his journey from Uniondale High School to the 2010 NFL Draft!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/football-reporters

"The 17th Best Running Back in this Draft"

"Conte runs with unique power and vision while possessing swift knife-like cutting ability and...."

Conte was picked as #17 in the Football Reporters 2010 NFL Draft Guide. This story by Dr. Bill Chachkes illustrates Conte's strong football capabilities and athleticism.  http://www.footballreportersonline.com/?p=2221

Thank you to Dr. Bill Chachkes and the staff of Football Reporters Online for this great piece. Photo By A.F. Chachkes for Football Reportersonline

The 2010 Gridiron guide to the NFL draft is now available. Click the link above or go directly to: www.gridirondraftguide.com to order.

 

Radio interview with Draft Cast on 4/4/10

Conte was interviewed by the DraftCast show on #BlogTalkRadio - scroll to about the 5 minute mark - http://tobtr.com/s/989123

I want to thank Hunter over at DraftZoo for this opportunity. Appreciate it Hunter!

2010 NFL Draft All-Potential Team

Article by Hunter Ansley of DraftZoo.com

"These are just the guys with the best capacity for captivation, the best chance to make us all wonder why they weren’t picked higher."

http://draftzoo.com/2010/03/2010-nfl-draft-all-potential-team/

Thank you Hunter!

NY Jets Radio Show- Conte Cuttino discussion

Scroll to 17:15 for an analysis of Conte

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/football-reporters/2010/03/29/jets-special-the-state-of-the-ny-jets

Hidden Gem

Thank you David for the great post. I truly appreciate your comments and kind words. And you can be 100% positive that when I make it, you will get a follow-up interview! 

"Conte Cuttino has flown under the radar for too long, only recently has he been starting to receive the recognition that he deserves. Participating in two pro days so far this off-season, he has continued to climb draft boards with impressive numbers, and confident showings."

http://www.ganggreennation.com/2010/3/27/1393047/hidden-gem-an-interview-with-conte

Interview with Brandon Williams from SportsJabber.net

I did an interview with Brandon Williams from SportsJabber.net today. Here's an excerpt from his writeup, and a link to the full interview: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=48499

Compare those numbers to the leaders at the combine and his performance is THAT much more impressive. Just to give you an idea, I did research on where Conte would have ranked with the running backs at the combine:


4th in 40-yard dash
T-2nd in Vertical Jump
1st in Broad Jump
1st in 3-cone drill
1st in 20-yard shuttle

Interview with Simon Clancy from UniversalDraft.com

Check out this interview Conte did with Simon Clancy from the UniversalDraft.com (posted on SunSentinel.com). Here's an excerpt:

"We round off this week with an interview. We’ll be trying to run one every week between now and the draft. We wanted to look at the small school road to the NFL, the path less travelled if you will and one of the small school backs we really like is Stony Brook’s Conte Cuttino who’s been getting a lot of interest from the NFL. More than 10 NFL teams were on hand at his pro day last week and Conte is going to remind a lot of people of a back that Bill Parcells had a lot of success with in the past; Dave Meggett, another who took the small school route to the pros. He will work out again today at the Albany Pro Day where we believe the Dolphins will be represented. At 5’10 and 200lbs Conte is Stony Brook’s all time leading rusher. I caught up with him last week after his pro day."

Check out the full interview here (scroll down to the middle of the screen):

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/sports/columnists/hyde/blog/2010/03/_good_morning_the_pro.html

Thanks Simon!