Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, August 11, 1993 TAG: 9308110090
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Short
In his fifth NFL training camp, the 27-year-old receiver from VMI ought to know better. But after two electrifying punt returns and a touchdown catch in the Redskins' 41-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns, he has a better shot of sticking in the NFL than ever before.
"I thought he was great tonight," Petitbon said after the preseason opener for both teams. "I've said this from day one: The kid continues to make plays every chance he gets. There's got to be more to it than luck."
What caught Petitbon's eye was Stock's 51-yard punt return setting up one touchdown, another return for 32 yards and a 7-yard touchdown catch with a Cleveland defender on his back.
"I'm excited, but we've got a lot of time left," Stock said.
Stock was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1989, cut by the Green Bay Packers in 1990 and sidelined all last year with a thigh injury. His chances of making the Redskins' roster were considered 50-50 when camp opened three weeks ago.
When he broke through for long yardage in scrimmages, coaches would cite a breakdown in coverage. They compared him with a Class AA phenom in baseball who consistently hits .310 in the minors but never shows much in the big leagues.
"He's been one of the guys who've made the most of it," Rypien said of Stock after the game. "He's going to be one of the toughest tests for the coaches and general manager." - Associated Press
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB