Friday, January 30, 2009

Bentley Opens O-Line Academy

Offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley is hoping his NFL career is not over, he has not been on an NFL Roster since he asked for his release from the Cleveland Browns in June 2008, but has decided to help young offensive line prospects start theirs. Bentley has opened the L. Bentley O-line Academy in Avon, Ohio. Which will be dedicated to enhancing the performance of offensive linemen at the high school, college and pro levels.

"I haven't gotten playing completely out of my mind yet," said Bentley, who hasn't played the past three seasons since suffering a torn patella tendon and subsequent potentially limb- and life-threatening staph infection in the knee. "There's still some interest out there and I'm not going to back myself into a corner and completely retire from it. If the right opportunity comes along, we'll see what happens."

Among other things, the academy will develop high school athletes for their prep and college careers, prepare college athletes for the NFL Scouting Combine and improve technique for the pros. The comprehensive approach will include strength training, Pilates, martial arts, nutrition and on-field position work. Bentley, a St. Ignatius grad, vowed to be hands-on with all of his participants.

"When I came out of Ohio State, I went to a few training facilities to prepare for the Combine, but none of them catered specifically to offensive linemen," he said. "They put all their focus on the quarterbacks and running backs, and for the offensive linemen, it was like 'we'll get to you.' We all felt that way. I've thought about doing something like this ever since then, but I didn't have the time until now."

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