Here is the press release from the Dolphins:USA Football has selected Miami Dolphins wide receiver Davone Bess to the 2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team, which honors 26 NFL players — 11 offense, 11 defense and four special teams — who exhibit exemplary football techniques for youth players to emulate.
The fourth annual USA Football All-Fundamentals Team recognizes NFL players who employ proper technique, particularly when blocking and tackling, which fosters better on-field performance and inherent safety benefits.
Bess’ exceptional footwork allows him to smoothly get in and out of breaks to gain separation from defenders. His ability to remain focused, use his body as a shield and proper hand positioning to catch the ball in traffic makes him a strong target on third down and in key situations.
Each player chosen for the All-Fundamentals Team will receive a $1,500 equipment grant from USA Football to donate to the youth or high school football program of his choice. USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States, is the official youth football development partner of the Dolphins, the NFL and each of the league’s other 31 teams.
A fan vote will determine All-Fundamentals Team captains at www.facebook.com/usafootball. Fans may vote for one captain on offense, defense and special teams. USA Football will award each of the three captains a $3,000 equipment grant to donate and an All-Fundamentals Team helmet trophy. Voting is open through Jan. 21.
Employing core football fundamentals advances a youth player’s performance and safety, particularly in the areas of blocking and tackling. USA Football has educated more than 100,000 youth football coaches in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., through its online courses and single-day coaching clinics. Approximately 3 million American children age 6-14 play organized tackle football, placing it among the country’s most popular youth sports.
The USA Football All-Fundamentals Team was assembled with guidance from a five-person selection committee:
TOM CARTER, NFLPA player advocate and former NFL defensive back
Charles Davis, USA Football spokesperson, football analyst for NFL Network and FOX Sports
HERM EDWARDS, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL head coach
MERRIL HOGE, USA Football board member, ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL running back
CARL PETERSON, USA Football chairman, former NFL team executive and assistant coach
More on past USA Football All-Fundamentals Team players’ techniques is available at:
www.usafootball.com/all-fundamentals-team.
2012 USA Football All-Fundamentals Team
Offense
Quarterback — Matt Ryan, Falcons
Running back — Arian Foster, Texans
Fullback — Henry Hynoski, Giants
Wide receiver — Davone Bess, Dolphins; Reggie Wayne, Colts
Tight end — Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
Tackle — Ryan Clady, Broncos; Nate Solder, Patriots
Guard — Mike Iupati, 49ers; Carl Nicks, Buccaneers
Center — Maurkice Pouncey, Steelers
Defense
End — Chris Long, Rams; J.J. Watt, Texans
Tackle — Haloti Ngata, Ravens; Vince Wilfork, Patriots
Linebacker — London Fletcher, Redskins; Chad Greenway, Vikings; Aldon Smith, 49ers
Cornerback — Champ Bailey, Broncos; Charles Tillman, Bears
Safety — Thomas Decoud, Falcons; Earl Thomas, Seahawks
Special Teams
Return specialist — Leodis McKelvin, Bills
Kicker — Phil Dawson, Browns
Punter — Andy Lee, 49ers
Long snapper — Greg Warren, Steelers