On Iowa by Marc Morehouse
Cleveland in Houston
Posted on Aug 17, 2009 by Marc Morehouse.
Iowa wide receiver James Cleveland (89) poses for a photo Monday, Aug. 6, 2007 during the team's media day in Iowa City. Cleveland was kicked off the team after a drug arrest in February '08 and has now resurfaced in Houston. (The Gazette/Brian Ray)
You might remember James Cleveland.
He enrolled early at Iowa from Baytown (Texas) Lee High School, same high school as then-Iowa QB Drew Tate. He then caught 36 passes for 464 yards his freshman year. Earned many kudos from coach Kirk Ferentz for his blocking and toughness.
Then, on Feb. 23, 2008, police found 21 units of oxycodone and 24 doses of carisoprodol in Cleveland’s dorm room desk, according to police reports. Cleveland admitted the pills — for which a label or prescription was not found — were his.
He eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of prescription drugs in Johnson County District Court.
He was fined $980, received probation and a deferred judgment. Cleveland initially was charged with failure to affix a tax stamp, a Class D felony, a charge ultimately not filed by prosecutors.
Apparently, Cleveland has cleaned up his act.
After some time at Trinity Valley Community College, 23 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns, he’s now a Houston Cougar and, according to this report, impressing his coaches.
Houston coach Kevin Sumlin said, “For a guy who’s been here a week, you can tell he’s a veteran guy. . . . He’s a tough guy because every ball he caught was in the teeth of the defense. Strong hands. A run-after-the-catch guy. He’s definitely what we brought him here for. He’s a physical guy and a mature guy who brings a different attitude to the perimeter than our little sprinters.”
This is closer to home for Cleveland, so in that way it’s a better fit. This is the season of second chances.
Link courtesy of The Wiz of Odds.
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nilesghost1
17. Aug, 2009
Well, good for him if he's truly cleaned up his act. I was surprised he was booted off the team but I think that was in the aftermath of the bigger incident w/ Everson/Satterfield. I think Arvell was kicked off the team too for the same thing, if I remember right?
Marc_Morehouse
17. Aug, 2009
Niles — Yes, Nelson was booted after a drug arrest the same night.
He's at New Mexico State. Anthony Bowman, the other credit card arrest, is an RB at Kent State. Dominique Douglas is at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo.
I think that was strike three for Cleveland at Iowa, more or less. We don't hear about everything.
cmhawks99
17. Aug, 2009
I had thought DD had got in even more serious trouble back home. Armed robbery?!?! I also think you nailed it with the “things” behind the scenes Marc. For a lot of these past kids.
On a side note, character problems aside (Lord knows I had plenty at that age) it is further testament to KF’s talent evaluation ability as those guys all had lots of upside.
Here is to hoping they get it untracked.
Chad
Marc_Morehouse
17. Aug, 2009
He was in jail there for awhile. I want to say it was something bad, but he's out and trying to get straight. Scott Dochterman had a blog on it a while ago.
cmhawks99
17. Aug, 2009
Marc two things…….I don’t thing this needs to be said, but I am for over communication inj order to keep air waves clear. I sure hope you didn’t think I was chastising you for an 8-4 prediction?! In fact if we choke off that ISU game that is indeed what I’d expect. I think it should be more, but that is why they play the game.
2nd…will they ratchet down the hitting now as camp progresses (especially for the established guys) or will it actual increase?
Chad
cmhawks99
17. Aug, 2009
Marc two things…….I don’t think this needs to be said, but I am for over communication in order to keep air waves clear. I sure hope you didn’t think I was chastising you for an 8-4 prediction?! In fact if we choke off that ISU game that is indeed what I’d expect. I think it should be more, but that is why they play the game.
2nd……..will they ratchet down the hitting now as camp progresses (especially for the established guys) or will it actually increase?
Chad
Marc_Morehouse
17. Aug, 2009
No problem, Chad.
I think this week will be the same full-throttle hit fest that camps are. Game week begins on Aug. 23. I believe Tuesday and Wednesday are the hitting days during the season. And when I say "hitting," those aren't long grueling sessions. This week, though, will be. Camp breaks next Saturday.
Marc_Morehouse
17. Aug, 2009
My bad, they have two more weeks until game week. Ignore the post below.
This week is camp mode. They break camp Saturday and then have another week before UNI week. My bad, Chad.
cmhawks99
17. Aug, 2009
Yeah me too. In fact I’ve had many a talk with the Lord about obsession & living in the moment. Time flies at this stage of life and all the more so with 4-kids.
Honestly I’m doing ok, its just these pesky injuries and getting thru those UNI & ISU games. They bother me more than any other. I honestly think I can live with whatever the rest of the season brings. Although that NW loss last year irritated me a ton.
Chad
cmhawks99
17. Aug, 2009
As I read the ticker in my Cbs college fantasy league there have been a lot of injuries so it seems. I guess that’s where the depth comes in. Hopefully we can get on thru camp without anything more significant happening.
I really think this defense has a chance to be the best & fastest we have ever had. I even think we could sustain an injury or two and still be ok. I just hope it is the week-to-week kind and it doesn’t happen until, mid season.
I really like this teams attitude & mojo, I just want to get these next 2 weeks over with.
Chad.
Marc_Morehouse
17. Aug, 2009
I'm very much against wishing this time away, but I understand where you're coming from, Chad!
The weather has been so nice, just can't wish it away.
kent_deux
18. Aug, 2009
James Cleveland = Ray Thompson, IMO
Two incredible talents who never gave themselves the chance to reach their potential for the Hawkeyes.
James Cleveland "glided." McNutt? I didn't see that on Saturday. Hope I do. #6, Keenan Davis was closer to the "glider" that I remember from James Cleveland.
Marc_Morehouse
18. Aug, 2009
Hey Kent — I'm giving McNutt time. I liked that he caught both balls thrown his way. He might end up doing most of his business between the hashes.
I want to see that quick slant work. Stanzi can throw that pass. It's such a weapon/blitz beater.
Marc_Morehouse
18. Aug, 2009
Hey Kent — I'm giving McNutt time. I liked that he caught both balls thrown his way. He might end up doing most of his business between the hashes.
I want to see that quick slant work. Stanzi can throw that pass. It's such a weapon/blitz beater.