Sebastian Vollmer: Holding The Line For Patriots

Everyone is probably wondering who this Sebastian Vollmer kid is?

Who is this rookie offensive lineman who single handedly shut down Joey Porter and Dwight Freeney in successive week?

What first year player could possibly unseat popular veteran, Matt Light?

We all know that Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Randy Moss, and Jerod Mayo get most of the Patriots pub, but Sebastian Vollmer is getting some attention himself.

He was showcased in the Sunday night game versus Indy on NBC.

Cris Collinsworth and Al Michaels raved about #76 and rightfully so.

He is a beast, weighing 315 pounds and standing at 6 feet 8 inches.

Dwight Freeney looked like a third string defensive end versus Mt. Vollmer.

Is he the next John Hannah?  Not yet, but he could be.

So who is Sebastian Vollmer?

Vollmer was selected by the Patriots in the second round of the 2009 draft, 58^th selection overall from the University of Houston.

However, his path to the University of Houston is quite a story.

Sebastian Vollmer was born in Kaarst, Germany on July 10, 1984.

 Unlike most American youths, who play football as soon as they can strap on a helmet, Vollmer didn’t play American football until age 14.

He led his German Prep school to two national championships and a 25-0 record.

Word spread about Vollmer when he played in the 2004 Global Championships in San Diego. College coaches salivated to sign this European youth.

Recruited to play tight end initially, Sebastian was converted to an offensive lineman as a junior at the University of Houston.

He excelled at the position. Vollmer was named All Conference USA first team left tackle during his senior year. His play helped the Cougars rush for more than 2,000 yards. The Houston offense was also ranked number one in the country.

Vollmer’s impact was felt at the University of Houston as it is now in New England.

Not bad for a kid who didn’t know a lick of English and didn’t play American football until he was a teenager.

Welcome to the big time Sebastian Vollmer.

You made me appreciate offensive line play more.

Joe Gill is a featured blogger for Boston Sports Then and Now , Rootzoo.com. and Trufan.com