If one were to introduce each player’s position in detail, Li Wei might be completely confused, not to mention recognizing those positions, the players in front of him would mean nothing at all.
But at least, Li Wei knew one thing, the four players in front of him were certainly not pushovers, as could be told from the whistles and jeers of the other spectators.
Reuben Foster, a sophomore, 2017 first-round pick.
Marlon Humphrey, a sophomore, 2017 first-round pick, three-time Pro Bowl, one-time All-America First Team.
Eddie Jackson, a sophomore, 2017 fourth-round pick, two-time Pro Bowl, one-time All-America First Team.
Jonathan Allen, a sophomore, 2017 first-round pick, two-time Pro Bowl.
Even setting aside their future professional performances, as of now, in the NCAA, they were among the top and most outstanding players in their respective positions. In the upcoming September season, they were undoubtedly the main lineup for the current Crimson Tide Storm Team.
Oh, and Jonathan Allen was the captain of the Defensive group.
Burns had high expectations for Li Wei, and so did Saban, showing no mercy by immediately assigning his main lineup to thoroughly test him.
Saban gave Burns another look, Burns, upon seeing these four players, showed no worry, nor did he voice any objections; his calm demeanor further piqued Saban’s curiosity. Could Li Wei really bring a surprise?
In just a glance, Li Wei could feel the pressure coming from Allen.
Part of it was the mental suppression formed by the confidence emitted, and the other part was the physical oppression due to the difference in stature.
Direct and fierce.
—Jonathan Allen, 6.3 feet (191 cm), 300 pounds (136 kg).
Like a black bear, he wobbled in front of Li Wei. Initially, Li Wei had thought the body he had crossed into was tall and strong, a stark contrast to his own cross-country running self; but standing in front of Allen, without comparison, there was no harm, he suddenly appeared miniature.
Allen intentionally lifted his chin slightly, adopting a condescending posture, looking at Li Wei through his nostrils, the smile on his lips exceptionally friendly.
"Hey, kid, is this equipment enough? Are you sure you don’t want to wear armor? Be careful, it might not hold up and fall apart."
Football is a sport with very intense confrontations, and even daily training requires the wearing of armor, let alone during matches.
In ancient times, there were cases of deaths on the football field, not just rumors but actual occurrences. Although modern football has amended rules, added equipment, and limited tactics to protect player safety, deaths have not occurred for over half a century, but injuries are still common.
For this reason, whether it’s the NFL or the NCAA, there are strict regulations on player equipment, not just for matches, but for daily training as well.
Li Wei had already put on his equipment in the locker room just now, but honestly—
It felt uncomfortable.
Cross-country running is a sport that requires light gear, any superfluous burden is a hindrance; mixed martial arts is the same, except for gloves, there are no other pieces of equipment.
But how to start, just attack suddenly?
Li Wei was startled, "Coach, do we start like this?"
Ha!
A burst of laughter, other players laughing uproariously without any restraint.
Burns couldn’t hold back either. After the laughter died down a bit, he shouted, "Attack. Just shout ’Attack’, and then you can start."
Li Wei immediately understood; the initiative to start the offense was in the hands of the Offensive group, and he could imagine that surprise tactics would definitely emerge here.
Shifting his gaze, Li Wei had calmed down, his focus sharpened, he glanced at Allen and without any hesitation, loudly announced the start of the play.
"Attack!"
Li Wei was unclear on how exactly football was supposed to start, so his stance now was like that of a sprinter at the start of a hundred-meter dash, bursting out as soon as the word was spoken.
Pushing off the ground.
Starting.
The power of his calf muscles was fully released, and he surged forward like an arrow leaving the bow.
Though Li Wei was trained in cross-country running, not focusing on explosive starts, the instant explosive power of his body was exceptional. In just ten days, Li Wei had slowly adapted, and this trial was also a process of exploring his own body’s abilities and strength—
The people before him were his touchstones.
Push.
Li Wei didn’t hold back; the moment he released his strength, he could feel an explosive energy pushing against the ground and rebounding back at a blinding speed, propelling his body forward.
Thump, thump, thump.
Not just once, but continuously, rapidly executing in a high-frequency mode, the scenery on both sides of his vision turning into a streak of light flashing past his peripheral vision.
Here it comes!
His pupils captured Allen charging toward him from his front left, arms wide in a horizontal dive to intercept, the big and strong figure instantly blocking the light, his mouth wide open as he smashed down, the roaring air wildly slapping at his cheeks.
But, pushing off, sprinting, accelerating—
Whoosh.
Li Wei, like a gust of wind, forcefully accelerated, effortlessly overtaking Allen in one swift move.