Madison Hedgecock

Infobox NFLactive

---

caption=Madison Hedgecock during his tenure with the Rams.
currentteam=New York Giants
currentnumber=39
currentpositionplain=Fullback
birthdate=birth date and age|1981|8|27
birthplace=Winston-Salem, North Carolina
heightft=6
heightin=3
weight=266
debutyear=2005
debutteam=St. Louis Rams
college=North Carolina
draftyear=2005
draftround=7
draftpick=251
highlights=
* Super Bowl champion (XLII)
pastteams=
* St. Louis Rams (2005-2007)
* New York Giants (2007-present)
statweek=17
statseason=2007
statlabel1=Rushing yards
statvalue1=2
statlabel2=Rushing average
statvalue2=1.0
statlabel3=Rushing TDs
statvalue3=0
statlabel4=Receiving yards
statvalue4=150
statlabel5=Receiving average
statvalue5=6.5
statlabel6=Rushing TDs
statvalue6=0
nfl=HED498349

Madison Smith Hedgecock (born August 27, 1981 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina) is an American football fullback who currently plays for the New York Giants of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round (251st overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at North Carolina.

High School career

Hedgecock attended Ledford Senior High School in Thomasville, North Carolina and was a student and a letterman in football and track & field. On the grid iron Hedgecock played fullback, tight end, and linebacker Rushed for 1,799 yards and 17 touchdowns in 10 games as senior and rushed for 3,673 yards and 44 touchdowns in High school career. he also was a three-time All-County and All-Conference selection (tight end as sophomore and fullback asjunior and senior). Was named county offensive player of year in 1998 and 1999. Hedgecock was a Super Prep All-America and also earned honorable mention All-America from USA Today and Prep Star All-Region

In track he competed in the 200 and 400 meters, hurdles, relays, and shot put and earned All-County and All-Conference honors in the shot put. He also played basketball ad Ledford High.

College career

A versatile athlete, Hedgecock played running back, fullback and defensive end while at the University of North Carolina, rushing for 130 yards (118 as a senior) and 2 touchdowns while also recording 76 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his college career. He played fullback during redshirt freshman year for Tar Heels. He returned to fullback position for senior season after playing defensive end as sophomore and junior.Hedgecock graduated with communications degree.

Professional career

Hedgecock spent his first two professional seasons with the St. Louis Rams after being drafted in the seventh round in 2005. Hedgecock was the lead blocker of Steven Jackson's stellar 2006 season. He also was among the Rams leaders in tackles on special teams in 2005 and 2006.

He was released following the first game of the regular season in 2007. Hedgecock was then claimed on waivers by the Giants on September 13, 2007. At the time, the Giants were seeking a replacement for seven-year veteran Jim Finn, who had been placed on injured reserve with a torn labrum in his right shoulder. He signed a five-year contract extension with the Giants on November 10, 2007. He was called by ESPN "a key component for their sixth-rated rushing attack" and that he "stepped into the lineup and provided the Giants with the kind of lead-blocking fullback they needed." [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3103544&type=story ESPN.com] ]

Was called by the New York Daily News and "unsung heroes" on the Giants championship team. "Madison's arrival was very important and he has given us a physical presence at that position," offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride said. "He's not overwhelmed by being one-on-one with those linebackers. We're not a West Coast fullback. When you're at fullback, you're in there to block. Maybe we'll throw you the ball once in awhile. He fits the definition of the position for us." [ [http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/giants/2008/01/31/2008-01-31_untitled__gbook31s.html New York Daily News] ]

According to press accounts he was a major factor in the Giants' Super Bowl run. He was noted for his play against Tampa Bay, Dallas, and Green Bay. Against Tampa Bay, "Hedgecock manhandled linebacker Barrett Ruud and running back Brandon Jacobs followed him through a huge hole for an 8-yard touchdown that helped give the Giants a 14-7 lead." [ [http://www.stltoday.com/discussions/sports/jim-thomas-live/LD011108192/12/emaf/ St. Louis Dispatch.com] ] [ [http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=2&c=718076 Scout.com] ] Against Dallas, Hedgecock blocked two players on an Amani Toomer touchdown in the first quarter and later delived a key lead block on Bradie James on a a Jacobs touchdown which drew raves from ESPN's Ron Jaworski among others. ""This kid's been phenomenal," Jaworski said as Hedgecock planted linebacker Bradie James." Former Eagles assistant coach Mike Kelly said "For straight-ahead power football, this is clinic tape." [ [http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/giants/ny-spbest205544278jan20,0,3498802.column Newsday.com] ]

Hedgecock started at fullback for the Giants in Super Bowl XLII. Hedgecock had one reception for 3 yards as the Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14. He is also credited with giving head coach Tom Coughlin the traditional 'Gatorade bath'.

During the Super Bowl media blitz Hedgecock was critical of Rams head coach Scott Linehan who was responsible for releasing him after Week one of the 2007 season. Hedgecock told a St. Louis radio station that Linehan was not well respected by many of the Rams players and was boring enough to put some players asleep. [ [http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/Giant_FB_Madison_Hedgecock_Not_Fond_Of_Rams_Coach_Scott_Linehan/107776 Yardbarker.com Hedgecock Not Fond of Scott Linehan] ]

Personal life

In his free time, Hedgecock enjoys farming and researching American history. He is particularly fond of the Civil War. He is also a NASCAR fan and was seen in Richmond in early May.

References