Player Spotlight: LB Doug Hogue

I like the number 55.

My mother was 55 until her birthday came around a couple of months ago.

If you're a fan of numerical games, then you might already know about the Fibonacci sequence. If you haven't heard of this, then take some time to figure it out. Just below, you will notice that 55 is the 11th number in the Fibonacci sequence. Can you tell us what the 15th number in the sequence will be?

0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233....?

Most mathematics majors could easily tell you that 55 is a Square Pyramidal Number. In other words, 55 is the sum of the squares of the integers 1 through 5(1+4+9+16+25=55).

55 is the atomic number of Caesium. This element is an alkali metal used in atomic clocks. Since the 1990's, the largest application for this element has been as caesium formate for drilling fluids.

55 miles per hour was the highest speed limit allowed between 1974 and 1986. In contrast, I live a hop, skip, and a jump from the highway with the fastest allowed speed limit(85mph) in the United States. It is toll road 130 here in Texas. For curiosity's sake, how many of you have traveled this road?

The 55th day of the year is February 24th. Is this a significant date for any of you?

Did you know that an Emerald wedding anniversary celebrates 55 years of marriage?

How many of you are familiar with LB Doug Hogue, who happens to wear jersey number 55? Here is a quick synopsis of who he is and what we can expect from the former Syracuse standout who is entering his fourth year in the NFL.

In a nutshell, Hogue has made a living on special teams since being drafted by the Lions in the 5th round of the 2011 draft. One and a half years later, he was waived by Detroit and the Panthers promptly picked him up a day later.

It only took about half a season to realize how valuable Hogue would be on kickoff and punt returns as he rewarded Carolina by accumulating eight special teams tackles over the final nine games of 2012. That stretch was indicative of a bona fide special teams stud, which only means the Panthers almost certainly have to keep him around as long as he continues to flash this under-appreciated skill during the upcoming preseason.

At only 24, Hogue has a relatively bright future regardless of whether or not he sticks with the Panthers. I predict he will make the final roster based on his athletic play-making ability on special teams and his subsequent development at linebacker.