Philly mini-camp: The race is on

By Os Davis  |   Friday, May 12, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Philadelphia Eagles
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The NFL preseason is kind of like the lead-up to the presidential campaign: Everyone is watching previously unknown candidates, though nothing is actually truly happening yet. The time gives both the studs and the dark horses a chance to hit paydirt with a nice soundbite. The first week of the party primaries - I'm sorry, I mean mini-camp - gives youngsters the chance not only to work on quads and wind, but also to work on their interview muscles.

Surely no violators of the unwritten laws of media coverage, Philadelphia Eagles officials held interviews with a handful of the lesser-known guys truly battling for a place on the squad.

Wide receiver Justin Jenkins is one to watch this week and next. Jenkins has been here before, having fought for a spot after going undrafted in 2004 and won a position on the practice squad. Last season, he was called up only to suffer a season-ending knee injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week Two of the preseason. Jenkins' talent remains a mystery, but he is optimistic and "feeling good."

The task at hand will be made all the more difficult, thanks to a roster that should include WRs Reggie Brown, Jabar Gaffney, Greg Lewis, Todd Pinkston, and possibly fourth-round pick Jason Avant. As a candidate, Jenkins may be a Midwestern senator-type: A solid but unquotable party member without a great chance of influencing the greater campaign. Another turn on the practice squad may be in Jenkins' future.

"You're not guaranteed anything," said TE Andy Thorn, clearly already a matured interviewee. "You can't take anything for granted." The 6'5" run blocking specialist is listed at 250 pounds but has, by his own accounts, "been working too much" with the weights. Speaking completely subjectively, he sure looks bigger. And more impressive.

Thorn gave props in a mini-camp interview to outgoing Chad Lewis, saying that the veteran taught him "how to be a professional." The end also had nice things to say about incoming Matt Schobel, "another vet guy that I can take some stuff from." Though Thorn saw no action last season, the Eagles Party has high hopes for the youngster; expect to see this sophomore NFLer more often in the upcoming election campaign - I mean, season.
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About Os Davis

Os Davis has taken a twisted route to get to RealFootball365.com in his nearly 17 years in professional writing, working in any number of capacities in the sportswriting, news reporting and film criticism worlds. In print media, Os has served as editor at a few publications, including Albuquerque's...
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