Q: Talk about yesterday's practice for us:
A: There was a lot of excitement, and it was definitely a competitive atmosphere. I think the offense fed off the defense, and the defense fed off of the offense. We had a lot of fun, and it's always good to have that fun, exciting atmosphere to the training camp practices.
Q: How about from your own perspective, when Ross juggled you in the air?
A: We're trying to get back to that mentality of attacking the ball when it's in the air. It's always been a part of me, and after being drafted, I've worked so hard to improve my routes and other parts of my game to try and become a complete receiver that jump balls haven't really been a focus. It's still a part of me, and it will start to come back more and more as my comfort continues to grow. It's all a part of that quest of becoming a complete receiver.
Q: That's one of your strengths though, right?
A: Sure, that's why I came here. That's all I used to do. Now, it's about incorporating the other things. The reads, the adjustments, the precision, and the route running.
Q: Well, you don't really get a lot of opportunities to do that:
A: They throw such great, precise balls that everything is chin high. It's really hard to make those acrobatic catches.
Q: How much different is this camp from last year's camp?
A: Comfort is a big part of it. I've had a year to grow and to learn, to gather a lot of knowledge from other people's experiences. I've gotten a chance to watch a lot of games. You can kind of see what works and what doesn't. I've had plenty of time to sit down with Steve, and sit down with Eli, sit down with the guys who've been here like Domenik and Sinorice. They've been able to tell me a variety of things that will help me improve my game and hopefully bring me and my team success down the line.
Q: Is it a little bit more second nature, just reacting out there as opposed to what it was?A: Some of it is, but definitely not everything. It's a still a work in progress. There are definitely some things I can approve upon. I definitely feel like I'm going in the right direction.
Q: How close do you feel you are to contributing on Sundays?
A: I'd like to think that I'm very close. It will come down to me taking advantage of opportunities when they come. I can't say when or how many, but when they come, I want to know in my heart of hearts that I can do something with the ball.
Q: In a team that has a lot of small receivers, you're a lot taller. Do you sense that you have a bigger opportunity because of that?
A: Sure. My height definitely gives me certain advantages. I've got to be ready to take advantage of them as well as do the things that they can do: the intricacies, the routes, the details. When my height is going to become a factor, I know that I can be a valuable asset.
Q: Do you feel you have an advantage over smaller corners?
A: My height is going to bring something to the table that a lot of other receivers don't have. I have to make sure that I use that advantage. Aaron Ross isn't really a small corner, he's one of the most athletic guys in the league whether he's jumping or running. He's a track star. You have to bring everything to the table when you play anybody, especially on our team when you have very athletic guys.
Q: What does the defense do for you?
A: I'd like to think it is making me a much better player. I feel like there are instances where practice is going to be harder than the games because we have such talented guys on our team and guys who study and are knowledgeable. They really play the position well.
Q: Do you think you should play special teams?
A: Sure. I need to know that I can contribute in any way the team needs me, and special teams is definitely going to be apart of that. I'm working with Coach Quinn and Coach McGaughey, and making sure my techniques are down and my effort is on point.
