Jim Johnson's defensive playbook is as thick as it is complex. However, rookie linebacker Joe Mays knows that if he can master the Xs and Os then he'll have a chance to stick with the team that drafted him in the sixth round a month ago.

The 5-foot-11, 246-pound Mays is confident he can handle the physical demands of the NFL. The mental aspect, however, that's a different story. But that is where these spring camps -- minus most of the veterans -- can help.

"Coaches try to slow it down so they can break down the playbook -- what you're supposed to be doing and tell you why you're doing it," said Mays, one of two linebackers drafted by Philadelphia. "I love these types of camps where there's no pads. It's a camp where guys can come and work on their weaknesses."

LB Joe Mays

In Mays, the Eagles think they may have uncovered another small-school gem. An All-America selection as a senior in 2007, Mays led Division I-AA North Dakota State with a career-high 90 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, en route to being named the Great West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. He was also known for delivering punishing hits from his middle linebacker position.

"I'm just a physical linebacker," Mays said. "That's what this defense calls for - guys that are going to run to the ball and hit, be physical up front. I think I can excel in that area."

But playing linebacker at a small school pales in comparison to playing the same position in Johnson's aggressive scheme.

"I can't compare it to anything right now," Mays said. "At times, it can be a bit overwhelming. You just have to make sure you stay focused and keep a level head."

Mays is going to be on special teams in the preseason, and he will have a chance to earn a roster spot there as well as at linebacker. And while Mays understands the value of studying the playbook, he knows plenty of on-field repetition is what he'll need to truly get up to speed.

"If I make a mistake, I just make sure I make a mistake full speed, 100 percent," he said. "Football is football. The thing is, can you do what the coaches ask you to do and do it 100 percent full speed and not mess up. That's my biggest challenge - learning the terminology."

Terminology to decode, blitz schemes to study and fundamentals to master.

"It's all mental," said Mays. "When it comes to the physical part, you know you can do that."