For me, Training Camp has been a really good experience so far. It's definitely a lot to get used to with the whole tempo and things like that, but mini-camp and OTAs did a good job preparing all of us. We were ready for the kind of stuff we're doing here at Camp, and now I'm just working on getting more comfortable with the scheme every day and more comfortable working with my teammates.
With the 237th pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select DE of Boston College. Here are five facts about one the newest Eagles defensive end ...
One of the biggest differences between my experience in college and what I'm going through here with the Eagles is the scheme. I went from playing a 4-3 scheme at Boston College to a 3-4 two-gap here, playing more side to side as opposed to vertical. But I'm definitely getting used to it, especially because I got to put it into action playing in the preseason game this past weekend.
There were definitely some nerves heading into the game, which is something I was expecting, but once I settled in after the first drive or so, it kind of just felt like practice. I knew what I needed to do and just focused on doing my job.
I think my height is a huge advantage for me when I'm playing football. I'm 6-foot-9. Being that tall and having such long arms really helps a lot with keeping offensive linemen off you. That's a really big help, but being this tall in everyday life sometimes makes finding clothes tough. I usually have to order my clothes online, but other than that, being tall doesn't give me too many challenges.
Being in a new place and with new teammates has been an adjustment, but the veterans on this team have been really helpful. That's one of the things Coach Kelly and Coach Azzinaro emphasize in this locker room. We're all on the same team. We're all in this together, and the veterans really do a great job of with teaching me and the rest of the rookies so we can improve day in and day out.