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6:49 PM Thu, Jul 30, 2009 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Turns out that Mike Jenkins' declaration that he was the starting right cornerback entering training camp wasn't based on anything the coaches told him. It was based purely on his belief in himself.
It isn't factually accurate. Jenkins is splitting reps with fellow second-year corner Orlando Scandrick, and secondary coach Dave Campo said a decision about who starts probably won't be made until a couple of weeks before the season opener.
Campo, however, definitely doesn't mind Jenkins publicly claiming the job.
"I love that mentality," Campo said. "That's what I want. I want Scandrick to say, 'It's my job to lose.' I want those guys competing against each other."
Jenkins and Scandrick have both performed well during the first two days of camp. Neither has given up many receptions. There have been no big plays against them. Neither has a pick, but Jenkins has broken up a few passes.
"Let me tell you, I think Jenkins has come back with a different attitude," Campo said. "I think he learned from that first year that you just don't walk in and go on what you did in college. He's had to figure out that, hey, there's some pretty good players out here. He did a great job in the off-season to get ready. He's ready to go."
Scandrick, on the other hand, arrived at Valley Ranch perturbed that he slid into the fifth round and determined to prove he was better than his draft slot. He did so, earning the slot role as a rookie, but he continues to play with a chip on his shoulder.
"He thinks he should be playing every single down," Campo said.
So does Jenkins. And they both have decent cases, which is what makes this competition so interesting. It also increases the odds that Jenkins fulfills his first-round potential.
"I would say that Mike Jenkins is a very competitive guy," Campo said. "The more competition he has, the better he performs."
Tim MacMahon/Blogger Bio | E-mail | News tips
Turns out that Mike Jenkins' declaration that he was the starting right cornerback entering training camp wasn't based on anything the coaches told him. It was based purely on his belief in himself.
It isn't factually accurate. Jenkins is splitting reps with fellow second-year corner Orlando Scandrick, and secondary coach Dave Campo said a decision about who starts probably won't be made until a couple of weeks before the season opener.
Campo, however, definitely doesn't mind Jenkins publicly claiming the job.
"I love that mentality," Campo said. "That's what I want. I want Scandrick to say, 'It's my job to lose.' I want those guys competing against each other."
Jenkins and Scandrick have both performed well during the first two days of camp. Neither has given up many receptions. There have been no big plays against them. Neither has a pick, but Jenkins has broken up a few passes.
"Let me tell you, I think Jenkins has come back with a different attitude," Campo said. "I think he learned from that first year that you just don't walk in and go on what you did in college. He's had to figure out that, hey, there's some pretty good players out here. He did a great job in the off-season to get ready. He's ready to go."
Scandrick, on the other hand, arrived at Valley Ranch perturbed that he slid into the fifth round and determined to prove he was better than his draft slot. He did so, earning the slot role as a rookie, but he continues to play with a chip on his shoulder.
"He thinks he should be playing every single down," Campo said.
So does Jenkins. And they both have decent cases, which is what makes this competition so interesting. It also increases the odds that Jenkins fulfills his first-round potential.
"I would say that Mike Jenkins is a very competitive guy," Campo said. "The more competition he has, the better he performs."
