The Mini-Camp Thread

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

last night on DNL, Bowen said that coming out of mini-camp McCoy is penciled in as the WIL starter with Barber playing the middle on passing downs.

Way before last night on DNL, PE.com was reporting the same thing over and over and over again.

[SunMo]

ask me if i care...go ahead, ask me.

[ice grillin you]

The Associated Press reports Philadelphia Eagles WR Jeremy Bloom might return kicks.

reporting at its finest....hard hitting informative and above all something that no one knew

[SunMo]

the best is a quote from Harbaugh where he says they THINK he's fast enough

[SunMo]

http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060516/SPORTS02/605160337/1002/SPORTS

Eagles' Herremans makes switch from tackle to guard


By DON BENEVENTO
Courier-Post Staff

PHILADELPHIA

There wasn't a lot of discussion a month or so ago when the Eagles coaching staff informed Todd Herremans that he should begin preparing to make the transformation from tackle to guard.

"I said OK," Herremans recalled Monday when asked his reaction to the change. "I just want to get on the field."

If all goes as planned, Herremans will take over the left guard slot that was vacated when Artis Hicks was traded to the Minnesota Vikings during last month's draft.

The Eagles also drafted a highly touted guard Max Jean-Gilles in the fourth round. But right now, as the Eagles wrapped up their first minicamp of the spring, Herremans is running with the starters.

Coming from an NCAA Division II school in Saginaw (Mich.) Valley State, it was not known whether Herremans would be able to make the transition to play at the NFL level.

The one thing he had going for him was his size. At 6-foot-6, 321 pounds, he had a professional's body. But coach Andy Reid saw other qualities as well.

"He is a good athlete and very intelligent," said Reid of his fourth-round pick from 2004. "I thought it was a good combination to mix in there. He showed he could play tackle last year and now it gives him an opportunity to learn a new position. As long as he keeps working at it and picks it up, he will be fine."

Last season, Herremans became a starter at left tackle for four games after William (formerly Tra) Thomas went on injured reserve with a back injury.

Playing in the crucial role of the quarterbacks blind-side protector, he fared well enough. Then he went on the injured list himself when he sustained an ankle injury in the 14th game of the season against the Rams.

As a new season begins, both Thomas and Herremans are healthy and they're trying to learn to play together.

"We're going to be around the next couple of weeks working on our spacing and our timing," Thomas said. "That should help us as we get into the season."

Reid is willing to give Herremans some time to smooth out the rough edges.

"It normally takes a bit of adjustment," he said. "We have seen that with all the people that we have put in there that have been tackles. In the long haul, they normally adjust and it works out fine. We have made the adjustment, he's worked through it, he has gotten better every practice and we look for some good things down the road."

For his part, Herremans admits he needs a lot of work trying to learn a position he has never played before -- not even at the high school or collegiate level.

You'd think there would not be a lot of difference between playing tackle and guard, but both Thomas and Herremans say it's a big adjustment.

"I think the biggest thing you have to consider is the type of player you're playing against," he said. "At tackle, you're usually playing against a fast, speed-rushing defensive end, and you have some time to adjust.

"At guard, you have some 300- or 330-pound defensive tackle lined up in front of you, and he's right there."

Herremans plans to prepare for blocking those defensive tackles by putting on some weight. He slimmed down to 320 in anticipation of playing tackle, but he said he'd like to play between 325 points and 330 pounds as a guard.

"I have to add some weight," he said. "But I want it to be good weight."

[stalker]

Look at Bloom in the background.  I'll bet he's thinking to himself: 

"Good God, you gotta be kidding me... THIS is who I have to beat out??? ahahahahahaha!!!"[/i]

Yeah, the NFC punt return leader of '05

[SunMo]

stats are fun, aren't they?

[PhillyGirl]

Why is Akers "worrisome"? Because he had an injury before? Um, ok.

I think our ST were instantly upgraded with the addition of Bloom and also knowing Perry will be back there too. The guy was solid for us on ST anytime he was put in there last year.

[Zanshin]

If Reno beats out Perry, it'll be a crime.

[bobbyinlondon]

If Reno beats out Perry, it'll be a crime.

If Reno BEATS OUT Bloom or Perry, there should be an investigation of the highest order!

[Zanshin]

I mean for a roster spot more than for a starting job.  If Mahe makes the roster, it'll be far more likely at the expense of Perry....who looks way better as a runner and a returner than Mahe every time I've seen him.

[ice grillin you]

perry is from bustleton...he has to start

[SD_Eagle5]

perry is from bustleton...he has to start

Heck yeah, thats my hood.

[PoopyfaceMcGee]

IGY is down with all the homeys in the hood.  They's his peeps, dawg.  He be all buttered up in their joints.  W3rd.

[SunMo]

you spelled werd wrong.  it should be 'e' not '3'