Training Camp Surprises

by Don Coryell, Jr.

Blogger, San Diego Union-Tribune

Coach Winuvas wasted no time opening up training camp to anyone and everyone able to play football. With only 32 players under contract after the draft, the coach needed warm bodies to come in and show some resolve and "earn their paycheck".

A few surprises in early training camp news are listed below:

QB Dustin Vaughan: The third year West Texas A&M quarterback has done well in practices with the first team and second team squad, showing good decision making and touch on throws. A big 6'5" kid with an above average arm, Vaughan gives Coach Winuvas pause on trading for a young arm under contract.

"The kid is definitely earning praise. He still needs work in areas, but for someone on the street, I have to say I am impressed with his moxie and ability," Coach Winuvas said of the young quarterback.

HB James Starks: The 30-year old veteran running back has lost a step from previous seasons, but he still possesses good vision and the ability to run over people, something the coaching staff noted was missing from under contract running backs Melvin Gordon and Branden Oliver.

"While (Melvin) Gordon and (Branden) Oliver are our guys, James (Starks) has given us a powerful run option as a complement to our guys. I love his run style," Coach Winuvas said of the halfback.

WR Marques Colston: The 33-year old veteran wide receiver knows this is probably his last stop as a pro. His prime days are well behind him. However, playing as the slot wide receiver, he has impressed with his ability to find seams and make tough catches - even more so than incumbent receiver Stevie Johnson and big-name acquisition Larry Fitzgerald.

"Marques (Colston) has been a professional and knows his role. He's been excelling at it. I love his ability even with his loss of speed," Coach Winuvas mentioned in a post-practice conference.

FB J.C.Gooden: While most of this list will comprise of signed free agents, this blogger would be hard-pressed to not mention the 6th round selection out of Auburn. There is nothing this kid has not done in practice - he runs good routes, he catches the ball well, he runs hard with some wiggle, and he blocks well for a rookie.

"Only thing the kid needs is time on the field. Once he learns the game and speed of the GFML game, he could be a special fullback," Coach Winuvas said.

ROLB Norman Cobb: An undrafted rookie out of Beth Cookman, the 6'3", 240 pound linebacker has been a force getting after the quarterback, pushing incumbent OLB Kyle Emmanuel to the point where Coach Winuvas may make him the starting OLB. The only knock on him is knowledge of the game, but his instincts are solid for a rookie.

"He covers well for a rookie 3-4 guy," said Coach Winuvas of the young Cobb. "He has some mean streak and a quick first step. I like the kid's motor."

With training camp standouts like this, one can hope that the stalwarts such as Keenan Allen and Philip Rivers can do what they do best.