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Raiders Notes: QB Russell shows progress as training camp approaches
By Jason Jones - jejones@sacbee.com
Published 12:00 am PDT Thursday, June 19, 2008
Story appeared in SPORTS section, Page C3
ALAMEDA – JaMarcus Russell plans to rest a bit between the end of organized team activities today and the start of training camp July 25 in Napa.
But the Raiders' second-year quarterback says he knows some will monitor his waistline more than his on-field progress this offseason.
"You can only rest for so much," Russell said with a laugh. "Let people tell it, I might get back up to 300 pounds."
Though rumors about Russell's conditioning swirled (he's listed at 255 pounds), he grew as an offensive leader this offseason.
Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said his starter continues to improve in all areas of his game.
"Right now, he's just really working so hard off the field as well as on the field," Kiffin said. "The way that the team is responding to him as you talk to different players, their feelings about him, they're ready to get behind him and go."
Some of Russell's progress can be attributed to time he puts in away from team headquarters, even if it can be mentally draining.
"Week by week I get everything, away from the time that we're here, I have it on DVD and I watch it at home myself," Russell said. "Everything – run steps or pass settings, or anything that I can become good at, I just go home and look over myself."
Next month's training camp will be his first. Russell's growth will be tested at a faster pace in practice, and he can test his wares in exhibition games. Russell missed training camp as a rookie because of prolonged contract talks that stretched into Week 2 of the 2007 season.
"Camp is two-a-days; going to be tough," Russell said. "Right now, it's upbeat and a faster tempo. I'll just be ready for it."
Gearing up for Napa – The first training camp practice is July 26 at the Napa Valley Marriott. Kiffin expects the team to be healthy, but he will monitor the progress of defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (knee), who might practice once a day.
Safety Jarrod Cooper (knee) practiced Wednesday after spending the offseason rehabbing.
About the writer:
- Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
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