Former Fresno State starting cornerback Damon Jenkins signed with the Cleveland Browns this summer and is currently in training camp, working to impress coaches and land a spot on the Brown's roster.
In a new Sports Buzz feature, I'll catch up with Jenkins to talk about his experiences as an NFL rookie ... and we'll probably rehash some of his good ol' Bulldog days, too.
So here we go ... Damon's first impressions of NFL training camp ...
In what city is training camp held?
Berea, Ohio (at the Brown's Training & Administrative Complex)
Where are you living? In team dorms?
Right now they have us staying in a hotel room
How does it compare to your college living situation?
In college I was able to go home to my own bed after practice, now I have to go back to my hotel room and imagine being in my own bed.
What types of rookie hazing have you gone through so far?
So far they have just had us pick up their pads and bring them in the locker room, but I think the next step is singing in front of the whole team.
What was the first day of camp like?
The first day of camp was different. I didn't know what to expect with full pads on. There was a lot of hitting going on but it was all in good fun.
Did organized team activities (aka OTA's, the voluntary practices NFL teams hold) help you get acclimated before start of training camp?
It really did help me because I already knew what to expect and I also already knew the plays, so once we got back to camp it was just about refocusing on the calls.
Biggest regret from first day of camp?
I didn't have any regrets.
Thing most proud of from first day of camp?
I was more happy about getting back out there on the field than being proud. This is a dream come true for me. I love playing this game. I love being out there competing and having fun with the team and the coaches.
What aspect of the first day was most difficult?
Getting used to hitting again. When you haven't put on pads in 5 months you gotta get used to hitting all over again.
What's it like being in an NFL training camp?
It's a grind. You're there all day then you're back to your hotel room. Then you get to your room, go to sleep, and the next thing you know you're back at it the next moring.
Why was playing in the NFL your dream?
I have been dreaming about playing in the NFL since I was 5 years old. This is something I have wanted all my life and to be able to achieve this goal it's a feeling no one can take away from you. It's like having your first child all over again.
