Monday's notebook

Posted by Ryan Robinson, Aug 10 2009, 05:36 PM

Small-school talent

The Jaguars have had success

in the past with players from small colleges, with cornerback Rashean Mathis (Bethune-Cookman) and linebacker Justin Durant (Hampton) as prime examples. First-year general manager Gene Smith stocked the roster with 23 rookies in the NFL Draft and through free agency. Of the 23 players, 12 are from low-profile college programs.

"Gene and his staff do a great job," Del Rio said. "I think Gene Smith really identified some guys that were evaluated very carefully, very thoroughly. A lot of work went in to the types of young men these were, how they may fit, how they may come in and be able to compete. And so far the indications are that we've been pretty on-target with the evaluation part of it and they're coming in and they're competing and getting an opportunity to be the player we thought we saw in college."

Here's the list of rookies from low-profile college programs: LB Russell Allen (San Diego State), DB Don Carey (Norfolk State), CB Derek Cox (William & Mary), WR Clarence Denmark (Arkansas-Monticello), SS Michael Desormeaux (Louisiana-Lafayette), WR Maurice Dupree (Jacksonville State), DB Pete Ittersagen (Wheaton), RB Rashad Jennings (Liberty), DT Terrance Knighton (Temple), TE Zach Miller (Nebraska-Omaha), C Cecil Newton (Tennessee State), WR Andy Strickland (Wofford)

Hey coach, throw me the ball!

When the Jaguars selected defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in the third round of the 2009 draft, it was for his size and ability to stuff the run. Knighton, 6-3, 325, also has another set of skills that were unknown. The former Temple standout was an all-state wide receiver at Windsor High School in Connecticut where he had more than 40 receptions as a 265-pound senior.

So how did he transition into a 325-pound defensive tackle so fast? Simple.

"I started developing an appetite," Knighton said.

He finished his high school career at Milford Academy Prep School in New Berlin, New York where he "blew up." He was recruited to Temple as a defensive tackle and he played four seasons for the Owls and recorded 26 tackles for loss. While defense was his calling card to the NFL, he still daydreams about his offensive skills.

"I still think sometimes I can go out there and do it now when I'm watching skelly," Knighton said. "I still got it."

Trivia question

Nine players on the current Jaguars roster have played in more than 100 games in their career. Which player has played in the most games for the Jaguars?

Does Del Rio have a body double?

Jaguars linebacker Clint Ingram heard in the offseason that head coach Jack Del Rio was going to become more involved on defense in 2009, but he was already used to it. As a former NFL linebacker, Del Rio has always stayed close to his roots and spent time with his former position. Now he is a regular in the defensive meeting room.

"I think there's like three of him walking around the stadium because he's in the locker room and when I come down to the meeting room he's already in there," Ingram said. "I don't know how much more he could be involved. I think he's got another one of him walking around."

Jennings follows the lead of Jones-Drew

Maurice Jones-Drew and rookie Rashad Jennings have more in common than just the position they play. The players share the same agent and worked out in Miami together in the offseason. More importantly, both entered the NFL with chips on their shoulder for not being drafted higher.

Jones-Drew chose 32 for his jersey number after all 32 NFL teams passed on him in the first round. He was eventually chosen with the 60^th overall pick in the second round. Of the five running backs selected ahead of him, he leads the group in total touchdowns (40), yards from scrimmage (3,941), all-purpose yards (6,003) and rushes of 10-plus yards (67) in the first three seasons.

Jennings' draft experience was similar as he slipped to the seventh round after being projected to go much higher. He was eventually taken with the 250^th overall pick. With the draft nearly four months in the past, Jennings is ready to prove his worth beginning a week from today in Miami.

"I think everybody should carry a chip to an extent but I think you need to know how to control that chip," Jennings said. "You have to use that to drive you, not to anger you and push you to make mistakes, keep you hungry. I'm not behind the scenes, I'm not the one getting paid the big bucks to draft players.All this is is an opportunity. I don't care how you look at it. I could get cut, anybody could get cut. Nobody's promised anything and that's how I look at it."

10 questions with Maurice Williams

What was your first job?

I was a paperboy when I was 10 years old.

Any funny memories from the job?

Christmas Day, I didn't want to deliver the papers so instead of delivering the papers, I hid in the garage. After about an hour, I went back in the house so I wouldn't have to deliver papers in the snow.

What was your favorite subject in school?

Math

What is a talent you wish you had?

Singing

What kind of music would you sing?

Gospel and R&B

What is something you always wanted to do?

I've still got a lot of traveling I want to do.

What country have you always wanted to travel to?

Israel

What is the first thing that goes through your mind on game day?

Thank you, Jesus, for this opportunity.

What is your favorite stadium to visit?

Outside of Jacksonville, I'd say the 'Big House' at the University of Michigan

If you could make any rule changes to football, what would it be?

I would get rid of holding.

Del Rio praises Miller

Jaguars sixth-round pick Zach Miller is continuing his transition from college quarterback to NFL tight end, and the scrimmage on Saturday was another step in the right direction. After going through the on-field work in the offseason wearing just helmets and shorts, the Jaguars staff has been pleased with his progress as the team dons full pads.

"Zach flashed the whole time," Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio said. "It wasn't like anything in particular was different than what we've been seeing. I think he's got some real quickness, the ability to separate from defenders. The guy's learning a new position and he's made a lot of strides in a week and he's got a long way to go, but he's approached it good. He's taking the coaching that he's getting from Mike Tice, who is himself a former quarterback who learned how to become a blocking tight end."

Trivia answer

Joe Zelenka has played in 128 games for the Jaguars since joining the club in 2001. Zelenka has played in 157 games in his career and ranks second on the team to Tra Thomas (166 games).

The last word

"We call him anything. MoJo, bowling ball, tree trunk. Anything that's hard, low to the ground and can barely be moved. He's a talented guy and I'm glad he's on my side."

Rashean Mathis on his nicknames for running back Maurice Jo