SAN DIEGO – Seventeen hundred miles is a long way.
That would be the distance between Aurora, Ill., and San Diego if an interstate connected the two cities.
Outside linebacker 
When the Chargers selected the 6-foot-2, 255 pound defensive threat with the 16th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the three-time first-team All-MAC player had a bit more distance to cover.
He started two games last season and played in all 17, but feels that a year of familiarity will help him resemble the player that terrorized college quarterbacks and became the Huskies’ all-time leader with 31.5 sacks and 63 tackles for loss.
“In comparison with this time last year, it’s a lot different. You’re coming in not knowing anything as a rookie and it’s tough getting adjusted,” English said. “I’m not quite a vet yet, but I do feel a lot better and more comfortable.”
English hasn’t set any specific goals for this season but said he remains focused on playing full speed and reaching a point where he doesn’t hesitate.
“I think when I get fully comfortable that’s when I’ll be able to make the most plays,” he said.
The linebacker got reps against
“Keep your head up and stay the course, because it gets tough being a rookie,” English said. “Obviously things on the field are tough because it’s all new, but off the field also it’s rough because it’s not home for you yet. You don’t have an identity: friends, family, or anything like that. So it’s a lot rougher mentally, but you’ve just got to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”
