News

Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner is looking forward to the start of training camp when he will finally get his first look at the team’s 2009 draft class in pads. 

“We’re running around in sweats and you see all these things and you’re anxious to see how they’re going to transfer when the pads go on,” Turner said.

As the Chargers completed Offseason Coaching Sessions last week, Turner summarized his thoughts on several of the team’s rookies following 14 non-contact practices.

In first-round pick Larry English, Turner saw a player who he believes will be able to make “impact plays” as a rookie.

“He’s a serious young guy,” Turner said.  “He’s got great character, great background and he’s had a great offseason.  He’s got about six weeks of work in and he’s been impressive.  He’s a natural pass rusher and I’m excited to get him in pads.  He’s a very strong player who is going to use his leverage real well.” 

Another player Turner is particularly anxious to see in pads is guard Louis Vasquez. Following a strong showing this spring, the team’s third-round pick will likely find himself in heated battle for a starting job in training camp.

“He’s a very physical-looking guy,” Turner said.  “I can’t wait to see him when the pads go on because I think he will really step up another notch.  He could battle to be a starter.  It depends on how he handles things.  He’s taken to what we do really well and has been impressive.”

Fourth-round pick Vaughn Martin said last week that his transition to the NFL is teaching him a thing or two about patience.  Turner has been just that with the mammoth Canadian and voiced pleasure in Martin’s progress.

“I think he’s learning our system, and that’s what you hope for in May and June,” Turner said.  “He’s a very talented guy.  I think he’s made the most of the last six weeks.  I think he’s gotten a lot better understanding of what we’re doing.  He’s playing with more confidence.  His number of mental errors is being reduced constantly.  He’s a guy with big upside and I’m glad we have him.”

Fellow fourth-round pick Gartrell Johnson got a full workload this spring, particularly last week when a majority of the veterans had departed.  He had plenty of chances to impress his coaches, which he did.

“Gartrell Johnson has been a really exciting guy in the offseason because he’s a very natural runner,” Turner said.  “He plays faster than he times.  He’s got exceptional ability to make a cut and not slow down.  He doesn’t waste movement.  He’s a guy that will complement our backs.”  

Cornerback Brandon Hughes, the team’s fifth-round pick, made an impression with his football IQ, his ball skills and his attitude.

“Brandon has played an awful lot of press coverage,” Turner said.  “He’s very natural in the slot. I think he’s going to have a presence on our football team as a young player.  He’s picked up what we’re doing extremely well.  He’s a very competitive player.”

Kevin Ellison was a physical player at USC and is another defender that will likely stand out more once the team puts on the pads in August.  While he missed some time in college due to injuries, Ellison heads into training camp at full strength with a chance to help his new team.

“I think people were concerned about Kevin because he had some injuries but he is 100 percent healthy,” Turner said.  “He’s moving around awfully well.  Again, when the pads go on it will give him a chance to make that much more of an impression.  I think he’ll be a factor on our football team and has a chance to be in our nickel package early and could compete for a starting job.”