Cason, Hester make their mark

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Saturday, May 03, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Chargers first-round draft pick Antoine Cason walked away from his first practice as a professional shaking his head a bit.

“The first day was a little bit rocky,” Cason said. “I wasn’t happy with it. I went home and just thought about it. I said I was just going to have fun and play football.”

Saturday night, he’ll go home much happier.

“It was a lot better today,” Cason said following Day 2 of Chargers minicamp.

Cason stood out during the morning practice as he batted a couple of passes down and showed the playmaking ability that made him the 27^th overall selection in last weekend’s NFL Draft. His first pass break up of the day came after he recognized and jumped a receiver’s route. Had he hung onto the ball, he would have likely gone for a touchdown.

“He’s a natural playmaker,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “He’s one of those guys that has a way of being around the ball. I think certain guys grow up that way. They just have a knack for reading things, sensing things. He does a good job with it.”

Running back Jacob Hester has also been thrown into the fire quickly. He’s lined up all over the field during the first two days of minicamp and been given opportunities to show his versatility.

“We’ve thrown everything at him,” Turner said. “He’s learning about three positions and he’s running well with the ball. We’ve asked him to block and run routes. He’s lined up as a wide receiver. He’s lined up in the slot. We’ve thrown a lot at him and he’s handled it real well. He’s a guy that is just going to be so valuable because he can do so many things.”

Hester admits he’s had a lot to digest, but he’s enjoyed every second of it.

“I’m learning running back and fullback and trying to adjust to the speed of this level,” Hester said. “It’s a lot, but I’m having fun being out there getting to know the guys. I think things have gone pretty well.”

Chargers fifth-round pick Marcus Thomas also drew the praise of his coaches this weekend, although his real opportunity to shine may be when things get physical during training camp.

“He’s one of those guys I think when the pads go on everyone is going to say ‘Wow,’” Turner said. “He’s a physical guy and he’s got a good body lean. He’s a 215 pound runner and he’s been a productive runner. I expect him to do the same.”

Welcome aboard

Each year, the Chargers welcome a couple assistants during the offseason through the NFL’s minority coaching fellowship. The program was established in 1987 to provide opportunities for minority coaches. This summer, former Houston Oilers All-Pro cornerback Cris Dishman and former San Diego State wide receiver Keith Williams will join the Bolts. Herb Parham from Morgan State returns to San Diego for a second year as well.

Chargers defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely, who coordinates the program for the Bolts, broke into the NFL when he participated in the program with the New Orleans Saints in 1994. He was hired as Jim Mora’s defensive line coach the next year. Marvin Lewis and Herm Edwards are among other coaches who have benefited from the program.

Family expanding

This offseason has been a time of growth for the Charger family. Several players including Weddle, Matt Wilhelm, Nate Kaeding, Quentin Jammer, Igor Olshansky and Philip Rivers have welcomed new additions to the fold.

“Being a father has been absolutely amazing,” Olshansky said. “My son has totally changed my life for the better.”

Nate Kaeding was excused from this weekend’s minicamp as his wife Samantha is set to give birth any day now in Iowa.

Happy birthday

Olshansky celebrated his 26^th birthday with his teammates Saturday. As soon as camp is over, he plans to join his family for a nice dinner at Donovan’s Steak and Chop House. Olshansky delivered a nice plug to the faithful Chargers’ sponsor.

Big morning

Fans had their first opportunity to see the 2008 Chargers Saturday morning and approximately 2,850 took advantage of it. By 8 a.m. Saturday, several fans had lined the streets of Murphy Canyon Road near Chargers Park to tailgate.

Back on track

After missing Friday afternoon’s practice with a sore ankle, wide receiver Buster Davis was back on the field Saturday and delivered a couple nifty catches that drew Turner's praise.

There were no new additions to the list of those who didn’t practice. Defensive tackle Jamal Williams, center Nick Hardwick, linebacker Carlos Polk, fullback Andrew Pinnock, wide receiver Eric Parker and tight end Antonio Gates didn’t participate. Quarterback Philip Rivers was held out of the team-type drills that featured the offense and defense on the field together.

Wrapping up

The Chargers will wrap up minicamp Sunday morning when they practice from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Chargers Park. Fans are invited to attend.

Mike Nowak, Chargers.com

Jacob Hester has had a lot on his plate this weekend.

	Clinton Hart Interview Chargers.com interview with strong safety Clinton Hart. Play
	Sat. Mini Camp: Norv Turner AM Head Coach Norv Turner after the Saturday AM practice at the 2008 Mini Camp Play
	Sat. Mini Camp: Norv Turner PM Norv Turner talks with the media after the Saturday afternoon practice. Play
	Sat. Mini Camp: Eric Weddle Eric Weddle after Saturday's AM practice during the 2008 Mini Camp Play
	Sat. Mini Camp: Igor Olshansky Igor Olshansky after Saturday's AM practice during the 2008 Mini Camp Play
	Sat. Mini Camp: Antoine Cason Antoine Cason after Saturday's AM practice during the 2008 Mini Camp Play
	Sat. Mini Camp: Jacob Hester Jacob Hester after Saturday's AM practice during the 2008 Mini Camp Play