Contract done, Davis “ready to go to work”

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Tuesday, Jul 24, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

Wide receiver Craig Davis never had any intention of missing a single training camp workout, and after signing on the dotted line on his first NFL contract Tuesday afternoon, the Bolts’ top draft pick accomplished his goal.

“I needed to be here on time,” Davis said. “With a new coach, a new offense and me being a rookie trying to learn everything, I needed to be here. I’m glad we made that happen. I’m ready to go to work.”

After sitting up much of the last two nights taking phone calls from his agent while the final details of his contract were hammered out, Davis admitted he was a bit exhausted Tuesday morning when he arrived in San Diego from his hometown of New Orleans. Fortunately, he had a little adrenaline carrying him.

“This is the most exciting day of my life so far,” Davis said. “Getting drafted was an amazing experience, but when you sign that contract, it sinks in a little more. I can’t wait to get on the field and work hard this next month so I can contribute right away.”

After battling a groin injury earlier this spring, Davis is physically ready. He’s split time between San Diego and New Orleans this summer, but when away from Chargers Park he has heeded the instructions of Head Athletic Trainer James Collins and believes his conditioning has paid off.

“I’m 100 percent,” Davis said. “I worked with James a lot going over specific things I needed to do to rehab when I was at home and all. I worked hard and it’s paid off. I feel great.”

Davis will be on the field Wednesday morning with his fellow rookies and select veteran players. The first full-squad practice is scheduled for Saturday afternoon. Rookies reported to Chargers Park Tuesday and will get a head start on many of their teammates with two practices before the majority of veterans arrive later in the week.

“I need to get on the field a couple days early,” Davis said. “The veterans know what to expect from training camp. This is my first training camp. Being a rookie, I’m just 21 years old and some of those guys are in their 30’s. I need to get that extra work in. It’s going to be fun.”

Chargers quarterbacks are among those reporting early, and Davis is anxious to build on the work he did with Philip Rivers this spring. The two have already begun to develop a rapport as Rivers voluntarily attended several of the Offseason Coaching Sessions designated for rookies so that he could work with his young pass catchers.

“I think Philip and I came together this spring,” Davis said. “Even when Philip wasn’t supposed to be there, he came to throw with me. That was really special for me. For a starting quarterback to go out of his way to throw to me when he wasn’t even supposed to be there, that was really helpful to me. Just having him in my ear telling me what I should and shouldn’t do, that’s going to help me throughout the season. I just want to contribute. I’m going to be a team player and do my best.”

All aboard

The Chargers were just the third team in the NFL to reach contract agreement with all of their draft picks. The Chicago Bears were the first, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers. When the Bolts hit the field Wednesday, it will mark the first time since 1997 that the team has had all of its draft picks in the fold prior to the first practice.

Early start

Select veterans that will be on the field with rookies and first-year players Wednesday include safeties Clinton Hart, Bhawoh Jue and Marlon McCree, defensive end Derreck Robinson, running back Darren Sproles and quarterbacks Rivers, Billy Volek and Charlie Whitehurst.

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