Naanee’s role to expand

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Monday, Jul 07, 2008
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

When Legedu Naanee arrived in San Diego last spring after being drafted by the Chargers in the fifth round, he was designated as a tight end, fullback and wide receiver.

As year two of his NFL career approaches, his job title now simply says wide receiver, but coaches still expect the talented young playmaker to contribute in many different ways.

“I’m doing the receiver thing right now,” Naanee said. “We’ve talked about putting in some packages where I can do some different things. I know they want to be creative with formations and things like that. It’s just exciting to me that they want my role to be bigger than just one spot. It’s going to be fun.”

Last summer, Naanee spent time with both the wide receivers and tight ends during individual drills and attended position meetings with both groups. After wearing a tight end’s jersey number (40) in 2007, Naanee has adopted jersey number 11 this season and is listed solely as a wide receiver.

“They were trying to see where my skill sets were and what the best way to get me on the field was (last year),” Naanee said. “We’ve all got a better feel now. The name of the game is making the most of your opportunities. I hope to get a few more and I hope to make the most of them.”

Regardless of how he’s used, it appears that Naanee will be on the field more in his second professional season. During Offseason Coaching Sessions, he caught nearly everything thrown his way and has impressed the coaching staff with his grasp of the playbook.

“I think he’s got a good comfort level with what we’re asking him to do,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “Those backup receivers, they’ve got to learn three positions. He’s learned them and he’s handled it well.”

During the 2007 regular season, most of Naanee’s action came on special teams. He also caught two passes during a first-quarter touchdown drive in Minnesota. But in the Chargers’ Divisional Playoff win at Indianapolis, Naanee took advantage of his biggest opportunity of his young career and got Charger fans excited about what’s to come from the Boise State alum.

With the Bolts trailing the Colts in the fourth quarter, Naanee caught a screen pass from Billy Volek and weaved in and out of traffic for a 27-yard gain to Indianapolis’ 15-yard line. Moments later, Volek dove into the end zone for the deciding score. When asked if the play was the highlight of his rookie year, Naanee answered in the affirmative.

“I would say so just because of the magnitude of the game,” Naanee said. “That’s something you grow up dreaming about doing. It’s the fourth quarter of a playoff game, your team is driving to score and you get a chance to make a play.”

In his second NFL offseason, Naanee feels more comfortable in just about every aspect of his job.

“I’m trying to go in there and do the right thing as far as the play calls and the little adjustments that come with them,” Naanee said. “This time around, I know not just the route but also the adjustment to it and what the guy next to me is doing. Knowing all that helps a lot.

“The biggest thing is just knowing what stage of the process we’re in as far as getting ready for the season. Last year I tried to come out and impress them on the first day. You want to try hard and don’t really know the schedule or the plays. You’re trying to do so much to make that first impression. This time around, knowing what you’re in for is different.”

After a strong finish on the field last season, Naanee should see more time with the offense during his second NFL campaign, and that has the former Boise State Bronco itching for camp to start.

“Just with the way last year went, the coaches expect more from me,” Naanee said. “That’s exciting. I’m ready to step up to the task.”

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