Waters out-working the competition

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Wednesday, May 30, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com

By the time the majority of the Bolts’ rookie class shows up for their 12:30 workout session at Chargers Park, linebacker Anthony Waters has already worked up quite a sweat.

“I’m spending about two to two and a half hours a day with our athletic training staff,” Waters said. “They’re really pushing me. And I love it.”

Waters suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last September that cost him his senior season at Clemson. Although his knee is almost back to full strength, he continues to start his day off with Head Athletic Trainer James Collins and his staff so that he can give his all once training camp starts.

“I’m running full speed straight ahead right now,” Waters said. “With an ACL injury, the lateral stuff is what’s tough. We’re pacing it right now. I feel like I’m able to do more and more each day. That makes me feel good.”

This week, Waters proceeds to the weight room to workout with his fellow rookies once he’s completed his time with the athletic trainers. Last week he grabbed his helmet and hit the field for Offseason Coaching Sessions between his rehab and his strength and conditioning work.

“Between trying to get fully healthy, learning a new defense and trying to get in tip-top shape, I’ve stayed busy,” Waters said. “But I’ve enjoyed it. I try not to let anyone outwork me. The extra load has just pushed me.”

Although he’s been a bit limited, Waters has been present for all of the team’s voluntary OCS’s. When he’s not in the mix, he’s taking plenty of mental notes.

“I get in all the little things,” Waters said. “I’m doing everything in our individual period and in the install period. Then when we go to our teamwork, I back off and get a lot of mental reps.”

Thanks in part to strong mentorship from fellow linebackers Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm, Waters is upbeat about how his transition to professional football has gone in his first month as a Charger.

“I feel pretty good about how I’m picking up the defense,” Waters said. “I still make little mistakes here and there, but that’s kind of expected. This defense is new to me. Cooper and Wilhelm are pretty good about helping the young guys out. I can ask them anything I need to.”

Waters believes that his heart is his greatest attribute as a player. The last nine months have certainly tested that characteristic, but Waters believes it’s what will ultimately allow him to contribute as a rookie.

“I play hard, I play fast and I play physical,” Waters said. “If you’re doing those three things, someone is going to notice you. There’s a lot of talent on this team. I don’t have to do too much. I can just work hard and be a part of it.”

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