KeAndre Lambert-Smith has made his presence known so far in Chargers Training Camp.
The rookie receiver has made a number of highlight plays in the first 11 practices, really coming on strong in different team drills thus far.
Whether it's catches deep down the field, on his back shoulder or making a tough adjustment back for the ball, Lambert-Smith sees it all the same — he's going to go get it.
"When the ball is in the air, I feel like it's mine," Lambert-Smith said on Tuesday. "I'm trying to get it every time and instill that confidence in my QB to throw it."
Lambert-Smith has been full steam ahead after missing out on some spring practices and has been making plays all over the field.
A year after leading Auburn in receptions and receiving yards, the rookie has translated well so far in his first NFL camp.
But none of this comes as a surprise to the young receiver, he's just getting a chance to show it on a bigger stage.
"I wouldn't say impressed. I've always known what I'm capable of doing, it's just a matter of showcasing it to different fanbases and the world to see," Lambert-Smith said. "I always knew what I could do, excited to showcase."
Lambert-Smith later added: "I always look at myself as a top guy. I always push myself to that limit, always been challenged since coming out of high school by my high school head coach. He instilled confidence in me and just the work I put in, I instilled confidence in myself."
It's still come with an adjustment period, however, like with most rookies.
While nothing has been a shock for him, there has been one thing that has stood out to him about life in the NFL.
"I wouldn't say nothing surprised me, but once I been here, I just got off the phone with my head coach from high school… I was talking to him like, 'I knew it took a lot but I didn't know it takes this,'" Lambert-Smith said. "Just the amount of treatment you have to put in, it's long days. We're here from six in the morning to seven some days.
"Just the amount of time you have to put in and what it takes to become an elite guy at this level, it's a continuous grind," Lambert-Smith added.
It helps to walk into a position room where he could find a lot in common.
Lambert-Smith has enjoyed getting to learn from wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal, who he praised for helping him try and reach another level.
But he also has a fairly young receiver room around him, most of which is around the same age as him.
"It's real close in the room, I can talk to guys like [Ladd McConkey]," Lambert-Smith said. "Me and Tre', that bond is growing. He's my roommate.
"A lot of guys in the room, we always help each other and ask for advice and critique each other," he added.
Now, Lambert-Smith has the opportunity to do the same against another team.
With the 2025 Hall of Fame Game against the Lions on deck this Thursday, the rookie is fired up.
"Just showcase my talent and help the team ultimately get the win," Lambert-Smith said. "We've been going against each other since we got here, and it will be great.
"It's the first NFL game, it's a dream come true," he added.
And though it might be classified as a preseason game, but Thursday will be one the young receiver wants to use to introduce himself to the audience.
"Even though it's preseason, Coach Harbaugh let us know it's the first game in general. First preseason, first NFL game so a lot of eyes will be on us," Lambert-Smith said. "He told us there's no pressure. He said there's more people watching than the MLB World Series, NBA Finals.
"I'm like alright, I'm looking at it as a real game," Lambert-Smith added. "I'm going to attack it with the same mentality, first NFL game. I'm ready to showcase to the world what I can do."
