Keith Shologan #98 DT/DE With the Chargers?

Keith Shologan #98 DT/DE was on the Chargers at Mini Camp.

Keith Shologan is a very good DT/DE and was a great signing by the Chargers as an UDFA. But there is a bothersome detail about Shologan. He was also drafted by the Roughriders of the CFL. Plus he doesn't appear on the current roster of the Chargers. Current Roster Link:

Shologan looked good in camp with what few times I saw him line up and play, so I believe he is still on the roster, but with his name missing on the current roster, it is possible he has been let go, so he could report to the CFL.

See article below:

"The Saskatchewan Roughriders looked to the future when it came to the Wednesday's CFL draft.

The defending Grey Cup champions selected six players in the annual draft of Canadian talent.

The Riders did that with their first pick (fourth overall) by selecting Keith Shologan, a top-rated defensive end out of the University of Central Florida. Shologan, 6-foot-3, 312 pounds, is so highly regarded that he signed with the NFL's San Diego Chargers shortly after the NFL draft concluded Sunday. That decision means it's unlikely that Shologan will be with the Riders when camp opens on June 1 at Mosaic Stadium. It's also a gamble because Shologan may just catch on with the Chargers."

The Oline going through agility Drills!

The Oline concentrate on agility! Cory Clark #75 looks like a great addition at OT in Mini Camp.

The Chargers Brick Wall! A Stout Oline that works in unison. They need strength, good balance, and agility (quick feet to keep that balance). Note the foot work in the above picture. The Chargers Oline works hard in Mini Camp. And Cory Clark was showing some quick feet and moves in Mini Camp.

One guys going the wrong way!

Why does it seem that there is one guy in the drills that's going the wrong way? Notice #36 is the only DB going the wrong way.

Well to be fair Tra Battle SS #36 has already run down and turned around. But when just observing a picture it sure looks funny. These players work hard in camp and yet the young ones like Battle put it all out there in everything they do to make an impression. Battle is running harder and faster because he would like to make the team. He will definitely have to work hard to do that because the Backfield of the Chargers is loaded with quality young players already. At Safety are Hart, Weddle, Gregory, and Oliver. Breaking into that lineup is not going to be easy for a young safety. That won't stop Battle from Battling for a position.

Ron Rivera in the Middle of things

Ron Rivera, the coach in the White, getting involved in coaching the action.

Ron Rivera has been a huge plus in teaching the defense especially when teaching the turnover techniques. Rivera seems to put his teams into the top turnover categories ever year, first with the Bears and now with the Chargers.

This team plays hard even in Mini Camp

You can see Sproles #43, the ball carrier, with his blockers in white pushing through the defense in this picture. Sproles secures the ball while pushing through.

Yes! It is supposed to only be touch football, but even in touch it gets rough. When there are blockers involved then the defense still has to push through the blocks to get to the ball carriers. There are some major battles going on, and they have already started in Mini Camp.

It's great to see this team work, the offense is now used to these plays that Norv calls and they carry the plays out in unison and with quick precise timing. That allows for way more success, but don't underestimate this great defense either. Because this is now a very opportunistic defense that turns the ball over more often than any other team in the NFL, and it shows up even practice. It makes for an offense that really has to work at securing the football. Like in the above picture.

Rivers working in Mini Camp

Philip Rivers #17 was working in Mini Camp in the seven on sevens. Scott Chandler #87 was working with the first string in place of Gates.

Rivers looked great out there. Throwing all the passes in the play book. He wasn't holding anything back and he was looking great. No limping or any kind of favoring the injuries. Rivers was completing pass after pass. Chandler was also doing a great job as one of Rivers primary targets in Mini Camp.

Interview with Rivers:

Norv and Rivers interview at Mini Camp with action:

This team is really special.

You can tell by watching teams in the very beginning of camps before the drills start if a team likes each other. This team is excited and Special. Just look at this picture and you can tell how happy and ready they are for the year to start.

Buster Davis #84 with another great Catch

Buster Davis #84 makes another great Catch in Mini Camp. In this picture the catch is blocked out by Manumaleuna #86 but Davis comes up with the catch for a good twenty yard gain.

I believe that is Charlie Joiner in the Grey T-shirt coaching the catch right behind Davis. It's good to see him back with the Bolts.

Buster Davis #84 Catching a Pass in front of AJ Smith

Jacob Hester #22 Lines Up!

Jacob Hester #22 lines up all over the field in Mini Camp.

Hester is lining up as a FB, RB or out wide as a Reciever. It is very obvious that Norv Turner plans on using Hester's versatility. And Hester looks in Mini Camp like he can easily handle everything asked of him.

Jacob Hester Video of versatility

Gary Banks WR #12 catch over the Middle

Gary Banks WR #12 has beat DeJaun Tribble CB #29 and makes a great over the middle reception!

Gary Banks was showing off on this reception. Banks has a huge battle to make this WR deep team, but he was showing some good hands in Mini Camp.

Below is a quote from the Messenger

"Gary Banks (WR) will make it to a camp because of his hands and attitude. He didn't lift weights Tuesday because he's recovering from shoulder surgery. But he's fast enough to play in the NFL, and he's got great hands. But what really sets Banks apart is his maturity and leadership - on and off the field. That's the kind of guy you want on your team."

Gary Banks at Troy State Bio

Casey Bramlet QB #8 taking snaps!

Casey Bramlet QB #8 is taking snaps in Mini Camp. Above Bramlet hands the ball off to Germain Race RB # 16.

Bramlet, 6-4, 230, holds multiple passing records at the University of Wyoming. Malcom Floyd WR was one of his main targets at Wyoming. Here in Mini Camp Bramlet was taking snaps and throwing the ball to Floyd again. Joining Bramlet and Floyd are two more from Wyoming Billy Vinnedge K-P and Wade Betschart FB-TE on the Chargers.

It's surprising to see the 4th QB on the roster to actually be taking snaps and not only handing the ball off but throwing in the nine on nine's in Mini Camp. Usually the 4th QB will just be relegated to drills only. But Bramlet is being given every opportunity to show what he can offer.

Darren Sproles #43 is Dangerous in the Open!

Darren Sproles #43 catches a pass and immediately is off to the races. Tucker #94 is not going to catch Sproles and neither is any other LBer in the NFL. Cletis Gordon CB #24 will close fast, because even Gordon with extreme speed has to respect Sproles in the Open.

Darren Sproles is a nightmare for opposing defenses in the open. That is why Norv Turner will look to even throw the ball more to Sproles this year, because Sproles was seeing passes all over the field, even down field in Mini Camp.

Sproles is a highlight machine: For just one week of Sproles highlights last year click below link:

Week 15: Darren Sproles highlights

Germain Race RB #16 Catching On!

Germain Race RB #16 in the above picture catching a pass down field and looking for blocking from Wade Betschart #47 FB/TE because Brandon Siler #59 LB and Terna Nande #45 LB are coming on strong.

Germain Race was showing he could run and catch in Mini Camp. The 5-foot-10 218 pound running back is showing he is ready and back from his toe injury that put him on IR last year. Race did see action last year in two games at St. Louis and against San Francisco, he ran seven times for 37 yards, and a TD against the Rams.

"I can't wait, this is the first time in my life that I have missed almost a complete season and it is hard to cope with." Race said.

"You just have to take your time because it is an injury that you really can't rush and you just have to have patience and I will be hungry when I get back."

"Things are going good and my foot has healed up, I am just ready to get back into it."

Race knows he is starting over this summer.

"I will be starting back where I was a year ago just looking for a spot," Race laments. "We will see how it goes and I will just have to do my best."


For a great video of Germain Race click link below:

Germain Race Video while playing in College

(quotes Link)

Eric Bakhtiari OLB #48 shows why he could make the team!

Eric Bakhtiari OLB #48 shows why he might make the team. He can not only rush the Passer but he can also run with TE's.

In the above picture Bakhtiari has already correctly run and defended the TE from the QB being able to pass to him. The QB threw the ball high and over the head so as to not get it intercepted by Bakhtiari in Mini Camp. The ball sailed high over Scott Chandler's TE #87 head, and was almost intercepted by Tra Battle SS #36.

Eric Bakhtiari at 6-foot-3, 253-pounds was an All American on the FCS Team and played for USD. Bakhtiari dominated like a man among boys in college. AJ Smith says when watching Baktiari play at USD: “Total domination, I couldn't wait for the ball to be snapped so I could see what he'd do. It was just the passion and production.” Those are big words coming from the Chargers GM.

I believe Bakhtiari is showing he has the talent to compete for a job on the Chargers regular roster this year. He might only make the Practice Squad but I wouldn't be surprised if Bakhtiari actually finds away on to the active roster.

For three great articles on Baktiari click links below:
3-Minute Interview: Eric Bakhtiari
USD's Bakhtiari made good first impression
Roads Less Traveled can lead to the NFL

Vincent Jackson WR #83 rising to the top.

Picture: Vincent Jackson WR #83, working against Quentin Jammer CB #23 and Eric Weddle Safety #32, makes an outstanding reception in Mini Camp going across the middle on a slant Pattern.

Vincent Jackson (VJ) is rising up! He is showing he can work against the best (VJ led all players during the postseason with 300 receiving yards). Because the Chargers do have one of the best if not the best Defensive backfields in the NFL. VJ was just making reception after reception, if called upon to go deep over the shoulder receptions or across the middle on slants or deep outs. It really didn't matter VJ was getting the job done with aplomb!

I look for VJ to have a huge year, he not only showed he could be counted on in last years playoffs, but he is showing it was no fluke in this years Mini Camp. Vincent Jackson is a huge threat for other teams to have to deal with this year. He is ready and it shows!

For a recent great article on Vincent Jackson talking to the University of Northern Colorado, Click link below:

Small School Players Dreams Can Come True

"But really, you only need one team, one person, really," San Diego Chargers and former University of Northern Colorado receiver Vincent Jackson said. "One coach, one scout, one general manager, just one person in one place who believes in what you did.

"I'm proof. I've always said it. I'm proof nobody really knows how things are going to turn out."

Shawn Merriman Healthy and Ready

Shawn Merriman #56 at Mini Camp shown above doing drills, and is always a camp favorite.

It's hard to be a NFL Super Star, and make no mistake Shawn Merriman is all of that. He is followed by fans and media every where he goes in camp. They swarm to him as he goes through his exercises and drills. He is healthy and showing he is ready to compete this year.

This team is so loaded with Super Stars including but not limited to LT, Gates, Rivers, Shaun Phillips, Jamal Williams, Chris Chambers, Vincent Jackson, Castillo, Jammer, and Cromartie, all fan favorites. This list does not include the many up and coming nor the newly drafted. The fans and Media always have trouble covering so many Charger stars. Because the team spreads out in drills that they have to pick who they want to be closest too. Hence all the camera men surrounding Merriman.

It's just great that the players seem to get their work done anyway! This group of Chargers do not act like there are any Super Stars on the field. Because they are all out there working hard. That has not always been the case in past camps. It wasn't too long ago that some players that believed they were Super Stars and looked for reasons to get out of all the practice and hard work. A few of those so called Super Stars in the past that had problems and looked for ways out of practice were David Boston and Marcellus Wiley. Two players that were brought to the team that caused problems even in camp. It seems some players just can't get along. That's not the case this year.

AJ Smith has built a close nit team where the players treat each other with respect! It makes for a great team.

For a cool Shawn Merriman Video Click Link

Offseason Coaching Sessions (OCS) begin May 19, 2008

AJ Smith in White and Norv Turner in Charger Blue above are just completing a meeting and are getting ready for:

Chargers Park may look vacant now with only AJ Smith and Norv Turner on the field, in the above Picture, but the Chargers are getting ready for OCS about to begin on Monday May 19, 2008.

"In the OCS we’ll get into very, very specific situations we want to work on.” Norv Turner said following Mini Camp. "I prefer to do it right after this camp, but with all the injuries we wouldn’t have had enough guys, this gives us a chance to have 20 more guys. That will help us. We’ll pick up right where we left off.”

The Chargers will have a chance to work on Specific Situations, that is what OCS is all about, where the coaches can devote more time to each player especially the rookies and younger players. Norv Turner and all the coaches want as many players at Charger Park as possible and they delayed the start of OCS because they hope even more can attend. They use to hold OCS right after Mini Camp. With injuries and many of the rookies still attending college, the delay will help in allowing many more to attend.

Antoine Cason showing off his CB skills in Mini Camp

Antoine Cason #20, the first round choice of the Chargers in this years draft, successfully rejects a pass attempt in Mini Camp.

Antoine Cason will battle Cletis Gordon for the nickle. Coach Norv Turner talking about Antoine Cason says: "We see him as a guy who will be a starting cornerback in this league at some point, he will compete to play in our nickel package, which is obviously so important because we play so many good passing football teams that use so many three- and four-receiver sets." It's going to be a real interesting battle all Summer between these two very talented CB's.

Jacob Hester will be missed by LSU

Jacob Hester #22 taking a hand off from Whitehurst #6 in Mini Camp.

Les Miles of LSU says they will miss Jacob Hester: "We're going to miss old Hester," Les Miles said after meeting with the LSU masses recently. "We enjoyed his leadership. We enjoyed his abilities. We're going to miss him tremendously."

Hester was lining up all over the field at the Chargers Mini Camp, and he seemed to be doing just fine at any of the positions. Norv is planning on using Hester a whole lot, from what we have witnessed in Mini Camp. I think Norv might be saying the same kind of glowing remarks as Les Miles says they experienced from having Jacob Hester on his team.

Floyd, Buckley, and Applewhite: Three players trying to land a spot on the roster

Malcom Floyd #80, Eldra Buckley #30, and Antwan Applewhite #49 are preparing for ST's drills in Mini Camp.

Floyd, Buckley, and Applewhite are all trying to land a spot on the roster, and ST's is a big part of it. Floyd has the speed to play gunner, Buckley and Applewhite are trying to show they belong. Floyd has the best chance to make the roster of the three, at least from what I saw in Mini Camp. Floyd continued to show he is a big play maker both on Offense and ST's.

DeJaun Tribble looks to show he belongs

DeJaun Tribble #29 at Mini Camp:

DeJaun Tribble was considered by many the premier CB entering his senior year, until a knee injury affected his season causing him to miss three games and play injured much of the year.

Tribble was showing in Mini Camp that he is an instinctive athlete, a play maker with ball skills. I think he was a great choice by AJ in the draft. And he should be a valuable backup at the CB position this year.

Gordon, Oliver, and Gregory: Three that make a difference

Cletis Gordon #24, Paul Oliver #27, and Steve Gregory #28 all making an impact in Mini Camp and expect to add impact to the great season that is in front of them.

These three backup DB's know this system and expect to contribute heavily this year to what could be a Super Bowl team. All three: Gordon the second fastest CB on the team, Oliver the S/CB that will help in the slot and Gregory that can also play Safety or CB. All should see time on the field this year and all are players that can make a difference. They all three looked great in Mini Camp and showed they are ready to compliment what is already one of the strongest backfields in the NFL, if not the strongest. Considering that the starting Backfield will contain the likes of Cromartie and Jammer at the CB position and Hart and Weddle at Safeties, this team is ready to compete for the Super Bowl.

Shaun Phillips interviewed:

Photo of Shaun Phillips #95 in Mini Camp going through drills with fellow LBers Dobbins #51, Waters #53, and Siler #59.



Shaun Phillips was on ESPN News this morning here is what he said: (paraphrased)

1. Espn asks: You Shaun Phillips were honored as the "other Joe" what do you think about that award?

SP answers: I think it is a team effort, we all are responsible for what goes on. I would rather have been part of the All Pro Team award, but as a team we all have to do our parts to end up with the win.

2. Espn asks: if Rivers was a problem with all his talking and did you now accept him because he showed some grit out there playing injured in the AFCCG?

SP answers: Philip is our team leader even before he was injured, we respected him and we already knew he was tough. He is the nicest guy on the team, he doesn't even cuss. Philip is a fiery guy like Favre, he is into the game and he fires us up. We have accepted him as our leader and we are very happy to follow him, he is going to lead us to the Promise Land!!!!

3. Espn: How do you think the Chargers are going to do this coming year after that first win in the playoffs last year?

SP answers: We won two playoff games last year, and we are working hard to take that next step to win a Super Bowl. That is our goal and we have a motto: "You are either getting better or getting worse!" You have to work to get better because you can't stay the same. So we are always working hard to get better and more consistent. We're working to win a Super Bowl!


BoltzaQtion commentary: Shaun Phillips seemed relaxed in the interview yet attentive and he got fired up when talking about his team. When I watched the team in Mini Camp they seemed intent on continuing to get better. They looked smooth and confident! Ready to compete!

Click on pictures to enlarge!

Just click on each picture and it will enlarge, then click the back button to come back. It's easy, enjoy!

Click on older posts to continue the camp report. Or the archives will also take you right to the pictures and stories.

The action kickoffs mini-camp 2008!

Sproles returns a kickoff to start the action of the day!

Jacob Hester #22 with a great catch and run.

Hester was lined up in several positions and seemed to excel at all of them all day.

Scott Chandler beating the defense for a great reception!

Chandler was seeing lots of action in place of Gates and showing well for himself.

Sproles showing his exceptional speed!

Sproles was flashing his speed on several runs and a few deep receptions too. This was a beautiful reception down the sidelines, and it was off to the races!

Buster Davis with a great catch!

Buster Davis lined up with the first team all over the field and even in the backfield, making several outstanding receptions today in mini-camp.

Legedu Naanee on a deep reception

Naanee made several great receptions like this one today.

Best catch of the Mini-camp May 2008 Saturday morning

Floyd caught a beautiful over the shoulder reception racing down the sidelines and receiving a 45 yard deep ball pass from Rivers.

The Chargers and AJ Smith's 2008 draft and grades:

1. Antoine Cason: Very good CB/S that can play now, and will see a lot of time on the field replacing Florence. Excellent choice and looks like an improvement at that CB position over Florence. A.

2. Chris Chambers: The number one WR on the team, and CC improved the play of VJ and BD as soon as he came to the team, helped the team get to the AFCCG with Gates and LT hurt. A+.

3. Weddle: Starting new FS this year with one years experince. A (BTW this third was only about 40% of the cost to land Weddle, the rest was paid in last year's draft.) Weddle had a great year last year and has moved to starter.

3. Hester: FB/RB replacing an injured Pinnock and Lo Neal. Will contribute all year and adds pass catching to the position. Improves that position and adds more plays to the play book. A

4. Paul Oliver CB/S: Paul will contribute this year, he already has a year's experience of working with the team. B+

5. Marcus Thomas RB: Replaces MT with a very similar type RB, brings more pass catching abilities to the position. Will be a backup like MT was and see the field to relieve LT. B

6. DeJuan Tribble CB Could be a player in the Chargers system. Probably beats out Gordon for a roster spot. Tribble might also be a punt returner/ kick returner and contribute there because Sproles probably is done with that job, if Tribble does well. B

7. Corey Clark OT: Will probably make the team and backup both OT positions at RT and LT. B


In this draft it looks like all the choices were used on players that will not only make the team but contribute to one of the most talented teams in the NFL. So that is not easy to come away with such a solid draft but AJ has done it again. Solid A work.

Charger Mini Camp is Coming

Click Pictures to enlarge

Charger Camp 2008


When: Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4, 2008
Where: Chargers Park

Saturday
10:30 – 12:20 pm
4:00 – 6:00 pm

Sunday
11:00 – 1:00

Chargers 2008 Mini Camp is here this weekend. Look for an in depth review and pictures of this years camp. I have attended over twenty years of Chargers camps, and I will be attending this mini-camp and will be reporting on the action with: Pictures of all the action and Dialogue!