motife
06-06-2006, 04:12 AM
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=431893&format=print
Notes: Hawk to land at 'Will'
Linebacker seen as starter
By TODD ROSIAK
trosiak@journalsentinel.com
Posted: June 5, 2006
Green Bay - Despite missing the Green Bay Packers' last minicamp and all of their current round of voluntary practices to date, rookie first-rounder A.J. Hawk shouldn't be too far behind when he arrives in town later this week.
That's because until today, the coaching staff had spent nearly all of the four previous practice sessions reviewing rather than installing its defense.
So once Hawk wraps up his classwork at Ohio State, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders expects him to be able to jump right back in as Green Bay's starting weak-side linebacker.
"We said, 'Hey, get your degree, get done, finish class and we'll catch you back up,'" SanderssaidMonday. "But really, to be honest with you, he hasn't missed anything yet. We're very confident he's not going to be far behind."
So far, there doesn't appear to have been any serious talk about Hawk playing anywhere other than the weak side, or "Will," linebacker spot in the Packers' base defense.
But because of his speed and sideline-to-sideline range, Hawk will rarely, if ever, come off the field, thus requiring him to become familiar with the "Mike" (middle) spot when the Packers go into dime coverage and "Sam" (strong side) spot in the nickel as well.
"We try to double-train as many of our guys as we can for as much as they can handle," Sanders said. "So for him, as far as the base defense, he'll be the Will and for as much as he can digest we'll continue to move him on and get him as ready as we can."
Nick Barnett, the team's three-year starter at middle linebacker, led the Packers in tackles with 194 last year in a scheme that calls for him to do just that.
With Hawk's forte also getting to the ball (121 tackles and 9½ sacks last season), some thought he might displace Barnett and move him to the weak side.
Barnett, however, thinks there's plenty of plays to be made for both, just as the coaching staff does.
"A.J. Hawk playing Will is the same as him playing Mike: He's still running free, making his plays," Barnett said. "He's the fifth pick; they want him to make plays. But he'll make just as many at Will as he will at Mike."
Roll call
Quarterback Brett Favre didn't take part in the fourth day of the Packers' voluntary practices Monday on Clarke Hinkle Field.
He instead spent the morning working out in the weight room. Backup Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile,replaced Favre with the No. 1 offense.
Others who were missing from practice were fullback William Henderson, who had been present the three previous days, and cornerback Ahmad Carroll, who coach Mike McCarthy said last week was expected back for practice Monday after missing Friday.
Veterans who have yet to show up are cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett.
Two previous veteran no-shows, safety Mark Roman and wide receiver Rod Gardner, made their first appearances Monday. Roman had been out for personal reasons, and Gardner's absence was both business- and family-related.
Veteran offensive lineman Adrian Klemm also showed, although he continues to sit out because of a knee injury.
Injury report
Running back Chaz Williams and defensive lineman Kenny Peterson both returned from ankle injuries. Williams missed Thursday, and Peterson was out Thursday and Friday.
Sitting out because of injuries were running backs Ahman Green, Arliss Beach and Najeh Davenport, linebackers Tim Goodwell, Brady Poppinga and Byron Santiago and tackle Chad Clifton.
Cornerback Will Blackmon and offensive lineman Kevin Barry are out and not attending practice.
McKenzie staying put
The Houston Texans on Monday announced the hiring of former Denver assistant general manager Rick Smith as their new GM.
Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie was one of three candidates to interview for the job.
"First and foremost, it was a great experience for me," McKenzie said. "It was my first interview. I felt I was in a win-win situation. I'm glad to be back here."
Roster move
The team released safety Jeremy Thornburg, who had been out since suffering a shoulder injury late last season.
Family Night announced
The Packers' sixth annual Family Night scrimmage will take place Aug. 5 at Lambeau Field. On-field activities will begin at 6 p.m. followed by an intrasquad scrimmage at 7:30.
Tickets are $8 and go on sale at 10 a.m. June 17 and may be purchased either in person, over the phone or via the Internet. A limit of eight tickets per purchase has been enacted this year.
Applications for group sales (50 tickets or more) can be found at www.packers.com or requested by calling (920) 569-7501.
Cliff Christl of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
Notes: Hawk to land at 'Will'
Linebacker seen as starter
By TODD ROSIAK
trosiak@journalsentinel.com
Posted: June 5, 2006
Green Bay - Despite missing the Green Bay Packers' last minicamp and all of their current round of voluntary practices to date, rookie first-rounder A.J. Hawk shouldn't be too far behind when he arrives in town later this week.
That's because until today, the coaching staff had spent nearly all of the four previous practice sessions reviewing rather than installing its defense.
So once Hawk wraps up his classwork at Ohio State, defensive coordinator Bob Sanders expects him to be able to jump right back in as Green Bay's starting weak-side linebacker.
"We said, 'Hey, get your degree, get done, finish class and we'll catch you back up,'" SanderssaidMonday. "But really, to be honest with you, he hasn't missed anything yet. We're very confident he's not going to be far behind."
So far, there doesn't appear to have been any serious talk about Hawk playing anywhere other than the weak side, or "Will," linebacker spot in the Packers' base defense.
But because of his speed and sideline-to-sideline range, Hawk will rarely, if ever, come off the field, thus requiring him to become familiar with the "Mike" (middle) spot when the Packers go into dime coverage and "Sam" (strong side) spot in the nickel as well.
"We try to double-train as many of our guys as we can for as much as they can handle," Sanders said. "So for him, as far as the base defense, he'll be the Will and for as much as he can digest we'll continue to move him on and get him as ready as we can."
Nick Barnett, the team's three-year starter at middle linebacker, led the Packers in tackles with 194 last year in a scheme that calls for him to do just that.
With Hawk's forte also getting to the ball (121 tackles and 9½ sacks last season), some thought he might displace Barnett and move him to the weak side.
Barnett, however, thinks there's plenty of plays to be made for both, just as the coaching staff does.
"A.J. Hawk playing Will is the same as him playing Mike: He's still running free, making his plays," Barnett said. "He's the fifth pick; they want him to make plays. But he'll make just as many at Will as he will at Mike."
Roll call
Quarterback Brett Favre didn't take part in the fourth day of the Packers' voluntary practices Monday on Clarke Hinkle Field.
He instead spent the morning working out in the weight room. Backup Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile,replaced Favre with the No. 1 offense.
Others who were missing from practice were fullback William Henderson, who had been present the three previous days, and cornerback Ahmad Carroll, who coach Mike McCarthy said last week was expected back for practice Monday after missing Friday.
Veterans who have yet to show up are cornerbacks Al Harris and Charles Woodson and defensive tackle Ryan Pickett.
Two previous veteran no-shows, safety Mark Roman and wide receiver Rod Gardner, made their first appearances Monday. Roman had been out for personal reasons, and Gardner's absence was both business- and family-related.
Veteran offensive lineman Adrian Klemm also showed, although he continues to sit out because of a knee injury.
Injury report
Running back Chaz Williams and defensive lineman Kenny Peterson both returned from ankle injuries. Williams missed Thursday, and Peterson was out Thursday and Friday.
Sitting out because of injuries were running backs Ahman Green, Arliss Beach and Najeh Davenport, linebackers Tim Goodwell, Brady Poppinga and Byron Santiago and tackle Chad Clifton.
Cornerback Will Blackmon and offensive lineman Kevin Barry are out and not attending practice.
McKenzie staying put
The Houston Texans on Monday announced the hiring of former Denver assistant general manager Rick Smith as their new GM.
Packers director of pro personnel Reggie McKenzie was one of three candidates to interview for the job.
"First and foremost, it was a great experience for me," McKenzie said. "It was my first interview. I felt I was in a win-win situation. I'm glad to be back here."
Roster move
The team released safety Jeremy Thornburg, who had been out since suffering a shoulder injury late last season.
Family Night announced
The Packers' sixth annual Family Night scrimmage will take place Aug. 5 at Lambeau Field. On-field activities will begin at 6 p.m. followed by an intrasquad scrimmage at 7:30.
Tickets are $8 and go on sale at 10 a.m. June 17 and may be purchased either in person, over the phone or via the Internet. A limit of eight tickets per purchase has been enacted this year.
Applications for group sales (50 tickets or more) can be found at www.packers.com or requested by calling (920) 569-7501.
Cliff Christl of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.