Tweet
The Packers' Jarrett Bush wants to become mainstay on defense.
By Eliav Appelbaum/Sports Writer
Article Launched: 07/08/2007 07:27:31 AM PDT
Jarrett Bush couldn't believe who he had to defend.
Chad Johnson.
Yeah, that Chad Johnson, the Pro Bowl wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals.
For Bush, working out with Johnson in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. last Tuesday was just another day on the job. Or another day getting ready for what Bush hopes will be a breakout second season in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers.
"It's been going good down here in Florida," Bush said last week. "It's been muggy, very hot. It's a vigorous workout but that's the best way to get in shape. It's the old-fashioned way of working out."
The Will C. Wood High School graduate was toiling with a few defensive backs with the Packers in Ft. Lauderdale because there was, well, nothing to do in Vacaville.
"I was home in Vacaville for about a week, but I was bored," Bush said. "All my friends are working. My dad works. My mom works.
"My job is to work out but you can only work out for so long. I got bored sitting at home waiting for everyone to get off work. My friends didn't get off work until 7 or 8 and before you know it, it's starts getting late."
After nine grueling days in Florida, the second-year cornerback flew to Logan, Utah, on Thursday where he is continuing his offseason training on the Utah State campus.
Bush and the Packers open up training camp on July 28 at 2 p.m. back in Green Bay.
Working out with Johnson was definitely a highlight for Bush, one he won't soon forget.
"It's just the name itself. He's a Pro Bowler. It was a learning experience when he came by," Bush said. "I learned so much more with him within those two hours we worked out than sometimes what I learned in three, four or five months from another time. He just went into so much detail and cleared up a lot of things. He taught me what a wide receiver thinks about and what the corner has to think about."
Bush, who played in all 16 games while recording 13 tackles, primarily played for the special teams unit. He made his debut on Sept. 10 against Chicago in Soldier Field while contributing on special teams. He saw his first defensive action a week later against New Orleans when he replaced Al Harris at left cornerback. He recorded a season-high three tackles against St. Louis and Miami, and played five snaps at cornerback against the San Francisco 49ers on Dec. 10.
The Carolina Panthers signed Bush as a free agent on May 5, but didn't have a spot for him on their active roster, and were forced to waive him on September 2. Less than 24 hours later, the Packers picked him up.
This season, Bush will vie for the coveted nickelback position or fifth defensive back with Green Bay.
Although corners Harris and Charles Woodson are entrenched as starters, Bush thinks he can prosper as a nickelback.
"I've got the ability. I know I can play," the Vacaville native said. "I'm trying to get more time on defense, a little here and there, getting more reps. I want to get that nickel spot and contribute to the team. Only time will tell. I've got to keep pounding, keep working, keep practicing over and over and over and over until I really start excelling."
Even though he has only played cornerback for four years, Bush has learned quickly and excelled when given the opportunity.
Bush has already proven to be a playmaker.
During organized team activities (OTAs) a week after the first minicamp in June, Bush showcased his skills, intercepting three or four passes by his account against quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.
"That one hurt," a laughing Bush said of his pick against the legendary Favre. "He threw that one hard.
"Overall, my production has been tremendous from last year," Bush continued. "At Carolina, I made plays, but it seems like I stepped up to a different level ... I'm very confident in what I'm doing now."
Comment