CAMP CONFIDENTIAL Friday, August 12, 2005
 

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL
Friday, August 12, 2005
Temperature at 3:15 p.m.: Indoor practice

Heat index: Indoor practice

Attendance: 250


IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Flanker: Joe Horn gives the Saints a steady and consistent presence in their receiving corps that few teams can match. He has caught at least 78 passes in each of his five seasons in New Orleans. Newly-signed veteran Az-Zahir Hakim brings an entirely different kind of playmaking ability. The shifty and elusive receiver looked like a difference-maker before he tweaked a hamstring earlier this week. Third-year receiver Talman Gardner has had an exceptional camp, pushing for a more significant role in the offense. Veteran Nate Poole belongs in the NFL, but is buried on this crowded depth chart. So far, Keron Henry has distinguished himself as the undrafted rookie with the best chance to make the practice squad.

No. | Player | Ht. | Wt. | Exp.

87 | Joe Horn | 6-1 | 213 | 10

81 | Az-Zahir Hakim | 5-10 | 185 | 8

88 | Talman Gardner | 6-1 | 210 | 3

14 | Nate Poole | 6-2 | 204 | 4

16 | Keron Henry | 6-1 | 218 | R


GET TO KNOW:

Rodney Williams

Position: Punter

Height, weight: 6-1, 198

Experience: Second year

Age: 28

College: Georgia Tech

Hometown: Decatur, Ga.

Did you know: Williams was the New York Giants' punter in 2001, averaging 42.9 yards per kick and setting a team record with a 90-yard boot at Denver in his first game. But he was released in training camp in 2002. . . . Williams has also spent training camps with St. Louis (who drafted him in the seventh round in 1999), Washington ('00), Seattle ('03) and Kansas City ('04). . . . Spent two years with the Rhein Fire in NFL Europe (2000-2001).

Williams says: "I knew the situation coming in here, I'd be coming in behind Mitch Berger, who was coming off a Pro Bowl year. I had some other teams call, but I wanted to take advantage of getting to work with the best special teams coach in the league (Al Everest). . . . I'll get a chance to be seen. And if you're out there, they'll find you."


WHO'S HOT:

JAMMAL BROWN

The Saints have thrust a heavy workload on their first-round draft choice as they try to get him ready for the opener with the Carolina Panthers and defensive end Julius Peppers. That could spell extended minutes in the preseason, too. So far, the coaches have been thrilled with how he is handling himself.

WHO'S NOT:

LEVAR FISHER

The former Arizona Cardinal has been buried on the depth chart. Even with three Saints linebackers injured, Fisher hasn't cracked the second team. Newly-signed T.J. Slaughter has been playing in front of him.

PLAY OF THE DAY:

Henry made a dazzling adjustment after an obvious miscommunication between him and quarterback Adrian McPherson. Henry made his cut, then had to turn back and make a leaping grab in front of cornerback Fred Booker. It looked like Henry was making an interception.

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Especially for us, opening day in Carolina, the way the season ended last year, it's probably going to feel like a playoff atmosphere." -- tight end Ernie Conwell, talking about how there is an increased intensity for the first preseason game, then another leap for the first regular-season game.

INJURY REPORT

Pos. | Player | Injury

WR | Az-Zahir Hakim | hamstring

TE | Ernie Conwell | groin

TE | Shad Meier | knee

OL | Spencer Folau | shoulder

LB | James Allen | knee

LB | Roger Knight | knee

LB | Terrence Melton | calf


TODAY'S SCHEDULE

Exhibition game vs. Seattle, 7 p.m. in Superdome



http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index...7682235670.xml

I guess Boo's chances of hanging around are improving?


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