blacksaint

Sunday, July 29, 2007


82 degrees at 8:50 a.m., attendance 1,941

88 degrees at 4:20 p.m., attendance 1,756

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tailback: The Saints' deepest position is led by perhaps the best 1-2 punch in the NFL, Deuce McAllister and Reggie Bush. Heading into his seventh season, McAllister looks leaner than he has in summers past, and he is much healthier than he was a year ago when he was returning from knee surgery. Bush looks like the fastest player on the practice field, and he seems primed to break out in his second NFL season. Both tailbacks were at their best in December and January last season. If possible, they might be even more dynamic in 2007. . . . Veteran backup Aaron Stecker is a reliable runner/receiver/return man. Rookie Antonio Pittman could develop into a nice change-of-pace back. Young backups Jamaal Branch and Pierre Thomas might fall victim to a numbers crunch.

Depth chart

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

26 | Deuce McAllister | 6-1 | 232 | 7

25 | Reggie Bush | 6-0 | 203 | 2

27 | Aaron Stecker | 5-10 | 213 | 8

24 | Antonio Pittman | 5-11 | 207 | R

35 | Jamaal Branch | 5-11 | 230 | 1

23 | Pierre Thomas | 5-11 | 210 | R

GET TO KNOW:

PIERRE THOMAS

Position: RB

Height/weight: 5-11, 210

Experience: Undrafted rookie

Age: 22

College: Illinois

Hometown: Lynwood, Ill.

Did you know? Thomas left Illinois as the school's all-time kickoff returner with 1,495 yards, including a 99-yarder for a touchdown. He also led the Illini in rushing in his past three seasons and finished sixth on the school's all-time list with 2,545 yards rushing. . . . Thomas is a long shot with the Saints, but his versatility could help him hook on with the practice squad. "Hey, I'm going to be back there (on kickoff returns) and show them what I can do," Thomas said. "I look forward to any chance I get." . . . Named after his father, his full name is Charles Pierre Thomas Jr.

WHO'S HOT:

DEVERY HENDERSON

The former LSU receiver has looked terrific in camp so far, distancing himself in the competition for the No. 2 receiver job. He made two impressive downfield grabs in Saturday's afternoon practice -- a far cry from last year's camp, when he struggled with dropped passes in the early practices.

WHO'S NOT:

HOLLIS THOMAS

After arriving to camp over his reporting weight and showing signs of wear early, Thomas was lined up with the second-team defense on Saturday morning. He was back with the first string in the afternoon, but he'll probably keep rotating with backup Kendrick Clancy as the week goes on.

PLAY OF THE DAY:

The Saints had a good, physical practice Saturday morning. The highlight came during two-on-two run-stuffing drills when linebacker Scott Shanle hit tight end Eric Johnson hard enough to pop his helmet off.

INJURY REPORT:

Pos. | Player | Injury

DT | Brian Young | foot

CB | Usama Young | quad

DE | Jon Hamm | quad

QUOTE OF THE DAY:

"Well, I haven't seen them holding hands. But they're a good group of guys."

-- Defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs, while discussing how good the chemistry has been between the Saints' linebackers.

TODAY'S SCHEDULE:

Morning practice, 8:50-11 a.m. at Millsaps' stadium, open to public. Afternoon, 4:20-6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium, open to the public.

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