SaintPauly

Saints QB makes a big impression on Hillcrest's Green.

After introducing himself to some local kids and meeting with the media, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees took a moment to talk with Hillcrest High School receiver Dorial Green, one of the top recruits in the class of 2012.

The 6-foot-6 Green towered over Brees, and Brees joked that Green could probably grow another two or three inches. He then mentioned Purdue, his alma mater, before joking that the conversation didn't violate NCAA recruiting rules.

"Best of luck to you, continue to work hard and don't let it go to your head," Brees said to Green.

"Hopefully you'll come play for the Saints one day."

Brees, who was in town Tuesday as the featured speaker at the Steak & Steak Dinner benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield, flew in earlier in the day from New Orleans, where the Saints are preparing for their first "organized team activities" since they won Super Bowl XLIV in February.

"The next chapter is here," Brees said. "Obviously we have our ring ceremony in June, so we'll revisit it then, and we still have the trip to the White House. Certainly, all those things are products of what we accomplished last February.

"But the draft has come and gone, and we've got some new players, young players and free agents ... It's a pretty quick turnaround, and the fact of the matter is there's 31 other teams out there."

The Saints start their title defense Sept. 9 with a home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Brees' backup in that game could be former University of Missouri quarterback Chase Daniel, who joined the Saints' practice squad and then the active roster last season after being released by the Washington Redskins.
Brees said Daniel needs more repetitions, which he will get in offseason workouts and training camp, and he added he sees something familiar in Daniel.

"I see a lot of similarities in us," Brees said. "We're both Texas kids who went to programs that, at the time, weren't really known for their football prowess.
"And at 5-foot-11 or whatever he is -- he'll tell you he's 6 feet -- I like the way he works. I like the way he approaches the game, and I like the way he prepares. I'm excited to work with him and excited to watch him learn."
Brees also talked about the potential Big Ten expansion, which would affect his alma mater.

"It's pretty interesting," Brees.

"You're talking about some good schools and some good programs and some good traditions, so I think that would make all the conference very competitive."

He joked, "I know the Big Ten's invited Notre Dame to join us for a long time, and personally, I think they're scared to join us."

After the news conference, he spent a few minutes with Green and took a picture with him.
Green, who attended Boys & Girls Club activities when he was in elementary school, said he was inspired by meeting Brees.

"It means a lot to meet one of the NFL quarterbacks because hopefully a few years from now, I'll be playing in the NFL," Green said.

What's popular is not always right, and what's right is not always popular.....

TheEnigma

I wish the season would hurry up and start.

SaintPauly

I like Brees somewhat giving Daniel's his stamp of approval. Now maybe everyone will stop freaking out about back ups...

Rugby Saint II

I'm not comfortable with last years practice squad player carrying the load if Drew has to miss a couple of games. I won't freak out until I see whether he looks good in training camp. Nor will I say say that I have no confidence in him because Payton knows him better than I do. However it would be good to have a vet on the roster who has been there-done that.