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Running back Cadet: Knowing playbook pivotal for free agents

The gigantic “Do Your Job” poster is gone.

In its place, figuratively, is one of Saints coach Sean Payton saying, “Learn Your Job.”

At least that was the message delivered Tuesday as the team opened its three-day minicamp at its Metairie training facility, especially to the 26 undrafted free agents hopeful of finding a place on the 53-man roster come September.

“The mental aspect of what we’re doing is something we emphasize,” Payton said after the Tuesday morning session. “And it’s a process we’ve started already, even though roster spot decisions won’t be made until we get into pads.

“That goes not only on the field, but in meetings and the weight room, too.”

Running back Travaris Cadet can attest to that.

A year ago, he was an undrafted free agent out of Appalachian State, just another face in a crowded backfield.

And while to the outside world, he gained attention early on with his speed during the portions of the minicamp open to the public, the real impressions he was making was to the coaching staff with his grasp of the playbook. By the final cuts, it was no surprise Cadet had made the team.

“I made the practice facility my home,” Cadet said. “The time you put in is what you’ll get out of it.

“It’s extra film study, keeping your eyes in the playbook, constantly pushing yourself because all kinds of curveballs will be thrown at you. You have to do that to separate yourself from everybody else.”

So far, no free agent has made an impression like Cadet did a year ago.

Read more: Now

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.