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Sullivan dropping weight
7/29/2005, 6:22 p.m. CT
By BRETT MARTEL
The Associated Press

METAIRIE, La. (AP) — Defensive lineman Johnathan Sullivan, trying to shake the label of first-round bust, weighed in for camp at 320 pounds, down from nearly 350 pounds at some points last season.

Sullivan, entering his third year, was the sixth overall pick in 2003 and had a solid rookie season. But he did not play last season after reporting out of shape and failing to make it through the first practice in the south Louisiana heat.

"I feel better than last year. I finished the practice," Sullivan said. "I just realized it's time to grow up, be a man, take some responsibilities for my actions."

Sullivan said he spent the past couple weeks in Florida, working out three times a day and trying to learn to eat better, cutting back on fast food.

"It's tough. Everywhere you're at, you see a McDonald's," he said.

He said he hopes to get his weight down to 310 or lower in the next two weeks.

"I'm trying every day to keep from eating food with to much fat in it," Sullivan said. "I just feel like I let the team down last year not being on the field."

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said team officials are pleased to see Sullivan's weight down but was cautious in his praise.

"I don't put too much stock in that he's coming in in a good weight," Loomis said. "He's got a chance to rebuild his career with us and become the kind of player we know he can be and I think he's off to a good start. ... Training camp's a lot different than the offseason conditioning program. Now is when he really needs to show us."

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RESERVE RUNNING:@ Saints running back Aaron Stecker has no delusions about competing with Deuce McAllister for playing time, but he expects to play a greater role this year for New Orleans, which intends to emphasize the running game more this season.

Part of that stems from his relationship with new offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard.

"He's is probably the first coach in seven years who tells me he thinks I can be an every-down back," Stecker said. "I know they like what they saw last year so hopefully I can go out there and be a little more involved."

At 5-10, 213 pounds, Stecker is smaller than McAllister (6-1, 232) and he tends to be more of a quick, slashing type of runner, while McAllister is more of a power runner who can challenge tacklers head-on.

With the Saints employing more two-running back sets and a variety of short passes and screens, Stecker suspects he'll get more chances to handle the ball as the Saints seek to keep McAllister as fresh as possible for crucial drive-extending plays later in the game.

"It will help Deuce not take the pounding he has in past years, being out there every snap," Stecker said. "It will make the whole running game even better."

Last season, Stecker ran for 244 yards, averaging 4.2 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns. He also had 29 receptions for 174 yards. It was the best of his six seasons as a pro.

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PATRIOT WAYS:@ Antowain Smith, who played on the Patriots' first two Super Bowl champion teams before moving to Tennessee last season, said he expects to contribute to the Saints both on the field and in the locker room.

"I can contribute a lot to this team, especially coming from a guy that's got a little experience" winning Super Bowls, Smith said as he prepared for the Saints' first practice of training camp on Friday.

He said he hoped he could bring some of the Patriots' mentality to the Saints.

"That's what I'm going to try to do. I'm going to try help the guys instill a philosophy that you can do everything as a team, and as soon as you get separated and it becomes all about 'I' — that's when things can go down hill for you."

Smith said he's routinely questioned by other players about what it was like to be a part of the Patriots' recent run of championships under coach Bill Belichick.

"You've got some guys asking, 'Is it just hype or was it really that everybody's buying into the system?'," Smith said. "Truly, everybody did just buy into the system. Coach Belichick is a great coach and it all starts with him and the front office. He'd just be straight up with you and ask you what he expected you to do and it was up to you to do it. If you were in his dog house, you knew why ... because he'd come to you and tell you, and that's all you could ever ask from a coach."

Last season, Smith played in 13 games for the Titans, rushing for 509 yards.

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HOT START:@ Despite a temperature around 93 degrees, with the heat index reaching 113, about 1,200 fans attended the first practice of training camp on Friday afternoon.

The Saints were trying to cash in on the enthusiasm, handing out free yard signs with this year's promotional catch phrase, "You Gotta Have Faith," with the ticket office phone number printed on it as well.

Team officials said attendance, which is free during training camp, was as good as opening practice in any recent season.

Robert Wilson of Kenner, sweating heavily under his black Deuce McAllister jersey as he took photographs, said he was "really hopeful, but I always get hopeful this time of year."

"We're looking to get over that 8-8 hump and get in the playoffs. We're close," he said.