Life for an undrafted rookie can be uncertain, but Chris Garrett revels in it.
The former Bobcat running back has no problem with a little adversity while searching for a spot at the next level after trying out in Tampa Bay last week.
What's life without pressure? Garrett said. It's definitely easier if you're drafted
but if you're not drafted that makes everything feel more genuine. It feels like you actually earned whatever you get from that point on.
Garrett, a native of Bristow, Va., might find himself with a job come September despite taking a different route than he expected.
Garrett was one of 74 rookies who participated in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie minicamp April 30 to May 2 in Tampa, Fla., and left optimistic about his National Football League future.
He managed to leave an impression on the Buccaneer coaching staff, according to blog reports from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
Garrett's speed and acceleration on kickoff returns and out of the backfield gave kickoff coverage and cornerbacks problems. When Garrett ran routes, he gave cornerbacks fits and forced them to work on their pursuit skills.
He also showed his mental ability, learning the playbook and terminology quickly.
Those skills were always on display in Athens the last four years.
Garrett made a splash early as a punt returner, scoring on a then-record 88-yard return against Western Michigan in 2006.
In his sophomore year, Garrett began to return kicks more often, with three runs of 94-plus yards over the last three seasons.
During his senior campaign, Garrett led the Mid-American Conference with 27 yards per return, ranking 16th in the nation. He also led the Bobcats' rushing attack with 621 yards and two touchdowns.
Even with his experience during college and skill set, Garrett said he had to learn a lot about the NFL game and mentality.
The tempo of the game the terminology - it's completely different
Garrett said. It's more fast-paced
more exhilarating. Everyone around you is moving at warp speed. It's nothing at all like college.
Despite impressing coach Raheen Morris
Garrett's spot on the squad going into the summer is uncertain.
He is optimistic
however
about his chances of returning to the team for its minicamp June 14-17.
I think I did extremely well, Garrett said. I feel I put my best foot forward.",",2,Sports,Matt Wagner,",",",",",","
31618,2010-05-06 00:00:00,Baseball Feature: Krauss mashes against minor league competition,Marc Krauss said that no matter where you play baseball
the game basically stays the same. From the way he's played this spring
the outfielder has proven that point.,Marc Krauss said that no matter where you play baseball
the game basically stays the same. From the way he's played this spring
