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Rookie back runs with opportunity
Odeen Domingo
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Cardinals rookie running back J.J. Arrington is reaping the benefits of Troy Hambrick's absence.
With fewer players to share repetitions, Arrington is getting more plays during practices and showing the coaches what he can do with the ball in his hands.
So far, Cardinals coach Dennis Green likes what he sees from his second-round draft pick.
"J.J.'s very quick, explosive," Green said. "He has outstanding hands. I think he's everything we hoped he would be. I think it's going to work out real well. When you get on the field with him, he's just so quick and explosive. Very few guys coming out (of college) are like that.
"Then he's got balance. He's similar to the other running backs in the league who have good balance. It's very hard to knock them off their feet. I think he can get behind the big linemen pretty well, too."
That's high praise for a rookie, but Arrington has shown what he can do when he's prepared.
"I feel more comfortable each day," he said.
"As long as we go over it (practice objectives) in the meetings each day, I'll be feeling pretty good."
The number of running backs dwindled further when Roger Robinson, a rookie free agent out of Northern Arizona, went on the injured list June 2 with a hamstring strain.
Odeen Domingo
The Arizona Republic
Jun. 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Cardinals rookie running back J.J. Arrington is reaping the benefits of Troy Hambrick's absence.
With fewer players to share repetitions, Arrington is getting more plays during practices and showing the coaches what he can do with the ball in his hands.
So far, Cardinals coach Dennis Green likes what he sees from his second-round draft pick.
"J.J.'s very quick, explosive," Green said. "He has outstanding hands. I think he's everything we hoped he would be. I think it's going to work out real well. When you get on the field with him, he's just so quick and explosive. Very few guys coming out (of college) are like that.
"Then he's got balance. He's similar to the other running backs in the league who have good balance. It's very hard to knock them off their feet. I think he can get behind the big linemen pretty well, too."
That's high praise for a rookie, but Arrington has shown what he can do when he's prepared.
"I feel more comfortable each day," he said.
"As long as we go over it (practice objectives) in the meetings each day, I'll be feeling pretty good."
The number of running backs dwindled further when Roger Robinson, a rookie free agent out of Northern Arizona, went on the injured list June 2 with a hamstring strain.
