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Jags open camp with new faces

By Randy Lefko Sports Editor
Posted 7/24/19

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Jaguars open up preparations for their 2019 season with camps beginning July 22 with a host of new faces; most notably Super Bowl MVP quarterback Nick Foles, set to …

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Jags open camp with new faces


Posted

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Jaguars open up preparations for their 2019 season with camps beginning July 22 with a host of new faces; most notably Super Bowl MVP quarterback Nick Foles, set to improve on the Jaguars dismal 2018 season.

“We know we have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Marrone after the final OTA session two weeks ago. “The guys will get some rest with the break and then we’ll come back and get ready.”

Note: Fans should register for open camp dates at www.jaguars.com/trainingcamp19. First open camp is Thurs., July 25 at 8:45 a.m. (See schedule below).

Foles, the leader of the Philadelphia Eagles upset win over the New England Patriots in last year’s Super Bowl, was picked up by the Jaguars in the spring and has been proficient in his pick up of the Jaguar system.

“We thought we knew a lot about him before he got here because he did what he did,” said Marrone. “Everything that we heard is pretty much on point. His communication with learning our system has been good.”

Foles has former Jaguars wide receiver great Keenan McCardell as wide receivers coach adding his expertise to a crew of pass catchers that can take Foles experience to move the Jaguars offense.

“We have speed, movement, height at that wide receiver position,” said Marrone. “Keenan is doing a good job out there teaching them to run routes, transition to after the catch breaks. A lot of people may not know their names at first, but as the season goes, one or two will rise to the top.”

In the backfield with Foles, former Houston Texans running back Alfred Blue, a six year veteran out of LSU joins fellow Tiger Leonard Fournette, to hopefully put some ground game stats on the field for Marrone. Blue has averaged close to 500 yards in his six seasons with Houston.

On the defense, Marrone has Pro Bowlers Calais Campbell and Jalen Ramsey leading the tough Jaguar defense that adds Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year Josh Allen out of Kentucky added to the mix. Allen, a first team All-America pick and Bronko Nagurski Award winner, suffered a minor knee bruise and had limited duty during OTAs, but is slated for full return in July.

“Seventeen-and-a-half sacks … I hope he can rush the passer,” Jaguars Executive Vice President Tom Coughlin said, referring to the statistic that helped Allen be named the SEC’s 2018 Defensive Player of the Year. “We expect him to be able to be on the edge no matter what you line up with.”

The Jaguars’ 2019 draft class includes offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (Florida, 35th overall, second round, ALL-SEC second teamer); tight end Josh Oliver (San Jose State, 69th overall, third round); linebacker Quincy Williams (Murray State, 98th overall, third round); running back Ryquell Armstead (Temple, 140th overall, fifth round, 2,812 Yds, 34TDs, 4.9 Yds per carry ); quarterback Gardner Minshew (Washington State, 178th overall, sixth round, fifth in Heisman Trophy votes, PAC-12 conference offensive player of year, 4,779 Yds, 38TDs) and defensive tackle Dontavius Russell (Auburn, 235th overall, seventh round).