The Clemson rookies start NFL training camps

Some NFL football camps have started already, and I will be giving periodic updates on the former Clemson football players, specifically, the rookies during the camp season. 

Cordrea Tankersly is the only rookie that has already been in camp. The Miami Dolphins’ rookies reported on the 20th, and the veterans joined them yesterday.

Also on yesterday, three more Tigers practiced, quarterback Deshaun Watson and nose tackle Carlos Watkins for the Houston Texans and linebacker Ben Boulware for the Carolina Panthers.

Watson will have many eyes on him throughout the Texans’ camp at Greenbrier and has already made an impression with the organization.

NFL Insider Ian Rapoport is in West Virginia for the Houston Texans training camp and shared these words about Watson.

"It’s pretty safe to say that the Texans have been ‘blown away’ with the progress that he has made, just as far as, work ethic wise and the amount of time he’s put in to learning the game of football. He’s the first down to the field always, he takes copious notes, works really hard and cares about being good.  ……they absolutely love what they have seen from Deshaun Watson."

Ben Boulware has a unique situation at the Panthers’s camp at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC. The distance from his home and Clemson University has allowed the undrafted free agent to get more attention than most veteran players.

"It definitely helps out. All the support that I can get is very appreciative. I realize that I have to take of business on my side of it too though. They are honestly not going to make me make the team, just by being the fan vote or whatever. I got to go there and handle my business every single day, do my job, be accountable and be ready to fit in whatever that need is split. But it’s definitely, very appreciative. That’s one of the main reason why I wanted to stay so close to home. The market and the location was perfect for me, so I’m hoping to see a bunch of orange out there tonight and hopefully the rest of training camp."

He will have a tough road to make the team and is willing to fight for a spot. He was a very good special teams player at Clemson, and he knows that special teams could lead to early playing time.

His first opportunity for game action could come against his former teammate Watson, when the Panthers play the Texans on Aug. 9. Boulware wasn’t able to hit Watson at Clemson, but will be ready to take him down in the preseason game.

“The fact that there’s no limits now, no boundaries. Hopefully, I get to go in when he’s in there and get a good shot on him. Hopefully, I get the opportunity to. I’ll give him a big hug and a kiss after. Boulware said, “But if the opportunity presents itself, I would definitely try to hit him.”

New York Giants rookies Wayne Gallman and Jadar Johnson started camp today.

Jordan Leggett and the New York Jets start tomorrow.

Mike Williams, the seventh overall pick is out indefinitely with a back injury , so undrafted free agent Artavis Scott will hit the field with the Los Angeles Chargers on the 29th without his former teammate.

Here’s a list of NFL training camps dates and locations.