Chiefs’ Charles happy to learn from LJ

alen1 · May 21, 2008

W hen the Chiefs picked running back Jamaal Charles in the third round, even he admitted he was a bit surprised.
The Chiefs already had Larry Johnson and Kolby Smith. How would Charles fit in?

“I was happy they picked me, though,” Charles said Tuesday during offseason workouts at Arrowhead Stadium. “I mean, you get a chance to play behind a guy like Larry Johnson, you’re going to learn a lot. You don’t worry about playing time. You just learn.”

At first glance, you wouldn’t think Charles is the same guy who rushed for 1,619 yards for Texas last season, the fifth-highest total in school history. He looks a bit more like a defensive back, with a somewhat thinner frame than you’d expect from his bio numbers — 5 feet 11, 200 pounds.

Actually, he was even thinner than that before last season when he gave up track, hit the weight room and put on 15 pounds.

“But I think what I use best is my speed and vision,” he said. “I like to use my quickness.”

Charles also lets it known that he’s not here as a threat to Johnson.

“Oh, no, man. Not at all,” he said. “(Johnson) has been here so long. He knows I’m not here to take his spot.

“I’m not here to be ****y. I’m here to be a good teammate, be a good team player. I’m here to help this team win.

“Playing with Larry Johnson will only make me better. He definitely will make me better.”

One thing Charles already has learned: He knows how to say all the right things.

“Competition makes everyone better,” Charles said. “It makes you compete and take it to another level. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to show what I can do.”

Just as Charles finished that thought, LJ walked past Charles’ locker, grinned and flashed the Texas Longhorn sign.

“Man, he is so good,” Charles said of LJ. “People look up to him. Kids look up to him. You can tell that everyone around here likes him. I’m lucky to be here.”
Click to expand...

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/story/628959.html

I'm a big fan of Charles. I hope he gets the starting job eventually.

Log in / Register

Forums

Chiefs’ Charles happy to learn from LJ

alen1 New Member

Share This Page

Log in / Register

Useful Searches

Chiefs’ Charles happy to learn from LJ

alen1 New Member

Share This Page