Carolina Panthers 2008 Training Camp

[Man in Black]

I don't live too far from Spartanburg, SC where the Panthers hold their annual training camp at [[Wofford College]]. Although I'm a lifelong [[Miami Dolphins]] fan, the Panthers are a close second favorite... and I can't really drive to Florida just to watch the Fins practice.

I was able to get quite a few autographs - Dante Rosario, Brett Basanez, Jon Beason, Dan Connor, Tim Shaw, Dante Wesley, Landon Johnson, and Coach John Fox. They all signed the roster page of my Lindy's Pro Football review with Steve Smith on the cover... I'm still holding out hope of having Smith sign the front... lol.

Anyways, the Carolina Cats are looking pretty good so far. Their impressive crew of rookies are all in camp and are already making an impact. I've watched big [[Jeff Otah]] (OL) throw around a few D-Linemen and Jonathan Stewart (RB) break off several impressive runs on Monday as well as looking sharp and focused in the running back drills.

The team is as loaded as they've been since their Super Bowl run. Julius Peppers and [[Steve Smith]] are healthy, [[Jake Delhomme]] is back at QB and [[Muhsin Muhammad]] has been resigned after playing in Chicago. [[DeAngelo Williams]], Dante Rosario and [[Jon Beason]] are terrific looking sophomores with a year under their belts. The only major player not practicing right now is [[Nick Goings]] and he is expected back soon.

What did I learn at the sessions I've seen so far? Well, Steve Smith really is that fast! Wow, truly if you blink then you miss him, and boy is he intense. [[Maake Kemoeatu]] looks like he ate several other players... his weight is listed at 345... there is no way. [[Brett Basanez]] (QB) puts in a lot of extra work after practice and looks to be throwing well. And [[Dwayne Jarrett ]]seems to be trying to make for his off season troubles because he is catching anything thrown near him - I bet he caught 15 balls at Monday's morning practice.

Well, enough of my yacking... here's the pictures:


See the whole gallery by clicking HERE


DeAngelo Willams almost makes a spectacular catch




Rookie Jonathan Stewart gets pounded in a drill




The Panthers are hoping opposing defenses are seeing a lot
of this during the season - The backsides of Stewart and Williams




Yes it's true... Julius Peppers lifts weights




Hard working Brett Basanez




Jake lets one fly




Steve Smith about to take a reverse to the end zone




Rookie Jeff Otah gets to know his new O-Line buddies




Steve Smith is all muscle



Dante Rosario and Coach Fox sign some autographs






Matt Moore in the red jersey




Smith and Moose... best receiving duo in the league?




Jon Beason and John Fox discuss the spelling of names



And finally, Hilee Taylor finds out that rookies really do
have to carry everyone's stuff

[BellaSwan]

Looks like fun! I'm jealous of the siggies!

[Man in Black]

It was really fun. I hope to get back down there at least one more time this year.

I took this shot two days before the Steve Smith/Ken Lucas fight where Smith broke Lucas nose. You can see Lucas standing on the sideline as Smith makes a highlight reel catch.

[Jason]

It's really amazing isn't it? The physicality's of these young players. It makes me feel so weak, considering I'm getting closer to that age and look NOTHING like they do. Looks like you had a blast! I just wish I lived in downtown Denver. I'd love to be able to go to training camp and see the games.

[Man in Black]

I did have a blast. Aside from almost cooking to death (temp was above 100) I loved every minute of it.

Their condition is definitely amazing. I stopped wishing about that a while back LOL!

I look forward to going back this year with a better idea of where to get set up for pictures and maybe some more autographs.