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Javontee Herndon has shown consistency in training camp.
Now, he is being rewarded for it.
There was a shift this week on the Chargers depth chart at wide receiver. Herndon, arguably having the best camp of five rookies at the position, was elevated from the third- to second-team offense. It is expected he'll run with No. 2 quarterback Kellen Clemens on Friday when the Chargers play in Seattle for their second exhibition game.
Two forces may be at play here with Herndon's ascent.
Herndon, first, has progressed well in camp, wide receivers coach Fred Graves praising the ex-Arkansas Razorback as one not to repeat the same mistake. Third-team quarterback Brad Sorensen said that he likes the 6-foot, 194-pound receiver's strong hands and physicality.
"He wins most of the time," Sorensen said. "That's what you want as a quarterback, a guy you can trust. If you're going to go to him on a one-on-one route, you want to know he can match up and come down with the ball for you."
There is another factor, too.
Tevin Reese, a speedy seventh-round pick from Baylor, has faded after his fast start in training camp. His route-running ability is raw, the transition from a spread style of college offense proving a challenge. He currently appears on the outside looking in for a 53-man roster spot.
Herndon, 22, will make the occasional mistake. A near fumble and pass interference call were among the corrections from last week's exhibition opener. He continues to develop at an encouraging pace.
"The game's not too big for him," Graves said.
Here comes a real test.
Herndon knows to expect a loud environment against the Seahawks. He also anticipates depth in their secondary. This is a roster from which cornerback Ron Parker was waived last year after training camp. Today, Parker starts in Kansas City.
The Chargers play three exhibition games in 14 days.
"Just keep working," Herndon said. "Obviously, my hard work is being noticed. Just keep doing what I'm doing."
Now, he is being rewarded for it.
There was a shift this week on the Chargers depth chart at wide receiver. Herndon, arguably having the best camp of five rookies at the position, was elevated from the third- to second-team offense. It is expected he'll run with No. 2 quarterback Kellen Clemens on Friday when the Chargers play in Seattle for their second exhibition game.
Two forces may be at play here with Herndon's ascent.
Herndon, first, has progressed well in camp, wide receivers coach Fred Graves praising the ex-Arkansas Razorback as one not to repeat the same mistake. Third-team quarterback Brad Sorensen said that he likes the 6-foot, 194-pound receiver's strong hands and physicality.
"He wins most of the time," Sorensen said. "That's what you want as a quarterback, a guy you can trust. If you're going to go to him on a one-on-one route, you want to know he can match up and come down with the ball for you."
There is another factor, too.
Tevin Reese, a speedy seventh-round pick from Baylor, has faded after his fast start in training camp. His route-running ability is raw, the transition from a spread style of college offense proving a challenge. He currently appears on the outside looking in for a 53-man roster spot.
Herndon, 22, will make the occasional mistake. A near fumble and pass interference call were among the corrections from last week's exhibition opener. He continues to develop at an encouraging pace.
"The game's not too big for him," Graves said.
Here comes a real test.
Herndon knows to expect a loud environment against the Seahawks. He also anticipates depth in their secondary. This is a roster from which cornerback Ron Parker was waived last year after training camp. Today, Parker starts in Kansas City.
The Chargers play three exhibition games in 14 days.
"Just keep working," Herndon said. "Obviously, my hard work is being noticed. Just keep doing what I'm doing."
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