Given that Vincent Jackson may never suit up for the San Diego Chargers again (holdout) and Terrell Owens signed Tuesday with the Cincinnati Bengals (not that the Chargers would have ever made a serious play to sign him), the opportunity to shine is sitting there for one Legedu Naanee.
With several veterans in camp early joining rookies this week (July 30 is first day for all players), Naanee is hoping that the 2010 season is a break out campaign for him.
Despite seeing limited playing time a season ago for a squad that went 13-3 and won its fourth straight AFC West title, Naanee caught 88.9% of his passes, leading the NFL along the way.
Even though Naanee, who is coming off of foot rehab, only tallied 24 receptions for 242 yards and a pair of touchdowns last fall, his opportunities if Jackson does not return certainly grow. Naanee would sit in the No. 2 spot behind Malcolm Floyd if the season kicked off tomorrow.
Selected by the Chargers in 2007, Naanee was the 172nd overall selection in the 5th round of the NFL draft.
In comments made to Chargers.com recently, San Diego Head Coach Norv Turner noted, “We’ve been coaching Legedu Naanee and Buster Davis for three years and they’ve gotten better every year. When they’ve been asked to and when they’ve had an opportunity, they’ve made great contributions. If Vincent Jackson isn’t with us, (Naanee and Davis) are getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Legedu believes he can be a dynamic, explosive receiver in this league.” Davis spent most of last year on the inactive list due to injury.
Whatever happens regarding Jackson off the field, Naanee has a great opportunity awaiting himself in camp and when the season starts.
There are some guys you can't help root for, and that is the case here with Legedu Naanee.
Comments