KENDALL REYES BLOG: CHARGERS ROOKIE SETTLING IN
By KENDALL REYES
After four weeks we're off to a 3-1 start, so I feel like things are going well. I'm getting into the games and trying to make plays, and learning a lot every day from my teammates, so I feel like I getting settled in the NFL.
Playing for UConn in college was great, but this is very different. I had fun in school, but now I can focus everything on football, and that definitely works for me. You're doing something every day to get better or to take care of your football career. It never ends.
I'm feeling fortunate to have landed in San Diego, and not just because we're off to a good start and leading the AFC West.
Chargers fans are great fans and it's a really nice city, a beautiful city, and the weather is a perfect temperature every day. You always wake up with a smile on your face. I wouldn't trade growing up in New Hampshire, but I do know the coming winter will be a lot easier here.
The thing I'm working on the most is being consistent with my technique as a defensive lineman. Everyone in the NFL is big, strong and fast, so it's really the technique that separates you. That and learning from your mistakes. The big thing is don't make the same mistake twice. Make sure you learn from it.
One time when I didn't know whether my technique was going to get a passing grade came in training camp, when all of the rookies had to get up and sing. I performed a famous Temptations song, "Ain't too Proud to Beg," and I actually got some applause. Sometimes the veterans are rough on the rookies when they go through the annual ritual of singing for the team, but I felt they liked my song.
As for what I'd tell any young players out there who hope to get drafted some day and make it through training camp, my advice is just keep taking it one day at a time. Don't think too far ahead and don't get caught up in things that are outside your control. Make the most out of each day and everything is going to work out.
This week we'll be playing in prime time on national TV, in the late game Sunday at New Orleans. Give us a shout-out in the comments section, or follow me on Twitter at @Kendall_Reyes.
A second-round pick for the San Diego Chargers, the 6-4, 300-pound defensive lineman was a three-year starter at UConn. Reyes was a team captain in his final two seasons at UConn, and in addition to being a consistent pass rusher he returned an interception 79 yards for a TD in 2010.
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