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By Nick Wagoner Senior Writer Growing up in Elizabeth, New
Jersey, Jerome Murphy wanted nothing more than to be the next Deion Sanders. In
some ways, Murphys followed the path laid by his childhood idol. He plays the
same position (cornerback) and he went to college in Florida (at South
Florida). But the comparisons must end when it comes to playing style. I grew
up playing safety, Murphy said. My first position ever playing football was
linebacker, so always had that hitting mentality. I just love to hit people.
Thats a far cry from the all coverage, no hit mentality that made Sanders so
successful but it turns out, that its exactly what coach Steve Spagnuolo was
looking for when the Rams made Murphy the first pick of the third round of this
years draft. Hes an aggressive guy, Spagnuolo said. Hes feisty. We kind
of like the way he played and that fit. In this league, it doesnt matter what
defense you play. Youve to have corners and pass rushers and were trying to
get as many of those guys as we can. Upon arrival at this weekends rookie
minicamp, Murphy was hoping to impress upon the coaching staff that same
physical style that made him stand out on his tape from his time at South
Florida. In his first few seasons there, Murphy, 6 foot, 196 pounds, played
press coverage almost exclusively as he would get up on receivers and get his
hands on them right away. Last year, under a new defensive coordinator, Murphy
said the Bulls played more zone coverage but that didnt keep him from posting
a big year in which he finished with four interceptions, two forced fumbles and
two fumble recoveries. At this weekends camp, Spagnuolo said Murphys style is
evident but like the rest of the many rookies in attendance, there is going to
be a learning curve for Murphy. If nothing else, he feels more than comfortable
with the press coverage style Spagnuolo prefers. Definitely the style I like
to play, Murphy said. I like to use my body because I got a big body, so I
like to use my long arms and get my hands on people and get physical with
them. As for the Sanders comparisons, Murphy is well aware that his game
doesnt necessarily resemble that of the man called Primetime but he says the
resemblance can actually be found in the details. I know he wasnt a hitter,
but he just made me want to go out there and just have fun and play, Murphy
said. He made the game look fun. MISTAKEN IDENTITY: With nothing but new
faces on the field this weekend, nobody could blame Spagnuolo if he didnt
memorize all of the players names. So Spagnuolo went out of his way to
apologize in advance if he didnt have their names down right away. With a lot
of these guys out here now, and Im not going to try to hide it, I dont know
every guy, every number, Spagnuolo said. I told them in the meeting this
morning that, please, I dont mean any disrespect if I say, Hey, 25, and I
mean that. I think thats a disrespectful thing to do, but we had to do it to
get through the practice. Spagnuolo said he did know the members of the
drafted rookie class but he had a leg up on that because he had previously
spoken with and scouted many of them. As such, Spagnuolo found himself
gravitating toward those players in the early parts of this weekends camp.
Initially, I did, Spagnuolo said. I wanted to make sure they get in their
uniform and look right. But then I just tried to look at everybody. Like if I
went to a position, actually initially it was seeing who would stand out. I
guess hoping it was the draft picks at each spot. Then I just jotted down
little notes. I think you have to watch the tape to really get a feel. GREAT
EXPECTATIONS: As noted in this space on Friday, rookie tackle Rodger Saffold
took on the huge responsibility of following Rams legend Orlando Pace by
wearing No. 76. But Saffold isnt the only one to welcome the pressure of
following in the footsteps of a legend. Fourth round receiver Mardy Gilyard
comes with similar confidence, wearing No. 81 for the first time since the
departure of Torry Holt before last season. Why set the bar low? Gilyard
said. Have me reach out for something I need to get. It keeps you hungry,
keeps you wanting to be better, and be better and be better and be better and
be better and be more better, and eventually be the best. THE OTHER
QUARTERBACK: First overall pick Sam Bradford wasnt the only signal caller the
Rams added to their rookie crop. One of the teams undrafted free agent
signings was Duke quarterback Thaddeus Lewis. Lewis, who holds many Duke
passing records and was a dynamic dual threat signal caller for the Blue
Devils, doesnt have much in the way of size but has showed some impressive
skills in the first two days of the rookie minicamp. You know, I like his
command in the huddle, Spagnuolo said. He throws the ball well. Hes got some
things about him. I think hes a pretty interesting guy right now. RAM BITS:
Receiver Travis Brown returned to practice on Saturday after he took a shot to
the throat in Fridays morning practice and missed the afternoon workout Tackle
Rodger Saffold suffered a sprained shoulder but finished out the morning
practice. He was held back in the afternoon. Spagnuolo said an MRI is not
expected to be forthcoming Spagnuolo wouldnt name names but said there are
some tryout players who have stood out so far that could garner another look in
the coming weeks Defensive tackle Chris Bradwell straightened out his travel
issues and was on the field for both workouts on Saturday.
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