Falcons Rookie Running Back Tevin Coleman Just Focused On Himself

[hjerry]

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Although the running back battle between second-year player Devonta Freeman and rookie Tevin Coleman is sure to be a storyline throughout training camp, Coleman downplayed the significance following Friday's first day of camp.

Freeman remained with the first team, while Coleman and Antone Smith worked behind Freeman. Coleman is focused on adjusting from the college to the NFL game .

He's already gotten some advice from two established players he worked out alongside this offseason at Bommarito Performance Systems (South Florida):Matt Forte of the Chicago Bears and Le'Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

``It was real good just learning from those guys,'' Coleman said. ``It was real nice to have someone who has done great in the league to learn from.''

Their advice?

``Just have confidence on your back and keep on finishing, and working hard every rep,'' Coleman said. ``That basically what you've got to do.''

Coleman talked about the offense, particularly the offensive line and adjusting to the outside-zone blocking system that relies on running backs making one cut and exploding through the hole. The running game really won't get going in full until the Falcons put the pads on, possibly as early as Monday.

``There's going to be some bumps and bruises, but they're going to pick it up and they're going to get it right,'' Coleman said. ``I'm just here to help them do that.''

Here are a few quick-hitters from practice:

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  Wide receiver Julio Jones said the sight of him getting medical attention midway through practice was nothing to be concerned about. He said he simply was getting his left ankle re-taped. ``You saw me running out there,'' Jones said, indicating all was well.

  
  
  
• 
  

  Rookie pass-rusher Vic Beasley was a little gimpy at the start of practice. Beasley said he cramped up while on the kickoff coverage unit. ``It was rough,'' Beasley said with laugh, referring to his special teams work. ``[Returner] Eric Weems, he ran across the field, so I had to open up a little bit.''

  
  
  
• 
  

  Cornerback Robert Alford continued his inspired play at cornerback. He was all over the field making plays and showed discipline in the process. At one point during practice, a pumped up Dan Quinn ran over and celebrated with Alford to show how much he appreciated the effort.

  
  
  
• 
  

  The unheralded player of the day was cornerback Phillip Adams, who made a nice read and intercepted a T.J. Yates pass during 7-on-7 drills. Adams looks more than capable of adding quality depth to the cornerback position.

  
  
  
• 
  

  Safety William Moore (shoulder), left tackle Jake Matthews (foot), cornerbackJalen Collins (foot), center Joe Hawley (MCL/ACL), right guard Jon Asamoah(ankle), linebacker Brooks Reed (groin), defensive end Malliciah Goodman(knee), guard Peter Konz (ACL), cornerback Dez Southward (knee), linebacker Marquis Spruill (knee), and Coleman (groin) all practiced coming off surgeries or injuries, though some were limited.

  
  
  
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  Quinn's musical playlist for practice included House of Pain (Jump Around), N.W.A. (Express Yourself), and Michael Jackson (Beat It).

  
  
  

http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/14520/rookie-falcons-running-back-tevin-coleman-just-focused-on-himself

[atlking]

Im LOVING what im hearing from Quinn and how he practices so far. Maybe, just MAYBE, he will prove me wrong and coach UP mid level players and show there is no urgent need to sign 1st tier free agents....

Edited July 31, 2015 by atlking

[Tuggle'2]

Kinda talks like Bobcat Goldthwait.

[likeriver]

• Cornerback Robert Alford continued his inspired play at cornerback. He was all over the field making plays and showed discipline in the process. At one point during practice, a pumped up Dan Quinn ran over and celebrated with Alford to show how much he appreciated the effort.

I like this attitude. Just like anybody else, I'm sure the players really do want to push harder when someone shows that sort of praise.

[Doobs]

Cant wait to see Alford in action

[Califalcon0013]

Can't wait for week one just imagine the intensity these guys are going to play with lmao

[FentayeJones]

Cornerback Robert Alford continued his inspired play at cornerback. He was all over the field making plays and showed discipline in the process.

Hmmmm,,,,I remember just a few months ago when folks wanted to cut Alford and sign Byron Maxwell

[Macintez]

Hmmmm,,,,I remember just a few months ago when folks wanted to cut Alford and sign Byron Maxwell

That seriously pissed me off. Dude always played with Max effort and has the potential to be a top 15 CB in my mind. Insane athleticism... He may be a lil slow to develop compared to Tru but a lot of CBS are...

[Vandy]

That seriously pissed me off. Dude always played with Max effort and has the potential to be a top 15 CB in my mind. Insane athleticism... He may be a lil slow to develop compared to Tru but a lot of CBS are...

I still think he ends up being this team's answer at FS.

[madman88]

I still think he ends up being this team's answer at FS.

alford is slowly putting that idea to rest permanently..

Just one day, but i told yall he was gonna hold his own

[Sheldon Cooper]

Alford was a small school product so if he is coming into his own as a 3rd year player that is about right. He sought help in the off season which is encouraging and he will be in a good scheme with good coaching for a change. Alford does have exceptional athleticism he just lacks a couple inches of ideal height for Quinns ideal preferences. If he plays exceptionally well it wont matter. Also allows Collins to develop rather than assume the RCB job ready or not.

I'm glad Alford is having a good showing after all his hard work in the off season. Southward is the one that I think moves back to safety. I hope Akeem King winds up being good depth hopefully at CB, but atleast at safety.

Nice to hear Adams is still making plays. I had my doubts. I thought Jonathon Mincy might pass him up. Mincy is a good PS candidate.

[capologist]

At one point during practice, a pumped up Dan Quinn ran over and celebrated with Alford to show how much he appreciated the effort.

This is what I love about DQ, his energetic attitude isn't fake and the results will be a bond with the team that the team will knock themselves out to try to win...

[Draftnut57]

Thread title is a little misleading,, Coleman is about the team, And is going about it in the right way,, Your title makes it sound like he's being selfish .. Maybe that was not intended,, I hope not, because he is not a selfish person. I still say that Freeman will be the starter this year barring injury, Freeman has it all and very very underrated. I think you will really see Freeman shine this year because he is the perfect fit for Quinn's O# scheme. It'll take a while for Coleman to get used to the Pro game and new system ... I really believe this is the best 3 backs this team has ever had at the same time. What's nice is I can say that about a lot of positions on this team.. What has happened in this past offseason is truly amazing and never been one like it. Take that with all the great players we already had and I can say without a doubt, this is by far the most talented team in the History of this team. And best of all, I think Quinn is going to be as great a Coach as Reeves was, maybe even better.. Wow!

[Bawse]

• Safety William Moore (shoulder), left tackle Jake Matthews (foot), cornerbackJalen Collins (foot), center Joe Hawley (MCL/ACL), right guard Jon Asamoah(ankle), linebacker Brooks Reed (groin), defensive end Malliciah Goodman(knee), guard Peter Konz (ACL), cornerback Dez Southward (knee), linebacker Marquis Spruill (knee), and Coleman (groin) all practiced coming off surgeries or injuries, though some were limited.

Jesus Christ....

[Draftnut57]

Jesus Christ....

Is my Savior,, And Grady Jarrett is just a great big Linebacker !!

[Atlfanstckndenver]

[NCFalcon52]

I like this attitude. Just like anybody else, I'm sure the players really do want to push harder when someone shows that sort of praise.

I am sure he was telling him not to get to aggressive or he'll make a mistake....wait that was Mike Smith.

[hjerry]

Thread title is a little misleading,, Coleman is about the team, And is going about it in the right way,, Your title makes it sound like he's being selfish .. Maybe that was not intended,, I hope not, because he is not a selfish person. I still say that Freeman will be the starter this year barring injury, Freeman has it all and very very underrated. I think you will really see Freeman shine this year because he is the perfect fit for Quinn's O# scheme. It'll take a while for Coleman to get used to the Pro game and new system ... I really believe this is the best 3 backs this team has ever had at the same time. What's nice is I can say that about a lot of positions on this team.. What has happened in this past offseason is truly amazing and never been one like it. Take that with all the great players we already had and I can say without a doubt, this is by far the most talented team in the History of this team. And best of all, I think Quinn is going to be as great a Coach as Reeves was, maybe even better.. Wow!

OK, one, it's not my title, it's McClure's. Two, the contents of the article are about how veterans have told him, that his best bet is just to go out there and just do the best job that he can. So yes, you're misreading it.