SHORT: LEARNING DEFENSIVE END
Linebacker Jason Short has made a name for himself on special teams here. There are few more ferocious, more intense players in the league, and Short's aggressive nature is certainly a positive.
Now, however, Short has a new challenge. He played defensive end in the post-draft mini-camp and is learning the position to be a factor in the defense's "Okie" package.
Whatever it takes to get on the field ...
"Learning a new position is tough, but I feel good learning it only because I know linebacker and it helps me out knowing what the D End is doing," said Short. "It's coming pretty easy to me. I just have to get it down a little more smoother. I have to fine tune it.
"It's an opportunity for me. I'm still a linebacker; I'm learning this for the Joker position and do a little bit of what N.D. (Kalu) did. It's another opportunity that I can take advantage of.
Short played some defensive end in NFL Europe after his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan. He's also got experience coming off the edge on special teams.
"Getting off at punt rush and defensive end are pretty much the same thing," he said. "The difference is working your hands. I have a lot to learn about using my hands. These guys have been doing it their whole lives."
Short is completely healthy after suffering a fractured fibula last November. He was leading the team in special teams production points (74) at the time of his injury.
Competition has been improved at linebacker with the addition of Chris Gocong and the return to health by Greg Richmond, as well as the addition of Dedrick Roper since Short was hurt.
He's doing anything he can to make his niche.
"I feel like I can take lead and help guys out in certain areas. At D End, some of these guys will have to help me out," said Short.
Linebacker Jason Short has made a name for himself on special teams here. There are few more ferocious, more intense players in the league, and Short's aggressive nature is certainly a positive.
Now, however, Short has a new challenge. He played defensive end in the post-draft mini-camp and is learning the position to be a factor in the defense's "Okie" package.
Whatever it takes to get on the field ...
"Learning a new position is tough, but I feel good learning it only because I know linebacker and it helps me out knowing what the D End is doing," said Short. "It's coming pretty easy to me. I just have to get it down a little more smoother. I have to fine tune it.
"It's an opportunity for me. I'm still a linebacker; I'm learning this for the Joker position and do a little bit of what N.D. (Kalu) did. It's another opportunity that I can take advantage of.
Short played some defensive end in NFL Europe after his collegiate career at Eastern Michigan. He's also got experience coming off the edge on special teams.
"Getting off at punt rush and defensive end are pretty much the same thing," he said. "The difference is working your hands. I have a lot to learn about using my hands. These guys have been doing it their whole lives."
Short is completely healthy after suffering a fractured fibula last November. He was leading the team in special teams production points (74) at the time of his injury.
Competition has been improved at linebacker with the addition of Chris Gocong and the return to health by Greg Richmond, as well as the addition of Dedrick Roper since Short was hurt.
He's doing anything he can to make his niche.
"I feel like I can take lead and help guys out in certain areas. At D End, some of these guys will have to help me out," said Short.
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