WR XAVIER WORTHY
Q: Head Coach Andy Reid is known for having a stressful, challenging training camp, did anyone prepare you for that? Or how did you prepare yourself for this?
WORTHY: “I mean, it’s like a college training camp. I feel like there’s no better way to train for a training camp than coming out of college. As you said, it’s a tough training camp, so you got to prepare for it either way.”
Q: How important is it to you, as a first-round pick, to be out there and show what you can do?
WORTHY: “It’s very important to me. Me, in college, I never missed a game (and) never had any injuries, really, so having that (hamstring injury) happen is – like I said, kind of frustrating, but I got the chance to learn and get better in a different way – learning the playbook. So, I mean it was good in both ways for me.”
Q: Patrick Mahomes said that there’s no time to ease you into camp, do you feel the same way?
WORTHY: “I definitely feel like there’s no time to ease in, I mean, it’s all go. Once you’re here, you’re here. I understand definitely what Pat’s (Mahomes) saying and just to build that connection with him is going to be key here.”
Q: During the OTAs you spent a lot of time talking with Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy, what were some of the things you guys talked about?
WORTHY: “Just understanding the plays and why it’s ran and how he (Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy) wants to run the alignments. Understanding all the bits and pieces about the playbook, so I can come in and not miss a beat, like you said. It’s a different thing running the plays but I feel like it’s harder to learn the mental part. So, when you learn the mental part outside of the game, I feel like it’s much easier to come in and do it.”
T KINGSLEY SUAMATAIA
Q: The full squad is not here yet but does this feel different than minicamp and OTAs?
SUAMATAIA: “Oh, most definitely. It feels the same, but not really, because we’re out here in St. Joe. It’s a nice environment out here but just – you know, we’re all just grinding together – all of us coaches, players, all in the dorm and just striving for that one goal at the end of this, so it’s going good.”
Q: What do you suspect to be your biggest challenge during this training camp?
SUAMATAIA: “I would say the playbook. That really – you know, all of us – we’re all talented guys. I mean, that’s why you’re in the league (and) in the NFL but it’s who’s going to put that foot forward and dive into the playbook more and really know the offense inside and out. I would say that would be the biggest.”
Q: It’s no secret that you’re going to be going up against Wanya Morris for the starting position. What’s the dynamic been with you two guys as you get ready for this bit of a competition starting on Sunday?
SUAMATAIA: “It’s been great. I’ve known Wanya (Morris) as a player. He’s a great guy. He’s friends with a lot of guys that I know. We’re boys on and off the field, just trying to gain that job. We’re both just working hard, the best that we can, and whoever comes out on the top – we’re still boys, but it’s business out here but nothing but love for Wanya.”
Q: Is there any pressure to be able to play right away for you?
SUAMATAIA: “I don’t think so. I’m out here, I love the game, I love playing so, just with the boys. Like I said, I love being out here with all the guys, get to know everybody and just grow that bond with everybody because we’re all dying and it’s hot out here (laughter). You know, we’re all grinding and again, for the goal at the end, for three times in a row so, I don’t really feel any pressure on it. (I’m) just playing the game that I love.”
DB JADEN HICKS
Q: How is camp so far and how is your first experience in St. Joe and dealing with everything surrounding you?
HICKS: “It’s great. The dorms are pretty cool, seeing all the guys were all hyped up about it. Practice is going well, very fast tempo though so you know just getting used to that, but it’s going well.”
Q: What was your expectation for yourself coming into this camp?
HICKS: “My expectation was just to be ready for whatever they need me to. Come conditioned. I knew I was going to be in this environment and it's going to be hot out here, so be ready.”
Q: Going through the OTA period seeing the way the ball comes out of Patrick Mahomes’ hands and the way he reads the defense, where do you think that will be most helpful for you given the number of positions you are playing?
HICKS: “Obviously, he (Patrick Mahomes) is the best or if not one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Just being able to watch him, see what he progresses through and stuff like that can definitely elevate the defense’s game and you know stuff like that. I try to watch him a lot when he is out there. Yeah, he is definitely one of those guys that are special with the ball.”
Q: What is it like working with Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo?