April 9, 2009

Every day I’m getting stronger and faster with the weight room work and conditioning I’m doing in our off-season training program, but just as important is the chemistry I’m developing with our quarterback Jason Campbell.

Every day I’m out there with Jason and our position coaches, just me and him running routes, critiquing little things and getting better every time out there. Soon it will become more natural and that will make it much easier.

This is the time of the year that is perfect for building chemistry with the quarterback, without the shoulder pads, without helmets, on your own time just working and conversating, seeing each other work hard.

I’m hooking Jason up with the online gaming so we can play basketball and football online. Have a little fun and keep building that chemistry. I have to go over to his house and hook it up for him. I’m pretty good at the games, but I don’t know if he’s been practicing. I’m going to test him out and see what he’s got.

We’re playing a lot of NBA 2K9 right now. It’s a big thing to get our minds off football. Honestly, a lot of guys don’t like Madden, a lot of guys play the college football instead because it’s more fun. I’m on the game but I rarely play Madden, even though I won the NFL Rookie Challenge last year. When I do play it I’m usually too worried about me in the game getting my stats up.

Jason and I both have a lot of motivation to prove people wrong heading into the season. I want to show why the Redskins drafted me, get out there and consistently make plays and get Ws for the team, make big plays.

My main goals are to be a starter and contribute on the field. We’ve got great athletes here at receiver but I’m going in hoping to earn a starting job.

Devin Thomas is a wide receiver with the Washington Redskins. His blog for www.playerpress.com runs at www.thomas11.com.