Patriots: Is Garoppolo the next superstar?
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Tom Brady certainly didn't start out this way.
Jimmy Garoppolo (cinesport.com)
Patriots' rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was immediately surrounded by what is sometimes affectionately referred to as the "media scrum" after completing his first mini-camp practice Tuesday at Gillette Stadium. It's the sign of respect from observers, both long time and new...and usually a harbinger of things to come.
Like, get used to it kid. Touchdowns, victories and championships are sure to follow...right?
"It's a process, that's for sure," Garoppolo told the media horde in Foxboro as the Patriots hold their annual mini-camp. "I just have to come out here every day, do my best, and every day is different. Do your best every single day and let the coaches see what you can do."
It's clear expectations, whatever they may be, aren't bothering the 22-year-old from Eastern Illinois. Confident, quick with his responses to reporters' questions...Garoppolo was also quick with his release on his throws during practice. He was accurate, too, as he connected with fellow rookie Jeremy Johnson on a 70-yard scoring play at one point. The ball was right on the money as Johnson sprinted down the sideline...and Garoppolo didn't hesitate throwing out compliments, either.
"(Tom) and Ryan (Mallett) both, they've helped me so much," Garoppolo said. "Those two guys have been doing this for awhile and they know the offense very well so they've helped me a tremendous amount. Watching and learning what he (Brady) does, not just what he tells me, but watching his manners, I've learned a lot.
"The quarterback is a coach on the field, you're expected to know everything and get people in the right spots."
The rookie QB knows the deal here - he knows the expectation is for him to come in and learn from one of the best to have ever played the game at his position, to back him up and perhaps someday to take over - and he knows there will be eyes following his every move. Not exactly Charleston, IL...where Eastern Illinois is located. But in true QB form, he's confident in his ability to adapt, and to learn.
"There is a transition from the college to the NFL game, sure," he said. "It's just something you have to get used to, and great athletes do. The guys have done a great job of helping me out.
"My main focus is coming out here and being very consistent," Garoppolo, the potential star-in-waiting, added. "Day in and day out, it's a grind, and you have to come out here and do good each and every day."
It's a non-contact practice time, and he's not going up against the best-of-the-best in the NFL just yet. But if Patriots' mini-camp is any early indication, Jimmy Garoppolo won't have any problems doing just that.
It's how a guy named Brady got his start, too.
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