Amari Rodgers already impressing with Packers during rookie minicamp
CLEMSON — It didn’t take former Clemson star Amari Rodgers much time to impress in Green Bay.
The Packers started rookie minicamp on Friday, and Clemson’s leading receiver from last year is already turning heads.
“He looks like a grown man,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “He’s got that big, running back, thick, frame. Then you watch him run routes and he doesn’t move like most traditional running backs. We’re really excited about the versatility that he could potentially bring to our offense. And also his contributions on special teams.”
The Packers selected Rodgers in the third round of last month’s NFL Draft, and his versatility is a big reason why.
The plan is for Rodgers to work at receiver, kick return and punt return for Green Bay, and he could be used some as a running back as well as the Packers try to create mismatches with their offense.
Rodgers believes he can handle whatever the coaching staff throws his way.
“I’m ready for it,” he told reporters after his first practice. “I’m just gonna prepare myself, get my body in shape to take on that role. I know that they’re looking at me for a lot of different positions, so I’ve just gotta be ready for it. I’m gonna embrace it and attack it head on.”
New Packers receiver Amari Rodgers hopes to catch passes from Aaron Rodgers this fall. (Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Rodgers arrived in Green Bay last Wednesday, having never previously visited Wisconsin before.
He told reporters that he appreciates the small-town feel of the area.
Rodgers and the other Packers participating in rookie minicamp got settled in on Wednesday, received physicals on Thursday and hit the practice field on Friday.
For Rodgers, participating in an NFL practice for the first time was a special moment.
“It’s a dream come true. This is what I dreamed of my whole life, strapping up for an NFL football team,” Rodgers said. “To be doing it for the Packers is even more of a dream. Just to know that it’s such a prestigious program and you know that they win. I come from a winning program, too. So I’m just plugging right in. I plan on helping the team to the Super Bowl. And that’s really my main goal.”