Curtis Samuel's Progress in Training Camp Hasn't Gone Unnoticed
The Carolina Panthers have completed four days of training camp and Curtis Samuel is one player that has really made some noise.
By default, Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly and Christian McCaffrey are going to garner attention throughout the practices. But, Samuel is a third-year receiver that is in need of a breakout year. After two seasons with the Panthers, he's recorded 54 receptions, 609 yards and five touchdowns.
Although these stats aren't horrible -- he will need to produce a lot more in order to reel in a big-time contract. Samuel will be the second option behind D.J. Moore, and the two receivers will compliment eachother well. They both have explosive speed and excellent route running -- but Samuel's progress in camp has made a little more noise so far.
He came into training camp and told reporters that he feels as if he's built speed and strength over the offseason. While going head-to-head with Panthers' speedy cornerback Donte Jackson -- it looks like he did.
Here's another example of his innate speed and ability to locate the ball. (It's also very refreshing to see Newton throwing passes like this again.)
Head coach Ron Rivera had nothing but positive things to say about Samuel after the fourth day of camp.
“I think his confidence is very high,” Rivera said. “He’s worked very, very hard … He’s done what we’ve asked him to do – and more. That’s why you see him playing with so much confidence.”
Seventh-year veteran Jarius Wright talked to reporters about Samuel's progress, and noted that the sky is the limit for him.
Greg Olsen said it best at the end of this conversation after practice, "Everything about Curtis (Samuel) just looks fast."
Samuel walked into the NFL with a 4.31 40-yard dash -- so his speed is obviously there. Now, in his third season, he has a healthy quarterback and all of the tools to make a name for himself in this league. He just has to go out there and continue on this incredible foundation that he's built.
