Buffalo Bills
Training camp all different for soph class
by MATT KRUEGER Reporter

Whenever the Buffalo Bills report for training camp each year at St. John Fisher College, much of the focus from fans and the media is heaped on the crop of rookies. After all, they have to make that monumental leap from college to pro.

But the difference between a player's rookie year and second year in the pros can be just as great. That's why this year's crop of Buffalo sophomores is taking training camp so seriously.

"It's not as much of a learning curve that I have to get over," said corner back Eric King, Buffalo's fifth-round draft pick last year. "One of the things I've been able to do is just get out there and play and focus more, instead of having to learn the whole scheme and things like that."

But spending more time playing, rather than learning the playbook, means the expectations on King and his classmates is much higher.

"I think it's a little more pressure, because it's my second year," King said. "Not as many mistakes are going to be allowed, so I have to learn what I have to do and go out there and perform."

King recorded 25 tackles in 16 games on defense last year and also saw time on special teams. He's part of a deep crop of defensive backs looking for a job this year. Currently, he's slotted second on the depth chart at right corner, backing up Nate Clements. For last year's third-round pick, tight end

Kevin Everett, just being able to work out with the rest of the team during training camp is a huge improvement over last year. Everett missed all of the 2005 season with a knee injury he suffered at the end of his college career.

"I'm enjoying it a whole lot, especially since I'm feeling a whole lot better," Everett said. "I'm running around a lot. Just being out there with the team is a great feeling."

Everett has plenty of competition at his position with Robert Royal, who started 14 games for the Washington Redskins last year, Ryan Neufeld and Brad Cieslak.

Of course, much of this year's attention is placed on second-round pick wide receiver Roscoe Parrish.

The former Miami Hurricane is expected to take a larger role in the passing attack this year, after hauling in 15 catches for 148 yards and one touchdown in 10 games last year. He missed the first six games of the 2005 season with a wrist injury. Parrish also averaged 26.1 yards on kickoff returns and 13.3 yards on punt returns last year.

Buffalo's sophomore class, including tight end Kevin Everett, right, corner back Eric King and wide receiver Roscoe Parrish, have just as big a jump to make this year as they did in 2005. Each is expected to contribute in a big way for the Bills this season, so the pressure is on. Photos by Patrick McPartland

With the departure of top receiver Eric Moulds, all receivers are getting a shot to move up on the depth chart. Lee Evans will be the No. 1 guy this year, leaving Parrish to compete with Peerless Price, Josh Reed, Sam Aiken and Jonathan Smith for a slot.

Here's a quick look at the rest of the 2005 draft class:

Lionel Gates: Gates was inactive for 14 games last year, but has moved up to second on the depth chart at running back behind starter Willis McGahee.

The seventh-round draft pick scored Buffalo's only touchdown in Saturday's 14-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the first preseason game of the year. He looked like a gymnast doing a tumbling run on his 3-yard touchdown dive in the third quarter.

Duke Preston: Preston, a fourth-round pick, saw action at right guard and on special teams last year. He's backing up Chris Villarrial at right guard.

Justin Geisinger: Geisinger was inactive 14 games last year and is the second-string center, behind Melvin Flower.

e-mail: mkrueger@beenews.com