QB Russell shows progress as training camp approaches

[HMFFL]

JaMarcus Russell plans to rest a bit between the end of organized team activities today and the start of training camp July 25 in Napa.

But the Raiders' second-year quarterback says he knows some will monitor his waistline more than his on-field progress this offseason.

"You can only rest for so much," Russell said with a laugh. "Let people tell it, I might get back up to 300 pounds."

Though rumors about Russell's conditioning swirled (he's listed at 255 pounds), he grew as an offensive leader this offseason.

Raiders coach Lane Kiffin said his starter continues to improve in all areas of his game.

"Right now, he's just really working so hard off the field as well as on the field," Kiffin said. "The way that the team is responding to him as you talk to different players, their feelings about him, they're ready to get behind him and go."

Some of Russell's progress can be attributed to time he puts in away from team headquarters, even if it can be mentally draining.

"Week by week I get everything, away from the time that we're here, I have it on DVD and I watch it at home myself," Russell said. "Everything – run steps or pass settings, or anything that I can become good at, I just go home and look over myself."

Next month's training camp will be his first. Russell's growth will be tested at a faster pace in practice, and he can test his wares in exhibition games. Russell missed training camp as a rookie because of prolonged contract talks that stretched into Week 2 of the 2007 season.

"Camp is two-a-days; going to be tough," Russell said. "Right now, it's upbeat and a faster tempo. I'll just be ready for it."

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[Onus]

JaMarcus seems to be taking strides as a leader of a football team. Things seem to be looking up for the Raiders finally! Just wish we still had Randy for JaMarcus to throw the ball to, that would have been a dream. JaMarcus, Moss, and McFadden now that would have been explosive. Guess Russell will have to settle for throwing to Javon Walker and Ronald Curry.

What's up with these bay area teams not surrounding young quarterbacks with good receivers? How do they expect them to succeed?

"Just by being a quarterback, you've got to look at it as: Everybody on the team gets paid off of what I do and the rest of the team does," Russell said. "I hate to say it, but I'm accountable for a lot of the guys' families."

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