Raiders’ Russell Gets Up To Speed After Early Jitters

ALAMEDA, Calif. - JaMarcus Russell concedes that his first minicamp with the Oakland Raiders was a bit overwhelming.

Now having had a little more than a week at home to study the playbook and his performance at practice, the top pick in last month’s draft feels more comfortable as an NFL quarterback.

The play calls come easier and the dropped snaps have disappeared as Russell tries to prove he’s ready to be a starter in the NFL.

“It’s better and better,” Russell said yesterday. “You come out, you focus on things, you’ve got a task at hand before you, and pretty much you get a chance to go over it, get a heads-up on it, instead of coming out here and not knowing what’s going on. It’s pretty good fun.”

Russell spent his time away studying the playbook, talking to coaches and looking at the film of his first practices.

Coach Lane Kiffin said the difference this week in Russell is obvious. Russell had more presence in the huddle, more confidence calling plays at the line and appeared more relaxed, Kiffin said.

“He appears to be a lot more comfortable this time around, having some time off to digest the playbook and watch the film of what happened last camp so he can get better and stuff,” Kiffin said. “We’re pleased with him.”