Williamson Shines in Minicamp for Jaguars

The Jaguars completed the evening session of Friday's minicamp, and JagNation.com was there to take it all in.

The Jaguars amped up their Friday evening practice session by concentrating more on the passing game. Quarterback David Garrard had a solid session as he completed passes all over the field, and showed some nice touch on a few deep balls.

Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio validated Garrard’s performance—

“We had some good plays over the top. Garrard has been razor sharp. He picked up where he left off last year.”

The star of the day was certainly wide receiver Troy Williamson. Williamson was able to get open repeatedly against each of the Jaguars corners that lined up against him, and caught several deep passes and had big plays over the middle.

“He’s a heck of a sixth-round pick,” said Coach Del Rio. “He has really had a good offseason for us, we got him here with lowered expectations and he’s just going to come in here and play football. He’s worked hard with Todd Monken and that group.”

The passing game was much more crisp in the evening session, as drops by the wide receivers and tight ends decreased significantly, and the quarterback play was good from both David Garrard and Todd Bouman.

“All in all, good solid effort,” said Coach Del Rio. “We expect to be crisper going forward.”

Del Rio again referenced his disappointment with the morning session--

“We’re okay for as much work as we were doing. I probably had a little higher expectations of how the morning would go.”

The Jaguars former third-round pick, wide receiver Mike Walker practiced during the evening session and showed good hands, and above average route running ability. Walker is expected to not fully participate in mini-camp as he rehabs his knee that was scoped during last season.

“We’re going to do him (Walker) one a day,” said the Jaguars head coach.

Other players who didn’t practice in the evening session were wide receiver Jerry Porter, tight end George Wrighster, and defensive end Brian Smith.

“Porter isn’t quite ready to go,” Del Rio explained.

The fan turnout was fantastic during the morning session, as an estimated 1500-2000 people were in attendance. There were probably about 30% fewer fans at the 4:15 practice.

“Fans give us a lift,” said Coach Del Rio. “We’re appreciative of the support. The fanbase is very excited.”

One of the disappointments of camp thus far has been the play of Jaguars backup quarterback Cleo Lemon, who has been trying to get acquainted with the offensive system of his new team. Lemon has been erratic and has clearly been outplayed by veteran journeyman Todd Bouman. Jaguars Head Coach Jack Del Rio noted Lemon’s struggles--

“I think Lemon has struggled, it something that he’s going to have to work through. He needs to pick it up.”

The Jaguars will have two more practice sessions open to the public Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. respectively.