The Chargers take the field to kick off Rookie Mini Camp.
Over 50 players took the field for the first day of Rookie Mini Camp.
As expected, all eyes were focused on defensive end Joey Bosa.
One of the most publicized picks of the NFL Draft made his Chargers debut during the hour long practice. Since arriving in San Diego last Sunday, Bosa had been itching to get out on the field. The rookie spent the week in the classroom with the coaches and watching the veterans on the field, and has spent nearly every waking hour at Chargers Park.
"It's been awesome getting to wake up and think about football every day," he said. "I haven't really seen the sun other than being out (watching) practice and working out. It's been awesome being here."
Still, Bosa was ready to let loose, and he was finally able to do so on Friday.
"It was great finally getting to play some football and run some plays. Fly around. I think it went really well, at least for the first day. There were obviously some mistakes that I made that we'll correct."
Head Coach Mike McCoy reiterated that Bosa was the apple of their eye in the lead up to the NFL draft, and the defensive end showed off many of the reasons why the Bolts selected him third overall.
"It didn't take long to figure out the guy we wanted to get," he said. "Any time you turned on Ohio State football and you watched the defense, it didn't matter if you were watching one of their players on defense or an opponent on the offensive side of the football. Bosa was on tape often wreaking havoc, making plays, getting after the quarterback, putting pressure on the quarterback, running after the football and playing the way we want to play football here. Great to have him on our football team."
One play in particular on Friday showcased why the Bolts coveted their new defensive end.
"Joey coming off the edge one time in a protection where he beat the tight end off the edge and got to the quarterback," McCoy pointed out. "That's what you brought these guys here for, so you love to see it."
Bosa and the Bolts' rookies return to action for a Saturday morning practice that for the first time ever will be open to the public.
