Jay Gruden: Rex 'quicker than cat'

May 17, 2013

By STEVEN M. SIPPLE

There are no guarantees for Rex Burkhead. He will have to fight like heck to make the Cincinnati Bengals' 53-man roster.

He obviously made a nice first impression on coaches last weekend during rookie mini-camp.

Consider the following quotes (from www.bengals.com) a supplement to the story on Burkhead we ran earlier this week.

Said offensive coordinator Jay Gruden: "He's quicker than a cat. He has (one of the fastest times) in the short shuttle. His quickness is above average, if not great, but the intangibles he has, the size he has, his strength, his work ethic, all that makes him to be reckoned with come camp time. He's got great feet and quick; it's what we thought we had (with him). He's a great option for us. He’s a little bit thicker and bigger to handle pass protection. He's tough as nails, we know that."

Said running backs coach Hue Jackson: "I was pleasantly surprised," seeing Rex up close and personal. "Not that I didn't know he had ability, but watching him in person, you get to see a guy in a whole different light. He has extremely quick feet, has really good hands, is very smart, and catches on extremely well. He’s just another good player for our room."