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King George native Jermon Bushrod (74) has had to learn multiple jobs, such as wedge blocking on kickoff returns.
Rogelio V. Solis/ASSOCIATED PRESS
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New Orleans Saints' rookie tackle Jermon Bushrod (74) has benefited from drilling with Will Smith (right) in practice.
Rogelio V. Solis/ASSOCIATED PRESS
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Bushrod: Few hard knocks in Big Easy
Jermon Bushrod: Life as an NFL rookie
Date published: 11/6/2007
BY GRANT PAULSEN
After finishing his first practice with the King George High School football team back in 2000, Jermon Bushrod couldn't envision that the endless drilling and exhausting workouts would one day lead him to the NFL.
Today, he wears the black-and-gold No. 74 jersey of the New Orleans Saints. Though he has yet to take a regular-season snap, the 6-5, 315-pound tackle is only a play away from becoming a starter on the Saints' offensive line.
From working the trenches for the Foxes to four years of tough blocking at Towson University, Bushrod kept his nose to the grindstone. His efforts were rewarded when he was selected in the fourth round of the NFL Draft last spring. On Sunday, he was on the Saints' active roster for the first time in his career.
Last week, Bushrod took time to talk about his time in New Orleans, his development on the field, and his new lifestyle as an NFL player.
Grant Paulsen: How are you enjoying living in your new home city of New Orleans?
Jermon Bushrod: : I really like the city, and I have enjoyed being here. New Orleans is definitely a lot different place than King George, but I've gotten used to it. There is always a lot going on. It's a whole different city, it really doesn't sleep much. I'm getting adjusted to it and it's going pretty good.
Paulsen: What have you found to be the biggest difference between the game at the college and professional levels?
Bushrod: I'd say it's the size and speed of the players. The guys I'm going against now are just better. They're bigger and better, and they know all the tricks of the trade. Guys in the NFL also have veteran experiences that make them a lot better.
Paulsen: Do you prepare any differently for games that you aren't activated for?
Date published: 11/6/2007
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