AJ Klein saying all the right things

[Donald LaFell]

CHARLOTTE – The first chance new Panthers linebacker

A.J. Klein had Thursday after he arrived at Bank of America Stadium for this weekend's rookie minicamp, he walked onto the field and snapped some photographs.

Klein's dream of playing in the NFL is now within grasp, but he knows the cameras will be turned toward him this weekend and throughout the offseason.

"I haven't made the team yet," Klein said. "I still have to go to work and prove myself. Even though I was drafted, that doesn't mean everything is handed to you, especially not in the fifth round. I need to earn my spot and then go from there."

When Klein arrived Thursday to get fitted with equipment for the three-day camp that began Friday morning, he and the team's other four draft choices received a locker with a nameplate.  But for now, their space is in the visitors locker room, along with the team's 12 undrafted rookies as well as the tryout players taking part in the camp.

"I'm just soaking up as much as I can and am trying to make a good first impression," Klein said. "I want to show that I'm a hard worker and that I'm here for a reason, and that's to play good football. I'm just looking forward to being able to showcase that."

Klein played good football at Iowa State, totaling 361 tackles, including 117 each of his last two years. He returned four of his five interceptions for touchdowns. As a junior, he shared Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors with current Panthers defensive end Frank Alexander, then at Oklahoma.

Now Klein is starting over in a sense, joining a roster that features a trio of tackling machines at linebacker.

 

 

 

 

http://www.panthers.com/news/article-2/Klein-ready-to-earn-role/fbb1b069-0fe7-4647-b165-23f1a074a45e

 

good stuff. I hope he can play. 

[MadHatter]

Kid can definitely play.

 

nice back-up LB to have....can play multiple positions.  Very smart and instictive....co defensive MVP in the Big 12.

 

Love what he said about ST. 

[Panther_Brotherhood]

I still don't understand why people were so upset when we got this guy. With two LB's with shaky legs, we need as much depth as possible

[jarhead]

I think he will exceed expectations

[jarhead]

I still don't understand why people were so upset when we got this guy. With two LB's with shaky legs, we need as much depth as possible

Especially when we let Anderson go

[Panther_Brotherhood]

Especially when we let Anderson go

 

The more I look at the pick, he's probably my favorite pick in the draft

[MadHatter]

The more I look at the pick, he's probably my favorite pick in the draft

 

I will admit that I was surpised that a LB was called.  But after thinking about it......Anderson let go and Beason/Davis injury concerns....and reading up on the kid.....I agree with you that I love the pick.

[SIGCHI222]

It's just an opinion but to me, Klein will be an upgrade to Anderson.  James was great with the local media and all of the podcast stuff but me thinks he was becoming a liability.

Hope he guns the hell out on ST.  Gotta love those big blows on kick offs.

[therealmjl]

The more I look at the pick, he's probably my favorite pick in the draft

....post Star, right?

[L-TownCat]

Shades of '96 LB corps?

[Panther_Brotherhood]

....post Star, right?

 

Well...yeah, I figured this was understood

[Munch4455]

I love the pick of Klein.  The Panther's did what I have felt for years, late in drafts(late 4th and beyond), grab linebackers and RB's.  Those are 2 of the easier positions to adjust to in the NFL from college.  Look at just last year Vontaze Berfict, Miles Burris, and Nigel Bradham all had productive years as a rookie, all taken in the late 4th or beyond.  Alfred Morris and Vick Ballard for RB's had good years as well.  All in all, we didn't necessarily draft a superstar in the 5th, most teams don't, but what we got was almost a sure thing in terms of production for next season.
 

[G spot]

our team is coming together nicely

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Happy Panther]

My favorite pick too. Under the radar and a potential badass starter.