Advertisement

Nelson Agholor adjusting to Philadelphia Eagles’ up-tempo pace

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor looks on during a training camp practice on Aug. 2.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor looks on during a training camp practice on Aug. 2.

(Chris Szagola / Associated Press)
Share via

There’s no denying Nelson Aglohor has opportunity at his fingertips, but the Philadelphia Eagles rookie is trying not to look beyond his next catch.

“As a player, I just have to know my assignment and be in the right position,” said Agholor, the former USC receiver selected 20th overall in this year’s draft. “What happens after that is great. I don’t know what my numbers will be, nor do I think somebody else’s numbers are going to affect what I see. All I want to do is take advantage of the opportunity to play under a coaching staff like this.”

As a junior for the Trojans last season, Agholor caught 104 passes for 1,313 yards and 12 touchdowns. He’s now on a Philadelphia team that parted ways with All-Pro receivers in consecutive seasons -- first DeSean Jackson, then Jeremy Maclin.

Advertisement

Along with Jordan Matthews, a second-round pick last year, and Josh Huff, Agholor gives the Eagles one of the NFL’s more talented trios of young receivers.

Agholor conceded that switching to Coach Chip Kelly’s up-tempo style has been an adjustment.

“What you have to do is make yourself uncomfortable throughout practice,” Agholor said. “If I walk off the field fatigued and tired, that’s a good thing.

Advertisement

“My last year [at USC], we tried a little bit to try to emulate this same style of play, so I had a little bit of an advantage. But this is different, obviously. We do it with more of a sense of urgency throughout everything. This is the highest level.”

MORE NFL

Coliseum’s temporary availability is another twist in NFL-to-L.A. story

Dallas Cowboys are on unfamiliar turf with committee of running backs

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles says he feels like the LeBron James of football

Follow Sam Farmer on Twitter @LATimesFarmer

Advertisement