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Strong influence
FOXBOROUGH -- Second-year safety James Sanders took a break from his offseason workouts at Gillette Stadium recently, and spoke about the infectious approach of Rodney Harrison.
Sanders, a 2005 fourth-round pick, is one of the candidates to start should Harrison not be ready for the beginning of the 2006 season.
The Q&A:
Is there one player who has taken you under his wing?
“I’d say Rodney [Harrison]. He’s always taking me to the corner, sitting down and talking to me, whispering things to me like ‘push yourself.’ He’s taught me how to work hard. He’s a Hall of Fame type of guy, might be one of the best safeties to ever play this game. To have a guy like that on your side, motivating you, it does a lot.”
What has it been like watching him work his way back from his serious injury?
“It’s pretty amazing to see how much he’s coming along so quickly with his injury. He had a pretty devastating one. I don’t know where he’s at percentage wise, but to see him work hard and try to get back to where he wants to be, it’s amazing. People doubt him, saying ‘he can’t do this, he can’t do that’ and to see him use that negativity as a positive to motivate himself, it’s great to see something like that.”
You played in college at Fresno State with Logan Mankins. What did you witness from him in his rookie season with the Patriots?
“I watched him and for him to step in and start every game, that’s an accomplishment in and of itself. At times, I thought he dominated. All in all, I think he had a great year. I’m proud of him for stepping in and rolling with the punches.”
How are the workouts going?
“I’m really working on my strength and explosiveness, trying to drop some body fat and be as lean and as fast as possible. This is a league where you need speed.”
How different is year two vs. year one?
“I feel a little bit more relaxed. I feel more comfortable in the organization. That rookie year, it’s a long year, a grind, and it can be uncomfortable at times. Now, getting to know the guys for just about a year now, you get more comfortable in this atmosphere.”
