Leonard Fournette got his first taste of pro football at last weekend's Jacksonville rookie camp, two weeks after the Jaguars picked him No. 4 overall in the NFL Draft.
The 6-feet, 228-pound Fournette recently signed a four-year contract worth more than $27 million earlier this week. The Jaguars are hoping Fournette's power running style and speed can help the team overcome its recent woes.
Jacksonville is 22-63 in the last five seasons and hasn't had a winning record since going 11-5 in 2007. Last year, the Jags finished No. 23 in total offense and No. 22 in rushing in the 32-team league. Their eight rushing touchdowns were tied for the second-worst in the NFL.
Fournette is in Los Angeles this week with Panini America, the NFL's official trading card partner, for the NFLPA Rookie Premier. His card is ranked No. 1 among 15 rookies on the Panini NFLPA Trading Card Index and can be seen at PaniniInstant.com.
I caught up with Fournette for a telephone interview Thursday.
What does it feel like being a pro football player?
It's all right. It's like being a freshman in college again. You've got a lot of stuff going on. You're back competing and having fun.
What were your impressions of rookie camp?
"There's a lot of hard, hard work and dedication you go through. It's been fun each and every day, competing and having fun."
How would you describe the camp?
"It's intense, a lot of running. You have to be in shape."
Did you get into the playbook much?
Always. We're in it right now getting better everyday and building a relationship with each other.
Are the coaches happy with your weight?
"They love it there. It's perfect. I feel like I'm in better shape. They love me there and I love myself there. I feel i can run fast and do what I have to do. I'm at 228-230."
What is the message from your coaches?
"Staying focused, not getting. . . while we're here what's our goal at the end of the day and why they picked us. Of course they were sincere. They care a lot about us. They think we can change the culture of the whole foundation."
Did you get a chance to mingle with Jacksonville fans?
"Yes, they're great people. (Owner) Shahid Khan is one of the best. They love and care about each and every one of the players. They go hard behind us. When I first got there they had a billboard up there (welcoming me). It was crazy, especially since it had my parents and my daughter on it."
You're staying in Jacksonville for the summer with your family. Have you found a place to live yet?
"Not yet, probably next week. I'm going to keep a home in New Orleans, too, so I can go back."
How does it feel to have Cam Robinson as a teammate instead of a competitor?
"I've been knowing Cam, we've always had a relationship despite going to different schools. other than that it's great. Me and him and (Oklahoma wide receiver) Dede (Westbrook) we get along well and have to be the best at everything we do."
Any friendly joking about the college days?
"Yeah always. Cam aways told me you should have come to Alabama. This and that."
Have you spent much time with (Jacksonville quarterback) Blake Bortles?
"Yeah, he's cool. I like Blake. Interesting guy. Ver smart. He's taller than I thought he was. A great game."
How do the other offensive players feel about him?
"We all like him, lean toward him because as the quarterback everything goes through him, starts with him."
Do you feel you can help him become a better quarterback?
"Yeah, not just me but Dede, the O-linemen and everybody that surrounds him will make him better. Give him confidence and give him that chance that he can make it and we'll be all right."
Was he happy to have you on board?
"We haven't really talked about that because when I got there it was straight to business."
How about going head to head with (former Alabama running back) Derrick Henry at Tennessee?
"I'm not worried about it. It's not about one player."
Is there something in particular you want to buy with your first paycheck?
"No, I'm just going to save my money. That's all."
Will you buy yourself a car?
"No, I'm fine. I don't need a car. i've been having one in college."
What kind?
"It's an old Beamer (BMW)."
What was it like seeing your image on a football card?
"I've seen it in college. I like it (Panini Card). I believe I look goo in it.
Did you get any heat from the Florida fans since you are in the heart of Gator country?
"No, not really. They'll should be good with me."
Will you try to be a vocal leader early on?
"No, I'm going to let my actions speak before I say anything out of respect for the veterans. You have to earn their respect."
Did you get a good vibe from the veterans?
"Yes. It's a young team, we just have to work hard right now."
With Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon ahead of you at running back, will you have to wait your turn?
"We'll have to compete and see. I know Chris and T.J. I believe we'll have a tight room like we did at LSU. We may have to work our way there.
Are you getting a lot of ticket requests for that season opener in Houston?
"Not really, but I'm not worried about it. I'll let my mom and dad take care of it."