Former Oklahoma Sooners standout cornerback Jamell Fleming arrives for training camp on July 24 with his new team, the Arizona Cardinals. Unlike most Sooners heading to the NFL this season, Fleming actually has a chance to win the starting job.
Arizona only has one cornerback who has secured a starting job and that is last year’s first round draft pick, Patrick Peterson. Fleming is one of four corners trying to nail down that second starting job. The good news for Fleming is that the Cardinals play with three or four corners on the field at a time during games, so even if he doesn’t win the job, he will get to play a lot.
“I'm just trying to learn the playbook, including nickel (packages) and be ready to contribute on special teams,†Fleming said. “I feel I have the potential to be a starting corner in the NFL at some point. I just have to take it step by step.â€
He is off to a good start, impressing his new coaches with his play at a voluntary minicamp earlier in the year. His competition is former Pittsburgh Steelers standout William Gay, Greg Toler and A.J. Jefferson, last year’s starter who lost the job midway through the season.
“This is a different level. This is a job,†Fleming said. “In college everybody is pretty good. At this level everybody is really good. If I just get smart on the field, it will come naturally.â€
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