“This is my first time doing this, and I’m just trying to figure out what works best for me, what’s the best way to attack the game, and you know I’m still figuring that out,” said Scourton.
So while teammates milled about during that down hour, Scourton grabbed his iPad and crossed over to D.J. Wonnum‘s locker, sat on the floor at Wonnum’s feet, and picked the veteran pass-rusher’s brain as they watched film.
“D.J., just taking me under his wing and just being there for me, you know, I mean it’s stressful,” admitted Scourton. “Starter goes down, next man up, you know what I mean.”
Scourton, a Texas A&M product the Panthers drafted in the second round of this year’s draft, has played in 40 total snaps through the first two games, as well as nine on special teams. If he is asked to take on Jones’ snaps, the latter of whom has been on the field for 90 plays through the first two weeks (averaging 45 a game), it will be a huge step up physically and mentally, as well as production, considering Jones has five tackles, including one for loss, and a quarterback hit.
“I think just, you know, more preparation,” Scourton said, as to what this week of practice looks like for him. “You know, bigger role this week, I got to go execute, so trying to do as much as possible to be able to be ready on Sunday.”