FOXBORO — Marte Mapu’s welcome to the NFL second got here in the course of the spring.
When Mapu, the Patriots’ third spherical draft choose in April, arrived to OTAs in Foxboro, Bill Belichick’s operation caught him by some shock.
“They were just more detailed than I expected,” Mapu stated. “But that I also expected, too, if that makes sense.”
Mapu has appeared to take that sudden realization to coronary heart, as a result of he’s making it his mission throughout coaching camp to be as ready and prepared for any function as attainable.
The 23-year-old Mapu is listed as a linebacker, however even at 230 kilos, has the power to play within the secondary. He has been an early star in coaching camp, taking some first-team reps at linebacker even whereas carrying a purple non-contact jersey as he recovers from a torn pectoral muscle. He’s taken reps at third-team security, too.
Mapu takes critical satisfaction in that versatility. He doesn’t know the place he may slot in to this Patriots protection when the lights activate, however he desires to verify he’s prepared for any chance.
“I try to study the whole defense and try to make myself as versatile as possible so the coaches can use me,” Mapu stated.
“I feel comfortable anywhere,” he added. “The plan? I couldn’t tell you because I’m not a part of that. All I can do is control whether I’m ready or not and that’s just me studying everything.”
It additionally consists of selecting the mind of actually anybody who will pay attention. Mapu loves asking questions, and he’s already left an impression on a number of teammates, together with Tenth-year veteran Adrian Phillips, who’s by no means seen somebody fairly like Mapu.
“You see a lot of guys that come in that are tweeners that play linebacker and safety like that but not really excel at it,” Phillips stated. “Like this man is freakin’ good. And what I really like about him is he’s gonna ask questions and he’s gonna proceed to maintain asking questions till he looks like he has it down pat.
“He’s not gonna care if he’s asking 30 questions, getting on your nerves, he’s gonna make sure he’s got it right. And I love that about him. And you can tell he’s a cerebral player and that he just wants to get it right. You can tell that he loves to hit, too. So it’s gonna be fun seeing him actually get out there and makes some contact.”
It’s unclear how quickly which may be. Mapu stated he’s feeling good in his restoration and “there’s a little bit of ways to go,” however he can’t wait to place his classes into motion.
“It’s going to feel good,” Mapu stated. “It’s going to feel good.”
Source: www.bostonherald.com