Top 5 Stories Of Weekend 1

The Miami Dolphins started training camp on Friday of last week.  After one full weekend of training for the 2010 season, a few stood out and made some headlines.  Some good.  Some bad.  Still news.

Here are the top 5 stories that came out of the first training camp weekend.

Brandon Marshall – Entering the final month leading up to training camp, everyone wondered what he would really bring to the team once the pads went on.  So far, Marshall has dazzled viewing crowds with one handed grabs and text book schooling of the younger corners.  While this isn’t game time and it’s only weekend 1, fans got their first glimpse at the 50 million dollar WR.  And they came away happy.

Pat White – White missed the opening days practice.  Was suddenly going to miss training camp, and then showed up for day 2 like nothing was wrong.  White says his personal problem is behind him and he is ready to play football.  The questions surrounding his absence and his problem may not be known for sure because those who know won’t say.  For now, he is back on the roster fighting for a roster spot.

Karlos Dansby – Dansby stood out defensively like no other.  Showing every characteristic of a true leader, Dansby dazzled on the field and then stayed later than any other player after practice had ended to meet and greet fans and sign autographs.  Quickly becoming an accessible player and a fan favorite.  While fans may like his dedication to them, they love the way he is taking over the defense and making it his own.  The coaches are taking notice as well.

Ikaia Alam-Francis – I may not know how to spell his name yet and the local media may just call him IAF, but that could soon change.  IAF not only switched to OLB but has been practicing so well that he is not only competing for a roster spot, but it appears now a possible starting roll as well.  One of my “sure” bets to get cut, Francis is demonstrating the right techniques, knowledge, and implementation that has his coaches paying attention.

Special Teams – The Dolphins did a lot of changing around this weekend working out several players at the kick return spot and especially the PR spot.  A focus so far this training camp.  Of the players rostered, a total of 6 players have fielded punts.  Including Davone Bess and Brian Hartline.  The oft mentioned Ryan Grice-Mullen has also been shagging balls.  This is a competition that will go a long way in determining one of the final 53 man roster spots.

NOTE:  His first name is Ikaika !