D. J. Fluker, OT/OG Alabama

[Formula 21]

With all the change, none of us know what we are getting with this new o line. But last year's line was so bad it would be hard for this line not to be better.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Yet somehow it is iffy even on paper...

[Formula 21]

Yet somehow it is iffy even on paper...

Agreed

[QSmokey]

Does Fluker still suck on the new board?

Who said he sucks?

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Only untill the preseason starts...

[Beerman]

http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2013/06/former_alabama_ot_dj_fluker_al.html

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- D.J. Fluker might be a rookie and he's still more than two months away from playing his first professional game, but it's become clear that the former Alabama right tackle has wasted little time asserting himself with the San Diego Chargers.

One of his veteran teammates, former Alabama fullback Le'Ron McClain, took it one step further Saturday when describing the former Foley High star's impact on the Chargers during their off-season team activities and mini camp.

"D.J. Fluker is already a leader," McClain said, speaking before his annual free youth football camp at Tuscaloosa County High School.

"He leads by example. He's been breaking our team down every day before we start practice, getting everybody riled up for practice. He brings the same enthusiasm he had at Alabama into our locker room, and it's working. He's already a leader and he's working hard."

Fluker, whom the Chargers selected with the 11th overall pick in April's NFL Draft, didn't exactly come out of his shell at Alabama until his redshirt junior season. The formerly soft-spoken right tackle used his booming voice to not only lead the Crimson Tide offensive line in 2012, but served as one of the BCS National Championship team's overall leaders.

A dramatic change of scenery hasn't caused Fluker to clam up around San Diego's veterans, McClain said.

"Those guys just bought into it with D.J. Fluker," McClain said. "We make jokes about it because he be wired up as soon as he touches the field. He gets the team crunk, gets the team hyped up for practice. He brings the same energy and same funk every day."

McClain's words echo those of Chargers coach Mike McCoy, who called Fluker a leader after the team's first day of rookie camp in May.

Fluker recently displayed that kind of energy on a trip to the San Diego Zoo, where he bumped into fitness guru Richard Simmons. He's also been open to a potential position change, as the Chargers -- amidst many speculating that he'd be a better fit at right guard -- recently rolled out a number of different offensive line rotations during mini camp.

No matter where he's playing, Fluker has shown an attitude that has endeared him to his teammates, McClain said.

"Great personality," McClain said. "He always wants to get better no matter if he has a good practice or not. He's just saying he's going to get better at this step or this step. The guy's putting in a lot of work.

"I'm just glad to have him on the team. He's going to help us win this year."

Kinda refreshing hearing some of those things after the whole Gaither fiasco. Just hope the work pays off for the team on the field.

[Heatmiser]

Thanks Beerman. I can't remember who it was...Pat Kirwan? One of those respected former NFL front office guys who do radio and TV now. Anyway he said before the draft that if he was an NFL player, he would want Fluker on his team and in his lockerroom because not only is he a good player, he is fun to be around. Sounds like Fluker is delivering so far.

TG

[Mister Hoarse]

Time to get this crunk and bring this funk

[Bolt-O]

Did D.J. ingest Richard Simmons, or the other way around?

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

Im finding it hard not to like this kid dispite local backlash. Still I want to see him play.

[Formula 21]

How many spots does outstanding leadership skills raise a guy in the draft?

[oneinchpunch]

How many spots does outstanding leadership skills raise a guy in the draft?

Weren't all the picks the Chargers made team captains other than the 7th rounder