Derek Stanley

Dante Hall‘s career with the Rams was short and injury filled, but as most fans will admit it was nice to have a solid return man (you know, when he wasn’t on crutches). This year however, Hall is a thing of the past and the Rams are now searching for the next incarnation of “The Human Joystick”. Here are the options:

Derek Stanley: Last year Stanley led the team in kick return average at 24.8 yds/return. Knee surgery has slowed his progress, but it appears he is starting to regain comfortability returning kicks.

Donnie Avery: The team’s speed demon, I wouldn’t count too much on Avery returning kicks simply because the Rams more than likely want him to save up his energy since he will be the main focus of the passing game.

Kenneth Darby: Darby has been receiving the most reps so far as the returner, but Spags said the competition is wide open. Last year, Darby averaged 24.7 yards/return, which was 2nd on the team.

Samkon Gado: I’m not too familiar with Gado when it comes to returning kicks. After some research however I realized why; Gado has only returned 3 kicks in his entire career. He has just as good of a shot as anyone, but doesn’t boost the greatest credentials.

Prediction: Darby and Stanley will be your kick returners this season.

In other news, It appears Kenneth Darby and Samkon Gado are receiving the most reps behind starter Steven Jackson. Gado and Darby each made terrific plays today during training camp.

Jason Smith has been receiving terrific experience during drills, going up against DE Leonard Little. Although Little overpowered Smith early on, Smith eventually was able to hold his own against Little in the afternoon practice.

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