SIX BITS: Jackson, Cooper, James, Moss, Pouncey

1 » Tuesday, OGGOA noted that former Florida Gators wide receiver Chad Jackson has been quite impressive during Buffalo Bills training camp. In the team’s evening session, Jackson continued his upward climb, drawing this statement from head coach Chan Gailey in his post-practice press conference. “The guy comes out to play every day,” Gailey said. “It looks like he’s made up his mind that he wants to be a very good football player. I think that bouncing around [from team to team] is not what he intended for his career and I think he’s decided to go out and make himself the position. He’s been impressive.” There are murmurs throughout camp that Jackson has a legitimate shot to begin the season as the team’s starting No. 2 receiver opposite Lee Evans.

2 » Speaking of former Gators pass catchers getting a chance to impress, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Riley Cooper is set to get more snaps with the first team now that both starters – DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin – are out with injuries. Philadelphia beat writers are already of the belief that Cooper will begin the season as Maclin’s back-up, and now he has the opportunity to prove he can be an adequate replacement.

3 » Word out of Indianapolis Colts training camp is also positive for undrafted free agent rookie Brandon James. Being utilized extensively on special teams, James is also getting the opportunity to catch passes and run reverse plays. He appears to be a shoe-in to get past first cuts and many of those covering the team believes he has the chance to be a Leon Washington– or Darren Sproles-like piece for the Colts in 2010.

Three more BITS on Moss, Pouncey and Taylor…after the break!

4 » Another veteran and former Florida star, defensive end Jarvis Moss of the Denver Broncos feels good going into this season and believes that he has turned both his life and football career around. As The Denver Post points out, Moss “spent his 25th birthday day isolated at his home, contemplating personal and professional issues that left him wondering whether he should retire.” And he almost did. “I had a lot of stuff going on this time last year, but all that stuff, it’s just gone,” Moss said. “I’m getting better and trying to do things right, to get the coaches’ approval and gain their trust more.” His teammates even voted him as one of 10 offseason workout warriors. “Oh, man, a total 180 for him,” Moss’ long-time teammate and former Gators linemate Marcus Thomas said. “He’s practicing, working hard. He was the offseason workout champion, so he’s been working real hard, and everybody loves him. He’s loving the game right now.”

5 » Slightly overlooked earlier this week, former Florida center/guard Maurkice Pouncey was held out of action at Pittsburgh Steelers practice after injuring his hamstring. Pouncey was able to return to the field in a limited capacity Tuesday and should be a full-go Wednesday.

6 » The Boston Globe believes that former Gators running back Fred Taylor “may be the odd-man out” when New England Patriots training camp comes to a close due to his lack of ability to play special teams. Taylor will be 34-years-old going into the season but is still confident in what he can do on the field. “I have trust and I still believe in my abilities; I always will,” he said. “I can’t look back to last year, I’m looking forward to this year and the opportunity I have right now.”

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