Jeremy Maclin: "There's A Lot More I Will Bring To The Table"
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Jeremy Maclin, dressed in all black and wearing a beaming smile, was at his teammate and friend LeSean McCoy's charity basketball game on Saturday at Neumann University.
Maclin, coming off major a torn right ACL on July 27, 2013, which forced him to miss the entire 2013 season, said he felt great and that he can't wait to get back to playing in full pads when the Eagles begin training camp on July 25.
"I feel good, I'm real excited about this upcoming season and about the things I'll be able to do this year," said Maclin, who will be the Eagles' No. 1 receiving threat, with DeSean Jackson gone and rookie receiver Jordan Matthews in a learning process. "I was happy to see those guys go out there last year and see their success. I saw Chip Kelly's offense and I'm ready to put my touch on it."
Many of Maclin's teammates were happy and anxious to see him return—a fact Maclin is very aware of.
"That goes to show how close knit we are as a team," Maclin said. "That something that I think speaks highly of the culture of the Eagles' organization and what we're trying to do here. Just the guys were happy to see me back, I was happy to see those guys as well. We'll continue to grow together and get farther than we did last year."
Maclin also vowed no one has seen him at his best yet—"There's a lot more that I will bring to the table," said Maclin, who was coming off a 69-catch, 857-yard, 7-touchdown season in 2012 before injuring his knee early in last year's training camp. "As far as having an edge, I'm just blessed and happy to play football again. I learned not to take anything for granted. I'm always determined. I'm ready to go out there and take care of business."
Maclin said the knee was good and he wasn't placing goals on himself yet. Since April 21, Maclin has done everything expected—and then some, far ahead of his progress recovering from the knee injury. He tore the same ACL in his right knee in 2006 while at the University of Missouri.
"In some ways, I feel faster and physically stronger, I'm excited, and you put so much hard work into your rehab process and that's what happens," Maclin said. "You build that leg back stronger. I'm really looking forward to this year."
Maclin also likes what he sees in Matthews and third-round pick Josh Huff.
"Those guys can play," Maclin said. "Obviously, we'll learn more when we put the pads on, and they see press coverage and bump-and-run coverage and stuff like that. Matthews is a big guy, strong and fast and has great hands. Huff is a little different. A little more quick and stout. I think both of those guys will bring something to the table.
"I trust my knee this time. It's seven years later and the whole process is seven years advanced. It's been smoother this time around. I'm ready for this year."