Class In Session

PHILADELPHIA – Before practice begins, right after warmups, it’s impossible to not be drawn to the intense, impassioned directives coming from a neighboring field.

When Jeff Stoutland speaks, people tend to take notice. Each detail, every explanation is relayed with intent, influencing the constant evolution of the NFL’s best offensive line.

The unit boasts a flurry of distinguishable names that need no introduction, comprising the nucleus of the power surge up front. But it also includes four rookies, each of which this summer are experiencing a crash course in “Stoutland University.” The curriculum, expansive as it might be, boasts an unparalleled track record of success. The new faces only have to take a glance around their own room to appreciate the results of those who stay the course.

Among the new enrollees is fifth-round rookie Drew Kendall, a versatile interior lineman who has made notable strides through the Eagles’ first nine practices. And as customary, Kendall, predominantly deployed at his primary position of center, has already been impacted by Stoutland’s tutelage, pinpointing a specific area of refinement.

“I would say just my footwork,” he said. “Just really implementing that in the run game and the pass game. I never really thought about how detailed it is until I got here. How much you really need to be on point, and that really starts in individual, that starts before practice, just making sure you’re really getting that in. So, I’d say just really honing in on that.”

GETTY IMAGES/JOHN JONES: Eagles rookie C Drew Kendall is working with the second team and getting a rapport with QB Tanner McKee.

Kendall, son of long-time NFL lineman Pete Kendall, joins the Eagles following a decorated career at Boston College, starting 37 games for the program at center. In his final collegiate season, Kendall was recognized with first-team All-ACC honors. He was also named a team captain.

But as is the case for most Day 3 picks, the acclimation is often gradual, with Kendall being no exception. While he’s logged a smattering of first-team reps earlier in camp while Cam Jurgens was limited from offseason back surgery, Kendall has largely functioned as the second-team center, developing synergy with third-year quarterback Tanner McKee.

Jurgens, who not long ago was in Kendall’s position, has aided the rookie with perspective, advising him to focus on daily improvement and to not peer too far down what is a long road. The essence of his message was to take things day by day.

While each practice presents its own challenges, Kendall has focused on remaining present, building on the positives and learning from the miscues.

The competition he faced in college, he acknowledged, pales in comparison to the monstrous, athletic juggernauts he faces daily on the NovaCare Complex practice fields. But, from Kendall’s perspective, the talent level isn’t the only discernible difference he’s had to navigate in his transition. There’s also the technical aspect, where Stoutland thrives.

“It’s a little bit of both,” he acknowledged. “There’s new techniques that you’re trying to learn, from whatever you got taught before. You’re trying to learn some new things. So, it’s implementing that, while also going up against guys who are just better than what you’ve gone against prior. At the end of the day, it’s a grind, but that’s what I’m here for.”

With each practice, it’s apparent that Kendall continues to grow and apply the knowledge and technical aspects imparted from Stoutland. He’s playing faster and with apparently increased confidence, the intelligence and processing required for the position have been evident. On game days, Kendall projects as the backup center who offers guard capability in a pinch.

Last season, without a pure backup center active, the Eagles were forced to move left guard Landon Dickerson over and bring on Tyler Steen as his replacement. At this time, it appears they’re closer to a different solution.

Thursday’s preseason game, which Kendall was noticeably clamoring for, is the first test.

“I think I’m doing well,” he said. “There’s a lot of room to grow, obviously. It’s very early on in my career. But I think I’m doing well, I’m trying to handle it the best I can. And really just making sure I’m communicating with my guys across the line and my quarterbacks. Definitely a lot of responsibility, but I handled a lot of stuff in college. It’s been good so far.”

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.