Jaguars HC Doug Pederson talks first day of camp: 'These days don't ever get old'

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson walked into the team's new media room prior to practice with a big smile on his face. The team officially hit the field for the first time in training camp Wednesday, an unofficial signal the 2023 season has begun.

"These days don't ever get old," Pederson began. "This is why you're in this business, for days like this. We understand it's a long process, though. Camp is several weeks, but it's great to get everybody out on the grass."

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Pederson and the rest of the football staff and players got an opportunity to practice in the team's new Miller Electric Center, a new headquarters for Jaguars football that has two outdoor fields and one indoor field to go along with all of the various meeting rooms, locker rooms and other amenities.

The first day of camp brings a lot of excitement, and with Jacksonville finishing in first place of the AFC South last year, a ton of expectations. Pederson let the team know of his expectations Tuesday, the first day all players were due to report.

"Really, expectations for us are we got to get better and we're going to focus on us and take it one day at a time," said Pederson. "Camp is long, three preseason games and we have to continue to grind and continue to work."

A couple of notable people in attendance Wednesday were former Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry, along with several former Jaguars players including Leon Searcy and Tom McManus. Former Jaguars defensive lineman Corey Peters was also in attendance, working this summer with the team's scouting department.

Pederson addresses offensive line changes

Part of camp this year will be the team's situation along its offensive line. Left tackle Cam Robinson will miss the first four games of the year due to a suspension, while guard Ben Bartch will miss extended time during camp as he recovers from a knee injury suffered last season.

Bartch is on the team's active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He can be activated at any point prior to final cuts. Pederson said Bartch will likely give it a go toward the end of camp, similar to how the team got running back James Robinson back from injury last year.

Pederson made mention of both, noting that in preparation for the regular season, third-year tackle Walker Little will take the bulk of the reps, while Robinson practices as well in a more limited role as far as first-team reps go.

"Both guys understand their roles and what we're trying to get accomplished as a staff. We just got to make sure that both of those guys are prepared and particularly Walker getting the majority of the snaps, to have him ready to go possibly for Week 1," Pederson said of the team's left tackle situation.

Pederson also mentioned, again, that Little could see some snaps at left guard throughout the early portion of camp.

Claybrooks continues to participate while investigation continues

Pederson also noted that while cornerback Chris Claybrooks continues to be under investigation by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, he will continue to participate in practices. Claybrooks was seen on the field Wednesday, as usual.

"Right now, obviously he's still [involved in an] ongoing investigation, he's still part of the football team. Obviously, we take these things very seriously here and we want to make sure that Chris understands that, number one," Pederson said.

"But, at the same time, with things being kind of ongoing and waiting for any kind of official ruling with him, he's part of the football team and getting himself ready to play."

Claybrooks was arrested last week and charged with domestic battery and false imprisonment.

When Claybrooks was arrested last Thursday, the Jaguars stated the team was aware of his arrest, but would have no further comment on his status. Claybrooks was ultimately released from jail after one night and awaits an arraignment court date Aug. 14, according to the Duval County Clerk of Court records.

Calvin Ridley a full-go during camp

Jaguars wide receiver Calvin Ridley is "full go" during camp, Pederson said Wednesday. Ridley was unable to participate in all drills during the team's offseason program, continuing to reacclimate himself to football activities.

Ridley was seen participating in all team and individual drills during the first day of camp with plenty of eyes on the team's new stud receiver. He made at least two eye-popping grabs against both air and Jaguars defenders throughout the day.

One snag during team drills, Ridley was falling backward and made a remarkable grab. He followed up that impressive catch with another during team drills, leaping in the air to make the catch over a defender.

There are high expectations for Ridley as he makes his way back from a year-long suspension for gambling, served last year. Paired with veteran WRs Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, the expectations for the unit as a whole are also substantial.

"He was someone, too, with him and Calvin having a great relationship, just being able to help coach him on the field and that's something that I really respect," Pederson said about Kirk. "We don't ask them to be coaches, but it's kind of natural for guys like that to take guys under their wing and teach the offense."

The Jaguars will hit the field again Thursday. Full pads are expected to go on next Tuesday, giving observers an opportunity to truly see what the team has this year.

Demetrius Harvey is the Jacksonville Jaguars reporter for the Florida Times-Union. You can follow him on Twitter at @Demetrius82.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars HC Doug Pederson talks Day 1 of training camp, expectations