Clay Harbor is the second tight end on a team with three pretty good wide receivers. For most players, that would be a damning fate, but Harbor still finds his way onto the field.
Harbor entered last season a little beefier with the intention of becoming a better blocker. That's exactly what he did. Harbor played in all 16 games last season despite catching only 13 passes.
I think I can get on the field in different situations, Harbor said. I think the coaching staff is becoming more comfortable with me. And we get these OTAs that we didnt get last year to show that you can be a mismatch. If they see a linebacker on you and see they cant stop you.
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Harbor explained that his playing time consistently depends on what defenses show them. If the offense goes into a three-receiver set, Harbor normally sits. If they need some more bulk inside, Harbor gets the call over slot receiver Jason Avant. On Thursday, Harbor said he spent a good portion of his day working out with the Eagles offensive linemen, the tackles in particular. He said they need to work together a lot to get a feel for how each person blocks.
If you can be a good blocker, Harbor said, youll always find yourself on the field.
This and that
Offensive play of the day: Rookie Nick Foles threaded a beautiful pass through two defenders and the 5-foot-8 Damaris Johnson made a sprawling catch downfield about 25 yards.
Defensive play of the day: Rookie corner Brandon Boykin, from Georgia, made a nice diving stop on a short throw intended for Chad Hall.
Quote of the day: Hes crazy. I wonder what he does when he leaves the building.Nnamdi Asomugha on fellow corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
Stupid observation of the day: Running back Bryce Brown, the Eagles seventh-round pick from Kansas State, is wearing Ronnie Browns old No. 34. Heck, they might have just given him Ronnies old threads. This is good news for the five of you who bought Ronnie Brown jerseys.
Also in super important jersey number information, free agent punter Ryan Tydlacka is wearing Kevin Kolbs old No. 4. Is nothing sacred? Well, Tydlacka struggled to punt for distance during the three-day OTA, so it looks like Chas Henrys job is pretty safe.
The most important thing from the first set of OTAs is that Andy Reid had no injuries to report.
Special teamer Colt Anderson continued to work out solo during OTAs as he recovers from an ACL injury that ended his 2011 season. He ran the length of the field and did some private workouts with cones.
Boykin looked good on Thursday. And, as CSNPhilly.coms Andy Schwartz pointed out, he looks like a slot corner. Boykin is only 5-9 but is built thick. For now, it looks like veteran Joselio Hanson is the guy in the slot, but the position could be Boykins by the time the season starts. At least, its something to watch.
Yeah, hes doing a good job, and hes been a returner, too, Reid said of Boykin. Hes doing a good job at corner, good job in the slot. Hes so willing to learn and work. Hes been picking things up fast. Its been good.
Oh yeah, Andys a Sixers fan too: I tell you what, heart man, Reid said of what hes seen from the Sixers. Its not all perfect, but they play their tails off. Not that Im a basketball coach, and that coach is doing a great job with him by the way. Its a young group and I just think the sky is the limit for them as they go forward. I know theyre going to put up a heck of a game in Boston and I was very impressed by their tenacity.
Jason Babin and Cullen Jenkins were absent again on Thursday. These OTAs are voluntary. Reid said they were excused and will be back for the next round of OTAs, which begin next Wednesday.
E-mail Dave Zangaro at dzangaro@comcastsportsnet.com