FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- D.J. Shockley didn't forget his toothbrush.
In fact, he made a last minute trip to the store to pick up anything he may need for Russell Falcons Training Camp.
"I got a new toothbrush, body wash, all of that," he said moments after picking up his keys for his temporary home -- an apartment-style dorm tucked away on the back of the Falcons campus. "I'm good."
Shockley was part of the first wave of Falcons to check in for training camp Friday afternoon. Players signed paperwork at the teams' amenities building and began moving belongings into rooms they share with three teammates. Cars were then moved to the opposite side of the complex, not to see their owners until after a few hard days of practice.
It's the same college lifestyle many teams try to create during camp. The Falcons just do it on their own turf.
"I'm rooming with Roddy White, Joe Horn and Michael Jenkins," Shockley said. "... Receivers that want the ball. They'll be yelling in my ear all day."
First-year Falcon Von Hutchins checked in just before Shockley and spoke to reporters from his SUV.
Air conditioning won't be so easily found for the duration of training camp.
The move-in process had the cornerback ready to put on the pads.
"It's definitely real now," he said. "When you see coaches and players moving around like this you realize it's time for camp."
Other signs of Russell Falcons Training Camp appeared earlier in the week. Signs, bleachers, tents and other unmistakable marks are up. Until Friday afternoon, however, players were missing.
Head Coach Mike Smith gave the team some time off after off-season workouts. The month away went by quickly, but the smiles on faces and the jovial moods show the group is ready -- and willing -- to compete.
"It flew by," Hutchins said. "You don't want it to end. But our purpose is to come out here and win in 2008."
Time to brush the teeth and get to bed early. The season begins at 8:30 in the morning.
"Friday you move in and pick up your play book," Shockley said. "It's the easiest part (of camp) you're going to have."
TRAINING CAMP FAN GUIDE:
- SCHEDULE: Track practice dates on the Events Calendar
- DOWNLOADS: Alphabetical Roster (PDF) | Numerical Roster (PDF) | Training Camp Guide (PDF)
- BLOG: So What Do You Do in Flowery Branch?
- GUIDELINES: Review the guidelines for watching practice
- GAMES: View the Falcons 2008 preseason and regular season schedule
- THE BRANCH: Directions to Flowery Branch | Map of the Area
- FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Training Camp
- YOUTH WEEK: Learn more about kids' activities at Training Camp
- ROSTER: Click here for the Falcons roster
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