Langford's play gets noticed

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http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/626681.html

Langford's play gets noticed

BY SARAH ROTHSCHILD
Miami Herald

Rookie defensive end Kendall Langford's playmaking ability caught the eyes of linebacker Akin Ayodele during offseason training activities and minicamp, but the veteran wondered how the Dolphins' third-round draft pick would fare when training camp began.

Through 10 training camp practices, and on the eve of the Dolphins' first scrimmage, Langford is drawing praise for his performance so far. Coach Tony Sparano said Friday that Langford showed the most improvement of all the rookies in the five weeks preceding training camp and that he continues to progress.

''When we first saw him out here maybe he wasn't as strong, he wasn't as stout at the point of attack,'' Sparano said. ``Now I'm watching a guy play with his hands, and playing stronger.

``He's got a lot of things to work on seeing some of the reads for the first time, but I've been impressed with him.''

Langford has been taking snaps primarily with the second team, playing right defensive end, and his biggest competition appears to be Paul Soliai (2007 fourth-round draft pick) and Rodrique Wright (2006 seventh-round draft pick). Veteran Vonnie Holliday has been taking most of the first-team snaps.

Langford can play left and right end, but in his senior year at Hampton (Va.) College he flourished on the right side.

He believes he is making a push to start, saying ''that's the goal,'' but acknowledged his biggest priority is being a ''heavy'' contributor this season.

Langford said aside from adjusting to the speed and tweaking his technique that it has been a fairly seamless transition. He is familiar with the 3-4 defense.

''I think I'm a perfect fit for the defense,'' Langford said. ``We ran a defense similar to this in my college. I was able to pick up and catch on to this.''

Rookie left guard Shawn Murphy played against Langford in the East-West Shrine game in January and was struck not only by his 6-6, 290-pound frame but his ability.

''I remember seeing him out on the field and thinking that's a big dude,'' Murphy said. ``He's coming along real well. He's quick and he's strong and he's big. He's got really long arms and gets extension on people really well.''

MARLINS BRASS STOP BY

Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez, several assistant coaches and outfielder Luis Gonzalez attended Friday morning's practice. Fredi Gonzalez chatted for a while with Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells during practice.

Afterward Gonzalez visited with Sparano, and the conversation turned to baseball.

Sparano, a West Haven, Conn., native roots for one of the Marlins division foes.

''I'm a Mets fan. My father gives me [a hard time], too,'' Sparano quipped. ``But I did talk to [Fredi Gonzalez] and I've been out there watching them play several times. I really enjoy watching them play. They have an outstanding young team and I like watching them.

``They're exciting.''

Sparano said he had a difficult time earlier this week during the the Mets-Marlins series.

''I told [Gonzalez] I was in the tank this week at the end of it,'' joked Sparano, referring to the Mets, which lost two of three games.

INJURY REPORT

Tackle Rueben Riley did not practice because of blisters on his feet.

Rookie tackle Daren Heerspink returned to practice after missing a few sessions because of an injured knee.