Saints Sideline Blog

HOMETOWN SAINT MAKING GOOD

Thursday, August 25th, 2011      Email Print

DATELINE: OXNARD, CA (Rookie receives unexpected Homecoming)

Its funny how much can change in a matter of a month---just ask Saints rookie linebacker Dwight Roberson. Only a month ago he was training here in his hometown of Oxnard waiting for the NFL to get un-locked. A month later he is back home but now as a member of the black and gold. "It's always been a dream since I was little to be able to be where I am right now, and its really cool to be able to come back home and practice."

The linebacker out of Oregon State has played many a football game, but lately he's endured the waiting game . Dwight waited through a painfully long NFL draft only not to have his name called. Then he had to endure nearly three months to see the lockout lifted and find out which team would sign him as a free agent. Roberson had options but went with the Saints, "I could have gone somewhere else, but this is a winning organization and I wanted to be a part of that." He added " Things have gone really well so far, and I am on board with everything they are doing, I am really excited to be here."

The undrafted rook remains a long shot to make the team but this week the Oxnard native has reason to be even more excited. His family only lives five minutes away from the practice field where the Saints are training. Team officials tell me Roberson leads the team in family members inside the Saints VIP area. Dwight's parents--- Dwight Sr and mom Marie watch practice along with his siblings, nieces, nephews and his grandparents. "My family is really excited about it, and I am hoping a bunch of my friends can come out to watch," Dwight told me this week.To his credit, they sure have.

Its an opportunity both parties are soaking in as Roberson knew he would get a chance to train with an NFL team but never thought it would be for a week in Oxnard. The only teammates who have been to his hometown ironically are former high school teammate and current Saints cornerback Terrall Lambert who was two years ahead of him along with fellow linebacker Scott Shanle who came here back when he was a Cowboy. Back then Roberson was a local star for St Bonaventure High. Dwight may be a rookie but this week he's quite the experienced vet playing the role of tour guide as he helps his Saints teammates navigate their way around their new training camp home.

Dwight may show his teammates a few hot spots and good restaurants around town, but he knows where to find the best meals---Mama Marie's kitchen. While days are full of practices and nights are chock full of meetings, Roberson's mom Marie snuck some home cookin into his room on his off day last Sunday. Just another added bonus for a mother who thought she would have to buy a plane ticket to the Big Easy to see her son but in a strange turn of events---this week things have been "easier" than either one could have possibly imagined.

The Saints rookie can relate to the several fans feel who watch the afternoon practices here in Oxnard. As a kid he was on the other end of things when the Cowboys trained here and he would ask for autographs from the likes of Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith. Back then he dreamed that things would come full circle. This week dreams are coming true for Dwight and the Roberson family who are enjoying a very unexpected week long family reunion---a celebration of a hometown son making good.

AROUND THE CAMPFIRE

INGRAM'S RETURN---Mark Ingram sat out of practice for the second straight day but he and his sore knee will be back at it on Thursday according to Sean Payton who also expects his first round pick to play vs Oakland on Sunday.

MIGHTY MARTEZ---Rookie linebacker Martez Wilson seems to be making the most of the injuries at strongside linebacker. With Will Herring and Clint Ingram nursing injuries---WIlson began practicing with the 1st teamers Wednesday. Payton wants him to play more disciplined football but expects WIlson to get lots of snaps against Oakland Sunday night.

GOOD COMPANY--I asked Alex Brown about the big play ability of Malcolm Jenkins and he gave me a rather unexpected response. The veteran lineman told me Malcolm is one of three "special" players he has ever played with. The others how about All Pro's Jevon Kearse and Brian Urlacher---pretty high praise.

GET ER DONE: Drew Brees says this week has accomplished quite a bit where he admits the team saved many of its installations for Camp California on both sides of the ball. Practices have been longer as a result of the weather and as a result more productive.

NO COMMENT--Despite reports of a possible reduction in the suspension of Will Smith in the never ending Star Caps case---Payton says he still hasn't anything from the league

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT---The Saints support here in California has been outstanding where the west coast version of the Who Dat Nation helped sell out all of the Saints' "Oxnard gear," after the first day here. The national media has also taken notice as national writers have been omnipresent. Wednesday featured SI's Peter King who has joined many other national columnists and Los Angeles media types.

UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors
CST

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

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