Spagnuolo Pleased With First Full Day of Rams Camp

Now that day one of camp is in the books, St. Louis Rams head coach Steve Spagnuolo likes what he's seen.

"They gave a good effort," Spagnuolo said Friday at Rams Park in Earth City following the team's first official day of training camp. "It was a quick 85-minute practice. The challenge will be (Saturday) when they go live."

Friday also marked the official start to Spagnuolo's first training camp as a head coach. He admitted to being anxious and excited, which resulted in a restless night's sleep.

"I just think about the next thing, so it's usually at the end of it, that I look back and say that was pretty special," Spagnuolo said. "But, right now, I'm so wrapped up in it."

The Rams had all 80 players in camp Friday, thanks to the late Thursday signing of Jason Smith. The Rams first-round draft choice, and second overall pick in April's draft, inked a six-year deal that will pay him nearly $62 million, with $33 million guaranteed.

"It was great to have them all here," Spagnuolo said, giving kudos to general manager Billy Devaney for getting the deal done.

Smith was also relieved, saying that getting to camp on time was a priority.

"I was just sitting by the phone waiting for them to say, 'Hey, come over,'" Smith said. "I was happy with the way things got done, and I could be here with the team."

Smith said he had fun during his first official NFL practice.

"It was exciting," the 6-foot-5, 306-pound tackle from Baylor said. "I had an opportunity to be around the offensive linemen, the team, get out here in this sunny weather and play a little football."

Spagnuolo said he liked what he saw from the big rookie.

"I saw some of them skill guys running around, and it was hard to see the big men," Spagnuolo said. "In the couple of peeks I took at him, I was pleased."

Aside from Smith, the news of the day was the crisp execution of the receivers.

"I thought they stood out and did some real good things," Spagnuolo said. "Brooks Foster made a big catch, and I saw some other catching the football. We've got a long way to go, but we've got our eye on every position."

Veteran receiver Ronald Curry caught Spagnuolo's eye catching punts as the competition for a return man kicked into full swing. Free agent acquisition Tim Carter also impressed the coaching staff. The young receiving corps caught everything thrown their way, which added to the coaching staff's optimism.

"If they're catching the ball, their hands are OK," Spagnuolo said. "We'll worry more when they drop them."

Pro Bowl running back Steven Jackson said he's excited by what he saw from the first day of practice.

"We were really smooth, and the transition from OTAs was good," Jackson said. "There weren't a lot of mental mistakes. There's definitely a different feel. We're looking forward to the season, and what we can do."

The first official day of camp was injury-free, with the exception of guard John Greco, who sat out practice after cramping during the morning run. He is expected to fully participate in Saturday, which will be the first day of two-a-days. The Rams will be in full pads for Saturday morning's practice, but practice in helmets and shoulder pads in the afternoon.