The speed of the game is always the biggest adjustment rookies talk about when advancing from college football to the NFL.
But as Redskins tight end Ted Bolser pointed out, there's more than just an increase in physical speed that an NFL rookie must take into account.
Bolser – who was taken by the Redskins in the seventh round (217th-overall pick) of the 2014 NFL Draft – said his brain got just as much of a workout as his upper and lower body did at last week's rookie minicamp.
In recent years, the Redskins have utilized their tight ends – Niles Paul and Chris Cooley among them – as fullbacks in some formations, and Bolser said the team has begun that process with him, as well.
"It seems like a lot of plays," Bolser, an Indiana University product, told Redskins.com. "It's different learning a new offense and knowing the fullback and the Y (receiver) and everything."
Bolser said various rounds of meetings, walk-throughs and practices during rookie minicamp opened up a new world of football to him.
"There's tons of formations and tons of plays, and you're just soaking it all in and trying to do the best you can," he said.
With the No. 217 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Ted Bolser of Indiana. Here's a gallery of his collegiate career.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Bolser's versatility as a tight end was one of the key reasons why the team picked him up in the draft.
Adjusting to the professional game, Gruden said, shouldn't be much of a problem for Bolser, who exited Indiana as the Hoosiers' all-time leader in receptions (117), receiving yards (1,337) and touchdowns (15) by a tight end.
"He is a solid tight end – got good hands," Gruden said. "He's played outside, he's played fullback, he has played tight end in the core … So I like his position flexibility, being able (to) move around."
After hours of meetings at rookie minicamp, Bolser said he was happy to just throw on the helmet and run free at practice, working with tight ends coach Wes Phillips on a variety of individual drills.
"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time, and I'm so excited and amped," he said. "I had to get the butterflies out at first, but once I did, it all just felt smooth."
Bolser said getting the chance to play in the NFL with the Redskins has been "amazing."
"I'm very lucky to be in the position that I am," he said. "You know, it happened real fast, and I couldn't be happier where I ended up."
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