Panthers Report To Training Camp

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SPARTANBURG, SC — The 2015 pre-season is finally underway.  The Panthers have reported for training camp down in Spartanburg.  WCCB Charlotte’s Kelli Bartik spent the day at Wofford College, and has more on move-in day.

Plenty of excitement as the Panthers checked in for training camp.  First round draft pick Shaq Thompson was one of the first players to arrive, as was Kelvin Benjamin, who, after missing most of OTAs and mini-camp with hamstring injuries, says he’s healthy and looking forward to his second stint in Spartanburg.

“Coming in to do the same thing, not drop a ball, be on everything, be precise with everything I do. My route running, everything. You know, just come back and go even harder than I went last year,” says Benjamin.

For the next few weeks, players will call dorm rooms home.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in one,” says rookie wide receiver Devin Funchess.  “So, you’ve just got to get used to it.  Get used to the little twin beds.”

I’ve got my rug, got my alarm clock, I’ve got my little thing to play some music in the room. Toothbrush, toothpaste and you’re ready to go,” says linebacker Luke Kuechly.

From here on out, the Panthers focus on football.

“There’s something different,” says tight end Greg Olsen.  “When you get down to camp, it’s kind of like the signal to hey, it’s time to put your head down and get to work, and get rolling.  The season will be here before we know it.  So, we’ve got a lot to do, this is kind of the final stage before the real show starts.  And I think guys are ready to get down here and get to work.”

Olsen and his teammates will get to work Friday night when the Panthers hold their first practice of training camp at Gibbs Stadium.  The team’s kickoff party for fans is set for 4:30pm. Players are expected to hit the field at 6.