Kuechly Earns Respect

[Rip Saw]

I was glad to read what Beason had to say about Kuechly - was a bit concerned there might be some unhealthy ( for the teaM ) rivalry going there

SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Despite being a top-10 pick in the most recent NFL draft, Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly continually talks about being a rookie and needing to earn the respect of his fellow linebackers.

He already has it, according to linebacker and team leader Jon Beason.

"He kind of stays in his lane because he's a rookie, but we've opened the door and said, 'Hey, you're one of us,'" Beason said. "We don't treat him like a rookie, and we don't expect him to play like a rookie, either."

The relationship between Beason and Kuechly could have gone the other way. Beason has been the Panthers' starting middle linebacker for all but the first four games of his rookie season in 2007, while Kuechly played in the middle throughout his record-setting college career.

How they'll line up still is to be determined – Beason was in the middle for the first practice of training camp Saturday – but they're already on the same page.

"Jon Beason has been as professional about this as you can be," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. "With people being like, 'Oh, Luke's here to take your place,' Jon has embraced Luke.

"Jon understands that if Luke plays well, he plays well. If James Anderson plays well, he plays well. If Thomas Davis plays well, he plays well. It's a huge plus when you have guys who feel like that about their teammates."

Rivera praised Kuechly's attitude, his aptitude and his athleticism.

Beason took his admiration a step further.

"Right out of the gate, he's adjusted great. I've never seen a rookie linebacker come in and pick it up as fast as he has," Beason said. "He's a pro. He stays late, studies, asks a lot of questions. He's very athletic and has great ball skills.

"He's prototype – fits the bill. He's going to help our defense tremendously, and I like him, too. He's a good kid."

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http://www.panthers....e3-238bff4d7f4e

[Pantherman]

I feel like Luke had their respect the day he was drafted. I understand the guy wanting to earn the respect. But I'm sure from day one when he was drafted. He got the instant respect from this team. Luke is going to be a beast this year. All the luck to this kid this season. The LBer core will be one of the best in the league this year. Can't wait.

[2jakefansinva]

got to love it, baby!

[The_Cannon]

I feel like Luke had their respect the day he was drafted. I understand the guy wanting to earn the respect. But I'm sure from day one when he was drafted. He got the instant respect from this team. Luke is going to be a beast this year. All the luck to this kid this season. The LBer core will be one of the best in the league this year. Can't wait.

I don't think anybody on this team gets instant respect but just like with Cam when you come in and you prove your chops and do you're one of the guys, no questions asked.

[cultclassiccat]

Its like we are a team or something. Crazy

[panthers34]

He was a great draft pick

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I think he knows the game and it's nuances very well. One of those nuances is like any other professional relationship which is being respectful to ones peers. This coupled with his ability makes the other guys respect him and will make him a leader on this team. Suspect he will be one of the most respected guys on the team by the end of the year if things keep going this way. Don't think there will be any problems between him and Beason as everyone knows Beason is a class guy. At the end of the day it's his defense but I think he will welcome the Kuechly and the value he brings.

[Montie_0123]

I can't wait to see what these guys will look like when they all gel and know each other movements on the field.I can tell we are going to have a really good LB core as a long as everyone stays healthy because the chemistry seems to be in the right place.

[PantherPhann89]

And people question Panther's decisions not to draft or sign players who they fell lack the Character they/we want on the team...

[KendrickPanther]

He's getting rave reviews early. I'm interested to see how things go in pads.

[Guest Bwood]

I'm gonna give you guys a little preseason spoiler alert:

Keek's gonna have a lot of defensive TD's.

[Rubi]

Kuechly was the correct draft choice. Top defenseive player in the draft in my opinion. And our defense sucked last year. No brainer.

6'2 245 4.58 27 reps on bench 38 inch vert. Unreal instincts and IQ. Ball skills....

Im happier than a pig in poo now that he's on our team

[cavic7585]

Im still pumped we got this guy.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I'm gonna give you guys a little preseason spoiler alert:

Keek's gonna have a lot of defensive TD's.

Over/Under, 3?