Former Eagles defensive lineman Brandon Whiting, who worked as a minority coaching intern at the team's training camp last summer, said he was proud of what the Eagles accomplished in 2009.

While discussing his career for an alumni feature in the upcoming *Eagles Insider Magazine*, Whiting offered his take on the current team.

"At training camp, it was really eye-opening to see how young the team really was, especially on the offensive side of the ball with all those young guns over there," said Whiting. "It's tough. "It reminded me more of the early years when (head coach) Andy (Reid) was first here when we had the young teams."

Whiting, who played end and tackle for Philadelphia from 1998 to 2003, was part of a defense that included Hugh Douglas, Corey Simon, Troy Vincent, Bobby Taylor and Brian Dawkins. The offense, at the time, featured a young Donovan McNabb along with guys like Duce Staley, Chad Lewis, James Thrash and Todd Pinkston.

Much like those teams, Whiting believes there is a tremendous upside for this latest group of Eagles.

"Those guys will grow and become a nice, cohesive unit together," Whiting said. "They have big things to come."

One player Whiting has had his eye on is DeSean Jackson, who when to the same high school (Long Beach Poly) and college (California) as Whiting.

"I don't know DeSean, but I've been able to watch him," Whiting said. "He's fantastic. He's one of those guys that any time he gets the ball he can score from any place on the field. He's probably one of the most exciting guys in the NFL right now.

"Being from my high school and my college, I wish him the best. I'm glad that he's doing well."

-- Posted by Bob Kent, 10:10 a.m., January 14, 2009