If you took a look at the practice notes on PhiladelphiaEagles.com or any other website (preferably this one, though), you would see a wide variety of thoughts and observations from Eagles Training Camp.
But if there has been one observation that has been consistent throughout camp, it is that wide receiver John Hightower has a lot of ability. From his speed to his hands to his route running, Hightower has forced people to turn their heads in his direction on numerous occasions.
As a result, everyone has got something to say about the rookie out of Boise State. Even Head Coach Doug Pederson talked about him (along with fellow rookie Quez Watkins) when talking about camp's young standouts back on August 20.
Everybody is doing a lot of talking. Everybody except Hightower himself. That is because Hightower doesn't seem to say a whole lot, at least not to reporters.
When he does speak, his answers are brief and to the point, but they are also accompanied with a smile. Even after what Hightower has done in camp, he hasn't had to say much verbally. What he has put on film speaks for itself.
Without seeing Hightower in real game action via the preseason, it is OK to remain cautiously optimistic, but after he admittedly struggled to adjust to the speed of camp early on, Hightower told reporters Tuesday that he has found a level of comfort within the Eagles' offense.
"I feel like I'm adjusting to the game speed pretty well," he said. "Just knowing the plays. Not still learning them, but actually knowing what I got has helped me a lot."
The next adjustment is getting used to game speed in the NFL, which Hightower will experience for the first time at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, which he estimated was merely a seven-minute walk from where he grew up.
Due to the pandemic, Hightower will not have the pressure of performing in front of his entire family, but he could possibly have the pressure of being called upon contribute right away. With fellow rookie Jalen Reagor expected to miss some time due to injury, and no timetable for Alshon Jeffrey to return from injury, Hightower could be thrust into an expanded role much sooner than expected when he was taken in the fifth round of April's draft.
But Hightower does not seem to be worried. Wherever the Eagles need him to contribute, he intends on keeping the constant chatter about him alive and well.
"The key is to just go out and have fun and not let the pressure get to you," Hightower said. "I'm having fun. Day by day. I'm just going out there and playing football and listening to my coaches."
