Fenuki Tupou wants to hit someone.
Placed on Injured Reserve following last year's training camp with a chest injury, the second-year guard knows there's going to be an adjustment period when the pads go on and the hitting is live at training camp.
"I bet it's going to feel real foreign that first day of contact," Tupou said. "It's going to feel real great to get back to the grind of things."
A fifth-round pick in 2009 out of Oregon, Tupou made the transition from left tackle to both guard spots last year. At 6-5, 314 pounds, Tupou certainly has the size to play on the inside. It's getting adjusted to the style of play at guard that was the initial challenge.
"It's a whole different game. You don't have time to sit back and think about what (the defender is) going to do. It's right in your face," Tupou said. "You have to be ready at all times. It's way different, a lot more physical. The guys are much bigger. They're quick too."
Since there is no hitting in the OTAs currently taking place at the NovaCare Complex, Tupou has to settle for footwork drills that he's done thousands of times this offseason under the careful tutelage of offensive line coach Juan Castillo.
"We get tired (of the drills), but we can't let him know that. Otherwise, he'll make us do it a 1,000 more times," Tupou said. "Being in that position isn't natural for anybody. The more we do it, the easier it becomes."
After not playing his rookie year, Tupou will be thrust into a heated competition as the Eagles look to solidify what has the potential to be an outstanding offensive line in 2010.
-- Posted by Chris McPherson, 3:55 p.m., May 20
