Finally some good news about our receiving core. Charles Robinson, a writer for yahoo sports, just wrote an article after observing Dwayne Jarrett in training camp and talking to some coaches. The full text can be read here...

Jarrett Finally Grasping Panthers Tough Love

via l.yimg.com

"He’s better – the players see it and I see it," Panthers head coach John Fox said. "We haven’t played a game in six months, but he’s way further ahead right now than he was this time last year."

There is some pretty high praise from Fox, and now we can look forward to him getting more work and PT with the 1st team while Smitty is out resting his shoulder.

"Without a doubt, I think Dwayne is [ready to step up]," Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme(notes) said. "What he’s done this camp is a big jump. Certainly from year one to two, two to three, I think Dwayne’s the one [who could have an impact]."

Maybe that means that Jake might actually look through his progressions and find Jarrett once in awhile.

"For a young guy to come in, and you see that guy’s not working as hard as you work in practice, it’s like a smack in the face or like you’re not respecting the game," Jarrett said. "I completely understand now where Steve was coming from."

He’s also seeing the difference that comes with preparation. After managing only 10 catches in his second season, teammates say Jarrett has looked far more comfortable in practice, his weight is where it needs to be and he has begun to seize on his natural talent. Delhomme no longer has to worry whether he’s lined up in the right place, and Fox rarely has to jump on him for floating on plays.

Muhammad said the difference has been Jarrett realizing that the NFL is a league in the middle – with the majority of players having similar skill and talent levels. Nuance and hard work are the difference between being great, average or falling out of the league altogether.

Well, he is saying all the right things. I can't wait to see if it turns into meaningful play on the field. What do you think? Will Jarrett hit that magical 3rd season and prosper? Or will he burn out like other USC wide receivers before him like Mike Williams?