D-tackle Phillips fighting for Marauders everywhere

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 1:40 AM Sunday, May 3, 2009

As a tryout player, Pernell Phillips is at the bottom of the Bengals’ barrel. But he’s battling his way up.

The 6-foot, 311-pound defensive tackle from Central State isn’t just playing for himself.

“I’m just trying to show I’m good enough for the NFL,” Phillips said. “It’s a blessing to be here. It takes leverage, size, strength and a little bit of speed.

“If I can make the team, it will help put Central State back on the map. Hopefully, I will open a lot of doors for other Marauders who are up and coming.”

Wrecking ball

Fullback Chris Pressley can hardly wait until training camp. That’s when the shoulder pads come on and the 5-11, 257-pound former Wisconsin star can make his presence felt.

“Being a thumper, man, it’s your job to open up the holes for the running back behind you,” Pressley said. “They’re counting on you. This is an opportunity. You can’t just be hungry. You’ve got to be starving.”

Weighty issue

Center Jonathan Luigs weighs 310 pounds and is looking for more.

“Maybe I’ll get a little bit heavier,” he said. “The 3-4 nose guards (in the AFC North) are pretty big. So I’ll see what the coaches and strength staff have in store for me.”

Staying true

Cornerback Eric Thatcher, a former University of Pittsburgh star from Cincinnati Moeller High School, stayed true to the Bengals during his college career.

“I always walked around saying, ‘Who Dey,’ and I’d wear my Bengals jersey,” Thatcher said. “I stay with my Bengals through thick and thin. I always let ’em know I’m a Bengals fan.”

Quick hitters

• Cornerback Morgan Trent, heeding defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer’s advice to get more physical at the line of scrimmage, jumped a route and made a leaping interception in the morning workout. A foot injury sidelined him in the afternoon.

• Quan Cosby (Texas) and Tom Nelson (Illinois State) are sharing punt return duties, an area that needs improvement.

• Northern Colorado tight end Ryan Chesla voluntarily exited camp and headed home, further proof the NFL isn’t for everybody.

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