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Rookie looks like more than 5th string
Bengals tailback Dorsey hopes two big preseason outings earn him a job.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
CINCINNATI — Pacing the sideline, Cincinnati Bengals tailback DeDe Dorsey is a bundle of nervous energy.
"There's always the questions, 'Am I ready? Can I play with them?' " he said. "But once you get past all the hype, it's just playing football."
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The undrafted rookie from Lindenwood University (an NAIA school in St. Charles, Mo.) is fifth string on the depth chart behind Rudi Johnson, Kenny Watson, Chris Perry and Quincy Wilson. But his performance in two preseason games is proof the NFL hasn't overwhelmed him.
Dorsey (5-foot-11, 196 pounds) rushed six times for a team-high 68 yards — all in the final 7:21 — of the Bengals' 19-3 victory over Washington. Then he generated 102 all-purpose yards (80 receiving, 22 rushing) in a 44-31 triumph at Buffalo.
"When I'm on the sideline, Jeremi Johnson and Rudi Johnson are talking to me, telling me to just calm down and play my game," said Dorsey, who leads the squad with 90 yards rushing in 12 attempts for a 7.5-yard average. "Those are my veteran mentors. They keep me grounded, keep me sane, keep me ready to go.
"I'm trying to earn a job. Every time you step on the field, you have to prove yourself. It was good to show that first game wasn't a fluke. It was good to show that, yes, I can do it consistently."
On his first carry against the Redskins, Dorsey dashed 46 yards off right tackle. Later, he burst off left tackle for 20 more. In the fourth quarter at Buffalo, he caught a middle screen from Doug Johnson and dashed 59 yards to the Bills' 4.
"I just run away from the bad guys," Dorsey said.
Right guard Bobbie Williams loves watching Dorsey run.
"He's got the wheels, man," Williams said. "He can motor. That's what you want your back to do because it's such a good asset to the team."
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253
or cludwig@daytondailynews.com
