The Philadelphia Eagles have given Wendell Smallwood plenty of opportunities to shine this training camp.

Pressure was on Smallwood to perform Tuesday, with Corey Clement performing well during the live-hitting in 11-on-11 drills. Not to mention LeGarrette Blount and Donnel Pumphrey were absent from practice.

Smallwood responded in a big way as the Eagles feature back, catching a pass out of the backfield and taking the ball for a first down on his first touch. Later in the practice, he took a counter for a first down than followed that carry with a touchdown run (17 yards according to CSN Philly).

After an injury-prone rookie season, Smallwood looked much more conditioned and leaner than before. The results showed during Tuesday's practice.

"I know what to expect now, and (it's important) to know what to expect heading into something and know what’s required and what you need to focus on," Smallwood said. "I felt conditioning was my No. 1 focus, and just staying in football shape and not slacking off."

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Smallwood's roster spot was up for grabs when the Eagles signed Clement after the draft. That was his wake-up call.

Also helps he has a year of NFL football under his belt.

“I think I’m more mentally there, more focused, more prepared," Smallwood said. "Things aren’t surprising me. I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out. but I think I know more about what’s required of me.

"I think it manifests a lot (on the field). Knowing where to focus at, knowing when I’m tired I have to pick it up, knowing when I have to dig deep and knowing what I’m expected to do and then trying to go further than that."

Smallwood's teammates have taken notice of his performance during the live-tackling session. He has maintained the same physical style of running the Eagles fell in love with when they selected him in the fifth round of the 2016 draft.

"He runs hard, man," said Jason Peters. "Smallwood, he’s a good back. He can get up between the tackle and the guard and get some powerful runs and he can also get out on the edge and make plays."

"He's more comfortable now," said Darren Sproles. "He knows the offense much better, and when you know the offense, you can just go out there and make plays instead of thinking about it, and that's what he did today."

To follow Eagles reporter Jeff Kerr on Twitter: @JeffKerr247



