With the NFL season kicking off recently, training camp has been underway for all 32 NFL teams for a few weeks now. This is the time of year when many fringe NFL players get a chance to prove their worth to a team.

Former Temple tight end Chris Myarick signed as an undrafted free agent with the Miami Dolphins and has been with them all training camp. He recently played in their week one matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Chris has been local his whole career as he played high school football at Cheltenham. I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris and talk about his NFL experience and how it differs from the average player.

Jack:

So obviously having played in the Philadelphia area your whole life, what was that move like to Miami, and how has training camp been so far?

Chris:

It was really my first time this far away from home, so it was hard at first. It’s easy to see why guys going far away for college struggle sometimes, and it makes me even more grateful to have the opportunity I had to play at Temple. But I love the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area, and I’ve gotten used to being away. Training camp so far has gone well; just really trying improve every day and take as much coaching as I can.

Temple TE Chris Myarick going long #TempleProDay pic.twitter.com/QrBera4egd — WHIP Sports (@WHIP_Sports) March 18, 2019

Jack:

So the Dolphins recently hired a new head coach in Brian Flores, what kind of coach is he and what is he like?

Chris:

He’s very transparent in what he wants and expects from the team, which is what I like from a coach. I wouldn’t call him a super “ra ra” style coach, but he is effective in getting his points across. His goal for all of us is to be a smart, disciplined, tough, and well-conditioned team. That comes from practicing hard and improving our fundamentals and technique every time we step on the field.

Jack:

So we talked about the move a bit, can you tell me what the transition was like football wise from Temple to the NFL?

Chris:

There’s always a transition when you change teams when it comes to the playbook, language, and technique the coaches use, and I think it’s important to be able to adapt quickly to have success at the next level. You never know if you may change teams in the near future and have to learn an entire new playbook and techniques, so being able to adapt is key. There is also a difference in the talent level in the NFL coming from college, but being able to accept coaching and follow instructions is also very important. You won’t be able to “out-talent” everyone.

Jack:

So while you did make a NFL team, you were an undrafted free agent, or a UDFA. That must’ve been a very nerve-wracking process. How did it all go down for you?

Chris:

Well I’ve made a training camp roster thus far; the ultimate goal is to make the 53 man roster. But the whole draft process was exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. My agent was confident I would be on a team by the end of the draft weekend, and he was right. I got a call from him and the Dolphins shortly after the draft ended on that Saturday, so I wasn’t waiting on edge for too long, which was nice.

Jack:

Has there been anything that’s been told to you, in college or the pros, that’s stuck with you a lot, football wise?

Chris:

One thing that Coach Collins used to say at Temple and something that I’ve also heard coaches say at the NFL level is “How you do anything is how you do everything.” Meaning everything matters. How you handle yourself off the field will have an effect on your performance on the field.

Jack:

What would you say are the main differences between college and pro camps?

Chris:

The sense of urgency in pro camp is higher because guys are competing for jobs. There are also guys in the pros who have been playing a long time, so it was a little strange having teammates in their 30s at first. Also in the pros, we have preseason games in the middle of training camp. In college, you have your 3-4 weeks of training with some inter-squad scrimmages sprinkled in, but you don’t play a real game until camp is over.

Jack:

So I saw you played Atlanta on Thursday, what was that first taste of NFL action like?

Chris:

It was very exciting and nerve-wracking at first. Once I got my first snap, I felt a little more settled. But the speed of the game is faster than college, but I think it will slow down for me with more experience and studying.

Jack:

Have you formed any close friendships with any of your teammates so far? If so, who?

Chris:

Yes, I’d say all of the tight ends in the room have a pretty close bond. We all get along well and learn from each other. Also, the rookie class spent a lot of time together during OTAs, so we definitely have close bonds.

Jack:

Who do you thank the most for where you are today?

Chris:

I’d say my parents and coaches. My parents because of the endless support they’ve provided me for countless years. My coaches on all levels for believing in me and giving me an opportunity to showcase what I can do.

You can find Chris on Instagram and Twitter at @cmyarick