Rookie Adam Replogle, an undrafted free agent, has been under the radar so far at Russell Athletic Training Camp, but his solid night last Thursday in the Falcons' first preseason game was a step toward setting himself apart.
The Indiana University defensive tackle has been a quiet force during Russell Athletic Training Camp, but has shown that he can perform when put on the big stage.
The 22-year-old posted 43 snaps on Thursday, which was 58 percent of the night's total defensive snaps. Along with having an impressive night on the field, from an emotional standpoint, the night was just as special.
"It was incredible," he said Monday. "Going out onto the field during introductions, just looking at the crowd cheering, it was awesome."
Replogle set a school record at Indiana by playing in the final 47 games of his college career there. Reliability has proven to be one of the qualities that he brings to the Falcons. "I'm a hard worker. I always give 100 percent effort," he said. "I think that's what I've shown and that's what I'll continue to show."
Replogle draws inspiration from a lot of places as he battles to take one of those precious 53-man roster spots, and one of those things is looking at the athletes around him.
From Matt Ryan to Steven Jackson, Julio Jones to Asante Samuel, Replogle sees the success his teammates have had and it drives him to be better. "Being on an NFL team feels awesome," Replogle said. "It's definitely a dream come true. I think everyone who plays football as a little kid dreams about playing in the NFL."
After getting the experience of playing in his first NFL game and proving his abilities at the same time, the key for Replogle is now to carry that onto this Thursday's game against the Ravens and then to continue that as the preseason moves forward.
"It definitely motivates me. It's an awesome experience," he said. "I just have to go out there and prove myself every day."
