Monday, June 30, 2014

Roster hopeful Hoskins leaning on Dolphins TE Clay

BY SEAN DONOVAN

After playing quarterback in high school, Miami Dolphins undrafted rookie Gator Hoskins was slated to be a safety or linebacker at Marshall University--before playing tight end, fullback and receiver during his four collegiate seasons.

Now fighting for an outside shot to make an NFL roster, the young prospect sees himself in a fellow Dolphins player that, at one time, didn't really have a defined position.

Miami H-back Charles Clay, like Hoskins, was an intriguing physical prospect coming out of college but did not have a prototype skillset. Clay logged time at fullback and tight end before having a break-out performance in the latter role this past season.

“I remember one time I was watching some film on [Clay],” Hoskins said, according to the team's website. “I see the things that he’s done for Miami and I was like, hey, that could be me right there.

“He’s a great player. That’s somebody I’m going to look up to, be in the meeting room, learning as much as I can from him and try to do some of the right things that he does. Just learn from his experience.”

At least to start, Hoskins will be working with Clay and the rest of the Miami tight ends, hoping to make enough of an impression to earn a roster spot.

Like it did for Clay, he feels that his fluency with multiple positions will help him accomplish that goal.

“I like playing a lot of different positions; it just means I’m versatile,” Hoskins said. “The more you can do, the better chance you can make the team and the better chance you can contribute. I’m a football player, so I could play anywhere.”

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