As an undrafted rookie, Carolina Panthers guard Nash Jensen faced an uphill battle right when he stepped foot in Spartanburg, S.C. this summer. But that didn’t stop him from climbing.
The 24-year-old hog molly—who’s been earning every bit of that title and some first-team reps—was the subject of a new profile by Augusta Stone over at Panthers.com. And Jansen, just like the hog mollies before him, has quickly built up a deep respect for offensive line coach James Campen.
“I love him,” Jensen said, via Stone. “I think he’s the biggest character for an O-line coach I’ve ever had. But I love him. I remember my first talks with him during the draft process. I knew as soon as I talked to him, especially during draft day, that I wanted to come be a Panther and play for him. So I hope I get to stay here for a long time with him.”
To stay with Campen, Jensen could claim one of 53 roster spots by month’s end. And if that’s not the case, he could sign on to the team’s practice squad if he clears waivers following the big 37-man cutdown.
But given Jensen’s summer performance and the league-wide need for offensive line depth, the Panthers may need to give the North Dakota State product a jersey on Aug. 29. Oh, and his attitude is pretty good, too—especially in the midst of a battle at the right guard position.
“Everybody’s trying to win a job, trying to put food on the table for their families,” Jensen said. “I’m here to take somebody’s job. So (I’ve) just got to come out here and compete every day.”
