Former Ohio State quarterback Boeckman takes NFL rookie camp one blitz at a time

Michael Johnson, the Bengals’ third-round draft pick, lined up at outside linebacker Friday, May 1, despite playing defensive end at Georgia Tech. AP photo

David Kohl/FRE Michael Johnson, the Bengals’ third-round draft pick, lined up at outside linebacker Friday, May 1, despite playing defensive end at Georgia Tech. AP photo

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By Chick Ludwig, Staff Writer Updated 2:18 AM Saturday, May 2, 2009

CINCINNATI — Todd Boeckman didn’t have time to stop and smell the roses. The Ohio State quarterback from St. Henry High School was too busy adjusting to the terminology and playbook.

“They’re putting plays in left and right and heads are spinning,” he said on the first day of Bengals rookie minicamp. “But it’s fun. There’s always going to be nerves when you first get out there. But once you get in the flow, you feel like you’re more at home.”

Boeckman is sharing snaps with Billy Farris of Colorado State. Neither threw an interception.

“It’s a great indoctrination for them,” offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. “We’re throwing a lot at them. We’re moving along quickly. It’s very challenging for them, and they’re doing a good job with it.”

A bull Elk

Dan Cline, the Western Kentucky star from Centerville, showed a good push at left defensive end.

“It was a great first day with two high-intensity practices,” he said. “The offense was doing a lot of motion with tight end trades, but that’s good for us. It raises the bar, and that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Beautiful catch

Greg Orton, the Purdue wide receiver from Wayne High School, made a diving catch near the sideline in which he was nearly parallel to the ground.

“I’m just trying to learn and still be relaxed out there,” he said.

Talent showcase

Left-footed Kevin Huber, the club’s fifth-round pick, unleashed several strong punts, including two with five-second hang times.

“I feel real good about Kevin, or we wouldn’t have picked him,” head coach Marvin Lewis said. “He put on a show out there.”

Coming to HBO?

The Bengals are in the running to be the next team featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series.

“We have been in discussions with HBO and NFL films, but HBO is in control of the release of which team is going to do it,” Bengals spokesman Jack Brennan said.

Quote machine

“Our draft picks showed a lot of qualities we hoped they had when we picked them. This is a really, really strong class of really good players and we’re expecting a lot out of all these guys.” — Lewis.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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