Adam Weber has impressed former roommate Eric Decker this summer with his preparation for the upcoming season.
“He’s hungry this year,” Decker said of the Gophers senior quarterback. “I can see it …in his work ethic and his eyes, that he really wants it this year. I was down in his room and he’s got some good goals set in mind as far as how he wants to lead this team, how he wants to go out as a Golden Gopher. …He’s gonna get what he deserves.”
Decker, who was Weber’s favorite receiver in past seasons before being drafted last spring by Denver, believes that Weber is determined to work through adversity to be successful. Last season the school-record setting quarterback struggled along with the rest of the offense.
Weber found himself playing in a new offense for a new coordinator. His offensive line and receivers faltered more often than anyone in Dinkytown wanted. “He’s got a lot of criticism but he keeps his head up and he’s got a good head on his shoulders,” Decker said. “You want to be friends with him, you want to follow him because he does things the right way. …I think it will work out for him this year.”
Decker made a reputation at Minnesota for not only being a sure-handed wide receiver but also having an exemplary attitude. That attitude was part of what attracted Denver to draft him on the third round. It appears that sooner or later Denver is looking for leadership from players like Decker and rookie quarterback Tim Tebow, guys who will be warriors on the field, role models off.
“My teammates so far realize they love the game,” Decker said. “They’re giving all they’ve got on the field, and then off the field they’re just down to earth simple people that give back and do the right thing.”
Decker said he’s physically recovered now from the left foot injury that made him miss five games in 2009. He and other Denver players are scheduled to start practice next week.