Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, July 31, 1990 TAG: 9007310401
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: CARLISLE, PA. LENGTH: Medium
Don't get the wrong idea about the Washington Redskins' rookie defensive tackle, however.
"No, I don't have any tattoos," Wells said, smiling, when asked Wells if he shared one of the trademarks of Gastineau's much-publicized posterior.
"I liked him because he was an enthusiastic player. I didn't like the way he talked and got in trouble. But he always played 100 percent, and that's the way I like to play football."
If Wells is emulating the former NFL defensive end's drive, he's also doing some other things to impress Washington coach Joe Gibbs and defensive line coach Lavern "Torgy" Torgeson.
When the Redskins held their first full-squad workout Monday at Dickinson College, Wells was the only rookie running with the first unit. The sixth-round draft pick from Nebraska not only has been solid in drills, he's also in the right place at the right time.
With tackle Darryl Grant and end Markus Koch holdout no-shows and Dexter Manley gone on NFL substance-abuse suspension, Washington is in need of more than defensive-line depth.
When the 'Skins ran a few plays from scrimmage Monday, Wells was up front with ends Charles Mann and Fred Stokes and tackle Tracy Rocker.
"He has work to do on technique, like all guys coming out of college do, but Wells is aggressive off the ball, and he does what you tell him," Torgeson said. "He's solid, and he can be like a rock in there eventually. And I think he can be a good penetrator on the pass rush.
"I saw him and worked him out at Nebraska. We knew he'd be strong. I don't think he's a surprise at all. A thought then he had a good chance to make it, and he has even more of a chance now. He's improved a lot in just one week [of rookie workouts]."
Wells, a 6-foot-4, 295-pounder, said he isn't concerned about the absent competition.
"I'm playing for myself in this situation. It's enough just getting your feet wet," he said. "Strength isn't enough here. You can't just push people around.
"In college, I could get away with just using power. Now, I have to use my feet, too. I know one thing, my legs are a hell of a lot more tired today than they have been."
The Redskins have chosen well in the sixth round in recent years. Before Wells, that round yielded quarterbacks Mark Rypien and Stan Humphries, offensive tackle Ed Simmons and cornerback A.J. Johnson.
After Wells was picked in the sixth round - 160th overall in the April draft - one scouting service labeled him "possibly a factor a few years hence."
The first five rounds of the NFL draft were held in one day, one of anticipatory disappointment for the All-Big Eight lineman.
"I was a little down, but I knew I'd get a chance somewhere," he said. "It doesn't matter so much where you're drafted, it's how you play and where you fit.
"People had questions about my pass rush, I know. In the Big Eight, you don't play a lot of passing teams. I understand the situation. I'm working on my pass rush, and it's coming around. I'll be all right."
He has been more than all right in the Redskins' eyes. Wells and Washington's top pick, second-round linebacker Andre Collins, have been the most impressive rookies in camp.
"I got a good background at Nebraska," Wells said. "It's a good program, but this is very different. In college football, you work on things for longer periods of time.
"Here, they tell you something once or twice, and they expect you to do it. There's a lot less individual time with each player here. You're supposed to know what you're doing."
\ NOTES: Offensive guard Mark May, who went out with a season-ending injury to his right knee in Week 9 last year, needs arthroscopic surgery. Gibbs said May will have the surgery Wednesday to clear roughage that has developed since the last surgery. He is not expected back until at least mid-season. Gibbs said tackle Joe Jacoby, also returning from major surgery on his left knee, may begin workouts next week. . . . The Redskins signed wide receiver Chris Armstrong, who played collegiately at Fayetteville (N.C.) State. The organization liked what it saw in Armstrong when he played this season for the Washington Commandos in the Arena Football League. To make room for Armstrong, the Redskins put wideout Charles Lockett (pulled leg muscle) on waivers/injured reserve. If Lockett is not claimed by another club, he will be on injured reserve all year... Free safety Todd Bowles showed up to sign his contract.
by CNB