‘We’re on Track’: Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars Wrap Camp on Strong Note

The Jacksonville Jaguars had their final day of training camp Wednesday, completing their second joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a dominant outing Tuesday. 

And for offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who spoke after the action, the focus was progress throughout camp and looking ahead to a rapidly approaching Week 1.

“When you start off, you know you have so much camp ahead of you and so much time to work on different things, and it can be kind of a grind, but then now you get to this point, and you’re like, man, we got two weeks, less than two weeks before we are preparing to play Cleveland,” Lawrence said. 

With coach Liam Coen opting not to play starters in the first two preseason games, Lawrence’s game action has been somewhat limited, but he’s been able to develop other important parts of his game in practice. 

Aside from his personal growth, Lawrence said he’s improved his connection with receivers throughout training camp. 

His chemistry with Brian Thomas Jr. has made strides, thanks in part to the pair’s constant communication. With Travis Hunter, who spent more time at cornerback, Lawrence said the two continue to chip away at developing their timing and comfortability. 

Aside from Lawrence, Udinski noted other players who took advantage of the opportunity for growth. The running back group started with some of the most ground to make up – having no returning starters – but the frontrunners for the starting spot, Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr., have put in the work. 

“Really (saw) those guys be able to go out and play fast, finally hit their groove and not have to go out there and think about who am I reading, what am I looking at, just go out there and play, play free,” Udinski said. “So that’s been the most exciting part about seeing those guys reach that level of progression.”

However, the two were not the only ones from the running back group to impress Udinski. He also noted Ameer Abdullah’s hard work throughout camp, and how his sustained success in the league is good for the younger guys to see.

One of those players is rookie wide receiver CJ Williams. Among other head-turning performances, Williams had a standout joint practice with the Carolina Panthers and grabbed all four of his targets for 22 yards in Friday’s preseason matchup. 

Udinski said Williams has become comfortable throughout camp, and his understanding of the system and nuances – like how the Jaguars’ receivers communicate – has contributed to his progress. 

“That’s really what’s accelerated the growth,” Udinski said. 

The Jaguars’ progress will be tested for the final time before the regular season in Friday’s preseason matchup against Tampa Bay. 

“I always feel like there’s always something around the corner to stay ready for,” Lawrence said. “That sounds crazy just thinking about it and just realizing how close it is, how far we’ve come, but still how much work we have to do to get ready for Week 1. We’re on track, but we just got to keep plugging away every day.”

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