Panthers HC Dave Canales talks about Xavier Legette’s progress

He probably already knows this, but Carolina Panthers rookie wideout Xavier Legette has to earn his keep.

Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters after Thursday’s installment of training camp, where his first-round receiver made one heck of a leaping grab against cornerback Dane Jackson during one-on-one drills. He was asked about Legette’s day as a whole.

“I think he’s got a real great opportunity to go against one of the best corners in the NFL in Jaycee Horn,” Canales said. “What a great matchup. To see those two go one-on-one.

“They didn’t get very many shots today. But yesterday, Xavier had two opportunities against a great corner and he kinda learned some guys you’re just not gonna be able to bully and get open. You’re gonna have to use your skill set, your footwork, your finesse, the stems in the routes.”

Legette was a bit hard on himself following Wednesday’s opening outing of camp. The 23-year-old told media members that he “ started slow ,” and had to zero in on his attention to detail moving forward.

Perhaps some of that approach came as a result of his hamstring injury earlier this offseason, a setback that sidelined him for much of organized team activities and mandatory minicamp. Canales was asked if that injury has put the rook behind in reps.

“Yeah, not really behind, I guess,” Canales replied. “It’s just a matter of I would love for the guys on our team to earn their place, to earn those valuable reps. And he’s getting a lot of work.

“There’s a measure for all the young guys—show us. Show us you’re working hard. Show us you’re doing all the things the right way so that we can go in with full confidence and trust. So it’s not a knock on him for not doing those things. It’s like, keep showing us who you are and showing us what you wanna do.”

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