Ramses Barden, 08.06.09

Q. What has camp been like so far for you? People are starting to really talk a lot about you.

A. Well, my goal here in training camp is to earn the respect of my teammates. I’m trying to show them that I’m here to work, that I truly love this game, and that I want to be a part of this team. I’m just trying to work hard out there, whatever comes after that is really out of my control.

Q. You wore number eleven in college. Were you a little disappointed when you heard that No. 11 was unavailable here?

A. It did get at me a little bit. I didn’t know it was unavailable until I did my research, now 13 will just be my new favorite number.

Q. Have you had a hard time adjusting to the NFL?

A. Anybody who comes into the NFL, regardless of the school and the division, is going to have to go through a tremendous adjustment period. It’s different both on and off the field. The speed of game is different and going from meeting…just being a professional and doing this 24 hours a day. In college, you get a chance to go home and relax and just hang out, but now even when I go back to my dorm, it’s still football, I am going over playbook. The whole process is just very different.

Q. Has there been one particular guy that you’ve gone to for help?

A. Well, we’ve got a tremendous unit, we’re all kind of helping each other out. There’s so many people who are out there willing to help, whether it’s about a play or about camp life, everyone has been very helpful.

Q. Do you mind the comparisons to Plaxico Burress?

A. I try not to think about it too much. I have to do what I can do to the best of my abilities. He really is a tremendous player, but I have a lot to learn in this game, and I’ve got a long ways to go before I can be the best player I can be.

Q. Do you see the similarities though?

A. Physically? Sure.