Jay Fiedler '94 started his quest to become a National Football League quarterback yesterday as the Philadelphia Eagles opened their 1994 rookie camp in West Chester, Pa.
Fiedler, who signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in late April, is battling second-year pro Preston Jones for the third-string quarterback position.
If Fiedler makes the team, he will backup Randall Cunningham and Bubby Brister.
In an interview from his home in Oceanside, N.Y., Fiedler said he was "anxious and excited" to start training camp.
"I've been down there a couple of times, so I know what to expect," he said. "I'm ready to get things started with all the veterans."
Fiedler previously attended a mini-camp in late April and a rookie camp in early June. He said he was surprised that the players were not significantly better than the ones he played against at Dartmouth.
"I definitely think I went into those camps expecting a little bit more than I actually saw," he said. "You always think the step up is so drastic -- when it comes down to it, it's just a game of football."
After going to the previous camps, Fiedler said he thinks he has a "very good" chance of making the team.
"They wouldn't have brought me here if they didn't think I could make it," he said.
"I think I just have to show the coaching staff that I can go out there and compete, and play in a game situation at this level," he said.
Eagles Spokesman Mike Gilbert said Fiedler "will get a good look and some playing time" during training camp.
If Fiedler makes the team, he will make $108,000 this year, and $135,000 next year. The contract is not guaranteed. If Fiedler is cut, he does not receive any money beyond his $5,000 signing bonus.
Although Fiedler is squaring off against Jones for the third-string spot, he claims there is no animosity between the two.
"You know it's a little different than college," he said. "We're competing for our livelihood right now," he said. "On the field and off the field we don't hold any grudges. We know there's nothing we can do against the other person, so we go out and play."
The Eagles' first preseason game is on August 5 against the Chicago Bears, and Fielder said the coaches told him he will get some playing time in that game.
The Eagles will trim their roster to 60 players on August 23, and make final cuts to get down to 53 players on August 28th, a spokesman at the Eagles main office said.
Gilbert said the decision on the third quarterback will be made toward the end of training camp.
He said the Eagles had Fiedler tabbed as a top prospect during the NFL draft, and quickly moved to sign him after Fiedler slipped through the draft.
"He's someone who is going into camp and compete," Gilbert said.
Gilbert said the Eagles like Fiedler's "strong arm and his presence and what he has accomplished at college. He had the numbers and statistics in a competitive league."
"He also has intelligence, brains or smarts," Gilbert continued. "He is able to read defenses and make a decision."
Gilbert said if Fiedler does not make the 53-man final roster, he could still make the 5-man developmental squad.
Fiedler said he was not sure exactly what to expect from training camp. He said the team will probably have two practices each day for the next two weeks. Veterans report to camp on July 24.
Gilbert said Tuesday was mostly an administrative day, when the Eagles set up camp and players checked in. Fiedler will be staying in a dormitory.
While at Dartmouth, Fiedler obliterated almost every Dartmouth passing record. He led the Big Green to two Ivy League titles and a second-place finish in his three years as a starter and was named Ivy League Player of the Year his junior year.
