Brandon London has been tossing and turning, restlessly waiting for this week to arrive since early January. The start of training camp, widely looked upon with scorn and intense hesitation, is London's next shot to prove his worth to the Miami Dolphins, and the third-year wide receiver is erupting with excitement.
"I just can't wait to get out there," said London, who was one of the most productive wideouts in UMass history. "Everybody hates training camp, but it's just something that I need right now. I need to get out there and play some football right now because I've been going crazy being away from it."
London had a quiet regular season in 2008, totaling three catches for 30 yards while playing mostly on special teams. But he got his chance during the playoffs and captured the opportunity.
The Dolphins faced a rash of injuries at wide receiver during the regular season, and London was one of just three wideouts who dressed for Miami's wild-card loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Starter Davone Bess injured his thumb early in the game, and London was propelled into the spotlight. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder caught four passes for 38 yards and was one of the Dolphins' most consistent threats during an afternoon when the Ravens suffocated Miami's offensive rhythm.