Cards notebook: Shipp stoked about shot at returning kickoffs | EastValleyTribune.com
excerpt:
FLAGSTAFF - The release of the Cardinals’ initial depth chart on Monday had Marcel Shipp as the top kick returner, and he is excited about the prospect of remaining in that spot.
“Oh man, I was back there blocking for J.J. (Arrington) last year and now I might be able to get to take a couple back,” Shipp said Tuesday following the team’s practice at Northern Arizona University.
Shipp will get his first chance Saturday in the preseason opener at Oakland.
The depth chart is a bit misleading, though, as both Shipp and Arrington will be back to receive kickoffs, something coach Ken Whisenhunt pointed out.
“When (Shipp) is listed at returner, he and J.J. are both back there,” Whisenhunt said. “Marcel’s been here ... and I think he’s a very good special teams player.
Whisenhunt also noted Shipp’s ability to be a blocker if the ball is not kicked his way.
“That’s something I pride myself in,” Shipp said. “If the ball doesn’t come to me, J.J. can get behind me and get up field.”
And if Arrington has to be the blocker?
“He’ll get in somebody’s way. We watch each other’s back,” Shipp said.