“Scary,” Hayes said. “It’s scary how fast and explosive he is right now. I think he has the confidence that he has his legs under him. He feels like he did.”
Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who challenged Atkins publicly and privately after last season, agrees and believes Atkins is primed ‘for a big year.”
“He looks as good as any guy we’ve got on our team. On the defensive side at least,” Guenther said. “He’s real explosive. He looks strong. He looks as good as he’s ever had. I’m proud of the way he’s come back. He gives us a huge boost.