Following the Silver and Black's time on the field Tuesday, T Donald Penn spoke to the local media for the first time this offseason at the team's Alameda, Calif., practice facility.
He spoke about a variety of topics including the addition of C Rodney Hudson to the team this offseason and how much it means to him to be a Raider.
Here are the highlights from his press conference.
Enjoying His Time With Coach Mike Tice
"He's [Coach Tice] a great guy. He keeps it loose, makes sure we work when we need to work. He's a former player so he has a better understanding of guys' bodies and knows when we need the rest. The best part of the room is that he really keeps the room loose and keeps it going."
Leading by Example With Khalif Barnes
Heading into 2015, Penn and T/G Khalif Barnes are the elder statesmen of the offensive line, and now entering his second year in Silver and Black, Penn is more confident taking a leadership role in the meeting room.
"Khalif [Barnes] is the man. He's been here for what, eight years now? I follow his lead, but me being a veteran playing a lot, I do speak up when I need to. We feed off of each other and if we see something, he might see it before me, I might see it before him, but we're doing a good job of policing the room and keeping everybody straight. The good thing is, the young guys are coming in; they're just catching on. They're just following our lead and it's making it easy on us."
Ready to Play Raiders Football
"Physical football team, but smart at the same time. We don't want to be out there hurting ourselves with penalties and stuff, but we're going to be a tough team. I think [Head Coach Jack Del Rio] brings that. Coach Tice brings that too. We have a big, strong offensive line, so we want to impose our will this year."
He's Not Worried About Derek Carr
Second-year quarterback Derek Carr has been unable to fully participate in the team's Organized Team Activities [OTAs] this offseason, but Penn isn't concerned about the status of his starting quarterback.
"I have no concern at all. Derek knows this offense almost as good as the offensive coordinator [Bill Musgrave] and I have no worries in Derek. I know what he can do, and I can't wait to see his growth and how much better he gets going into this next year. I'm really excited."
Rodney Hudson Fits Right In
General Manger Reggie McKenzie made a splash in free agency signing C Rodney Hudson, and Penn says that so far, Hudson is fitting right in with the Raiders.
"He fits right in," Penn said. "He's a jokester just like us. He's going to be big for us in that middle. He's putting us in the right spot. He's great in space. When he gets out there in space he's very athletic. He's a big part of this offensive line and I'm happy to him. He's been a very underrated player."
He's Living the Dream in Silver and Black
Penn grew up rooting for the Raiders, and the fact that he now wears the Silver and Black on Sundays is a dream come true.
"It's great," Penn said. "I love being a Raider and wearing that Black and Silver. I loved my years in Tampa, but if I could have set it the way I wanted, I would have started here. My fairytale ending would be when I retire a Raider, we were winning, going to the playoffs, maybe have a Super Bowl under my belt. That would be a fairytale ending, and everything happens for a reason and I'm happy to be closer to home. I'm happy to be a Raider, and I'm trying to do everything possible to turn this thing around."
