Two Charlotte kids are trying to make the Carolina Panthers offense.

 
Receiver Avius Capers and running back Jalen "Scoot" Simmons have to compete in order to join an offense that led the NFL in scoring last year. With a franchise record of 500 points and playmakers like backs Jonathan Stewart and Mike Tolbert and a receiving corps that includes Devin Funchess, Ted Ginn and a now healthy Kelvin Benjamin, the odds couldn’t be longer, but plenty can happen before September.

“Our receiving corps is probably one of the bigger questions for us in terms of who is going to make it,” coach Ron Rivera said after Friday’s soggy Fan Fest at Bank of America Stadium. “We know who the first three, four, five guys are, but the five, six, seven guys, that’s going to be the big question. Again, practicing in this type of weather and seeing how you handle it is going to be something that we as coaches are going to look at.”

Said Simmons of potentially making the 53-man roster: “It would mean a lot. I could finally say I made it, but right now, I’m not thinking that way. I’m just going to do what I can do, and whatever happens after that is out of my control.”

Capers was on the 2015 preseason roster, but was cut early. However, the experience prepared him for his second opportunity as well as share with Simmons what to expect.

“Last year I watched Avius go through it, and the Panthers bringing him back was a big plus, because I called him and asked him for advice (like) ‘what should I expect?’” Simmons said. “Just having him along is a big plus for me. He told me to ‘just keep plugging and take advantage of the opportunity. Don’t take a day for granted. Just stay after it.’”

Said Capers: “I’ve been telling him to be patient and wait until his time comes, because you can be on the sideline for a long time, but when they call your number, you have to be ready.”

A year apart, Capers went to Independence High, and Simmons West Charlotte High.

Capers played college ball in Charlotte at Johnson C. Smith, where he played in 38 games with 136 receptions for 1,553 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“I would tell younger me that I have to be patient,” Capers said. “I have to work harder.”

A S.C. State alumnus, Simmons rushed for 2,626 yards and 20 touchdowns on 555 carries during his college career.

“I would tell younger me to stay to the grind,” Simmons said. “First, get your degree, and whatever happens after that is out of your control, but stick with your part first, which is school. Whatever happens on the football field, just take full advantage of the opportunity. I’m just trying to keep grinding, keep staying after it and keep on plugging in. I want to work on picking up on the plays—knowing the playbook in and out.”

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