Capers representing JCSU with Panthers

Another day playing football.

At the Carolina Panthers rookie minicamp, Johnson C. Smith alumnus Avius Capers has the opportunity every athlete dreams of—playing in the NFL.  

“I’m quick [and] physical,” said Capers. “I’ll beat you downfield, and I’m quick in and out of my breaks.”

Capers grew up a Panthers fan, emulating wide receiver Steve Smith. However, like many Charlotte children, he had his sights set on high school idols before the NFL. “Chris Leak, and Independence when they won all of those state championships,” Capers said of his earliest football memories. He played receiver at Independence, where coach Tom Knotts’ offense was pass-heavy.

“With coach Knotts it prepared me a lot, because we ran a pro-style offense—kind of similar to (the Panthers’) number system,” he said. “I’m grasping the concept pretty fast.”

Panthers coach Ron Rivera continually emphasizes the importance of players’ football IQ.

“We want to see where the guys are,” he said. “We want to see whether they retain what they learn this morning and are able to transfer it out onto the practice field. It’s all part of the evaluation process for us.”

With three receiver positions for newcomers to learn, the jump into the professional pond proves more comprehensible for Capers. “You notice some guys right away,” said Rivera. “A lot of the stuff we’re doing is basic fundamental football. You’re looking for the guys that are grasping that very quickly. You’re looking for guys to step up and be leaders [that are] willing to put themselves out there. You do look for guys to show physically to make some plays out here.”  

Carolina’s 2015 second-round draft pick, Devin Funchess, stands at 6-foot-5, whereas Capers is 5-foot-9. The coaches, however, are looking for productivity from everyone.

“We like to see the draft picks do what we hope they’re capable of doing,” said Rivera. “The PFAs (priority free agent) or the undrafted free agents we signed right away we want to see them step up. Hopefully we’ll find about three, four, five other guys that we can add as we go forward. We didn’t sign everybody right away. We kept it like we’ve always done in the last few years—we didn’t sign all 90 players. Now we have an opportunity to bring in extra guys in. Hopefully they’ll come from this group of invited camp participants.”

In 38 games at JCSU, Capers had 136 receptions for 1,554 yards and 13 touchdowns. “These are guys that were invited earlier when we had the local workout,” said Panthers coach Ron Rivera of Charlotte 49ers offensive tackle Daniel Blitch, JCSU defensive end Jovontay Williams, and Capers. “That’s why they were invited back, because they did a nice job at the local workout. They’re doing a good job.” 

JCSU, which has produced 10 NFL players, has not had one since 1993 when receiver Greg Clifton (Washington) and Donnell Johnson (Cincinnati) earned roster spots. Capers and Williams have the opportunity to become the 11th and 12th.

“Everybody at Smith is rooting us on right now,” said Capers. “Not many people make it from there. It’s pretty big.

“It hasn’t hit me yet,” said Capers. “Hopefully I get a contract.”

Also:

JCSU's Williams undrafted but undaunted with NFL opportunity

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