Nash Jensen drawing praise early in Carolina Panthers training camp- "He's Flashed"

FARGO — Former North Dakota State offensive lineman Nash Jensen has drawn favorable reviews for his performance early in Carolina Panthers training camp.

The undrafted NFL rookie free agent has earned some reps with the first-team offense, while right guard Austin Corbett recovers from a knee injury.

“He’s flashed, he’s been consistent, like what he’s been doing," Carolina head coach Frank Reich said in a video posted on Panthers.com. "Nash has looked good.”

The 6-foot-4, 328-pound Jensen also drew high praise from Corbett, who has been sidelined due to an knee injury he suffered in the final game of last season.

“Coming from North Dakota State, right, a small school, what are these guys capable of, what talent level are they playing?" Corbett said Sunday. "Every single time he’s in there, he’s just dominating. He’s doing fantastic.”

Corbett — who played college football at Nevada — started all 17 games for the Panthers last season and has made 58 starts in his NFL career. Corbett has also played for the Cleveland Browns and was a Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams for the 2021 season.

Jensen, from Maple Grove, Minn., played in what is believed to be an NCAA all-divisions football record 70 games during his NDSU career. The Bison won four Division I FCS national championships during Jensen's time in Fargo.

“Coming from that school, you know he’s played in high-level games," Corbett said. "They’re playing for national championships, too, so he’s played at those high-level games, those meaningful moments. The moment is not too big out here for him.”

Last season, Jensen played left guard for the Bison next to left tackle Cody Mauch, who is now a rookie with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mauch was a second-round selection in the NFL Draft last spring. Mauch also played multiple seasons at NDSU with Cincinnati Bengals guard Cordell Volson, who is entering his second NFL season.

Jensen was recently featured in a story on the Carolina Panthers website . He raved about playing for Panthers offensive line coach James Campen.

"I love him," Jensen told Augusta Stone at Panthers.com. "I think he's the biggest character for an O-line coach I've ever had. But I love him. I remember my first talks with him during the draft process. I knew as soon as I talked to him, especially during draft day, that I wanted to come be a Panther and play for him. So I hope I get to stay here for a long time with him."

Corbett said Jensen has made the most of his opportunities.

“Every time he gets in there, whatever rotation it is for the day, he’s stepped up there and constantly getting his job done," Corbett said.

Jensen is competing to earn a roster spot for the Panthers, who drafted rookie quarterback Bryce Young — who played at Alabama — at No. 1 overall in last spring's NFL Draft.

Corbett likes what he's seen so far from Jensen.

“He moves well," Corbett said. "He’s a strong kid and he’s smart. He understands the game.”

By Eric Peterson

August 06, 2023 at 1:46 PM

https://www.inforum.com/sports/bison-media-zone/mens-sports/former-bison-ol-nash-jensen-drawing-praise-early-in-car