SAN DIEGO -- Melvin Ingram zipped past Melvin Gordon, his cleats kicking up clumps of grass blades.
But of course these are noncontact affairs during organized team activities (OTAs). So all the energetic San Diego Chargers outside linebacker could do is tag the rookie running back, indicating the runner was down.
However, in a couple months when the Chargers put their pads on during training camp, that will all change. And Ingram is ready.
“It’s coming soon though,” said a smiling Ingram, when asked whether he’s ready to hit somebody.
This is a big year for Ingram. A first-round selection in the 2012 draft, Ingram has shown flashes of dominance, but has yet to put it all together for a full season.
He’s missed 19 out of a possible 48 games during his three-year career in San Diego. He missed 12 games in 2013 due to a torn ACL in his left knee suffered in the offseason. He missed another seven games last year because of a hip injury that did not require surgery.
To help avoid injuries, Ingram lost 20 pounds while training in Miami during the offseason, reporting to Chargers Park at a chiseled 246 pounds. Ingram said he dropped weight in order to take pressure off of his knees and joints.
“I just wanted to do it for myself,” he said. “Just to lose a couple more pounds to be quicker, less stress on my knees -- I just want to have my body in the best shape possible.”
Ingram lost weight the traditional way, by eating less and working out more. He hired a personal chef in Miami, eating meals with less carbs built around fish, chicken and fruit. He drank more water.
“It wasn’t nothing too crazy,” Ingram said.
And how do you feel now Melvin?
“Amazing,” he said.
The hope is a new and improved Ingram will lead to more production and playing in a full, 16-game season for just the second time in his NFL career. Ingram has just six sacks over three seasons.
“I think he’s worked extremely hard,” Chargers head coach Mike McCoy said. “And as you grow in this business, and the longer you’re in it, you learn a few things here and there from year to year about how to become a better player. And I think that’s one thing he’s done an outstanding job of is taking care of his body. And he’s in great shape right now.”
Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano would like to get back to 2006, when San Diego led the league in sacks with Shawne Merriman (17 sacks), Shaun Phillips (11.5) and Luis Castillo (7).
A healthy Ingram, along with the improvement of second-year pro Jeremiah Attaochu, Tourek Williams, Cordarro Law and rookie Kyle Emanuel is a start to developing an effective pass-rushing group for San Diego.
The Chargers have finished in the bottom third in the NFL in sacks for the last three seasons.
