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Bring on the bikes...and the sunscreen

Can you feel it? Training camp is finally here

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Sean-Luc from Oceanside, CA

Wes, is LaDarius likely to yield snaps when, in training camp, his new underclass mates bring explosive reps? (Put together first letter of each word for the real question).

Blocked…and well done.

Jimmy from New Richmond, WI

Hello there, Biff. Montgomery switching to running back in the middle of last season got me to wondering – I know a lot of players switch positions as soon as they get to the NFL, but do you know of any who switched similar to Montgomery in the middle of one of the first few seasons? Thanks for the Inbox guys, gets me through my long days at work.

Hello there, Jimmy. I'm not entirely sure what the Jaguars were trying to do with Denard Robinson after they drafted him, but I believe he did have his designation switched from "Offensive Weapon" to running back in the middle of a season. Robinson still wore No. 16 during his four years in Jacksonville. The one example I don't quite understand is how Devin Hester was able to keep wearing 23 after switching from cornerback to receiver in Chicago.

Johan from Pembroke, ON

After investing so much draft capital into the defensive side of the ball since 2011, do you think this could be the year when things finally click on that side of the ball? They've shown signs and flashes, but never a resemblance of real consistency. I love having Rodgers and watching him play, but personally, I more enjoy a defense that'll scare a quarterback and give an offensive coordinator problems. Call me old-fashioned. The defense has to come together sometime, right?

Consistency and health will determine how far this defense goes. The Packers have made major strides on defense since they overhauled their scheme in 2013. All the adjustments they've made with hybrid defenders are what were needed to keep up with offenses. I really thought they were on the verge of big things last year before all the injuries at cornerback. As I said in Tuesday's Inbox, anything is possible for the defense in 2017, especially if a number of second- and third-year guys make a big jump.

Ken from San Antonio, TX

How are logistics handled at St. Norbert College? Are the Packers players isolated from college students? How many years have they used the college for training camp?

Classes don't start at St. Norbert until Aug. 28, so most students aren't back on campus yet. The Packers have a 60-year relationship with the college, the longest training-camp partnership in the NFL.

Chris from Jackson, WI

I second Mike's Styrofoam suggestion. I went to the Seahawks game last season, the day after a good amount of snow, which had melted somewhat by game time, and my boot-covered feet were soaking in what felt like an ice bath all game. It didn't matter how many layers I was wearing. Once the feet get cold, it's a lost cause. But a victory always makes you feel a bit warmer.

*I'm with you. The feet are everything. Back in my day, I developed a trick of using zip-lock bags over my wool socks and feet-warmers to stay dry and warm in my boots. I also loaded up on hand-warmers. *

Brian from Madison, WI

Do you have any first-day-of-training-camp traditions? What are you most looking forward to today?

I try not to eat fast food, but I'll usually grab a sandwich from McDonald's on the first day of camp. Other than washing Spoff's car, my only other tradition is putting my clothes out the night before and taking a picture with my credential. It's something my mom used to do when I was in school and I've tried to carry it on.

Mike from McFarland, WI

When it becomes clear who the No. 2 running back will be, will Montgomery give them one of his extra 8s for their jersey?

Obviously.

Jasper from Potomac, MD

What are the chances of No. 88 having a 1,000-yard season?

Anything is possible in July.

Mike from Whitefish, MT

I read recently that the Packers like to have two FBs on the roster. If he has a favorable camp, I'm wondering if Devante Mays, at 230, could be a backup at both FB and RB, allowing the team to keep one more promising player at another position.

I wouldn't rule anything out, but Mays is a tailback. Depending on how the roster shuffles out, I think it's more likely they'd use Lance Kendricks or another tight end in an H-back role, if needed. At least, that's what they've done in the past in the no-huddle.

Mark from Houghton, MI

Last year it was so frustrating watching our receivers...they seemed to suffer worse separation anxiety than my dog. Rodgers was forced to throw perfect passes every time. Am I being overly critical? To me it seemed rare for anyone to get open. This limited run after the catch, too. What do you guys think? Fair concern?

Rodgers set a franchise record for completions in a season (401) last year. As good as Rodgers is, you need some talented receivers to post those kinds of numbers. There are some positions where I believe the Packers have questions going into the season, but receiver isn't one of them.

Sam from Madison, WI

With the Yogi quotes going around I was wondering who the most quotable person you've covered is and what was the best quote you got from them? Keep up the great work.

Easily Tramon Williams. You could ask a question on any topic and he'd could give you a lead quote. He put a lot of thought into every response.

Nikola from Maribor, Slovenia

Bennett is so fun. He slept on the locker room floor, because why not. Love him already.

The good thing about living in Chicago is Bennett can put his daughter to bed and still make it to Green Bay in time for 6 a.m. physicals. The bad thing is the town shuts down around 11 p.m. on weeknights.

Carter from Moscow, ID

Will we ever see a Packers' "Hard Knocks"?

Teams are exempt from having to do the show if they have a first-year head coach, previously appeared on the show in the past 10 years or went to the playoffs in the past two years. For those keeping score at home, the Packers are seeking their ninth consecutive postseason appearance in 2017. So I don't think it's gonna happen anytime soon.

Jason from Klamath Falls, OR

What ever happened to Desmond Bishop?

Bishop played in six games in 2013 and '14 during stints with Minnesota, Arizona and San Francisco. He's been out of the league since getting cut by Washington during the 2016 offseason.

Joseph from East Moline, IL

Wes, do you know if there has ever been a kicker or punter in Packers history that has ever gotten to do a Lambeau Leap? If not, I think they should devise a trick play for Mason to run one in so he can leap.

I can't think of a scenario where a specialist has ever performed a Lambeau Leap unless it was during Family Night. I'll try to ask Crosby the next time I see him.

Kevin from Tucson, AZ

Insiders, though I love to dislike the Vikings it still broke my heart to see what happened to Teddy Bridgewater last August. It goes to show you that injuries can happen anywhere at any time. Hope he continues to heal. I think the Packers have good depth across the board, but anything can happen. Here's to a healthy 2017 season.

You never want to see another human being go through what Bridgewater did last year. It reminds me a lot of what happened to Derek Sherrod in 2011. For Bridgewater's sake, I hope he gets a chance to continue his NFL career. Injury prevention and education are important, but there's also a certain amount of luck involved with each season.

Jacob from Port Huron, MI

When was the last time a draft pick did not make the team?

That depends on your definition of making the team. Christian Ringo (sixth round) was cut in 2015 but returned on the practice squad. The last time the Packers cut ties with a player completely was Ricky Elmore in 2011.

Josh from Oshkosh, WI

Who puts together the Dope Sheet? Those things are awesome.

Packers PR maven Nathaniel LoCascio is the lead guy on the Dope Sheet. He's the real MVP.

Bill from Champaign, IL

When the training camp schedule states no public practice, do the players still ride the kids' bikes to camp? While we are up there for my son's wedding I would love for my grandchild to see them.

Based on last year, they didn't bike down to practice on those days.

Robert from Joplin, MO

Expletive and throwing the laptop? Could we assume this was the only time you were upset the Packers won?

It wasn't about being happy or upset. My problem was I had a useless story belaboring all the Packers' issues. Instead, it was one of the greatest endings in franchise history and you have 15 minutes to do it justice. Fortunately, Scott Tolzien did me a huge favor with an amazing quote I weaved into my lede.

Robert from Joplin, MO

Also, has the Insider Inbox ever had a milestone involving one person having more than one question answered on the same thread? If not, can I make history?

Not intentionally. Here you go.

Jake from Cottage Grove, MN

Hey Insiders, do either of you have a personal story similar to Martellus Bennett sleeping in the Lambeau locker room?

There was one instance where I considered sleeping in the Press-Gazette video studio following the regular-season finale in Minnesota in 2012. The Packers were set to play the Vikings again six days later, so Mike McCarthy held his news conference at 7 a.m. Ultimately, I went home and slept for two hours before coming back.

Jason from Fort Collins, CO

After seeing an article on ESPN the other day about how Bill Belichick has mastered the art of saying nothing at press conferences, it got me thinking about how lucky you must feel to have Mike McCarthy. Thoughts on how he communicates during press conferences?

I've always enjoyed my interactions with McCarthy. He's not going up there to create bulletin-board material, but also understands everybody has a job to do. Furthermore, he's never turned down a one-on-one request from me in my five years doing this. I've been told by several national writers he's about as accessible as NFL coaches get.

Darren from Kingston, Canada

Was that Kenny Clark we saw at the podium at Driver and Lee's HOF ceremony? If so, what's the story behind him being chosen to speak and what did he say?

Clark was accepting the award for the Packers' rookie of the year in 2016. I wasn't there to hear his speech, but I saw the photos he took with his mom afterwards. If you're familiar with their story, I'd imagine that was a big moment for both mother and son.

Kate from Ravena, NY

Pep rally in Carolina? I'm traveling to that game! Where can I find the details for pep rallies?

Stay tuned to packers.com for more info. Our fan engagement guru Haylee Helmle is working out the deets.

Monty from Hazen, ND

In response to Scott from Grafton, the probability of making one two-point conversion is 50 percent, but the probability of making both kicks is .95 times .95, which is 90.25 percent. As a math teacher, I'll go for one. Numbers don't lie.

A football through the uprights is worth two in the end zone…or something.

Kory from Juneau, AK

Will the "Ketchman Reality Tour" be providing pizza bagels, or do we just get muffin stumps?

Please direct all questions about the "Ketchman Reality Tour" to our Chief Creative Officer, Mike Spofford.

Eric from Woodbury, MN

Regarding the talk about the proper use of y'all, Tammy Taylor, wife of coach Eric Taylor on "Friday Night Lights," used the phrase y'all for both singular and plural expressions. Drop the mic, end of discussion. Tammy Taylor has spoken.

Check mate.

Robert from Green Valley, AZ

I few years ago I was walking in the small ancient city of Pingyao, China. I spotted a guy in front of me with a Packers backpack. I yelled, "Hey, Packers! Where you from?" He replied, "Paris, France, but I've been a Packer fan all my life!" Amazing, our reach, isn't it?

It's a small world after all.

Blake from Orlando, FL

The depth at outside linebacker has my attention for training camp. It would be a miracle if both Perry and Mathews play all 16 games. Other than Fackrell and Elliott, who should I be watching that has the potential to make an impact?

Vince Biegel will be in that conversation as soon as he's healthy. We should get a better idea of his timeline over the next week. Former defensive lineman Reggie Gilbert also has his eyes on a roster spot after a full season working at outside linebacker on the practice squad. Honestly, I'm just ready to get this thing started. Bring on the bikes, the jerseys and the sunscreen. Can you feel it? Training camp is here.

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