In four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Hannibal Navies saw action at all three linebacker positions, but was never given a shot to be a starter in the middle.
Wednesday things started to change for the 25-year-old when the Green Bay Packers announced that Navies had been signed to a multi-year contract and would be given the opportunity to compete for the starting middle linebacker spot that was Hardy Nickerson's last season.
"I'm excited to come in there and make an impact in the middle," Navies said on a conference call. "I've always been one of those types of players to be able to play every position, so I've been moved around a lot. I've done well at all of (the linebacker positions), so I don't think (middle) will be a problem."
With the bulk of his snaps having come at outside linebacker, Navies will begin his education at middle linebacker immediately.
He's scheduled to fly from Charlotte to Green Bay this weekend to start getting acquainted with the defense and his new surroundings.
"The important thing for me to be successful there is to get in there and learn the defense and talk with the coaches and know what they expect of me," Navies said.
As for Navies' expectations of Green Bay, those have already been defined. He's twice experienced games at Lambeau Field, and is eager to play for the home team.
"I love coming to Lambeau," Navies said. "It's one of those places you want to come play. The fans are great ...
"It's a historic team and it has a tradition of winning. That's something everybody wants to be a part of."
