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Falcons' draft pick Russell Gage has double the work at rookie camp

Gage has played two different positions on two different days of rookie mini-camp. Here's when Dan Quinn will make up his mind where he wants the LSU product to play.
Falcons 6th round draft pick Russell Gage warms up at rookie mini-camp. (Photo: Alec McQuade/11Alive)

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Two days of rookie mini-camp, two different positions for Russell Gage.

The Falcons sixth-round draft pick out of Louisiana State played defensive back for the Tigers for two seasons, then moved to the receiving corps for his junior and senior year. The numbers weren't outstanding, but Gage is known for his play-making ability on special teams.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn is interested in seeing Gage play on both sides of the ball. On Friday, he had Gage at cornerback where he was able to break-up a pass. Saturday, he was out running routes, but there weren't a lot of balls thrown his way.

To Gage, it's all good.

"When you played as a kid, you played everything. It didn't really matter," Gage said after practice. "For me, it's the same mindset every time. I just love to play and I love to win."

Of course Gage won't reveal which position is his favorite. He just wants to make the team.

The Falcons were always interested in Gage's special team abilities, but also made it clear to him during the NFLPA Bowl that they wanted to see how he could fit into their roster, whether it was on offense or on defense.

"It was kind of understood that if they brought me in, it's a good chance that I could go both ways," Gage said.

Quinn wants to take some time to see where Gage can excel. He's made him learn both playbooks and meet with both position groups. He doesn't know exactly when he'll make up his mind.

"I know by the time we break for training camp, it will be long decided by then," Quinn said.

Quinn just appreciates Gage's willingness to be flexible.

"It was encouraging to see from him, 'Hey I can learn both sides of the ball, and hey whatever you want, coach.' What coach doesn't want to hear that?" Quinn said.

Gage had 21 receptions and three receiving touchdowns during his senior season. He also rushed for 238 yards and another touchdown.

As for why his receiving numbers weren't as high as, say, Falcons first round pick Calvin Ridley:

"It was more so the type of offense we ran," Gage said. "Not necessarily the quarterback. Danny [Etling's] a great quarterback."

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