TE-DALLAS CLARK (on his contract signing)
"It was kind of a long process, but I was able to stay patient up in Indianapolis. The Colts organization with Jim Irsay and Bill Polian are first class and they didn't put a lot of pressure on me, which was comforting. There were things that happened that were out of both of our hands and it happened, but I'm just really excited to be here."
TE-DALLAS CLARK (on his first day)
"In college, the first couple of days are adjusting helmets, but here, they throw you in the battlefield. It feels great to put on a helmet and shoulder pads. It was my first day and there were a few mistakes, but I'm excited to get out there and keep improving."
TE-DALLAS CLARK (on the Colts defense)
"They were looking for me. When the defense gets bored, they want to hit a few guys. I'm just out there trying to avoid it and stay healthy."
TE-DALLAS CLARK (on if he felt a little rusty at practice)
"Definitely, but it felt good. I was really happy with how much I picked up just over summer school and the rookie camp. I'm trying to keep learning the offense, but coach is real patient with me and trying to help me out as much as possible."
TE-DALLAS CLARK (on the extra work he received today)
"I've got fresh legs and the guys have been here for a week. They need to get their legs underneath them and give me extra work. I got a little tired towards the end so we cut back a little. Whatever they want me to do, I'll do."
TE-DALLAS CLARK (on the Colts offense)
"Since day one, when I heard that the Colts were taking me, I thought it was awesome to be a part of this offense with Peyton, Marvin and Edgerrin. I've got to step up because you don't want to slow them down. They're ready to go. It's good to be part of it, and if I can get in there, that would be great."
TE-DALLAS CLARK (on QB-Peyton Manning)
"He's just awesome. He throws the ball perfectly. It's not just the way that he throws the ball, it's his leadership and the way he helps me and all of the other guys. His control and his leadership are just outstanding."
TE-MARCUS POLLARD (on TE-Dallas Clark)
"It's nice to have all the guys in. I am glad Dallas showed up, personally, so that I can get a break. Only time will tell. Right now we have to gel. He has been out for a few days and has a little catching up to do. But, I think that in time, it is going to work pretty well. I think that we could work like Ken Dilger and I did."
TE-MARCUS POLLARD (on TE-Dallas Clark in practice this morning)
"He looked a little rusty today. I am sure a couple of days off did not do him any good. I am sure by this afternoon or by this weekend he will be back to speed."
TE-MARCUS POLLARD (on the impression TE-Dallas Clark has made)
"He has a good work ethic. We are both from small towns. We know how important it is to work and make the most of every opportunity you have. I think he is doing that right now."
HEAD COACH TONY DUNGY (on his complete team)
"It is good that we are now concentrating on football only. Dallas and Mike got in and they are excited about being here and we are excited to have them."
HEAD COACH TONY DUNGY (on the first week of practice)
"We are working hard. Today was a good practice. We are working on some different end of the game situations. We have good enthusiasm and we got to teach off some mistakes. We have gotten a lot of things accomplished."
HEAD COACH TONY DUNGY (on the difference between a tight and a safety getting acclimated)
"We probably have more offense in right now than we do defense. He (Dallas Clark) has got farther to catch up. We do not have as many defenses as we have plays and pass routes. Dallas has his work cut out, but he was here a lot in the spring. We will get him there."
HEAD COACH TONY DUNGY (on TE-Dallas Clark and TE-Marcus Pollard starting together)
"Well, we will find out. I think Mike Roberg, Joe Dean Davenport and Chad Bartoszek would dispute that. That is what training camp is for and we will find out in September who deserves to be there."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on TE-Dallas Clark)
"It's nice to have Dallas here and all of the other draft choices. It's good to have all your teammates here. Dallas is in shape and been working hard along with the rest of the draft choices, so they'll be able to step in right away."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on helping Dallas Clark get acclimated)
"Well, certainly I think that any quarterback would want to help out, especially if the guy is going to be playing. Dallas is such a big part of the offense. When you draft a guy in the first round, you expect to use him right away. I am trying to get on the same page with Dallas like I have with Marcus Pollard or Marvin Harrison. I am going to stay active with him like I did today, and give him some extra routes."
QB-PEYTON MANNING (on having the entire team participate in training camp)
"Everybody is here and healthy for the most part. It is hard when you have guys practicing in the morning, but they won't be there in the afternoon. Consistency is a big part of getting your timing down in training camp, and getting on the same page. I feel like we are off to one of the better starts we've had as far as guys not making a lot of mental mistakes. For the most part, the guys are on the same page.
