``It's a good situation for a young guy," said running backs coach Ivan Fears. ``The one thing about this kid is he wants to learn. He's hungry to learn. He doesn't have a big head, and the other guys see that and want to help him get better."
Yesterday there was plenty of interaction among the tailbacks. Maroney walked off the field from the early practice with Dillon, though he did not heed Dillon's directive to ignore the media.
``He's a great person to work with," Maroney said after the 95-minute workout. ``He's helping me out, teaching me the small things. He keeps reminding me about what to look for on certain plays.
``It's taking me a while to learn the offense, and take everything in, but I'm working hard to get it down. Everything's been fast. It's taking a little while to get used to how they call things up here. But I'll get there."
Fears feels Maroney is coming along just fine, and this week's minicamp comes at a good time.
``He's put in the time on the playbook and on the chalkboard, but the best learning takes place on the field," said Fears. ``You have to get out here and see how it all fits, and see what you must react to."
As for speculation that Dillon might not be particularly accommodating, what with a player on the roster who could cut into his playing time and affect his future, Fears said that is not a problem.
``They know they're part of a team," Fears said. ``I don't think Corey walks around with a chip on his shoulder, or looking over his shoulder. He's a competitor and he knows what he needs to do to play. He's doing fine.
``He's been in this situation before -- helping a young guy learn a system. He's a great teammate."
While it is difficult to judge the running game in noncontact drills, teammates say Dillon looks good.
``Corey always looks good to me," quarterback Tom Brady said. ``He's a big, powerful man. I'd hate to be on the other side of the ball with him coming at me. I'm not worried about Corey.
``Corey's got a great attitude and he's working hard and that's what we expect; that's what we expect from all the veterans, to really lead the younger guys and come in here and set the example."
