USF Senior Writer

TAMPA - If you want to hear just how tough the NFL lockout was this past offseason just talk to Sampson Genus.

The Bulls' former center signed with the Green Bay Packers and basically had to translate a playbook as thick as a dictionary in a short period of time. CliffNotes could have come in handy for the former USF team captain, who also made a move to guard in the preseason.

"It's a little bit more added pressure because you know at the end of the day your job is on the line and there are a bunch of other guys who want to learn and get out there and play just as bad as you do," Genus said.

Then came what turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the former All-Big East first team selection. Genus was placed on the practice squad and got a chance to soak up tons of information while helping the Packers prepare for what would be a 15-1 season.

"You learn installment one on day one, and at the end of the day you go home at night and start on installment two, so you can almost be a little bit ahead of the game," he said. "Mentally, when I first started, I was nervous. You don't want to mess up. By week four or five, I just settled in and everything came easier. Everything slows down."

Genus, a Lake City, Fla. native, also had to adjust to the tough Wisconsin weather.

"My first cold day was rough," he said. "My hands were taped and I couldn't feel my hands by about the middle of practice. After a while, you're blood thickens up and you get used to it."

The same thing goes for driving in the snow, which is an art that gets perfected with time - and practice.

"I've had some bad experiences," the 6-foot-1, 315-pounder said with a thunderous laugh. "The first day I got my car up there I went to the light. I'm just riding and thinking I can slow down when I get to the light. By the time I stopped I was in the middle of the highway. Thank God the light turned red."

Things on the road and the field have gotten much better for Genus, who stopped by the USF Athletics building last week to visit with former teammates and coaches. The 23-year-old is signed to a three-year future/reserve contract and is "really confident" about this upcoming season.

"I think they were happy with me with as fast as I learned (the playbook)," said Genus, who will compete for a backup spot in camp. "I was talking to the veterans and they were saying it's going to be a hard year for you guys."

Genus also has a little game experience on his pro resume to take into next season. The former USF offensive lineman of the year did play this preseason, which brought a big smile to his face and many supporters.

"It was fun just being there and looking down at your chest and seeing that little NFL symbol. That was enough by itself," he said. "I really enjoyed it. Everybody in Green Bay, they really come together on game day."