Thanks to Mike London and the Salisbury Post for allowing us to print this story.

The 22-year-old Maddox, now five years removed from glory and Graduation Day at A.L. Brown, vows this won't be his last one.

Today marks the start of a new era for Maddox, who's been working out in Kannapolis in recent weeks. Now he has a clean slate.

The brilliant high school career that led him to recognition as the best in the nation by a number of publications can't help him.

The rather ordinary Florida State career during which he was plagued by injuries, position changes and playing-time issues can't hurt him.

Signed as a free agent in last April, shortly after he was ignored in the NFL draft, a motivated Maddox attended the Chargers' mini-camp June 12-14. He exited that camp confident that he's landed with a team where he has a realistic chance to stick -- and contribute -- as a rookie.

"Mini-camp went very well, actually," Maddox said. "I really am optimistic."

San Diego was 8-8 last season, but in the parity-crazed NFL, one more win probably means a playoff berth. The key to the Chargers of 2002 was devastating running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who plays the same position as Maddox.

"Sure, we've got an awesome back on this team," said the 5-foot-11 Maddox, who has bumped his weight up to a muscular 209 pounds. "But it's also a team with plenty of room for young backs."

The roster and the stat sheets say Maddox has a pretty good point.

While Tomlinson racked up 1,683 yards on the ground last season, no other RB on the current roster accounted for more than 19. That's sounds pretty wide open. The No. 2 returning rusher is actually QB Drew Brees.

Jesse Chatman, a scatback signed as a free agent last year, is listed as Tomlinson's backup. After that, there's just Maddox and three more rookie free agents. So opportunity is knocking loudly.

Maddox's versatility is always his strong suit, and that hasn't changed over the years. More than just a ballcarrier, he caught 61 passes for the Seminoles and actually spent a year running routes as a wideout. Maddox's proven ability to catch the ball -- and to make yards after the catch -- could make him an ideal third-down back at the highest level.

"There is no solid third-down back in San Diego and I pride myself on being that kind of player," Maddox said. "I honestly feel like I'm the best rookie third-down back in the NFL."

Maddox's chances to make the final 53-man roster are further enhanced by his kick-returning experience. That was his primary role as a college freshman. He handled 33 kicks for the Seminoles.

San Diego still has veteran punt returner Tim Dwight, but the kickoff return job is vacant because Ronney Jenkins, who expertly filled that role the last three years, signed with Oakland in March.

"I got a lot of special teams work in mini-camp," Maddox said. "I was on both return teams."

Maddox will likely see his first action against a team not wearing lightning bolts on their helmets on Aug. 9 when the Chargers play their first preseason game at Seattle. If things go smoothly, he'll still be in uniform when SD invades Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium on Sept. 7 to open the regular season.

Maddox is well aware he can nail down economic security over these next few months. If he can consistently produce, he'll secure not only a fun job, but one that is accompanied by princely paychecks. The annual league minimum is $225,000.

On the flip side, Maddox also knows he's a few fumbles away from trying his hand at real estate.

But no one who knows Maddox really expects him to fail. And he doesn't expect to, either.

"Right now, it's all about performing," he said. "I'm ready for the challenge."

Contact Mike London at 704-797-4259 or mlondon@salisburypost.com.