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Vonnie Holliday (91) breaks through the line during Cardinals training camp. (Adam Green/Arizona Sports)

For Arizona Cardinals veteran defensive end Vonnie Holliday, transitioning into the role of mentor hasn't been easy, but it's something he relishes.

"My role is to educate, to teach, to bestow some of the knowledge that I've gathered over the past 15 years to the younger guys," Holliday told Arizona Sports 620's Doug and Wolf Show Thursday.

The 36-year-old said he will relay his years of experience in a 3-4 defensive scheme, recognizing formations and other fundamentals to the youngsters in camp.

And so far, it's been quite fulfilling for Holliday to see players being receptive of his advice and strategies in the huddle.

"Young guys like David Carter, Dan Williams, even Calais [Campbell]," Holliday said. "Here's a guy coming off a great year last year. [Campbell] had a big payday, but he's still hungry for knowledge and helping and getting better in this league."

In the twilight of his career, Holliday remains energized by the prospect of getting out on the field every day and he has nothing but praise for his experience in defensive coordinator Ray Horton's scheme.

"[Horton] is a very aggressive play caller," Holliday said. "He played the game in an aggressive manner, that's his personality, and he calls his game aggressively. He's going to get after people. He wants to call everything. He wants to throw the whole kitchen sink at people and that takes guys that are smart and guys who understand the defense."

According to Holliday, coming into camp this year and having the whole playbook available from the onset was a huge advantage in getting the defense on the same page early. He said there are extremely high expectations heading into the season.

"Guys understand [the scheme] now, they've really grasped and taken ownership of this defense you are going to see, we are going to get after it," Holliday said. "It's going to be really exciting to watch."

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