Rookie Sam Acho making transtition and difference

Aug 19, 2011, 9:56 PM | Updated: 11:28 pm

While rookie Patrick Peterson is grabbing most of the attention, another first-year player is trying to make a big transition.

Sam Acho was the Cardinals’ fourth round selection, and the Texas product is trying to transition from defensive end to linebacker in Arizona’s 3-4 defense.

“All I’ve been working on is basically standing up as an outside linebacker and working on dropping into coverage,” Acho told Gary Mihoces of USA Today. “I think every day I’m out here I get more comfortable.”

The linebacker has veterans Joey Porter and Clark Haggans to learn from.

“I basically just try to be a sponge around them,” Acho said. “Just suck up all the information they know and the ins and outs of the defense and all the nuances.”

While Acho is waiting for his chance to make a difference on the field, off the field he’s already made an impact.

Acho’s parents co-founded Living Hope Ministries of North Dallas, a group that leads an annual trip to Africa with 20 to 30 doctors, nurses and other missionaries.

The rookie usually makes the trip, but was unable to this year due to the uncertainty surrounding the NFL lockout.

“Next year, I definitely have plans on going,” Acho said. “Hopefully I can bring some Cardinals with me.”

Arizona Cardinals

Josh Woods #51 of the Detroit Lions celebrates during the second half against the New York Jets at ...
Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals agree to terms with LB Josh Woods on 1-year deal

The Arizona Cardinals and former Detroit Lions linebacker Josh Woods agreed to terms on a one-year deal, the team announced Thursday.
1 day ago
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals catches the game-winning touchdown pass ...
Arizona Sports

Report: Bills headlining Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins’ trade market

The Buffalo Bills are looking into a potential DeAndre Hopkins trade with the Arizona Cardinals, per report.
1 day ago
Alabama's Will Anderson Jr.(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals’ mock draft scenarios: Arizona keeps the No. 3 pick

Trade the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft or keep it? That's the question Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort will answer soon enough.
2 days ago
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals lines up during the NFL game against the...
Arizona Sports

ESPN’s Bill Barnwell sees logical landing spot for Cardinals’ DeAndre Hopkins

The trade speculation surrounding Arizona Cardinals wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins rolls on with each passing day of the offseason.
2 days ago
Dennis Daley #71 of the Tennessee Titans walks off of the field against the Green Bay Packers at La...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals agree to 2-year deal with former Titans OL Dennis Daley

The Arizona Cardinals agreed to terms with former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Dennis Daley on Tuesday, the team announced.
3 days ago
Arizona Cardinals CB Antonio Hamilton (Jeremy Schnell/Arizona Sports)...
Tyler Drake

Cardinals agree to terms with CB Antonio Hamilton, 2 more

The Cardinals agreed to terms on one-year deals with CB Antonio Hamilton and DL L.J. Collier, the team announced Tuesday.
3 days ago
Rookie Sam Acho making transtition and difference