While defensive coordinator Jim Bates has already raved about veteran cornerback Ronde Barber, another cornerback is making waves.

A free agent from Troy last year, the 5-10 second-year player is playing big in the early days of training camp. And while he may not win a starting job, early on Mack appears to be the leader to be the nickel back, replacing helmet-wielding Aqib Talib who is slotted to start.

Mack has certainly gotten the attention of his former position coach’s eye, reports Backwards Hat of the Lakeland Ledger, Rick Brown.

His first day Mack caught the eyes of the coaching staff. Head coach Raheem Morris called the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Mack the “Camper of the Day” after Saturday.

Morris wants to see more of the same from Mack in the coming weeks.

“Like I told him (Sunday), he’s got to be (Vinny Johnson),” Morris said. “He’s got to be The Microwave. He’s got to go in the game on third downs and stand up. Everybody’s looking at him. Here’s the sub, throw at the sub…Last year it was Aqib. It will be no different for Elbert Mack. You’re going to be as good as that guy can be. As long as he keeps practicing like he is right now, who knows? Who knows what he can be?”

Joe thought Mack was a wonderful free agent pick up last year. Afterall, he led the NCAA in interceptions (eight) his senior year. That tells Joe the guy is a ball hawk.