Trent McDuffie talks about his relationship with Quentin Lake

The Los Angeles Rams opened training camp Sunday with a new-look defense, heightened expectations and a simple message from head coach Sean McVay: Be courageous.

For cornerback Trent McDuffie, the first practice represented both a fresh start and a homecoming. McDuffie arrived from Kansas City alongside fellow cornerback Jaylen Watson, reuniting in Los Angeles with longtime friend and Rams safety Quentin Lake. Their history dates back to high school.

“I was the first one to call J-Dub when he got the call that he was coming over,” McDuffie said. “I was just so excited, knowing the kind of person he is, what he’s going to bring to the team.”

McDuffie said Watson immediately demonstrated his ability by making plays against veteran receiver Davante Adams. Joining Lake made the transition feel even more familiar. "Cap, you guys know him. One of the best dudes,” McDuffie said of Lake. “I’ve known him since high school, so definitely like a homecoming type of feeling.”

The rebuilt secondary was tested immediately during 11-on-11 work, a challenge defensive coordinator Chris Shula welcomed. The Rams wanted to place their players in competitive situations early and believed the defense was prepared for it.

“What I love is the command and the communication,” Shula said. “We want to provide those guys with a lot of clarity so they can go play fast. They’ve got a really good ownership of what they’re doing.”

The Rams’ defensive additions extend well beyond the secondary. Star defensive end Myles Garrett also participated in 11-on-11 work for the first time with his new teammates. "We’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time, and it definitely lived up to it,” Shula said.

McDuffie described Garrett as a player whose presence can be felt even before the film is reviewed.

“When he’s out there, you can just feel his aura,” McDuffie said. “He’s gigantic. He’s a monster. I’m just excited to get him out here and get him loose and get him going because I know he has a little chip on his shoulder.”

Special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, who spent the previous three seasons with Garrett, offered a similarly enthusiastic assessment.

“Great dude, great teammate, super hard worker, complete freak,” Ventrone said. “He is a special, special player.”

While Garrett strengthens the front, McDuffie and Watson bring championship-level experience and football knowledge to the back end. Shula credited Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for helping develop the two cornerbacks and praised their toughness, preparation and leadership.