Editor's note: Defensive back Drayton Florence, taken in the second round of this year's NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers, will chronicle his rookie experiences in a weekly diary for ESPN.com.

	Florence

It's safe to say that I'm living the dream of every kid who played pee-wee football. From the time the San Diego Chargers called my name with the 46th overall pick in this year's draft, I've spent every minute working on helping the Chargers win a Super Bowl.

For me, I came from a small school and some might think the transition to playing in the NFL might be tough. I'm very proud that I'm a small-school guy who was a high draft choice and now I'm making the jump to playing with the greatest players in the world. I think I've more than held my own in the first week of camp.

I've been seeing some time with the first unit on defense, playing opposite Quentin Jammer, and I feel like I'm getting better as a player. But I didn't just show up and they put me opposite Quentin. I've had to spend a lot of time studying the playbook and getting used to new terminology and a new scheme. Every night after our meetings, I feel like I'm back at Tuskegee studying for an exam.

A lot of stuff gets thrown at you and sometimes it can be a little much. But the veterans told me I have to study the playbook every night so I don't get lost on the practice field. Plus, we've got a great group of veterans in the secondary -- Kwamie Lassiter and Ryan McNeil -- who've helped me on the field adjust to our defensive scheme and give me some helpful pointers.

One of the best things I did was make sure I got to camp on time. It was important to me to not miss any days so I wouldn't be behind when camp started. Once I got here, my goals were to work hard, be consistent and do whatever it takes to help the team get better.

My agents and the Chargers got together and were able to agree on a great deal and, most important of all, they got the deal done so I got into camp on time. A lot of people have asked me what I bought with my signing bonus. I'll give you the honest answer: nothing. I've been too busy practicing and studying the playbook.

As for the team, we've got a group of guys that I used to watch on television. It's great to be on the same field as LaDainian Tomlinson, Marcellus Wiley, David Boston and Drew Brees. The hero worship ends once practice starts, though. I'm working hard to get better and I need to focus on what I'm doing. I'm flattered that I'm on the same field as them, and honored to call them my teammates, but I'm most concerned about improving with each practice.

I'm happy to be here and I hope I can serve as a role model for guys who are playing at small schools and aspire to play in the NFL. I got here by working hard and I plan to stay here by working hard. San Diego's a great place and the organization is top notch, but it'll be in my rear-view mirror if I don't work hard everyday. Things have gone well for me, but I'm not complacent. I know I don't know everything and I'm doing my best to get better every day.

I would like to thank ESPN.com for giving me the opportunity to document my rookie season through this journal. I hope I can offer insight and enhance your enjoyment of the NFL.