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Chargers' Herbert: It's an 'honor' to play for Harbaugh

Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Quarterback Justin Herbert said it was an "honor" to participate in his first minicamp under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to ESPN's Kris Rhim.

"He's done such a great job taking this team and getting them to where he wants them to go," Herbert said. "He's won wherever he's at. He's a guy that everyone wants to follow and play for."

Herbert praised Harbaugh's hands-on approach, saying it sets the standard for undrafted players and rookies. The 60-year-old coach has done pushups with linebackers, demonstrated dropbacks with a rookie QB, and lifted weights with the team.

"It's a cool experience to be able to share that with your head coach," Herbert said.

Herbert's comments come after Harbaugh praised the former Pro Bowl passer's athleticism earlier this week. Harbaugh said that 6-foot-6, 236-pound quarterback could line up at tight end or pass-rusher after the team's conditioning test. Harbaugh admitted that Herbert was more impressive to watch in person than on film.

"I knew he was really good, but you're right up next to him watching where you can feel the way the ball comes out of his hand. When it comes out, it's going a lot faster than you think, than it looks on tape," Harbaugh said Tuesday, per NFL.com's Grant Gordon.

After leading Michigan to a College Football Playoff Championship last season, Harbaugh is tasked with improving a Chargers team that posted a 5-12 mark last season. Seven of L.A.'s losses came by one score.

The Chargers have worn game jerseys and helmets during their practice session this week as Harbaugh implements a new culture throughout the organization.

Veteran pass-rusher Khalil Mack said Harbaugh's unique approach to practices will help the team be better prepared for games.

"He just shifted the mindset by putting us in those same situations that we're going to be in games," Mack said, per Rhim.

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