Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery checked into camp Friday about 10 pounds heavier than he did last year. On purpose. Avery put on the extra weight in an effort to improve his durability.

"I'm trying to get the weight but keep the speed as well," he said.

Putting on the pounds was tough at first, he said, "until I realized I only ate one meal a day. Once I started eating three meals, I got to 10 pounds pretty easy."

At a relatively chunky 193, Avery expects a spirited battle at wide receiver. He arrived at camp as a favorite to start but noted, "a lot of guys want to be No. 1. Everybody gets better when you have big competition. I'm confident in myself."

A native of Houston Avery didn't expect to have any trouble adjusting to two-a-days in the heat and humidity of Rams Park.

"This is like spring to me," he said.