W ith OTAs in the books and minicamp rolling along, the bulk of Panthers’ offseason news is now mostly history. You likely already know how most position battles and player rehabs are set up for the start of next month’s training camp. So instead of doing another round of impressions right after Wednesday’s minicamp practice, we wanted to try something different.Here’s a running diary of what went on:9:45 — One of the first people on the practice field is Riley Fields, one of the hardest-working men in the organization. The team’s Director of Community Relations is giving a tour to area high school coaches who were invited to watch practice. Fields tells us, “It feels like it’s three in the afternoon.” The unusually high temps will likely be a theme throughout the morning.9:55 — Linebacker Thomas Davis is the first player on the field, arriving on a cart. No one needs to see another picture of Davis on a cart, so you’ll just have to take our word for it.10:00 — We send a Twitter message to WCNC meteorologist Brad Panovich asking for the currently temp. He immediately returns an answer of 82 degrees. Feels much warmer. Especially on the turf.10:15 — Practice begins with a special teams drill. Kicker Graham Gano, punters Brad Nortman and Jason Gay, and long snapper J.J. Jansen all get a chance to run into tacklers. Gently.10:25 — Cam Newton walks onto the field with head trainer Ryan Vermillion. We all know about Newton’s friendship with rookie Kelvin Benjamin, but you could make a case that Vermillion has been the quarterback’s best friend this offseason.10:35 — During stretching, we notice defensive ends Greg Hardy and Kony Ealy chatting. Perhaps a second case of veteran and rookie as BFFs?10:40 — Newton joins the wideouts for a second-straight day of going through 3- and 5-step drops. Receivers coach Ricky Proehl plays cornerback.10:43 — At the running back station, DeAngelo Williams takes his helmet off, exclaims “It’s hot out here,” and takes a big chug of water.10:45 — If the running backs are hot, imagine what the big offensive lineman feel like. Coach John Matsko works rookie guard Trai Turner, making him repeat his turn three times.10:47 — The running backs are now going through a gauntlet drill. One guy carries the ball while everyone else tries to knock it away. Sixth-round pick Tyler Gaffney starts his rep and out comes the ball. Williams and Mike Tolbert celebrate. Williams yells, “We got one!”10:50 — Newton’s last pass falls incomplete, an end zone attempt for Benjamin. They talk over the route with Proehl, with Newton showing Benjamin where he wanted him to go. They continue the conversation, with Newton still instructing, as they walk to the other side of the field.10:55 — As the offense walks through some installations without helmets, Newton’s at the back of the end zone with Vermillion. The quarterback walks one way on his heels and returns the other way on his toes.10:58 — Panthers TV reporter Mike Craft records a segment for later in the day. He starts by saying, “The heat is on.”11:00 — Offense vs. defense from the 10-yard-line. Notable: Nate Chandler has been at left tackle most of the day. Byron Bell, who was there Tuesday, is working on the right side today. The period begins with a slant from quarterback Derek Anderson to receiver Tavarres King.11:02 — Anderson overthrows tight end Greg Olsen in the end zone. Anderson claps his hands in frustration.11:11 — Play of the day. With the offense still working in the red zone, Benjamin goes up in between two defenders and makes a catch while falling down in the back of the end zone. Anyone interested in a 6-5 red zone weapon?11:15 — Cornerback Anderson Russell breaks up a pass intended in the corner of the end zone for tight end Mike McNeill. Before running back to the huddle, receiver Jason Avant turns to tell Russell, “Hey, good D.”11:20 — After a machine launched kicks Tuesday, Brad Nortman and Jordan Gay take turns booting punts to Antoine Cason and Kealoha Pilares. Undrafted rookie Philly Brown, who has been working back there, isn’t returning today.11:25 — Lots of special teams work. Coach Richard Rogers walks off with Gaffney, whose immediate playing time may come with the unit.11:28 — Over at the stadium, the big ‘A’ was just lifted into America.11:30 — Two-minute drill. Notable: Safety Roman Harper is back after missing Tuesday for the birth of his daughter, but Robert Lester is taking most reps with the ones.11:35 — Anderson has a pass intended for Olsen intercepted by Cason. Anderson and Olsen walk back to the sideline talking about what went wrong.11:40 — Tight end Brandon Williams finishes the backups’ two-minute drill by hauling in a touchdown.11:45 — Newton and Vermillion are hanging out again, this time with a resistance band. Newton backpedals for 40 yards, pulling Vermillion.11:50 — 11-on-11s begin with a juggling catch by receiver Jerricho Cotchery.11:55 — A number of defensive guys shout out “OMAHA!” Peyton Manning is not here.12:00 — King’s having a nice day. Makes a fingertip catch with cornerback Josh Norman defending, sans sparring gloves today.12:04 — Quarterback Matt Blanchard connects with tight end Ed Dickson for a touchdown. Horn blows, practice is over. Strength and Conditioning coach Joe Kenn yells, “Stay on two feet!”12:08 — Guard Derek Dennis, apparently a victim of the heat, is carted off.12:10 — With players and coaches exiting while media surround others, Newton and Benjamin walk off the field together.[gap size=”2.513em”]