Sharing with suite mate who's also rival

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - There are plenty of uncomfortable situations that come with sharing dorm suites at training camp, but splitting one with the primary player you're competing against can be first-date awkward.

Kurt Coleman and Jaiquawn Jarrett share a four-man suite, along with cornerbacks Jorrick Cavlin and Trevard Lindley, but the Eagles vying for the starting free-safety position have rooms directly across from one another.

In some circumstances, doors might be closed most of the time. But with Coleman, a second-year veteran more than willing to assist Jarrett, a rookie, an open-door policy has been in effect.

"I'm in there every night," said Jarrett, the Eagles' second-round draft pick out of Temple. "I just yell Kurt's name - his door is right there - and he'll answer a question without a problem."

For now, Coleman is the starter and Jarrett the backup. Because the lockout canceled spring workouts, Jarrett is one of many rookies that have a lot of learning to make up.

Coleman sympathizes with Jarrett's plight. Coleman missed organized team activities last year because of a rule that forbid his participation until he graduated from Ohio State. He also took his cues on how to relate to rookies from former Eagles safety Quintin Mikell, who previously took his cues from Brian Dawkins.

"I would have helped him either way," Coleman said. "When I first got here, Q [Mikell] was like, 'I'm not going to withhold anything. I'm going to tell you just like BDawk did with me.' I feel like it's my job to help J.J."

Jarrett has lots to learn. After more than a week of camp, he admitted to feeling lost at times. Because of the work stoppage he didn't receive a playbook until 10 days ago, so Jarrett has yet to stand out during practices. Of course, there hasn't been much hitting - his forte - at CBA-neutered Eagles camp.

"The best part of his game is the part that we're not seeing right now, and that's him hitting people, and he knows how to do that," Eagles coach Andy Reid said. "So right now he's working on footwork and all the techniques and the different coverages. I know he's chomping at the bit to lay somebody out."

Jarrett may have to wait until Thursday's preseason opener against the Ravens.

"It's not hard at all not being able to hit," Jarrett said. "It's all about learning. It's one thing to be physical and another thing to be mentally strong. . . . But we'll get our hitting in."