The Sports Xchange

BEREA, Ohio — The University of Washington is on a quarters system rather than a semesters system, which means the Cleveland Browns’ top draft pick, nose tackle Danny Shelton, is not participating in OTAs.

He has signed his rookie contract, so his absence is beyond anyone’s control.

“There’s just no substitute for being in the meetings and being around your teammates and just kind of learning the ropes of the NFL early on,” head coach Mike Pettine said. “I wouldn’t say it’s going to put him behind tremendously. He’ll have access to all the stuff that we’re doing, from a playbook standpoint. It’s one of those rules. It’s tough, those guys that are really at a disadvantage that are at those quarter-system schools.”

–Cameron Erving, picked 19th overall in the first round, is working at right guard with the second offense in OTAs.

–The Browns will hold their annual Orange and Brown Scrimmage on Aug. 7 and for the first time stage it at Ohio Stadium in Columbus. By the summer of 2016, the Browns are expected to hold at least a portion of their training camp in Columbus.

“The intrasquad scrimmage is an important element of our preparation for the 2015 season,” Pettine said. “Ohio Stadium will provide a great atmosphere for our team to compete, and I’m confident our players and fans will enjoy the experience.”

Last year the Browns’ intra-squad scrimmage was at the University of Akron.

–Second-year running back Terrance West has dyed a patch of his hair on the left side of his head a golden color. The problem is it has faded to yellow. He wants to color is again, possibly before OTAs resume next week.

More importantly, West wants to reach into the “untapped potential” Pettine says he has.

“Jim Brown tells me I’ve got the great talent and a chance to be one of the best running backs,” West said. “I was a rookie. I look at how they treat guys now as a rookie. That’s what comes with it. They don’t want you to get a big head and make it seem like you know everything. There is always room for improvement … and I’m on the right track now.”

West rushed for 673 yards and four touchdowns on 171 carries last year.

–Center Alex Mack is on pace recovering from his broken left leg but he is not participating in team drills. He is expected to have full clearance by training camp.