The following notes below have been originally viewed on the South Florida Sun-Sentinel's website, and have been mixed in with writer Brant Houghton's own thoughts on the day in training camp.

Day 1 of training camp for the Miami Dolphins kicked off today at 2 pm eastern time, with most players present, and no players listed on the Physically Unable To Perform list.

Here is a recap of how the offense looked today, and some of the comments that head coach Tony Sparano had on his offensive unit during his first press conference of the season:

Quarterbacks:

According to Omar Kelly, Chad Henne was not checking down as much today in the first practice of training camp as he was in the OTA's earlier in the off-season. This could be because Brandon Marshall was not practicing during the OTA's but was present today for camp. Henne was going downfield today, and not a lot of checkdowns were seen.

Marshall said today that Henne is "ahead of schedule" for a 3rd year quarterback. We all saw the strides that Henne made during the season last year, it looks like Henne has been continuing to make strides during the off-season as well.

Chad Pennington looked good throwing the ball today, and said he lost 8 pounds of fat over the off-season. CP10 is 100% healthy and according to Sparano "will be competing for a backup job".

Pat White was not in attendance during the first practice for an unnamed reason.

Tyler Thigpen, who is vying for the 2nd string backup quarterback spot along with White, threw the only interception of the day, an off-target pass. Thigpen will need to increase his accuracy, because his lack of was the reason the Fins lost the Week 17 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It seems whoever can complete the most passes this camp will win the second string job.

Running Backs:

Ronnie Brown was back in action today, lining up everywhere the Dolphins told him to. He was seen throwing a pass from the Wildcat formation, but it was overthrown to tight end Kory Sperry.

Brown is not concerned about his contract situation, and thinks it will play itself out.

The Dolphins will need for Brown to be back to full strength this year if they are to make a run deep into the playoffs.

Wide Receivers:

Marshall says he is pain free in his hip where he had to get off-season surgery on this year.

Marshall was the main attraction at practice today, showing his game not only to the fans, but to cornerback Sean Smith. Marshall put Smith on his butt twice during the practice.

Sparano said in his press conference that he wants to incorporate the strengths of Marshall into the Dolphins offense this year.

Receiver Brian Hartline has also paid off a citation that he received for abandoning his car on the highway. Sparano said "the case is put to bed".

Hartline was lined up alongside Marshall as the other starting wide receiver.

While Taurus Johnson impressed today with a couple of smooth catches, Ryan Grice-Mullen had a drop, whichw as a little disappointing. If he makes the roster he will make it because of his ability to return punts and kicks.

Tight Ends:

Anthony Fasano was back in practice, but was not happy that he was not allowed under the new league rules to become an unrestricted free agent.

Despite the words of Fasano, he will have to come into the season with a chip on his shoulder. He had a disappointing year last year, and will need to prove the Dolphins he is indeed worth another contract from them.

Offensive Line:

Keep in mind that the offensive line is where coach Sparano specializes. He knows what he is doing. So do not take what the lineups were today for a grain of salt, they will be somewhat different come Opening Day.

Jake Long was of course the starting right tackle, as well as Jake Grove the starting center, and Vernon Carey the starting right tackle. But the rest of the offensive line depth chart was scrambled.

Rookie John Jerry was working with the starting unit, at right guard, and moving Richie Incognito to the second string right guard. The Dolphins are obviously trying to how Incognito that he will not be handed the starting job.

Nate Garner was working as the second team right tackle. Garner said that he was not in shock about the move because this was where he lined up in training camp last year, and eventually moved to guard. Guard is where Garner is projected to compete this year.

Donald Thomas is working on the second team at left guard as the backup for Cory Procter. He played right guard last year. This is a big year for him to prove if he belongs on the Fins or not.

Procter could be a free agent find if he performs above expectations and actually starts on Opening Day. This could be one of Sparano's mind games to challenge Thomas though.

Lydon Murtha and Andrew Gardner will compete to be Jake Long's backup. Only one of them will make the roster though.

Joe Berger was acting as the backup center today, but he is versatile enough where he can play both center and guard. Look for him to move all over the place in training camp the rest of the way.

D-Line:

This is where the most competition and interest will take place during camp. Bill Parcells was seen watching the defensive lineman drills a few feet away on his golf cart. The Fins recently brought in both Marques Douglas and Charles Grant to compete for the starting right defensive end spot.

Douglas was working as the 2nd string right end, and Grant was lining up as the 3rd team left end. Grant will really need to show something for the team to keep him. He needs to work his way up the food chain.

Rookie Jared Odrick was working as the starting right end, and impressed today.

Randy Starks was ok, but needs to improve before the season. He was put on the ground a couple times by center Jake Grove, and meanwhile, backup Paul Solia looked as if he was more spry, and athletic than last season.

Outside Linebackers:

Cameron Wake and rookie Koa Misi were the starting outside linebackers for the Fins, and Charlie Anderson and Ikaika Alaima-Francis were the backups. It is possible that two rookies could be starting on Opening Day.

Both Wake and Misi are my predictions to be the starters come the first week of the season, so it was no surprise to see them playing where they were today.

Inside Linebackers:

Also a no-brainer, Karlos Dansby and Channing Crowder were the starters on the inside. Rookie A.J. Edds and Tim Dobbins were the backups.

The inside backers may be the Fins best all around and deepest unit on the defense. They should be solid at the least, and league leading at best. I predict a bright season for this bunch. Edds and Dobbins will be seeing a lot more reps in both camp and games than normal backups.

Cornerbacks:

Sean Smith and Vontae Davis were the starting corners, while Will and Jason Allen were the backups.

Will Allen is determined to be starter this season, while Jason will be lucky to make the roster. He had a rough day of camp. He will be targeted whenever he plays.

While Smith was dominated by Marshall today, Marshall was impressed with both of the young corners. They both have improved this off-season, and we should have one of the best corner trio's in the league, along with Will Allen.

Safeties:

Yeremiah Bell will be the starter come Opening Day no doubt in my mind.

Chris Clemons is the one that is interesting to me.

Sparano says that the team gave up too many big plays last year, and they are going to focus on preventing those same big plays from taking place again this year.

He also says Clemons "had a good spring, and has a chance to take things to the next level." Clemons will need to take things to the next level if the Fins secondary has any chance of taking the next step itself.

Reshad Jones and Tyrone Culver were the backup safeties today.

Random Notes:

Tony Sparano revealed today that every player passed the conditioning test.

Sparano himself came into camp 55 pounds under his weight that we last saw him at last season.

Sparano showed with this weight loss that he is a big preacher of being in shape, and the players should not be happy that Sparano will have a little extra energy this year!

Coach also said to the press that he wants to see this team keep improving and taking the next step to winning championships. He also said that to do that, the team will have to be efficient to win the Super Bowl.

Sparano said that he wants to see the young guys show that they are not afraid of the big stage, and perform like they are veterans.

Jason Ferguson retiring was as much of an surprise to Sparano as it was to everyone else. "I loved Ferg", says Sparano.

With the first day of camp in the books, the Dolphins face their first two a day practices tomorrow. Stay tuned for tomorrows update.