Pro Football Weekly reports that the Chargers have inked first-round pick LB Larry English

On Friday, their first official day of training camp, the Chargers have signed first-round pick LB Larry English, according to NFL.com.

English, the 16th overall selection in the 2009 draft, shined as a defensive end during his career at Northern Illinois, finishing as the school’s all-time sacks leader. He also took home MAC Player of the Year honors in both his junior and senior season. He is naturally athletic, quick and tough and possesses great character.

English will shift to outside linebacker in the Chargers’ 3-4 alignment. Although he’ll back up OLBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, English is expected to see time on rush downs because of his innate ability to get after the quarterback. Many believe English could become a starter as soon as 2010 if Merriman is not re-signed.