by By Steve Corkran Staff writer , Contra Costa Times

Asomugha is a man in demand, meeting with the likes of former President Bill Clinton, speaking at the United Nations on the ravages of malaria, raising funds for poverty-stricken people and, oh, yeah, spearheading the Raiders' efforts to regain respectability.

Through it all, Asomugha searches for ways to improve, attending voluntary offseason practices while less accomplished veterans are absent.

"It's not overwhelming because I never buy into all of it, so I'm able to stay grounded with it," Asomugha said of all the attention heaped upon him within the past nine months or so. "It's great, but I'm not there yet. ...

"There's always another level to get to. But it's great to get the recognition right now for stuff that you've been doing pretty well for a few years."

Asomugha, 27, intercepted eight passes in 2006. The Raiders finished 2-14 that season, and his accomplishments went unnoticed by many.

He played as well as any cornerback in 2007, by most accounts, yet he was passed over in the Pro Bowl voting.

Finally, everything worked in Asomugha's favor last season.

Opposing coaches and players sang his praises, and the national media caught on and helped spread the word. Asomugha received his first Pro Bowl selection, as well as All-Pro honors.

In the offseason, the Raiders signed Asomugha to a guaranteed two-year contract that will pay him $28.5 million.

Yet, he isn't satisfied. He wants to be a part of the Raiders' emergence from their six-year funk. He wants to be part of a team that wins more than five games in a season. He wants to do whatever is asked of him.

To that end, Raiders coach Tom Cable has asked Asomugha to assume more of a leadership role.

"Leadership's not defined by how much you make or how good you play on Sunday," Cable said. "It's what you do during the week and the offseason and how people see you and perceive you in terms of your preparation. That's the next big thing for him is becoming a leader and a guy that people look at as the example all the time."

If it's good enough for Clinton and the U.N., chances are Asomugha is the right man for the job Cable has in mind.

Notes: Quarterbacks Jeff Garcia and Andrew Walter, wide receiver Javon Walker (knee), defensive ends Derrick Burgess and Jay Richardson (knee), defensive tackle Terdell Sands, running back Justin Fargas, safety Mike Mitchell, punter Shane Lechler and kicker Sebastian Janikowski missed practice because of injury or personal issue, Cable said. "... Rookie wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (hamstring), offensive lineman Paul McQuistan (knee) and defensive tackle Gerard Warren (pectoral) practiced after missing significant practice time before this week. "... Cable said the Raiders and 49ers are hashing out the details for a joint practice in Napa during training camp. They pulled it off last year. "... The Raiders are scheduled to report to training camp July 29 and commence practicing July 30, a Raiders official said. Quarterbacks JaMarcus Russell and Bruce Gradkowski handled all the snaps during 7-on-7 and full-team drills. Recently acquired quarterback Charlie Frye participated in individual drills.

Contact Steve Corkran at scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com

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