Haven Moses
February 26th, 2006, 9:01:10 PM
Can be found at http://beachthe.net/beachpress/
2006 NFL Combine Official Times - Day 3 - OL, RB
Official Times - Running Backs - Group 3
40 YARD DASH TIME
Maurice Drew 4.39
Joseph Addai 4.40
Andre Hall 4.42
Wali Lundy 4.45
Jerome Harrison 4.47
Quinton Ganther 4.50
BENCH PRESS REPS
Quinton Gather 29
Matt Bernstein 22
P.J. Daniels 21
Gilbert Harris 20
Jerome Harrison 19
20 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Jerome Harrison 4.07
Brian Calhoun 4.20
Mike Bell 4.21
David Kirtman 4.31
Wali Lundy 4.36
BROAD JUMP FT / IN
Joseph Addai 10′ 5
Jerome Harrison 10′ 4
Brian Calhoun 10′ 4
Quinton Ganther 9′ 11
Gilbert Harris 9′ 9
60 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Wali Lundy 11.27
Maurice Drew 11.39
Mike Bell 11.48
Gilbert Harris 11.72
VERT JUMP INCHES
Joseph Addai 38.5
Maurice Drew 36.0
Gilbert Harris 36.0
Wali Lundy 35.0
Quinton Ganther 35.0
3 CONE DRILL TIME
Jerome Harrison 6.77
Wali Lundy 6.99
Gilbert Harris 7.00
Taurean Henderson 7.01
Brian Calhoun 7.05
Official Times - Offensive Line - Group 1
40 YARD DASH TIME
Chris Chester 4.88
Daryn Colledge 5.04
Nick Mangold 5.05
Marcus McNeil 5.07
Paul McQuistan 5.07
Davin Joseph 5.09
Will Montgomery 5.09
Chris Kuper 5.10
Greg Eslinger 5.13
Jimmy Martin 5.14
BENCH PRESS REPS
Will Montgomery 35
Robin Meadow 29
Ryan Cook 28
Fred Matua 28
Greg Eslinger 28
Paul McQuistan 28
20 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Nick Mangold 4.36
Will Montgomery 4.43
Chris Chester 4.50
Winston Justice 4.53
Rashad Butler 4.55
Daryn Colledge 4.58
Chris Kuper 4.60
BROAD JUMP FT / IN
Davin Joseph 9′ 3
Paul McQuistan 9′ 2
Winston Justice 9′ 2
Daryn Colledge 9′ 2
Chris Kuper 9′ 1
Rashad Butler 8′ 10
Chris Chester 8′ 10
3 CONE DRILL TIME
Winston Justice 7.31
Chris Chester 7.31
Will Montgomery 7.40
Daryn Colledge 7.43
Nick Mangold 7.49
Greg Eslinger 7.59
Chris Kuper 7.59
VERT LEAP INCHES
Winston Justice 35.0
Daryn Colledge 32.5
Davin Joseph 32.0
Chris Chester 31.5
Kevin Boothe 31.5
Official Times - Offensive Line - Group 2
40 YARD DASH TIME
Eric Winston 4.94
Guy Whimper 4.95
Pat Ross 4.96
Michael Toudouze 5.10
Joe Toledo 5.11
Andrew Whitworth 5.15
Issac Sowells 5.15
Marvin Phillip 5.24
Jeremy Trueblood 5.25
Charles Spencer 5.28
Dennis Roland 5.28
BENCH PRESS REPS
Joe Toledo 32
Charles Spencer 30
Terrence Pennington 28
Andrew Whitworth 28
20 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Eric Winston 4.44
Mark Setterstrom 4.53
Jason Spitz 4.55
Guy Whimper 4.59
Dan Stevenson 4.62
BROAD JUMP FT / IN
Andrew Whitworth 9′ 4
Eric Winston 9′
Terrance Pennington 8′ 6
Jason Spitz 8′ 6
Guy Whimper 8′ 6
Jonathan Scott 8′ 5
Issac Sowells 8′ 5
E.J Whitlet 8′ 5
3 CONE DRILL TIME
Guy Whimper 7.38
Michael Toudouze 7.45
Eric Winston 7.47
E.J. Whitley 7.53
Dan Stevenson 7.58
VERT JUMP INCHES
Andrew Whitworth 30.5
Guy Whimper 29.0
Eric Winston 29.0
Terrence Pennington 28.5
Jason Spitz 28.5
Issac Sowells 28.5
-posted February 25, 2006 at 7:21 pm
2006 NFL Combine - Day 2 Notes
Matt Leinart:
On how much of a better quarterback he is after having stayed in college for his senior year:
Oh, far better. That offseason, I was able to really approach the game mentally. Physically, I was going to get stronger. Mentally, the film watching, I studied a lot of NFL quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Rich Gannon, Tom Brady, Brett Favre. I spent a day with Rich Gannon. He came down to SC. I spent a day with him, just about how he prepares, every game, every day, day by day, every week.
The mental part, the first day of fall install, I learned more practically that day than I did the whole year before, with Steve Sarkisian; who was with the Raiders last year - or two years ago - and is now back with SC.
Just overall mentally and physicall, I just grew. A lot of people say I’m a 1000 throws more experienced this season. Now I’m kind of getting kicked out of college and I’m ready to go.
On how he will mentally adjust to the possibility of not playing for a winning team:
Obviously, anywhere I go - being at SC, we practically won every single game we could have played - and then going to a team that possibly may struggle. It’s all preparation. It’s all work. I work hard and no matter what, I’m going to bring my talent and ability, I’m going to bring my work ethic to an organization and help that team win- whether it’s in a year or two or three years. That’s my mindset so… who knows what the future is going to tell, but I know what I’m going to bring: a lot of hard work. I’m going to work my butt off, get better, and be a player that is going to help that team.
On how he views his own mobility:
I think I’m deceivingly fast; that I have deceptive speed. I know I can throw on the run better than people think. I’ve always been a good athlete; I played basketball, baseball growing up. I’ve always been a great athlete. I think, just because I don’t run around, people think that I’m just this drop back passer - which I am - but that I can make a guy miss and I can get out of the pocket and throw on the run.
On if the Saints situation concerns him at all:
Absolutely not. If I were to go to the Saints, it would be an honor. Just to get drafted into the NFL is an honor. Obviously, the city of New Orleans is going through some troubles right now. But it would be kind of cool to be a part of that; the rebuilding of the city. So, we’ll see what happens, but whatever team takes me, that’s where I’m going to go and be happy.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vince Young:
I just want to play football no matter what team I go to.
On his throwing motion:
Just sitting down with some of the coaches now and just hearing the things they’ve been saying about my throwing motion, there’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s like, the media, that’s who keeps talking about this. There’s nothing wrong with the throwing motion, but just hearing it from them, to just keep continuing to get my mental part of the game better and better and keep playing what I’ve been doing all my life - just playing football.
On how patient he is if he doesn’t get to play right away:
Like I said, I’m a very confident player. I want to go out there and compete for the starting job. But if that doesn’t happen, you’ve got to be patient as a quarterback and wait your time. When it’s my time to go, I want to step up in the game and know what I’m doing in my offense and know where my 1, 2, and 3 receivers are at. I just want to be real comfortable and not just go out and straight out on talent. That set me back a long time when I was in college. When I was a freshman, I just tried to go out there and use my abilities and now it’s just more than that.
If there is an ounce in his body that worries about not succeeding at the next level:
Not really. It depends on myself. And how much you don’t see behind the scenes, watching film and how much work I put in, how much effort I put in and how much I want to better myself at the next level. It all goes around myself, so…
Was there a particular time, a game or a play, that is when a lightbulb (maturity) went on:
No, just sitting down with coach Brown and coach Davis. After we lost to OU that 12-0, they beat us 12-0, I was pretty down after that game and I take losses pretty hard. Just walking around and seeing my teammates, how down they were and how big they wanted to win that game, I didn’t want our guys to feel that anymore so I’ve taken upon myself to better myself to get better and better so I can help out my guys to win more ballgames.
On if he could see himself playing for Al Davis:
It doesn’t matter who I play for. I feel like I have great character. I respect coaches a whole lot, they’ve been through more than I’ve been through.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marcus Vick
On the stomping incident:
I talked to a lot of coaches last night. I just gave them the truth. I told them that during the game, there was a lot of frustration, a lot of things being said. I jumped up and reacted and I didn’t think. I regret that situation, I’m embarassed about that situation. I embarassed my family. My family didn’t speak to me for weeks after that. It was very hard.
On what he hopes to show NFL teams:
Just the kind of athlete that I am. And I want to show coaches that I know about football; about protections, and who’s not blocked, and who’s blocked, checks and audibles, and things of that nature.
On how concerned that his troubles have affected his draft status:
At this time in my life, I just want one team to give me a shot. It doesn’t matter what round, or how much money we’re talking, I just want a shot to be able to prove my ability.
On if being able to stay in school another year would have helped him:
I think it would have made a big difference, I would have gotten more reps. I would have been able to do some of the things that I wanted to do this year that I couldn’t, so that would have been really big.
On comparisons to Maurice Clarett:
I really wouldn’t compare myself to Maurice Claurett. I hear he came in here and did the drills he wanted to do and sometimes he’d walk out of a drill. I’m not that type of person. I’m going to finish my drills and I’m going to do everything; whatever they want to see.
On the McDonald’s/gun incident:
That got blown way out of proportion. I don’t carry guns. I don’t affiliate with people who carry guns. They are very dangerous and they could go off at any time and hit any body… I had a cell phone in my hand, I don’t know what those guys were thinking… They must have (mistaken it for a gun). That’s the only thing I can think of. I didn’t even think that was going to be a situation until the detectives came to my house at 3 in the morning… They came to my house later that night… They charged me the next day… I don’t carry around guns. I don’t own a gun. I don’t have a gun in my name… I really don’t know (why it went down like that). I have no idea…. The guys, now I hear they are trying to bribe me for money and different things of that nature. One guy (of the accusers) last week, he just got locked up for armed robbery… I really don’t know what they were thinking.
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Jay Cutler:
On his mobility:
I think they want pocket guys who can move a little bit. I don’t think they are really looking for guys who can get out of the pocket and run around. Cause you’re not going to make a living running around in the NFL. They have been some quarterbacks in the past that have tried to do it and you’re only going to get yourself hurt. Being able to escape in the pocket and get rid of the ball quickly, I think that’s one thing they are definitely looking for though.
I worry for players like Vince Young whose reasons for not working out at the Combine are because he wants to be in his own environment and under his own determined circumstances when he works out. Had I not seen Young play those two straight Rose Bowls, that sort of thing bothers me in an athlete because hardly ever will anyone in the NFL, especially a quarterback, have everything lined up the way he wants them. It’s important to see players perform on someone else’s terms.
Marcus Vick came off as genuine, even though some of his answers were clearly practiced. He seems to be concerned solely about getting a chance to play football with someone.
And Jay Cutler’s air time on the Network was small. I’m interested in seeing him talk more. He seems a little too aw-shucks for a quarterback and having come from a college career that saw his team never have a winning season and to have never won a bowl game, the issue needs to be addressed of whether or not Cutler has the kind of leadership capabilities to lead a team to a playoff win. His personality could go the Jake Delhomme route, but so far, I think it’s fair to question how much of those intagibles he has.
Gil Brandt’s day 2 notes include a nice story about D’Brick showing up for his interviews in a shirt and tie.
DeAngelo Hall had an iteresting story to tell on day 2. He was asked if he knew at the Combine a couple years ago that the Falcons were going to draft him. Hall said that there were 31 teams that interviewed him; and the lone team that did not was Atlanta. They didn’t even show up to his pro day workout.
-posted February 25, 2006 at 12:28 pm
General, Football, 06 NFL Combine, NFL Combine | No Comments
2006 NFL Combine - Day I Notes
The NFL Network showed two hours of press conferences on Thursday and naturally there really wasn’t much happening other than a lot of talk and a lot of John Lott.
Of the 83 players who arrived on Thursday, the Network covered extended portions of the press conferences with D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Reggie Bush, Winston Justice, and Maurice Drew. Here are some quotes I found interesting:
D’Brickahsaw Ferguson
When asked about how he had gained 30+ pounds since his sophomore year:
I was able to work on my diet, my habits. I really tried to just pay more attention to things that I was consuming, and things of that nature.
I was 250-ish, 260-ish. And, you know, being a 260 pound tackle, you’re just not given an opportunity to really exert yourself on other defenders as you may at 290 pounds. So, I really felt that I had an advantage and the added weight and size, I didn’t feel like it affected my mobility negatively.
On players he looked up to growing up:
Lomas Brown, NY Giants. He was an excellent player. He was a long and skinny individual like myself. So, I’ve tried to emulate some of the things that he does- he did.
On the idea of possibly playing for the Jets:
I grew up in New York, and I was always around New York sports, so definitely. I like the Knicks.
On why he is waiting until his pro day (March 21) to work out for NFL teams:
Again, I just want to give myself the best opportunity. I’m working down now currently in Orlando with Tom Shaw, just training. And I really feel like I’m making good progress and I just feel like I don’t want to short change myself.
On what his major was at Virginia:
Religious Studies. I’ve always had an interest in world religions. It’s always been somthing that I felt passionate about. I enjoyed doing it during school. I don’t know if I’ll be using it after school, but the possibilities are out there for me.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reggie Bush
I like to think of myself as an every down back. That’s something I feel like I want to emphasize to the teams - to every team, the team that takes me - that I can be an every down back. Even though I’m not the biggest guy, I’m not 220 pounds, I can still carry the load and be in there when the game’s on the line. Obviously, I’m going to want the ball in my hands, I’m a playmaker so…
When compared to what Matt Leinart has been doing lately (ie, fame, parties, photos shoots):
Yeah, I’ve had those same opportunities, but for me, what I’ve wanted to do is focus on this draft, focus on preparing myself for this combine. And really stay focused, and all those other things - the photo shoots - will come. But I have had those opportunities but I’ve just chosen, I guess, you know… just… (interrupted by another question)
When asked if he could compare himself to any other player:
Not really. I don’t want to compare myself to someone in the NFL who’s already done so much, just because they are at a whole other level and I’m trying to get to that level. But I guess, the most similar comparison I’ve seen is Marshall Faulk, the way the St Louis Rams used him.
Is there one team he’d like to play for:
Whatever team I go to I could help out a lot. And if I were to go to Houston, they already have a great quarterback and a great receiver. Maybe it’s just those little pieces of the puzzle that they are missing. Hopefully I’d be able to help them out a lot and help them win some more games. I’m not saying we’re going to go to a Super Bowl right away, but hopefully we can work towards that and obviously I know it take a long process.
On blitz pickup:
Coming from USC, we played in a pro-style offense, so we had to know our blitz pickups. I’m pretty familiar with it - not to the extent of the NFL but I have a pretty good knowledge of it and what it takes.
If he thought that question of blitz pickup is going to come up a lot at the Combine:
Oh yeah. Definitely. Definitely.
On why he wasn’t an every down player at USC:
Oh, obviously, when the game is on the line like I said I want the ball, I’m a competitor. It’s the coaches decision ultimately, and it would have been completely wrong for me to go in there and make a fuss about it.
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Winston Justice
I played left tackle as a freshman. I think it’ll be an easy transition for me. I can play both tackles, easy, right or left, so it wouldn’t be a problem for me.
On how important was playing this last season:
I think it was very, very important. To show people that I character to come back to school and prove that I could be a good student, a good citizen, for a whole year and have a good season. I think that I accomplished that.
On what happened?
I was suspended for pulling a toy gun on a student. So I was suspended by the school for the 2004 season, for two semesters… It was actually me and some friends playing a game. We thought we knew the person in the car that we pulled the toy gun on and that wasn’t them. And that’s the story… in the past… and something I’m always going to regret doing. And always going to be sorry about and always something I’m going to be kicking myself for. But it’s in the past and I’m trying to live day by day to show people I am a good character guy.
On how hard will it be for you to explain this situation to all the NFL teams:
It’s not going to be that difficult. I like telling my side of the story. I like telling people what happened. So it’s not going to be that difficult at all.
On what he’s gotten out of boxing workouts with Freddy Roach:
I’ve gotten a lot out of that. Boxing helped me so much with my hands and my feetwork. I think that translates a lot with my football game too. I boxed for a whole year while I was out (suspended) so I sparred different amateurs and I think it helped me a lot with my football game.
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Maurice Drew
On why he’s chosen to work out this week:
Because I feel like if you come to the Combine, there’s no reason to come here and not work out. You’re taking up other people’s slots. You need to use the opportunity will all the coaches and the GMs here and be able to do your best. Just go out there and compete and that’s all they can ask of you, to just go out and do your best. And if you do your best, you can’t be mad at yourself.
Gil Brandt has his day 1 notes up as well- including a short list of the tallest, heaviest, shortest and other ests from the day 1 reportees.
It was interesting to hear Reggie Bush speak, especially his comments about Leinart’s fame. I got the impression he was making a real effort not to cast judgement on his former quarterback, while also trying to convey to everyone that his own personality is a different one. It was also interesting to hear him talk about Houston’s QB and WR and not anything about their filled stable of running backs.
2006 NFL Combine Official Times - Day 3 - OL, RB
Official Times - Running Backs - Group 3
40 YARD DASH TIME
Maurice Drew 4.39
Joseph Addai 4.40
Andre Hall 4.42
Wali Lundy 4.45
Jerome Harrison 4.47
Quinton Ganther 4.50
BENCH PRESS REPS
Quinton Gather 29
Matt Bernstein 22
P.J. Daniels 21
Gilbert Harris 20
Jerome Harrison 19
20 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Jerome Harrison 4.07
Brian Calhoun 4.20
Mike Bell 4.21
David Kirtman 4.31
Wali Lundy 4.36
BROAD JUMP FT / IN
Joseph Addai 10′ 5
Jerome Harrison 10′ 4
Brian Calhoun 10′ 4
Quinton Ganther 9′ 11
Gilbert Harris 9′ 9
60 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Wali Lundy 11.27
Maurice Drew 11.39
Mike Bell 11.48
Gilbert Harris 11.72
VERT JUMP INCHES
Joseph Addai 38.5
Maurice Drew 36.0
Gilbert Harris 36.0
Wali Lundy 35.0
Quinton Ganther 35.0
3 CONE DRILL TIME
Jerome Harrison 6.77
Wali Lundy 6.99
Gilbert Harris 7.00
Taurean Henderson 7.01
Brian Calhoun 7.05
Official Times - Offensive Line - Group 1
40 YARD DASH TIME
Chris Chester 4.88
Daryn Colledge 5.04
Nick Mangold 5.05
Marcus McNeil 5.07
Paul McQuistan 5.07
Davin Joseph 5.09
Will Montgomery 5.09
Chris Kuper 5.10
Greg Eslinger 5.13
Jimmy Martin 5.14
BENCH PRESS REPS
Will Montgomery 35
Robin Meadow 29
Ryan Cook 28
Fred Matua 28
Greg Eslinger 28
Paul McQuistan 28
20 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Nick Mangold 4.36
Will Montgomery 4.43
Chris Chester 4.50
Winston Justice 4.53
Rashad Butler 4.55
Daryn Colledge 4.58
Chris Kuper 4.60
BROAD JUMP FT / IN
Davin Joseph 9′ 3
Paul McQuistan 9′ 2
Winston Justice 9′ 2
Daryn Colledge 9′ 2
Chris Kuper 9′ 1
Rashad Butler 8′ 10
Chris Chester 8′ 10
3 CONE DRILL TIME
Winston Justice 7.31
Chris Chester 7.31
Will Montgomery 7.40
Daryn Colledge 7.43
Nick Mangold 7.49
Greg Eslinger 7.59
Chris Kuper 7.59
VERT LEAP INCHES
Winston Justice 35.0
Daryn Colledge 32.5
Davin Joseph 32.0
Chris Chester 31.5
Kevin Boothe 31.5
Official Times - Offensive Line - Group 2
40 YARD DASH TIME
Eric Winston 4.94
Guy Whimper 4.95
Pat Ross 4.96
Michael Toudouze 5.10
Joe Toledo 5.11
Andrew Whitworth 5.15
Issac Sowells 5.15
Marvin Phillip 5.24
Jeremy Trueblood 5.25
Charles Spencer 5.28
Dennis Roland 5.28
BENCH PRESS REPS
Joe Toledo 32
Charles Spencer 30
Terrence Pennington 28
Andrew Whitworth 28
20 YARD SHUTTLE TIME
Eric Winston 4.44
Mark Setterstrom 4.53
Jason Spitz 4.55
Guy Whimper 4.59
Dan Stevenson 4.62
BROAD JUMP FT / IN
Andrew Whitworth 9′ 4
Eric Winston 9′
Terrance Pennington 8′ 6
Jason Spitz 8′ 6
Guy Whimper 8′ 6
Jonathan Scott 8′ 5
Issac Sowells 8′ 5
E.J Whitlet 8′ 5
3 CONE DRILL TIME
Guy Whimper 7.38
Michael Toudouze 7.45
Eric Winston 7.47
E.J. Whitley 7.53
Dan Stevenson 7.58
VERT JUMP INCHES
Andrew Whitworth 30.5
Guy Whimper 29.0
Eric Winston 29.0
Terrence Pennington 28.5
Jason Spitz 28.5
Issac Sowells 28.5
-posted February 25, 2006 at 7:21 pm
2006 NFL Combine - Day 2 Notes
Matt Leinart:
On how much of a better quarterback he is after having stayed in college for his senior year:
Oh, far better. That offseason, I was able to really approach the game mentally. Physically, I was going to get stronger. Mentally, the film watching, I studied a lot of NFL quarterbacks: Peyton Manning, Rich Gannon, Tom Brady, Brett Favre. I spent a day with Rich Gannon. He came down to SC. I spent a day with him, just about how he prepares, every game, every day, day by day, every week.
The mental part, the first day of fall install, I learned more practically that day than I did the whole year before, with Steve Sarkisian; who was with the Raiders last year - or two years ago - and is now back with SC.
Just overall mentally and physicall, I just grew. A lot of people say I’m a 1000 throws more experienced this season. Now I’m kind of getting kicked out of college and I’m ready to go.
On how he will mentally adjust to the possibility of not playing for a winning team:
Obviously, anywhere I go - being at SC, we practically won every single game we could have played - and then going to a team that possibly may struggle. It’s all preparation. It’s all work. I work hard and no matter what, I’m going to bring my talent and ability, I’m going to bring my work ethic to an organization and help that team win- whether it’s in a year or two or three years. That’s my mindset so… who knows what the future is going to tell, but I know what I’m going to bring: a lot of hard work. I’m going to work my butt off, get better, and be a player that is going to help that team.
On how he views his own mobility:
I think I’m deceivingly fast; that I have deceptive speed. I know I can throw on the run better than people think. I’ve always been a good athlete; I played basketball, baseball growing up. I’ve always been a great athlete. I think, just because I don’t run around, people think that I’m just this drop back passer - which I am - but that I can make a guy miss and I can get out of the pocket and throw on the run.
On if the Saints situation concerns him at all:
Absolutely not. If I were to go to the Saints, it would be an honor. Just to get drafted into the NFL is an honor. Obviously, the city of New Orleans is going through some troubles right now. But it would be kind of cool to be a part of that; the rebuilding of the city. So, we’ll see what happens, but whatever team takes me, that’s where I’m going to go and be happy.
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Vince Young:
I just want to play football no matter what team I go to.
On his throwing motion:
Just sitting down with some of the coaches now and just hearing the things they’ve been saying about my throwing motion, there’s nothing really wrong with it. It’s like, the media, that’s who keeps talking about this. There’s nothing wrong with the throwing motion, but just hearing it from them, to just keep continuing to get my mental part of the game better and better and keep playing what I’ve been doing all my life - just playing football.
On how patient he is if he doesn’t get to play right away:
Like I said, I’m a very confident player. I want to go out there and compete for the starting job. But if that doesn’t happen, you’ve got to be patient as a quarterback and wait your time. When it’s my time to go, I want to step up in the game and know what I’m doing in my offense and know where my 1, 2, and 3 receivers are at. I just want to be real comfortable and not just go out and straight out on talent. That set me back a long time when I was in college. When I was a freshman, I just tried to go out there and use my abilities and now it’s just more than that.
If there is an ounce in his body that worries about not succeeding at the next level:
Not really. It depends on myself. And how much you don’t see behind the scenes, watching film and how much work I put in, how much effort I put in and how much I want to better myself at the next level. It all goes around myself, so…
Was there a particular time, a game or a play, that is when a lightbulb (maturity) went on:
No, just sitting down with coach Brown and coach Davis. After we lost to OU that 12-0, they beat us 12-0, I was pretty down after that game and I take losses pretty hard. Just walking around and seeing my teammates, how down they were and how big they wanted to win that game, I didn’t want our guys to feel that anymore so I’ve taken upon myself to better myself to get better and better so I can help out my guys to win more ballgames.
On if he could see himself playing for Al Davis:
It doesn’t matter who I play for. I feel like I have great character. I respect coaches a whole lot, they’ve been through more than I’ve been through.
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Marcus Vick
On the stomping incident:
I talked to a lot of coaches last night. I just gave them the truth. I told them that during the game, there was a lot of frustration, a lot of things being said. I jumped up and reacted and I didn’t think. I regret that situation, I’m embarassed about that situation. I embarassed my family. My family didn’t speak to me for weeks after that. It was very hard.
On what he hopes to show NFL teams:
Just the kind of athlete that I am. And I want to show coaches that I know about football; about protections, and who’s not blocked, and who’s blocked, checks and audibles, and things of that nature.
On how concerned that his troubles have affected his draft status:
At this time in my life, I just want one team to give me a shot. It doesn’t matter what round, or how much money we’re talking, I just want a shot to be able to prove my ability.
On if being able to stay in school another year would have helped him:
I think it would have made a big difference, I would have gotten more reps. I would have been able to do some of the things that I wanted to do this year that I couldn’t, so that would have been really big.
On comparisons to Maurice Clarett:
I really wouldn’t compare myself to Maurice Claurett. I hear he came in here and did the drills he wanted to do and sometimes he’d walk out of a drill. I’m not that type of person. I’m going to finish my drills and I’m going to do everything; whatever they want to see.
On the McDonald’s/gun incident:
That got blown way out of proportion. I don’t carry guns. I don’t affiliate with people who carry guns. They are very dangerous and they could go off at any time and hit any body… I had a cell phone in my hand, I don’t know what those guys were thinking… They must have (mistaken it for a gun). That’s the only thing I can think of. I didn’t even think that was going to be a situation until the detectives came to my house at 3 in the morning… They came to my house later that night… They charged me the next day… I don’t carry around guns. I don’t own a gun. I don’t have a gun in my name… I really don’t know (why it went down like that). I have no idea…. The guys, now I hear they are trying to bribe me for money and different things of that nature. One guy (of the accusers) last week, he just got locked up for armed robbery… I really don’t know what they were thinking.
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Jay Cutler:
On his mobility:
I think they want pocket guys who can move a little bit. I don’t think they are really looking for guys who can get out of the pocket and run around. Cause you’re not going to make a living running around in the NFL. They have been some quarterbacks in the past that have tried to do it and you’re only going to get yourself hurt. Being able to escape in the pocket and get rid of the ball quickly, I think that’s one thing they are definitely looking for though.
I worry for players like Vince Young whose reasons for not working out at the Combine are because he wants to be in his own environment and under his own determined circumstances when he works out. Had I not seen Young play those two straight Rose Bowls, that sort of thing bothers me in an athlete because hardly ever will anyone in the NFL, especially a quarterback, have everything lined up the way he wants them. It’s important to see players perform on someone else’s terms.
Marcus Vick came off as genuine, even though some of his answers were clearly practiced. He seems to be concerned solely about getting a chance to play football with someone.
And Jay Cutler’s air time on the Network was small. I’m interested in seeing him talk more. He seems a little too aw-shucks for a quarterback and having come from a college career that saw his team never have a winning season and to have never won a bowl game, the issue needs to be addressed of whether or not Cutler has the kind of leadership capabilities to lead a team to a playoff win. His personality could go the Jake Delhomme route, but so far, I think it’s fair to question how much of those intagibles he has.
Gil Brandt’s day 2 notes include a nice story about D’Brick showing up for his interviews in a shirt and tie.
DeAngelo Hall had an iteresting story to tell on day 2. He was asked if he knew at the Combine a couple years ago that the Falcons were going to draft him. Hall said that there were 31 teams that interviewed him; and the lone team that did not was Atlanta. They didn’t even show up to his pro day workout.
-posted February 25, 2006 at 12:28 pm
General, Football, 06 NFL Combine, NFL Combine | No Comments
2006 NFL Combine - Day I Notes
The NFL Network showed two hours of press conferences on Thursday and naturally there really wasn’t much happening other than a lot of talk and a lot of John Lott.
Of the 83 players who arrived on Thursday, the Network covered extended portions of the press conferences with D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Reggie Bush, Winston Justice, and Maurice Drew. Here are some quotes I found interesting:
D’Brickahsaw Ferguson
When asked about how he had gained 30+ pounds since his sophomore year:
I was able to work on my diet, my habits. I really tried to just pay more attention to things that I was consuming, and things of that nature.
I was 250-ish, 260-ish. And, you know, being a 260 pound tackle, you’re just not given an opportunity to really exert yourself on other defenders as you may at 290 pounds. So, I really felt that I had an advantage and the added weight and size, I didn’t feel like it affected my mobility negatively.
On players he looked up to growing up:
Lomas Brown, NY Giants. He was an excellent player. He was a long and skinny individual like myself. So, I’ve tried to emulate some of the things that he does- he did.
On the idea of possibly playing for the Jets:
I grew up in New York, and I was always around New York sports, so definitely. I like the Knicks.
On why he is waiting until his pro day (March 21) to work out for NFL teams:
Again, I just want to give myself the best opportunity. I’m working down now currently in Orlando with Tom Shaw, just training. And I really feel like I’m making good progress and I just feel like I don’t want to short change myself.
On what his major was at Virginia:
Religious Studies. I’ve always had an interest in world religions. It’s always been somthing that I felt passionate about. I enjoyed doing it during school. I don’t know if I’ll be using it after school, but the possibilities are out there for me.
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Reggie Bush
I like to think of myself as an every down back. That’s something I feel like I want to emphasize to the teams - to every team, the team that takes me - that I can be an every down back. Even though I’m not the biggest guy, I’m not 220 pounds, I can still carry the load and be in there when the game’s on the line. Obviously, I’m going to want the ball in my hands, I’m a playmaker so…
When compared to what Matt Leinart has been doing lately (ie, fame, parties, photos shoots):
Yeah, I’ve had those same opportunities, but for me, what I’ve wanted to do is focus on this draft, focus on preparing myself for this combine. And really stay focused, and all those other things - the photo shoots - will come. But I have had those opportunities but I’ve just chosen, I guess, you know… just… (interrupted by another question)
When asked if he could compare himself to any other player:
Not really. I don’t want to compare myself to someone in the NFL who’s already done so much, just because they are at a whole other level and I’m trying to get to that level. But I guess, the most similar comparison I’ve seen is Marshall Faulk, the way the St Louis Rams used him.
Is there one team he’d like to play for:
Whatever team I go to I could help out a lot. And if I were to go to Houston, they already have a great quarterback and a great receiver. Maybe it’s just those little pieces of the puzzle that they are missing. Hopefully I’d be able to help them out a lot and help them win some more games. I’m not saying we’re going to go to a Super Bowl right away, but hopefully we can work towards that and obviously I know it take a long process.
On blitz pickup:
Coming from USC, we played in a pro-style offense, so we had to know our blitz pickups. I’m pretty familiar with it - not to the extent of the NFL but I have a pretty good knowledge of it and what it takes.
If he thought that question of blitz pickup is going to come up a lot at the Combine:
Oh yeah. Definitely. Definitely.
On why he wasn’t an every down player at USC:
Oh, obviously, when the game is on the line like I said I want the ball, I’m a competitor. It’s the coaches decision ultimately, and it would have been completely wrong for me to go in there and make a fuss about it.
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Winston Justice
I played left tackle as a freshman. I think it’ll be an easy transition for me. I can play both tackles, easy, right or left, so it wouldn’t be a problem for me.
On how important was playing this last season:
I think it was very, very important. To show people that I character to come back to school and prove that I could be a good student, a good citizen, for a whole year and have a good season. I think that I accomplished that.
On what happened?
I was suspended for pulling a toy gun on a student. So I was suspended by the school for the 2004 season, for two semesters… It was actually me and some friends playing a game. We thought we knew the person in the car that we pulled the toy gun on and that wasn’t them. And that’s the story… in the past… and something I’m always going to regret doing. And always going to be sorry about and always something I’m going to be kicking myself for. But it’s in the past and I’m trying to live day by day to show people I am a good character guy.
On how hard will it be for you to explain this situation to all the NFL teams:
It’s not going to be that difficult. I like telling my side of the story. I like telling people what happened. So it’s not going to be that difficult at all.
On what he’s gotten out of boxing workouts with Freddy Roach:
I’ve gotten a lot out of that. Boxing helped me so much with my hands and my feetwork. I think that translates a lot with my football game too. I boxed for a whole year while I was out (suspended) so I sparred different amateurs and I think it helped me a lot with my football game.
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Maurice Drew
On why he’s chosen to work out this week:
Because I feel like if you come to the Combine, there’s no reason to come here and not work out. You’re taking up other people’s slots. You need to use the opportunity will all the coaches and the GMs here and be able to do your best. Just go out there and compete and that’s all they can ask of you, to just go out and do your best. And if you do your best, you can’t be mad at yourself.
Gil Brandt has his day 1 notes up as well- including a short list of the tallest, heaviest, shortest and other ests from the day 1 reportees.
It was interesting to hear Reggie Bush speak, especially his comments about Leinart’s fame. I got the impression he was making a real effort not to cast judgement on his former quarterback, while also trying to convey to everyone that his own personality is a different one. It was also interesting to hear him talk about Houston’s QB and WR and not anything about their filled stable of running backs.