*********************************
Showing posts with label American football positions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label American football positions. Show all posts

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Cornell--OL--J.C. Tretter Interview


Did you ever have the experience of talking to someone and you knew that whatever they put their mind to they would be a success?  Well, that is exactly what hit me during my conversation with Cornell grad and future NFL player, J.C. Tretter when we spoke a few days ago.    J.C. carried himself already like a season veteran who already has the maturity and understanding of what it takes to be a success at the next phase in his life.
Footballdialogue: What is your official size and weight?
JC: 6’3” 302
Footballdialogue: You played tight end your first two seasons at Cornell and had some catches and even a touchdown.  Do you miss having the ball thrown your way once in a while?
JC: I definitely do, as it took some getting used to, that’s for sure.  You see, I was a quarterback in high school but was lightly recruited.  I truly enjoy the one on one battle I get into now with defensive linemen It’s so much fun as we throw different things at each other throughout the game.
Footballdialogue: You played left tackle the past few seasons at Cornell, are there any other spots on the offensive line where you have experience?
JC: I have experience playing all five positions and strive to stay as versatile as possible.   From what I hear teams are projecting me as a guard and center, and look forward to that change at the next level.
Footballdialogue: What have you been doing training-wise in preparation for the upcoming combine, pro days and the draft?
JC: I have been at IMG Training for the past eight weeks.  We have worked on all aspects of a football life with such things as nutrition and vision training, working on some track skills and spent a lot of time with Tom Nutten (former NFL player); and that experience has been great.
Footballdialogue: Have you had the chance to speak with former NFL player and Cornell Alumni, Kevin Boothe, about playing at the next level?

Monday, February 25, 2013

Graham Pocic Interview


Recently, I had the pleasure to speak with Illinois center Graham Pocic and let us just say if you were to look up the phrase “gentle giant” there is probably a good chance that it would be a picture of Graham Pocic.  Graham goes six foot seven inches and was the starting center of the Illinois offensive line the past several seasons.   Pretty amazing when most centers are listed around six foot two to six foot four so you can appreciate just how large the adjustment was for Graham.   With the re-emergence of the 3-4 defense the ability to play center has never been more vital to a team than the current state of the NFL.   Graham is the type of player that can fill several spots on a football depth chart.

Footballdialogue: What is your official height and weight? 
Graham:  6-7   315

Footballdialogue: What are you doing to prepare for the draft in April?  
Graham: Mainly rehabbing and getting ready for my pro day.  I am also watching lots of film and working out.

Footballdialogue: How did you settle on Illinois as you were recruited by Florida, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Michigan and Penn State?
GrahamGreat connection with Coach Zook.  It was close to home so my parents could watch my brother on Fridays and watch me on Saturdays.

Footballdialogue: You have extensive experience at center but what other position on the offensive line have you played while in college?
Graham: Besides center, I’ve also played some right tackle and have experience at both guard spots.  I haven’t done much at left tackle.

Footballdialogue: Who was the best player you faced while in college?
GrahamWow that’s a tough question as I’ve faced some great players in games and practice.   Two guys I’ve played against in games that come to mind are Phil Taylor from Baylor (former 1st round pick) and Kawann Short from Purdue.   As for teammates, the battles with Corey Liuget (former 1st round pick) and Akeem Spence have certainly made me a better player.

Footballdialogue: Has any alumni or former teammates given you an idea of what to expect over the next four to six months?
Graham: Oh yeah, a lot of the guys have contacted me on what to expect, guys like Jeff Allen (2nd round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs), Jack Cornell (practice squad with the Baltimore Ravens) and Jon Asamoah from the Kansas Chiefs (3rd round pick);  all have given advice and shared stories with me.

Footballdialogue:  If a scout asked what film would you say to watch to see you at your best?

Monday, February 18, 2013

Interview with William & Mary's B.W. Webb

English: The University of Delaware versus The...

The other day I was lucky enough to get a chance to talk to a player, College of William & Mary star B.W. Webb, a man many fans might not know a lot about currently but after the combine and the draft, they will without a doubt.  Here is my conversation with one of the top small school players around – cornerback, B.W. Webb

Footballdialogue: What does B.W. stand for? 
B.W.: I am named after my father, William, and it was just a nickname given to me so I knew they meant me and not my father.

Footballdialogue: What is your official size?
B.W.: I am 5-10 and go roughly 183
Footballdialogue: How did you end up at William & Mary?
B.W.: Funny story, it was actually my only offer coming out of high school.  
Footballdialogue: What are your thoughts on special teams
B.W.:  I love playing special teams, especially being a punt returner.   Anything that gets me on the field.  
Footballdialogue:  Who was the best player you faced while at William & Mary? 
B.W.: Well, two guys come to mind; first has to be Tre Grey at Richmond and at Weber State, Tim Toone.    Both presented a great challenge and where fun to go up against. 
Footballdialogue: What are you doing to stay in shape for the draft? 
B.W.: I am currently training at Bommarito Performance in FloridaDoing everything they tell me so I will be ready for the combine.


Thursday, February 7, 2013

2013 Cleveland Browns Free Agents

Johnson Bademosi and Josh Cribbs
With a new regime a roster purge is almost a guarantee and if I were a GM of an opposing team in need of a wide receiver who can provide a boost to special teams I would keep an eye on Cleveland.   Some talent will be available if you know what you are doing.

Players:

Sheldon Brown         CB
Josh Cribbs               WR/KR
Phil Dawson              K
Scott Fujita                LB
Reggie Hodges           P
Brandon Jackson       RB
Josh Johnson             QB
Kaluka Maiava           LB
Mohamed Massquoi  WR
Juqua Parker              DL
Alex Smith                 TE
Raymond Ventrone    DB
Ben Watson               TE


Enhanced by Zemanta

ESPN.com - NFL

Sirius

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.