Player Spotlight: Lucien Antoine

The NFL Draft Bible gets up close and personal with the “Punisher” aka Oklahoma State free safety Lucien Antoine.

Originally born in Caicos, this Cowboy journeyed to Haiti before coming to America in 2001. His first passion was basketball until he found out the physical nature of football and the rest is history. Fresh off a worthy performance in the AT&T Cotton Bowl which included an interception, Lucien now finds himself on the cusp of making it to the next level. Join host Bo Marchionte as he speaks with Antoine about Oklahoma State football and his own personal path to the NFL draft.

LISTEN HERE

Photo Courtesy of Dennis Hubbard

Player Spotlight: RB Javon Ringer, Michigan St.

The former Michigan St. Spartan rushed for over 3,000 yards in his final two seasons in the Big Ten, crossing the goal line 22 times as a senior. The workhorse toted the pigskin an amazing 390 times in 2009 proving many doubters wrong who questioned his durability and whether he could be an “every-down” back. His college numbers are very similar to that of NFL greats Emmitt Smith and Thurman Thomas, as well as current NFL stars Brian Westbrook and Frank Gore. Javon Ringer joins us in this Player Spotlight to talk about his college career, the draft process and what the future holds.

Hosted by Player Spotlight host and Big Ten Insider John Sears. 24 Min. Click to Listen.

Photo Credit: Michigan State Athletic Communications

Q&A: Ramses Barden, WR, Cal-Poly

Interview with Cal-Poly wide receiver Ramses Barden on All Access Football Radio's Monday Night Lights Show with host Rick Serritella.

How are you, Ramses?

Barden: I’m pretty good, I’m pretty good. Glad to be on. Thanks for having me.

You are a player that we have been talking about, believe it or not, for the last two years. Our small school insider Josh Buchanan has been keeping tabs on you for quite some time. He had you projected as his number one player on his overall big board coming into the start of the season, and you have done nothing but prove him right thus far. We appreciate you taking some time out of your busy schedule leading up to the Draft. Part of that schedule seems like it will include you joining Mark Sanchez at USC's Pro Day. Tell us a little bit about that.

Barden: Oh yeah, Mark is down here in Orange County working out with some teammates of mine. I guess they got to talking and there is not too many Draft-eligible receivers in California, let alone Southern California. So they spoke and he knew who I was and his family and his agent all knew who I was. They got to talking and since I’m so close, it would make sense for me to workout at their Pro Day and give him an extra set of hands to catch the ball. It will also be a good opportunity for me as well. So we spoke a couple times on the phone and it worked out so that I could come down here to Orange County and stay with him a couple of weeks. We work on our chemistry. He’ll be my honorary quarterback and I’ll be his honorary receiver. Then just go and build from there.

Well, USC is the Pro Day of all Pro Days. I know all 32 teams were in attendance today at Wake Forest's Pro Day. So I would have to imagine all 32 teams will be in attendance for the USC Pro Day on April 1st. Tell us what it’s like to be on the big stage coming from a small school? What does working out on that kind of platform do for your exposure?

Barden: It’s an outstanding experience, first of all. I’m extremely grateful for it. Coming from the small school and being like the underdog in this whole process and being able to gain the opportunity and exposure of such a great platform...One thing I will say is that the Senior Bowl, Combine and State Farm ESPN Skills Challenge were all events that have helped prime me for this transition to the NFL. Getting used to the media spotlight, getting used to the eyes on you and just the heightened, intense atmosphere that comes along with professional football...So I like to think I got a little bit of ammunition and momentum going into my USC Pro Day. Also, the private workouts won’t be so nerve-racking as it would have been if I didn’t have the opportunity to work out in those events.

You mentioned the Senior Bowl. Let’s touch base on that for a moment. Because, let’s be honest, the guys you were facing during the regular season couldn’t match up with you. At the Senior Bowl you really got that opportunity, that chance to match your skill set with other top players from the nation. Talk a little bit about that experience and how your skills matched up during the week of Senior Bowl practices.

Barden: As far as my skill set, I think I fared extremely well. There are certain things that you see when you watch tape of me or see me in person and you say, “Wow, this guy does those things well”. With the right coaching and the right attention at the right time you could say the opportunities are limitless. Something you always say about a player like me is “He's got the upside”. Those are some of the things that I have continued to hear during this whole process because of the physical tools I bring to the table. With the height, weight, speed combination the athletic ability...the willingness and desire to learn and be coachable—all of that kind of comes into play to where I can only go up and only move forward. The Senior Bowl was definitely a learning experience. Playing the best of the best each snap. At Cal Poly we might get a guy that’s worthy of an All Star game once every ten to fifteen games. So you're not even guaranteed to get a great corner every year. We have seen some talented people and the difference is that every snap, every play is that you're going against one of the best. So it’s definitely a little bit of a wake up call. I don’t know if I played as well I would of liked that week, but I definitely showed them that I have the abilities to be that number one receiver in the draft.

We're talking with Ramses Barden, the big receiver out of Cal Poly, standing around 6’5 and 225. Tell us what you looked to project at your Pro Day?

Barden: Officially, I'm 6’6 and 229. We had the San Jose Pro Day this past week and I had some scouts clock me in the 4.4’s. The official time they came out with was a 4.51, so I’m not upset about it but I always feel that I could do better. So I am definitely happy that I’m continuing to surpass expectations. Like I said with the height, weight, speed thing. I don’t think there are that many people who can have those same type of numbers on the board. I like to think I’m unique in that way and that I have limitless opportunities in that same fashion.

We actually had one of our representatives on location at the San Jose Pro Day, Andrew Garda. He went on to say that when you blazed your 40 time, he looked over at some of the NFL personal in attendance. He said there were some raised eyebrows over there on the sideline. So I must ask, was there any particular scout that showed interest in you, or do you have any individual workouts scheduled with any teams?

Barden: Throughout this whole process there have been a number of teams that have shown a fair amount of interest. I’m definitely excited. At the Pro Day it was all work and all business just trying to get through the drills, get through the workout. It wasn’t just me but it was my teammates as well, as well as guys from other schools. As far as strong interest, I really wasn’t paying attention to it. I was letting my agent handle that. Through the process we have talked a lot with the Cowboys, the Giants, with Tampa with Miami, the Ravens...There’s definitely a number of teams, I guess, that are looking for wide receivers that have shown a strong interest in me. So I’m really excited about that. And I’m excited to continue to show them that I’m the kind of player and person that they want on their team. The next couple of weeks me and Mark (Sanchez) are doing a private workout with the Jets, I think tomorrow. Then the following day the Redskins.

In addition to the USC Pro Day you're going to be working out with Mark in some of the individual team workouts as well?

Barden: Yes, sir. I’ll be on the field. I’ll be running my routes. I’ll be trying to show the progression and continue the learning that translates into me being the first round guy that teams would want to take.

Well that’s phenomenal. I would have to admit I have my questions with Mark as an NFL quarterback. But to hear of him going out of his way almost to include you in workouts at his USC Pro Day shows me the type of character and leadership skills that Mark Sanchez is displaying. Can you maybe spend a moment and tell us about Mark Sanchez?

Barden: Oh sure, I could spend more then a moment. He reached out and has shown he’s an outstanding person, he’s a quality guy. He’s introduced me to his family, his dad, his brother, and you can see what type of background this guy comes from. There’s no wonder that Pete Carroll wanted to keep him around another year. He’s a hard guy to let go of and I see why so many teams right now are chomping at the bit to get a opportunity to get their hands on him. Because he brings so much to the table—his leadership, his football intelligence, his street smarts...I have to give him kudos for coming and finding the best wide receiver in California (laughs) to come workout with him.

I like the attitude and I like the approach. You kind of remind me, in more ways than one, of another wide receiver from out there in California named Keyshawn Johnson.

Barden: Uh-oh. (laughs)

How many times have players busted your chops on the head shots you've got going on there, with you looking like Keyshawn’s twin brother?

Barden: I hear that every day. I saw a article out the other day comparing us and everything. I think it even had a couple of sound bites in there. I don’t know if I’m on his radar yet. I don’t want to make him too mad. I know he’s got a strong personality and he’s a great person from what I’ve heard. Like I said, any positive comparisons I can get with Hall of Fame-type guys, I’ll take them. Back to Mark—he’s great person and he’s a great guy. He let me into his home and he’s just a class act.

The NFL Draft Bible has 6’6 and 229 pound Ramses Barden, wide receiver from Cal Poly on the line. Now we're going to have a little bit of fun, Ramses. We're going to welcome in our small school insider, Josh Buchanan. Josh, welcome to the show.

Buchanan: (Laughs) I don’t like the response I got from Ramses.

Barden: It’s like a reunion. Sometimes when I talk with Josh, I don’t know what time I'm going to be hanging up the phone. (Laughs)

(Laughs)

Barden: No, Josh is a good guy.

Buchanan: I think his stock is falling. (Laughs)

Barden: Josh is my man. I always tell him everything.

Tell us about your training program.

Barden: Like you said, we have been working on the 40 stuff and the agility stuff. When it comes to the field, Elite Athletics was able to pair me up with a guy named Chris Thomas who is a Cal-Poly alum. He was in the league for several years and although he wasn’t a household name, he was able to stay in the league as a back up and change of pace guy because of how precise his routes were and how much time and effort he put into breaking guys down one on one. He’s not the type of guy who's going to jump all over you or beat you or run a 4.2 like my guy Nick Miller. But he’s somebody who has the best pair of feet. If you ever get a chance to watch and see him, he runs great routes and he’s a great teacher. He’s a guy I’ve been able to get together with and he’s showed me some of those tricks. Things to add to my game to help me get out of my routes quicker and those are some of those things I’ve been trying to add to my game.

Who on your team is not getting the press that should be getting looks?

Barden: First guy is my roommate, Tredale Tover, who has been my roommate for the last four years. He’s the other receiver on the other side. He’s the reason why it’s so hard to line up against us on defense because the guy can pretty much run a 4.3 or 4.2 when he’s in the zone. He showed that a couple days ago at the San Diego State Pro Day. A couple of people had him at 4.29 and that didn’t really surprise me. I was surprised he didn’t run that at San Jose State, to be honest with you, because that’s what he is—he's a speed guy, a track guy. He’s been doing this longer than I have and he had more offers coming out of school. He’s really a big talent that hasn’t been tapped yet. I got a lot of attention in the offense but as more people start to learn his name, they are going to be surprised.

Yeah I remember you mentioning his name. Talk a little about your game vs. Wisconsin?

Barden: Our coach, Rich Ellison, scheduled the Wisconsin game and that just shows his competitiveness. We have a competitive team. We all kind of rose to the challenge and accepted it. We didn’t come out with the victory though, but there were a number of opportunities to change the outcome of the game. I’ll be the first person to say I could of done more and maybe made a play here or there that could have made a difference. As a team I thought we played with outstanding effort, myself included. It’s was a great primer for the Senior Bowl, but playing against the high level, we wanted to pull a major upset.

Good luck, and thanks for joining us.

Barden: Josh needs an anchor position on the show. (laughs)

Photo Credit: Matt Brown Photography, Great West Office

Q&A: Ryan Stancheck, OG, West Virginia

Ryan Stanchek was an offensive tackle for the West Virginia Mountaineers who hopes to earn himself a spot in this year’s NFL draft. He’s earned himself all Big East honors three seasons, All American honors as a junior and senior. Playing in the spread attack, he has been an anchor for Pat White, Steve Slaton and Noel Devine, paving the way for a tremendous running game and allowing Pat White to break out and have a good senior campaign throwing the ball.

How are you doing today?
Stancheck: I’m doing well. Thanks for having me.

So where you calling in from today?
Stancheck: Actually, I’m driving back into Morgantown, West Virginia.

Being at 6’4” 300 lbs, you kid with yourself, but seriously, you're considered an undersized guy. So I weigh in at 185 lbs at 5’10” and I’m looking to lose a few pounds because I’m feeling a little heavy on my own front, but tell me what it’s like to be 300 pounds and be considered the small kid on the team?

Stancheck: You know, compared to offensive tackles I think the height issue is my problem as an offensive tackle. I’ve been working at offensive guard and even center. So I’m excited to show people I can do different things. It’ll be interesting.

So standing at [only] 6’4” and 300 lbs has you considered undersized then, is that the case?

Stancheck: Yes, sir. I think for a guard I am pretty good size. That’s what I played my freshman year. I played left tackle the last three years but I’m definitely a guard now. I can definitely play center.

Your offensive scheme being the spread, not only being run-heavy, you will obviously have run-blocking expertise, but Pat White threw the ball 300 times this year, which was more than any other year in his tenure at quarterback. It seems to me that you have a good blend of run and pass blocking capabilities now.

Stancheck: Yeah, this year Pat threw the ball more. I’m so proud of him – he did great at the combine and at the Senior Bowl. He was a great teammate and I got to pass block for him a little more. We pass blocked through the years, and it’s also different pass blocking for a guy like Pat White where you never know where he’s going to be with the football. He’s not your traditional three steps and flinging it.

It makes you have to be a little more athletic because you have to have your head on a swivel and you have to decide whether to maintain discipline and pass block or get out on a linebacker and open a hole for White, right?

Stancheck: Exactly, it keeps you on your toes at all times as a lineman.

What have you heard from NFL teams, if anything, regarding your athleticism coming out of a spread offense?

Stancheck: I’ve heard from a few teams, but I definitely fit into a zone-blocking scheme. There’s certain teams in the league that do that. I’ve done that for four years at West Virginia, but I’ll do anything for the team that takes me. I feel I fit best on a zone-blocking team.

What do you plan on doing at your pro day?

Stancheck: I’m going to do everything, all the drills, and do the best I can.

Which drills do you think are the most important for the linemen?

Stancheck: I think your [first] ten yards [of the 40-yard dash] is huge for an offensive lineman, because it shows your explosion. Those first ten yards is where we work, you know? I think bench press has a little to do with it also and is pretty important. What it comes down to is, I think, being a football player. To me that’s the biggest difference. You’re a football player. We’re not in gym class, like you said.

So you’re from Cincinnati, any excitement about the Bengals or even the Browns to stay in state? What are you thinking if you had your choice?

Stancheck: That would be awesome, but I will play for anybody. It’s guess that a cliché, but it’s the truth – I’d like to play for anyone.

What do you like outside of football? What kept you going through the season?

Stancheck: I love hanging out with my family and friends after the game. We have a little restaurant in Cincinnati, Ohio, it’s called Abbey’s Pub and Grill and I washed dishes there all through high school. I like going back there and hanging out with my family and friends. My teammates – that’s the biggest thing I miss so far, the camaraderie you have in college.

What was it like getting redemption against South Florida? I think they took it to you two years in a row?

Stancheck: Yeah, they did and for me, that was a big game because George Selvie is an excellent defensive end and he’s a great guy. He was my roommate at the Walter Camp All-American team when we I was a junior and he was a sophomore. And this year I saw him there again. He is an excellent player and I liked playing against him – some of the top competition. So that was a big game for me, just getting to play against a great player like him.

Four years, four bowl wins, is that correct?

Stancheck: Yes, sir. Everyone always says, everyone always jokes, all my line buddies, that on ESPN they heard ‘Pat White, first quarterback to win four bowl games.’ And they were all joking, ‘you’re the first left tackle to win four bowl games.’

The big-eaters never get the spotlight...you're probably used to that by now, right?

Stancheck: Oh, absolutely. You know, we do our jobs so they can get the great stats and that’s when they look good, when they have great stats.

So for the lay fans out there, how do we measure the success of an offensive tackle? Do we have to watch tape of you, or do you have any measurements or statistics you keep track of during the season?

Stancheck: We grade out and we have knock downs, which includes pancakes and cut blocks and anything where you get the guy on the ground. I think that’s a good indication of how hard you play, when you get the knockdowns and things like that. And hustle, you know, running down and helping the running back or helping the wide receiver up after he gets tackled so the defense doesn’t intimidate. Little things like that. Playing hard, I think that’s what I do well and it shouldn’t even be an issue. But just playing hard and playing to the whistle. I’m just excited for next Thursday, for my pro day, and we’ll go from there.

What’s your favorite Fleetwood Mac song?

Stancheck: I know it, you put me on the spot. “Don’t Stop”, is that that name of it? "Landslide, Landslide". I’ll go with that one.

We actually didn't expect anyone that we interviewed to have an answer! We’ll respect anyone that has an answer to that – we’re a little bit older than you guys.

Stancheck: I love Fleetwood Mac.

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication

Q&A: Nathan Brown, QB, Central Arkansas

You’re a week removed from the NFL Combine. I think most would agree that you increased your stock from the Combine to the Senior Bowl. What was you feeling after leaving the Combine? Did you feel you helped yourself?

Brown: I did for the most part, and in the events that I did. By participating in the full combine and doing all the workouts, I think I did nothing but help myself. The combination of getting to compare yourself to the best athletes that this draft has to offer and the preparation put into the Combine—I think I came out with nothing but positive results. I threw well, had above average running times, jumped well and the whole interview process was great for me. So coming out of the Combine, I’m very positive and for the most part, I’ve gotten really positive feedback.

You mentioned the interview process-can you share how that interview process goes?

Brown: It’s something that anybody who’s going to invest a lot of money into you is going to want to know you in every way they can. First and foremost they want to know your football knowledge. They want to know-especially being in the position that I am, playing quarterback-how much you know, how much you put into the position and the knowledge of football and the path. They are going to see what type of X’s and O’s knowledge you have, get you on the board. And they're going to drill you and that’s their job. If they're going to put their franchise and their teams in the hands of a 22-year-old kid coming out of college, they're going to get to know what kind of knowledge you have. They're also going to get to know your personal life as well. It’s definitely a combination of every area of your life.

Do they get real personal with that stuff? How deep did they go with you...did they ask anything off the wall?

Brown: For the most part they do. They will go as deep as you take them. For me personally, I’ve been fortunate to have made good decisions in my life. I don’t have any police record so it wasn’t to bad for me. But I have heard some horror stories where some guys have come back and gotten drilled. They're going to see if you learned from your mistakes, if there are any red flags. Anytime they're going to put this kind of effort and emphasis into a draft pick, they are basically going to try and find out every aspect of your life.

How long do those interviews usually last?

Brown: It all depends. If it’s a formal interview they will give you 15 minutes. That’s a short amount of time to get a lot of information in. So it's a very intense 15 minutes for the athlete, coaches, front office people and the team. If you're doing a informal meeting with a position coach, the meetings can last from 15 minutes to a half hour. Fortunately for me, I got to go to the Senior Bowl and got a lot of interviews in there. I’ve definitely gotten to know a lot of coaches and personnel people throughout all the teams. It’s been an awesome experience for me as a football player.

You mentioned coaches-how is it having (Former NFL QB) Rob Johnson as a coach?

Brown: First and foremost, Bob Johnson (Head Coach and Father of Rob) has been doing this for so long. He’s got an endless sheet of paper of great quarterbacks that he’s tutored and pushed along and he's had a lot of NFL success. The addition of Rob Johnson, his son, helping us out everyday brings a whole different aspect to the coaching. He spent 10 or 11 years in the NFL playing quarterback and did a great job. He lets us know...he gives us a little breath on what the real NFL is like and what it's going to be like being a NFL quarterback. What a week is going to be like and the grind...it’s something you have to be ready for, both physically and mentally. I've got nothing but good things to say about Coach Johnson and Rob.

We spoke earlier and I mentioned that I think you would be at least a second round pick if you were four inches taller. Do you feel the same about that?

Brown: Yeah, I mean there is no doubt that it (my height) is going to be a hot issue and be a factor on draft day. But like I told you-if you look up and down NFL rosters, plenty of names come up that don’t have the Peyton Manning frame or the Tom Brady frame, the 6’5 or 6’4 numbers. But you've got guys like Drew Brees, for instance, who I mentioned. He’s a 6-foot guy that is a perennial pro bowler, putting up huge numbers. You've got guys like Tony Romo, who’s right at 6’2. You look up and down those NFL rosters and you'll find a lot of successful quarterbacks that are on the shorter end of what NFL teams want. Do I wish I had the extra height? Of course. Anybody would, but I can’t do anything about it . I’ve tried stretching every way I can, but it doesn’t work (laughs). Hopefully a team will take a chance on me and see that I've had a lot of success and really, the height up to this point in my career has never been a issue. I’ve always been able to find throwing lanes and haven't had much trouble with batted balls. Hopefully, somebody will see a lot of film on me, see it hasn’t been a issue, and give me a chance in the early part of the draft.

Ryan Leaf had the pro typical size and we all know how that turned out.

Brown: (Laughs) Yeah, you see it both ways. You've got guys like that and guys that are 6 feet tall and make the most of it. I think you've got to look more into the person and the full body of work. Look at what they have accomplished up to this point. And every team has their different preferences so it’s all in one team falling in love with you and giving you the opportunity of a lifetime.

A lot of people mention that your game is similar to that of Tony Romo’s. Do you agree with those comparisons?

Brown: I do. The first thing that comes to mind is that we are both small school guys coming from the I-AA level. We both had a lot of success in college, and the next thing that comes to mind is that he’s a playmaker. He goes out every Sunday for Dallas and makes plays out of nothing and that’s what I like about him-he can use his feet to extend a play and I feel like I've got that ability. He can also throw from a lot of different angles, has a quick release, and gets the ball out fast to his receivers. You can’t ask for anything more than that as a NFL team, for your QB to get the ball to its playmakers as fast as possible. I think Tony Romo does a great job at that, and I feel like I can do that too. He’s just a competitor and goes out every week and does whatever it takes to win. If I could be half as successful as Tony Romo and get the opportunity he has, then I’ll be ecstatic about my situation.

Looking forward, your Pro Day is on March 11th, is there anything you feel you didn’t prove at the Senior Bowl or Combine that you feel you need to show on your Pro Day? Maybe one thing to showcase that might help your draft stock?

Brown: I was fortunate enough at the Combine to throw really well. I threw with the first group at the Combine. I felt like I came out of that group in pretty good shape. Obviously I’m not a talent evaluator, but I felt like I held my own with everyone that was in that group. So I think the main thing I want to do on my Pro Day is have a good showing for teams that are interested in me...just have another great day throwing. As a quarterback, that’s what we do and what I love to do is toss that football around and that’s what I’m going to do on March 11th. Go out have some fun and show scouts, evaluators, or whoever shows up at Central Arkansas that that’s what I am. I throw the football with a smile on my face and put it where it needs to be. Hopefully they will see that and I'll have two good throwing performances in a row and open some eyes.

Speaking of the Combine and your group, were there any jokesters, anyone that was the life of the party in that group?

Brown: (Laughs) Ahh. There weren’t too many big jokesters. We had a good group of guys. Everybody enjoyed being around each other. It’s always fun when you can hang out with people that play the same position as you. You can bounce information off of each other. When you come back after making a bad throw, they can show you some pointers or give you a tip. It’s a great opportunity and when you get to this point and this level of football, it’s all about competition. So we went out had fun and I got to know a lot of guys I didn’t know before and just competed. That’s what the NFL is all about-competition.

Speaking about competition. Who are some of the tougher opponents you remember facing in college?

Brown: This year we played Tulsa. We played them tough for three and a half quarters and had a really good defense in some areas. Obviously they had one of the top offenses in the nation. I played against Ladarius Webb from Nicholls State and he’s going to be a guy who’s going to be around the ball no matter if it’s a run or a pass play. The Southland Conference is a great conference. We put out top flight athletes every year into the draft. It’s a conference that is competitive no matter what year it is. It’s hard to find a stand out team because there are so many athletes in the southern part of the United States and they have to go somewhere. The SEC and the Big 12 can’t get all these guys. So the Southland Conference is full of athletes and it’s been a great experience to play in this conference.

While at Central Arkansas did your teammates give you a nickname?

Brown: I’ve gotten a lot of nicknames over the years. They’ve called me Brownie, Gunslinger...that’s just two off the top of my head.

Would you hold a tarantula in your hand?

Brown: Yeah, for the right amount of money. (laughs)

Would you rather be a male runway model or the lead singer in a boy band.

Brown: I’d pick lead singer of a boy band.

Photo Credit: Southland Conference

DT RON BRACE On All Access Football Radio

One of the top defensive tackle prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft, Ron Brace out of Boston College, joins Daniel Mogollon for an NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight. Brace is known to some as the “other” tackle from Boston College, but to those in the know he is the top nose tackle prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. The 2007 All-ACC Honorable Mention selection and 2008 All-ACC Second Team pick is a sure fire day one pick, who could sneak into the first round. He talks about growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, his rooting interests as a sports fan and his off-the-field interests, which include drawing and making donuts. We also discussed his development as a player at Boston College, playing with B.J. Raji, the draft process and his upcoming Pro Day later this week back at BC.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: College Press Box

RB BRAD LESTER On All Access Football Radio

Auburn running back Brad Lester joins Player Spotlight host Bo Marchionte with his Pro Day just 48 hours away! The Georgia native talks about overcoming injuries, training with Joe DeFranco in New Jersey as he prepares himself for his Pro Day and looking forward to playing in the NFL. He also looks back at his days as an Auburn Tiger, the school’s lineage at the running back position and playing in the SEC. Lester ran for 1,689 yards and 19 touchdowns during his career as a Tiger.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: Todd J. Van Emst (Auburn University Athletic Dept. Photographer)

OT RYAN STANCHECK On All Access Radio

Ryan Stancheck was among the most productive offensive lineman in the nation over the past three years in Morgantown, earning All-Big East honors all three seasons and All-American honors as a junior and a senior. Playing in West Virginia’s spread attack allowed Stancheck’s strengths to come to the forefront, as he was one of the more mobile and athletic college linemen during his career. The former Mountaineer is also known for his character, leadership skills, work ethic and understanding of the game. Stancheck joins Player Spotlight host John Sears to talk about his college career, preparing for the draft and his upcoming Pro Day at West Virginia where he hopes to impress scouts and earn a draft spot.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication

Q&A: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri (Walter Camp)

Missouri All-American wide receiver and all-around playmaker Jeremy Maclin sits down with All-Access Football Radio at the Yale University Commons in New Haven prior to the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Dinner on January 17, 2009. Maclin followed up his special freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign recording 102 receptions for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Coupled with his ability as a return man and to run the football, there was no more dangerous player with the ball in hands than this Tiger. Maclin has declared for the NFL draft where he is expected to be a first round pick.


What does it mean to be a Walter Camp All-American?

Maclin: It’s definitely a privilege. Obviously they’re recognizing you for your talents, so I’m happy to be here.

How do you think you developed this year, your second year as a starter?

Maclin: I think personally I had success; I got a lot better as far as becoming a complete receiver. Unfortunately the season didn’t go how we wanted it to, but that’s how it goes sometimes. I think I've definitely developed as a person and as a football player.

What do you think you improved on the most from your first year to your second year as a receiver?

Maclin: Recognizing the defenses as far as a receiver goes. That’s definitely a big key; you have to know how to run a route against a certain coverage and how to beat the guy in front of you.

Do you think Chase Daniel has a chance to play at the next level?

Maclin: I think he has a chance to play at the next level, maybe not right away. But I think him working with guys at the next level, quarterback coaches, they will definitely develop him. You can’t question his competitiveness, he’s definitely a competitor. The guy goes out and competes, so that’s not the question. He may have some minor things he needs to tweak in his throwing motion but I think he will definitely play on Sundays sometime.

So you think he’s definitely a quarterback in terms of intangibles and leadership?

Maclin: Oh yeah, he’s definitely the type of guy you want running your team. He has that linebacker mentality, he’s fearless, he doesn’t care about who he's playing—he’s going to go out there and compete 110 percent every snap. That’s the guy you have to have lead your team.

How about Mr. (Chase) Patton? What kind of football does he throw?

Maclin: He throws the deep ball better than anyone I have ever seen. His biggest thing was confidence. I think he was a four-star coming out of high school, maybe five star. He’s kind of slowly decreased as the years went on, but I think he’s definitely a guy who could surprise a lot of people.

So he’s a guy to keep an eye on?

Maclin: Oh yeah. He could have started for a lot of other teams in the nation, he just had another guy in front of him who was a very good ballplayer.

What do you like to do the most? Run after the catch? Deep routes? Returns?

Maclin: I like it all. I like space, deep route, punt return, kick return, I don’t care. I just like the ball in my hands. I call myself a playmaker, that’s what I like to do, I like to make plays. I like to try and score every time I touch the ball. That’s the kind of mentality I’ve had ever since I was in Pop Warner. Nothing has changed and I just thank the coaches for giving me a chance to do so and to get me to the point where I'm excelling. Hopefully I can continue that to the next level.

What kind of a decision was it to leave Missouri?

Maclin: It's something I thought about at the beginning of the season, but it was obviously a tough one for me. At my press conference I kind of broke down a little bit, it was happy tears and sad tears at the same time because I’m leaving guys I’ve spent the last three years of my life with. They probably know more about me, closer to what my mom knows about me, that’s how much time I spent with those guys. It’s definitely a job; I understand that at the next level it’s really a job, but you spend every moment with these guys. They got your back; you sweat with these guys so leaving that kind of atmosphere can take a toll on you.

Who did you lean on the most when making this decision?

Maclin: I talked to a little bit of everybody; ex-teammates, family, coaching staff. Coach Pinkel made a great point—it all comes down to how you feel and what your heart tells you. I feel like I’m ready for the next level, I feel like I can take that step and he told me if I was his son and was projected to go in the first round he would tell me to go. He knows I’m not going to disappoint, I’m going to work hard and hopefully solidify my spot in the first round.

Did you get a first round grade back from the NFL when you put your paperwork in?

Maclin: Yes, sir.

Was that kind of the difference maker in your decision making?

Maclin: It was crazy because at first I thought that if I get a first round grade then I’m going to the NFL no matter what, but after you look at it, it definitely came down to much more than that. That first round doesn’t mean everything; it came down to my gut feeling and my gut feeling told me to go to the next level.

Do you feel not being able to pick an agent right after you declare for the draft puts you at a disadvantage preparing for the combine compared to the seniors?

Maclin: You can always work out at your school, there’s great places out there like API and Michael Johnson down in Houston and all that stuff. If you think about it you’ve spent three, four years at your university already and I’m pretty sure you’ve gotten bigger, stronger, and faster at the university so obviously the strength coaches know what they’re doing. They know they’re not going to disappoint you, they’re not going to let you down, they’re in it for your best interest. To see you excel at the next level represents the program, so they’re going to do everything they can to get you ready for the combine or pro day to have the best day of your life. That’s how I kind of look at it, they haven’t let me down yet so why shy away from them?

What are your main interests besides football?

Maclin: I collect shoes; I’m a big shoe person. I actually keep my shoes in containers in my closet which is kind of weird. I’m just a big shoe guy.

What’s your favorite brand?

Maclin: I like all of them; shoes, sneakers.

How many Jordan’s do you have?

Maclin: Up in the high 20’s. I’m a big fusion person, those are the forces mixed with the Jordan’s.

How many shoes do you have in your closet?

Maclin: There were 75 in the closet at school and I gave away like 20 last Christmas break and summer. I have like 50 in the closet right now.

Click to Listen to Audio From the Walter Camp Dinner

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

WR BROOKS FOSTER On All Access Football Radio

Player Spotlight host Bo Marchionte talks with former North Carolina wide receiver and NFL Draft Prospect Brooks Foster.

Along with fellow wide outs Hakeem Nicks and Brandon Tate, Foster was a key cog in the Tar Heel’s resurgence under Butch Davis as UNC made back to a bowl in 2008. Since then, the South Carolina native has been preparing for the NFL Draft at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. While Foster will miss “putting on Carolina blue on Saturdays”, the senior is looking forward to suiting up on Sundays.

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Photo Credit: College Press Box (UNC)

QB NATHAN BROWN On All Access Football Radio

Player Spotlight host Bo Marchionte talks with former Central Arkansas quarterback and NFL Draft Prospect Nathan Brown.

Coming from a small school hasn’t stopped Brown from making a name for himself, as the senior signal caller earned his way to invitations to both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. Brown also earned First Team All-Southland honors and was the conference’s Player of the Year after throwing for 31 touchdowns (four interceptions) and 3,206 yards, while completing 67.7 percent of his passes in his senior campaign. For his career, the Arkansas native threw for 75 scoring strikes and 8,164 yards.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: Southland Conference

Q&A: Hunter Cantwell, QB, Louisville

What is your height, weight and what do you expect to run in the 40?

Cantwell: My height is 6’4” probably 235lb and I am looking to run a 4.9 in the 40

What do you want to showcase at the combine, what is first and foremost in your mind that you want to showcase to the NFL scouts?

Cantwell: I think definitely my throwing ability, the accuracy, the arm strength. I am a good athlete, not a great athlete. I am not going to wow anyone with my vertical jump or my three-cone or L drill. What I excel at is throwing the football and hopefully that will come through in the throwing drills at Indianapolis.

Your position gets critiqued and picked apart more than any other. Of the criticism that you hear, do you think any of it is at all accurate and illustrates some things you have to work on? And which criticisms do you disagree with...

Cantwell: I think after the season a lot of NFL teams/scouts said that my release was too long; it was giving the DBs and safeties a chance to break on the ball. It was giving a “tell”, so to speak, when I was getting ready to throw. I think that’s something I've worked very hard on in this combine preparation, shortening that release. I have a QB coach out (Bob Johnson) here in southern California and we’ve been working really hard on that. I think another criticism that you laugh at is people saying, 'he’s a big guy and he doesn’t move that well'. Like I said before, I am not going to wow anyone with my agility or speed, but I think I’m a better athlete than people give me credit for.

How about Brian Brohm? You had to play behind him for a couple of years, can you tell us if you still talk to him and what do you hear from him about going into the NFL? Was it difficult sitting behind him and not to try to do too much this year because you only had one year to show what you can do?

Cantwell: Playing with Brian, backing him up for those four years was a great experience for me. Obviously he was a heckuva college football player and being able to learn from him and just watching him play...the best thing you can do as quarterback trying to learn is to watch a great guy like Brian play. Being around for his process as he went through the combine, pro day and got his feedback kind of helps me understand the whole situation and what the scouts are looking for. It was tough at times playing behind Brian because going into my senior year, I did want to show that I had the ability to play at a high level and live up to Brian’s expectations. I don’t think that made me press at all during the season, but that is always in the back of your mind.

What do you think your best feature is, your arm strength, your accuracy or your ability to read defenses?

Cantwell: I take pride in all three of those things. The scouts would tell you, from what I have been hearing from them, is my arm strength. It is just something I have been able to do since I was little, throw the ball far with velocity, so I think that is what they would tell you - arm strength.

I am sure in the coming weeks and the coming months you are going to have a lot of questions thrown at you by NFL personnel. What do you tell teams that may be skeptical about picking you because you only had one year of starting experience at quarterback?

Cantwell: That is definitely something NFL teams will look at, and I do have only one year of starting experience, but throughout my time as a backup I was able to play more games. I was able to start four games going into my starting season, so there is a lot more film on me out there, a lot more games started than just one season. I think there have been a lot of guys who have either played only one senior season or played a lower level of competition for one year and still had success, so I think there is precedent for guys who have only played one year.

A guy like Kurt Warner...

Cantwell: Yeah.

Looking back at your career at Louisville, what particular moment really stands out for you?

Cantwell: I can remember when Miami came in, I guess it was two years ago. I think they were sixteenth in the nation and we were twelfth and even though we were ranked higher, Miami was still getting considerable love. This was the University of Miami of Florida and I remember they came into Papa John Colonel Stadium and we were getting real excited and they came in and jumped on our bird before the game! It almost started a fight on the fifty-yard line. That game was very high energy, high octane from the get go and in the third quarter the game was still in the balance. It was back and forth and Brian was injured, he had a thumb injury and had to come out of the game. I remember going in and on the first play, Coach Petrino had the confidence in me and called a deep post pattern and I was able to hit Harry Douglass, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons. I hit him on the post route and he was tackled at the one and the crowd just went insane. I knew from that point on we were going to score, and we were going to beat Miami. A lot of people weren’t expecting us to win that one, so I think that memory will probably stand out.

We've been talking a lot about getting ready for the combine and a lot of the focus is on the physical, but you are also going to have to take the Wonderlic test and interview with a lot of teams. What have you done to prepare for those things, to take that test, which I hear is kind of strange, as well as speaking to these NFL executives?

Cantwell: The Wonderlic is pretty different. I’ve taken it numerous times actually. When the scouts came in for senior pro day, they would make the juniors take it, so I’ve already taken it once with the NFL. I’ll take it again at the combine and one thing you just got to learn is not to try to answer them all. Answer the ones you know and move on as the time passes. You don’t want to take too much time. It is not something like the SAT or the ACT, something that you can prepare for...it is something you don’t really worry about too much. As far as meeting with NFL GMs and executives, that’s huge, because as a quarterback they are basically giving you the keys to their organization. You want to come across as intelligent and confident, you don’t want to be over-cocky. From what I've heard, a lot of teams will bring in psychologists and analysts, people who study body language. They really do look for everything. I have had some interview preps, but a lot of things my agents have heard is that a lot of guys over-prepare and go in sounding like robots. Everyone has his own set of answers that they give to tough questions, so the good part is about it is going into those interviews you don’t want to sound like a robot, you want to be confident, you want to say the right thing, but you also want your own personality to shine through, so that will be big for all of the quarterbacks at the combine.

What team you would like to land with? (Chat room/Rams fan)

Cantwell: I would love to stay as close to home as possible, but obviously I would be delighted whichever team took a chance on me. Not to pander to the crowd, but St. Louis and the Titans would probably be the two closest to my hometown of Paducah, Kentucky, so I would be excited if the Rams or Titans picked me up.

What was your favorite team growing up?

Cantwell: Kansas City Chiefs

Favorite movie of all time?

Cantwell: Dumb and Dumber or Sandlot

What is your favorite hobby outside of football?

Cantwell: Snow skiing, but I haven’t skied in a couple of years due to the injury factor, so I will go with fresh water fishing.

Q&A: Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue

West Lafayette, home to the Purdue Boilermakers, aka “the cradle of quarterbacks”, helped introduce a new era in the Big Ten under coach Joe Tiller, that being the passing/spread offense. Under Tiller’s tutelage, a lineage of quarterbacks have walked in to Ross-Ade and thrown their way into the school and conference record books. Drew Brees, now a perennial MVP candidate with the New Orleans Saints, proved that “system quarterbacks” can succeed in the NFL…Next in line was Kyle Orton, who finished his 2008 campaign with the Chicago Bears with just under 3,000 yards passing and 18 touchdowns. Next to make his splash as a Joe Tiller disciple is Curtis Painter, who sits in the top ten in the Purdue and Big Ten record books after his four years of service with the Boilermakers - 11,163 yards, 67 touchdowns, 60% completion percentage to name a few highlights. Curtis is now focused on the NFL combine and has been kind enough to offer up some time to discuss his preparation.

Curtis, welcome to the NFL Draft Bible’s player spotlight. I hear you are actually out in California training in preparation for the combine. Is that correct?

Painter: I am. The training facility is located in Irvine, California, right in Orange County. It is Velocity Sports. So that’s where we do primarily most of our speed and strength conditioning-type exercises. And then we will also have a quarterback coach out here that we work with and he’s doing a good job with that and having a great time.

Are you accompanied by other potential NFL hopefuls as well?

Painter: I am. There is about 15 to 20 of us altogether. The other quarterbacks are Mark Sanchez, Patrick White, Tom Brandstater, and Nathan Brown so it’s a good group of quarterbacks you get to go up against every day, develop a nice relationship and friendship with...it’s just fun. It’s a great camaraderie - you get to push each other every day and make great friends in the process.

With Sanchez there, White there, Brandstater there, you pretty much have three different types of quarterbacks you can compare yourself to. I don’t think you’d want to compare yourself as the runner that Pat White is, but it must be fun to size yourself up to all the different styles that are getting ready for the pros.

Painter: Yeah, it really is. You have guys like Mark [Sanchez] and Pat [White] who are very highly respected at the next level and it’s great going up against them and some of the other guys you go against and hear about. So it’s great to get a chance to meet them. It’s really fun, you get to go out and compete and develop friendships, which is just great.

So while you are out there, they must have you running a little bit. We have you listed at around 6’2.5”, 222 lbs. Is that still accurate or have you shaved a few pounds off in the hot sun running around doing sprint drills?

Painter: That’s about right, right around 220. And that’s about right – 6’2.5”-6’3”.

Would you consider that a good fighting weight for you, 220?

Painter: Yeah, I think so. I think personally I feel the best right around that weight. I’ve been a little heavier, I’ve been a little lighter, and I think right around there is a really good weight for me. It still allows me to move around fairly well and also to be able to take some hits with a little bit of size. I am pretty happy where I am in that respect.

Do you have specific goals for your 40-time when you get to the combine, anything you’d like to hit that says, “this is good enough” or “puts me in a good range for where I’d like to be”?

Painter: I would like to be in the high 4.8’s, right around there. I think that would be a respectable time for myself. I don’t think I am going to be the fastest guy or the quickest guy there, but just being able to go out there and compete and show I have a certain amount of ability you may not see much on film, because I am more of a pocket passer.

Are you planning on doing all the drills at the combine?

Painter: I am. I think the only one the quarterbacks don’t have to do is the bench press, so I won’t be doing that. But all the others I will be doing, I’ll be competing and I really look forward to that.

Now you have to have, with your buddies, thrown 225 on the bench back in West Lafayette. Can you give us a little insight there?

Painter: My best was 21. I did that, I believe, the last summer or last spring during workouts back in Purdue. Haven’t done it since…still working on strength out here now.

What else are you doing to prepare for the combine. Obviously, as you said, it’s throwing more so than running…and from our view, from the outside looking in, it seems like passing drills and interviews would be the keys as far as impressing the scouts. So what are you doing to prepare?

Painter: You’re exactly right, I think the passing drills will be a huge part of it and that’s obviously what we do a lot of on the field. I think it’s great we have so many quarterbacks from so many different systems here, because when we sit down and do some film sessions and get up on the board with each other, you get a lot of different things from different teams across the nation. The interview process is big for us, just being able to get up on the board and talk about your offense and what you know, and just being confident about it, going through these interviews and really exposing yourself and showing them what you know and what you are capable of, football-wise. That’s definitely a huge aspect some people may overlook – they just see what’s on the field and what people produce, but it’s a lot of stuff in the film room.

Absolutely, and I think for quarterbacks that’s essential. I remember I read an article about Drew Brees, and it was talking about some of the training exercises he does – where he is balancing on one ball and has a playing card thrown at him and the guy training him will throw out a defense and he [Brees] has to give him the play that should be called to go against that perfect defense. Obviously the mental acuity, the sharpness has to be there. So you think you have that? What’s in the water in West Lafayette that allows a Brees or an Orton - seemingly everyone under Joe Tiller - to come in from that “college-based spread offense” and be successful? What is it about that training or that offense that has given you that edge?

Painter: I think part of it is that obviously these are two great quarterbacks and would be successful anywhere. The offense there [Purdue] is one that allows the game to kind of be in the quarterback’s hands. We’re the type of offense that's going to spread the ball around and get it to a lot of receivers. And I think with that and a balanced running game, it really provides an opportunity for us to be successful. I think that I was very fortunate to get the chance to have some experience early on in my career and start from an early age, and that really helped me in my process of developing that experience level and that continued into my junior and senior year.

What would you say would be your best throws? I would assume from the offense you came from, a lot of 3 to 5-step drops, four receivers running patters – do you have any particular patterns you feel you have mastered?

Painter: You’re right. We do a lot of what we call “quick games”, which is a lot of three-step drops and getting the ball out fast – a lot of slants and short out routes. I think those are two throws I do fairly well. And then, on our five-steps, we do a lot of deeper outs, skinny posts, routes like that. You always have the curls and the digs, I think I throw those fairly well. Our offense is like that – we’ll throw some quick, we’ll throw some deep and right in the middle there, and then we’ll hit you with the long one. I think that’s what’s great about our offense – it’s just very balanced and really unpredictable in a lot of ways.

Do you think there is any offensive system/strategy in the pros that meshes really well with what you’ve done under Coach Tiller at Purdue?

Painter: Since I’ve been at Purdue we’ve been testing a few different things, a few different looks – we’ve done a little of the option game, we’ve spread it out, that’s pretty normal for us, we’ve had the ability to go to a double tight-end set, which is considered a pro-style offense. So I think just doing a lot of different things through my entire career, when I’ve talked about experience and getting in a lot of games, I guess that kind of helps me be a little more well-rounded. I'd like to think I can step in to any system with a little experience from college and hopefully be able to be successful and make an impact.

How’s the shoulder doing?

Painter: Doing good. Had the injury right there towards the end of the season. I think it was really big for me to be able to come back, play the last two games, and I think, play very well. I think my arm felt great. It was very big for me to just get back and show teams, show people it wasn’t an injury that would nag me or continue on. So it’s feeling great, back to normal and I'm happy about that obviously.

Well I think judging by how you finished up the season even though it was disappointing, I think you came out and you took it out on your rival, Indiana. They felt the pain of your healthy shoulder, what did you have, five touchdowns that game, 450 yards?

Painter: It was a fun game for us after a season we really didn’t expect or obviously want, but I think you got to give our team some credit. We fought hard even in the Iowa game, we were down by a few touchdowns and we fought hard to get back, to give ourselves a chance to win the game. The IU game, we played well and I think that’s a testament to our team - after a frustrating season, we were able to come back, play well, and end it on the right note.

That was one of the things I wanted to try and glean from you – obviously your season didn’t pan out how you would have wanted it, so do you feel there is anything you can turn into a positive about your senior campaign, personally or as a team, so that anyone that’s been watching you can look beyond the statistics from 2008?

Painter: I think the big thing is that it’s not so much what goes on on the field but it’s just going through that type of season, the stresses of being in some games and losing them, and obviously the injury. You go through a lot, you learn a lot, you build a lot of character just going through it. And I think that, touching on our team, we learned a great deal going through the season and just continuing to fight, and staying positive. We were able to close out the season and I think a lot of teams after a few losses would hang their heads and let the rest of the season go down, but we were able to fight back and end it on a good note. I think you can say that about each person, including myself. I really learned a lot about character and what it’s like going through a tough season.

Have you had conversations with Drew Brees or Kyle Orton about coming into the NFL after your years at Purdue? If so, have they given you any pointers ?

Painter: I probably have a little closer relationship with Kyle because I was there my true freshman year while he was there his senior year. So I know Kyle fairly well and I have talked to him a few times. He just gave me some advice early on, before I got out training, and everything just about the whole process. He gave me a lot of information about what would go on in the next few months and I think that really helped out. It’s great to have those types of people. Drew is obviously just a great guy and a great person to mirror. He’s very successful, did a lot of great things while he was at Purdue and now in the NFL. He’s certainly a person you would like to model yourself after and I guess strive to be like.

Anyone you are looking forward to playing against at the next level?

Painter: Not really. I think more than anything it would be fun to meet up with past teammates. There are a few guys on teams throughout the league and guys I haven’t seen in a while. It would be great to play against them. And now some of the guys I met here, it’s been a great opportunity to meet a lot of guys and I think that will be fun when we get to compete against those guys.

Well, Curtis, thank you. All the best down at the combine. I will possibly run in to you - I’ll be down there towards the end of the week through the weekend, so all the best in your training until then and good luck once the draft hits.

Painter: Great. Thank you very much, thanks for having me.

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

RADIO: Player Spotlight: RB Ian Johnson, Boise St.

This Bronco made a name for himself in the Fiesta Bowl by scoring the memorable game-winning two point conversion against the Oklahoma Sooners, which he followed up with a unique encore—getting on one knee and proposing to his then girlfriend. After putting up some whopping numbers as a sophomore (1,714 yards, 6.2 yards per carry, 25 rushing touchdowns), Johnson took a leadership role in his final two seasons as a Bronco, helping Boise St. finish 12-1 this past season. The California native finished his famed career by passing Marshall Faulk (as well as LaDainian Tomlinson) on his way to becoming the WAC’s all-time touchdown maker.

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NFL Draft Bible Player Profile Page

RADIO: Player Spotlight: WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri

Missouri All-American wide receiver and all-around playmaker Jeremy Maclin sits down with All-Access Football Radio at the Yale University Commons in New Haven prior to the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner on January 17, 2009. Maclin followed up his special freshman season with an even better sophomore campaign recording 102 receptions for 1,260 yards and 13 touchdowns through the air. Coupled with his ability as a return man and to run the football, there was no more dangerous player with the ball in hands than this Tiger. Maclin has declared for the NFL draft where he is expected to be a first round pick.

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NFL Draft Bible Player Profile Page

Part VI of a series from the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner.

Part I - Former Penn St. DE Aaron Maybin - Click To Listen
Part II – Former Missouri TE Chase Coffman - Click to Listen
Part III – Former UConn RB Donald Brown - Click to Listen
Part IV - USF DE George Selvie - Click to Listen
Part V – Ryan Stancheck – Click to Listen

Photo Credit: College Press Box, Mizzou Media Relations

RADIO: Player Spotlight: OLB/DE Aaron Maybin, PSU

Penn St. All-American Aaron Maybin sits down with All-Access Football Radio at the Yale University Commons in New Haven prior to the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner on January 17, 2009. Maybin declared for the 2009 NFL Draft following his spectacular sophomore campaign in which he recorded 12 sacks, 20 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. The former Nittany Lion projects as a first round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

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NFL Draft Bible Player Page

Part I of a series from the Walter Camp 42nd Annual National Awards Diner. Coming soon former Missouri TE Chase Coffman, Connecticut's RB Donald Brown and USF DE George Selvie, among others.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Penn St.)

Player Evaluation: DT Terrence Cody, Alabama

By NEXT LEVEL SCOUTING

Alabama junior defensive tackle Terrence Cody returned to the lineup on Saturday after missing the past few games due to a sprained MCL in his right knee. Cody, who is listed at 365 pounds, although most feel he is probably closer to 380 pounds, contributed his normal run stuffing presence, but only had one assisted tackle in the box score.

In fact, on many downs he was left in 1-on-1 situations with LSU senior center Brett Helms, who he outweighs by nearly 100 pounds, yet remained blocked and sometimes even turned away from the play on some early long gains by LSU running backs. He seemed winded at times during the course of the game and was not fighting through blocks as easily as he had in past evaluations.

Cody has shown some unique quickness, balance and explosiveness for his size and position to create havoc for opposing interior linemen; see games vs. Arkansas, Clemson and Tulane. However, has played less than a full season against high-level competition, having transferred from JC this past February and there are some concerns over his potential battle of the bulge.

He was timed in the 5.50 range in the 40-yard dash at the JC level while at a similar weight, so his workout numbers might not be as eye-opening as his early season success. It is likely that he would receive a potential first-round grade if he opted to solicit his grade from the NFL Advisor Committee at season's end, but the defensive tackle position has been a "Hit-or-Miss" group in recent years with the lack of on-field success by players including Johnathan Sullivan, Dewayne Robertson and most recently John McCargo.

Player Spotlight: QB Chase Daniel, Missouri

By MATT MILLER

Character / Leadership Ability: Is a high character player with good leadership skills. Is easy-going and laid back. Players look to him for an example to follow. He is the unquestioned leader of the team.

Competitive Nature / Work Ethic: Daniel has proven to be a very hard worker during this time at Mizzou. He's absorbed the playbook and works hard in the weight room. He's a natural competitor, but will not show much negative emotion on the field.

Football Intelligence: A smart quarterback who is operating a very complex offense; he knows the game inside and out.

Size: Slightly under 6' tall. Good bulk.

Athletic Ability: People tend to forget that he is a dangerous runner. He is more athletic and agile than he’s given credit for. Daniel can move in the open field and has shown some natural strength.

Toughness / Durability: Has not missed a start in three years. Toughness is not a problem.

Specific Traits – Quarterback</span>

Accuracy: He’s been very accurate in a spread-timing based offense and is a career 66.3 percent passer. The majority of his throws are under 15 yards, which helps. Stats are padded due to crosses and screens. Does not show good downfield accuracy—at times, his passes can float on deep balls.

Arm Strength: Is not a down-field passer. Arm strength is untested, but doesn't show much potential here.

Decision Making: Will look down a receiver for too long at times, as well as locking into his reads. He appears to have one primary and at most two check-downs on each play. The Tigers’ reads and audibles are pre-determined on every play.

Field Vision: Does not look downfield often enough. First read is generally a slant-cross or screen pass. He'll then check down to a tight end. The Tigers do not ask Daniel to read the field pre-snap; the coaching staff does this and signals in an audible if necessary.

Mechanics: Good, fluid motion…throws well on the run. He does an excellent job of getting his shoulders square. He has a compact motion with a clean release.

Mobility: Daniel is mobile and can hurt teams outside the pocket. Has better vision than speed. Is able to pick up yards on designed options and carries.

Pocket Awareness: Plays in a shotgun system 100 percent of the time, so he is never asked to drop back. The Tigers have their quarterback line up as deep as any quarterback in the country. Daniel will move up in the pocket, but also holds the ball far too long. Generally starts out six yards behind center and moves up right before throwing.

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