Player Spotlight: Joique Bell

As winner of the Harlon Hill Trophy this past season, little-known Wayne State running back Joique Bell made a name for himself.

He also earned himself a trip to Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. The DII standout rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2009, to go along with 29 touchdowns. He plans to make sure scouts are very well aware of his talents at the NFL Scouting Combine as shares his journey to the NFL with NFL Draft Bible host Bo Marchionte.

CLICK HERE

Photo Courtesy of Wayne State University Athletics

Jahvid Best Discusses Decision To Turn Pro

By Ralph Mancini

In a Saturday teleconference call, University of California standout Jahvid Best described the process he went through in making the final decision to enter the upcoming 2010 NFL Draft.

While the running back consulted with head coach Jeff Tedford and former teammate Justin Forsett (now a member of the Seattle Seahawks) on the pros and cons of leaving college as a junior, it was a “gut feeling” that ultimately pointed him in the direction of the NFL.

“During the past couple of months, me and my family have been offered the opportunity to join the NFL…I plan to finish my education after football, but this is an opportunity I can’t pass up,” he reasoned.

Best had no doubts that he would be healthy enough to perform at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. But when asked what 40-time he would be targeting, he couldn’t come up with a specific number.

“I never ran a legit 40 [yard dash] before. I’ve only ran track,” he said while also adding that he himself is very curious to see how he measures up with his peers.

On the subject of the work he needs to accomplish to make himself 100-percent ready for pro ball, Best told the NFL Draft Bible that he’s determined to increase his overall physical strength to handle the more physical nature of the NFL.

The 5’10” playmaker further mentioned that he has yet to enlist the services of an agent and also communicated that no decision has been made on where he’ll be working out in preparation for the combine.

Coach Tedford joined in the question and answer session, and had no doubts about Best’s potential at the next level.

He described his player as an athlete who possesses great balance, excellent lateral movement, strength and the ability to catch the ball.

From a maturity level, Tedford lauded the junior phenom as a soft-spoken, level-headed individual who has always handled the attention surrounding him very well.

“He’s not a verbal leader, but he’s well respected in the locker room,” observed the head coach.

Regarding Best’s durability, Tedford focused on the way he recently bounced back from a dislocated elbow in a two-week time frame.

When the topic of the running back’s concussion was broached, however, the coach didn’t believe the future pro had any proneness to head injuries. In relation to the play in which he suffered the concussion versus Oregon State, he called it “a part of playing football.”

Tedford concluded the discussion by pointing out the similarities between Best and his successor Shane Vereen by commenting that they both have very similar characteristics.

Going forward, he continued, his Golden Bears offense will look to carry on with a two-man committee at the running back position.

Photo Courtesy of University of California

Q&A: Alex Magee, DT, Purdue

A versatile defensive lineman, Alex Magee spent his college days with the Boilermakers, plaguing offenses on the inside and outside and left and right side of the defense. For a lineman, Magee shows tremendous athleticism blocking kicks or intercepting passes while maintaining physicality at the point of attack. Join Player Spotlight host John Sears as he discusses Magee's career at Purdue and his preparations for next week's NFL Draft.

CLICK TO LISTEN

Judging by what I have seen from your Pro Day compared to the Combine, you have made some improvements, especially with your 40-time. What was the difference between the workouts?

Magee: The Combine was real fun. I had fun competing against most of the top athletes in the nation. I think one thing that is different about the Combine compared to your Pro Day is that you don’t have to worry about all the other stuff. We had testing early in the mornings. At the Pro Day you get up and you have the whole day, which is just there for working out, no psychological tests. It was a great experience for me to get to hang around with the elite athletes in the nation going to the NFL Draft.

How do you think you measure up against the elite linemen from the Combine? Who do you think you are similar to?

Magee: I think the defensive tackle class is very talented. When I was down at the Senior Bowl, I got to hang around B.J. Raji, Evander Hood, and others. I think we all bring a different style as far as our attributes are concerned. I think I bring more versatility to the table where I can do the outside as a defensive end or I can go from the inside…I’ve done it all on the defensive line, so I just feel they [NFL teams] can see me just not being in one spot. I can play basically down the whole front.

Is there any position you have the most fun playing?

Magee: [laughs] I laugh because I get that question all the time. I guess if you ask me where I feel more comfortable I would say defensive tackle, because that’s where I have been playing the majority of my college career and all throughout high school. But I cross-train with defensive ends. I think my last season at Purdue I was 300 lbs, and I played that position at 300-lbs, defensive end…I’ve never been in steady training at defensive end, because I haven’t been there consistently. If I were to be there consistently, like I was at defensive tackle, I think I would adjust very well and very easily.

Where do you weigh in right now?

Magee: Right now I am about 288-290.

Any feedback from NFL teams on where they would like to see your weight?

Magee: I’ve asked teams where they'd like to see their players at as far as weight. With some of them it’s not a big issue—they asked me where I feel most comfortable playing. I think I feel most comfortable playing around 295. No lighter than 285 and no heavier than 305.

If you had it your way, what team would really excite you to play for?

Magee: I would say...I grew up around Chicago and I like the Bears a lot. They have a great history, a great defense. I think I would want to play there and be in my hometown. It would be a real fun experience to play there. I actually talked to Coach Marinelli and he was really cool. I think the Bears would be a good fit for me. But I just want to get drafted. That’s my main goal.

Anyone you follow in the NFL? Someone you look up to?

Magee: I don’t have a favorite player. Obviously everyone that plays football looks up to somebody that plays their position. Just to name a few: Tommie Harris, Tank Johnson, those guys on the Bears, they are great. DeMarcus Ware, my boy who used to play here at Purdue and is with the Cowboys now, Anthony Spencer.

Right, well I wasn’t expecting you to say you modeled your game after Robbie Gould, or Jason Elam, or Mike Vanderjagt. I haven’t heard someone say that someone they look up to in the NFL was someone outside their position.

Magee: [laughs] Yeah, but you've got some professional guys like Brett Favre—he’s real smart, takes care of himself. You look up to those guys too. Those guys are smart, great football players.

Any players you are excited to line up against?

Magee: Yeah, I wouldn’t mind putting a hit on Peyton Manning, I’m not going to lie [Sears laughs]. If I get the chance, obviously I am going to take it, but that would be something, just to see him. I’ve been in Indiana for quite some time and I have actually never met him. I understand he is a great football player, I just want to see what the hype’s all about. No, I want to just meet the guy, honestly.

You are potentially looking to work for the FBI once your football career is over. I’m curious because it’s kind of funny if you think about it, that you would be a 300-lb man out in the field, running down crooks.

Magee: [laughs]

You would kind of be like Shaq, he’s a cop.

Magee: Yeah, not quite as big and hopefully a little faster than Shaq. I don’t know. Maybe it will be a little easier. We won’t know until we see.

What do you like to do outside football?

Magee: I don’t know, yesterday I just kind of kicked it with my homeboys here at school. Played some dominoes. That’s one thing I like to do. Fight Night Boxing on Playstation 3. I just like to chill and kick back and relax. And when I am home I am hanging with my family, my mom and my sister.

Or maybe hanging out at Harry’s [bar] a little bit?

Magee: [laughs] What’s Harry’s? I don’t even know what Harry’s is.

Oh yeah, I don’t know either.

Magee: [laughs]

Photo Credit: Purdue University Sports Information

Q&A: Taurus Johnson, WR, USF

This is from a "Player Spotlight" interview conducted by Daniel Mogollon on All Access Football Radio. Click to listen to the interview in it's entirety.

Last season you had 38 receptions for 498 yards, and you found the end zone 12 times through the air and another three on the ground. After this month you will be on an NFL team, and you will be a college graduate. How fast do you want these days to come-and-go?

Johnson: I want them to come like tomorrow…(laughs)…But I know it’s a waiting process. I’m a very patient person, but you know I’m just trying to focus on school and work out a little bit. Like I said, I’m trying to graduate in May. I’m trying to take all my exams early so by the end of the Draft I can go wherever I go and focus on that.

Then it will all be about business at that point… So tell us, the last time we had you on it was before your Pro Day, before your Combine. How was that experience? Especially the Combine, it’s certainly an once-in-a-lifetime experience. What were those three or four days like in Indianapolis?

Johnson: It was unbelievable, you know, because people that you invite to the Combine are hardcore players. It was a great opportunity to be there and to represent for our school, as well as our family. You know getting to meet the other players like Josh Freeman or Nate Davis, and things like that, it was crazy. It was great going in and talking to the coaches, the scouts, the G.M.’s. It was crazy packed with people. I had a great time. It was definitely an once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was all fun.

You brought up a couple of quarterbacks there in Josh Freeman and Nate Davis. Are those guys you caught balls from? Which quarterback kind of stood out for you?

Johnson: Nate Davis is the one that I train with down at Saddle Brook. He was here the whole time. He and I were talking and getting together, we were throwing and working at the same time, you know, kind of trying to build a relationship. Who knows, he could be my quarterback at the next level. The people that stood out were Josh Freeman from Kansas State, and Nate Davis, and Pat White, and Brian Hoyer from Michigan State. I mean, those guys did a heck of a job. Like I said, Nate and I got together, that was the first time I’ve met him and then we started throwing together and we worked hard. He was saying, “You know, we could be playing on the same team.” You never know. It was fun, you know, we had a good-old time. We worked hard to get where we are now, and now we just have to wait for Draft day.

Can you let us in on some of the teams that have been talking to you? Which teams do you get a sense are kind of showing the most interest?

Johnson: Um, May 30th, Dedric Ward, the wide receiver coach from Kansas City, is going to come down here and work me out. (Changed to April 1st) I have a Tampa Bay Buccaneers workout April 15th. I know the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams…um…San Francisco, Pittsburgh… have been showing me a lot of interest. I am going to get myself ready for Coach Ward down at Kansas City because he’s going to work me out. So I’m really excited about that, as well as getting to work out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So I’m getting myself prepared for those two crucial workouts. I’m excited about that.

I know the stock answer is always, ‘I’m happy to go anywhere, whoever takes me’, but would it be cool to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? I mean, you probably already have your favorite spots on that field, right?

Johnson: Oh yeah, because you know I have played here for the past four years, you know being in the NFL scene and the NFL atmosphere. It’s really fun. It would be nice to stay in Tampa Bay. Being able to be close to my family, everybody could come see me play. But I really don’t have a choice, so whatever team calls I’ll be ready to go, and I’ll be happy with it, too.

Were you a Bucs fan growing up? Who did you root for in football?

Johnson: I was a Cowboys fan, you know, Emmitt Smith, Deion (Sanders), Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman. You know, I was a Cowboy’s fan growing up.

America’s Team…

Johnson: Yeah…(laughs)…Yes sir.

Now let’s shift gears a little bit. I know you were a little bit of a baseball player in high school, you played some center field I believe, and did a little pitching. I already know who your favorite team is the Atlanta Braves–unfortunately, considering that I am a big time New York Met fan. Talk about being a baseball fan growing up… Which sport did you like as a fan growing up, and even now?

Johnson: I played baseball and I played football. But football is definitely my first love, but second was baseball. My mom put me into it, you know, and I kind of just excelled going into high school. But at the same time, I love baseball, I love playing center field, I love pitching too. Growing up I watched the Atlanta Braves, you know, Andruw Jones, John Smoltz, and Chipper Jones as well. They had some great guys on that team. My mom wanted me to go to college, because I would be the first in my family to graduate from college, so she told me to stick with that and play football. I miss playing baseball a little bit, but I know I made the right choice by coming to college and playing football.

Taurus, you're a Sociology major, so talk to me my man–I’m sure this topic must have come up a lot in your classes—what are your thoughts on the impact of Barack Obama winning the election?

Johnson: I mean it was crazy. I remember when he won the race and I was here at my apartment. Next thing you know, I hear everybody from my apartment screaming and people out here running in the streets. Everybody was getting together and hugging. It was very powerful, like, you know, having your first black president, is pretty cool. It’s pretty awesome, just for me, being here to witness that, it was pretty amazing.

Did you vote? Was this your first election?

Johnson: Yeah...Yes, sir.

Taurus, before we let you go we like to close things out–as you know already–with a segment we call three-and-out where I hit you with three quick questions… so… First down: Who is somebody, it can be from all-time, in a one-on-one match-up, who is a guy you would like to have cover you and you beat him?

Johnson: I’d probably say Deion Sanders.

How come Deion?

Johnson: Deion, you know, Deion’s got the make-up speed…(laughs)…to do anything. It definitely would be a good match-up, I would love to go against Deion. You know, Deion is one of the greatest corners, and players of all-time in the NFL, as well as Darrell Green.

Going old school there with Darrell Green, I like that…Second Down: Being that you were a pitcher, if you could face anybody on the mound and strike them out, who would it be?

Johnson: Oh my god, that’s tough…Ken Griffey.

Ken Griffey…OK …your favorite player and you want to strike him out…I thought you were going to say Jose Reyes since you know I’m a Mets fan.

Johnson: (Laughs) Yeah…(laughs)

Third Down: Biggie or Tupac?

Johnson: Tupac.

Photo Credit: USF Athletics Communications, GoUSFBulls.com

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

Combine: The Need For Speed

The 2009 NFL Scouting Combine came and went with seemingly less hype than previous editions. Was it due to the fact that we didn’t have a player participate that was seen as “the next big thing” in the NFL? Maybe, but despite the lack of a potential mega-combine-star, there were still several things we learned from this year's combine.

The first thing we learned is that this year's draft class contains running backs that are not extremely fast. Cedric Peerman from Virginia ran the fastest 40 time at 4.45, and only four running backs cracked the 4.5 mark. Last year we saw 13 running backs break the 4.5 mark, with the group having an average 40 yard time of 4.51. This year's running back class had an average time of 4.58. This pretty big drop in averages over a one-year period, one which we don't typically see.

Staying with the theme of speed, the next thing we learned is that the 2009 wide receiver class is fast. Darrius Heyward-Bey from Maryland ran the fastest 40 time at 4.3, and 13 players ran 4.45 or better. Last year's class only had 11 players break that mark, the fastest being the 4.35 by Cal’s DeSean Jackson. The 2009 combine saw an average 40 time of 4.49 compared to the 4.52 average time posted by the 2008 class. This is more of an average variation we are used to seeing, unlike that of the 2008 and 2009 running back classes.

Another combine is in the books and—as always—the things we've learned will be reflected in this year's draft. Speed was found, but not in the place many were expecting it to be. The only thing left to do now is see whose stock rose, whose fell, and whose stayed the same; only the 2009 NFL draft has the answer.

LB SCOTT MCKILLOP On All Access Football Radio

Scott McKillop takes time out of his Pro Day preparation to talk with College Football Insiders Founder and NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon in another NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight. McKillop led the nation in tackles as a junior and earned Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior. The former Pitt Panther talks about his experiences at the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, working out at Velocity Sports and getting ready for his upcoming Pro Day. Learn about his favorite NFL team, teammates LeSean McCoy and C.J. Davis, his favorite superhero, what he plans on doing with his first NFL paycheck and more.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Pittsburgh)

Q&A: LB Wesley Woodyard, Denver Broncos

Transcription from Wesley Woodyard's appearance on All Access Football Radio's Football Friday Show with Daniel Mogollon, Ralph Mancini and Rodney Towe on February 20, 2009.

We have been talking about the combine and a lot of the different drills that guys do. You made our all-NFL combine team last year because you showed good speed, explosiveness in your broad jump, good quickness with your shuttle time, and you also showed the ability to maintain speed with your 60-yard shuttle. Talk about the different drills...

Woodyard: The 40 (yard dash) is the biggest drill of the combine, but to me, one of the most important drills is the L-drill, because that shows your change-of-direction speed and how fast you can pick up your speed. To me, that is one of the most important ones there.

What was the combine experience like as a whole? Was it kind of surreal? I mean, you check in and weigh in, then they measure you, you get poked and prodded by doctors, you get on the field and run, you take a psychology test, you interview with teams...was it a whirlwind experience?

Woodyard: It was kind of overwhelming. When we first got down to Indy we immediately went over to the doctors, spent a few hours over there, then we came back and had meetings with the coaches. To a lot of players, we weren’t really expecting all of that to happen so fast. It was strictly business from the time we got there to the time we left.

Did you have any fun, or was it all business, all the time ?

Woodyard: The only fun we had was competing against the other linebackers. To me, that was the most fun. Anytime I get a chance to compete and do something with football I have a lot of fun. One of my training partners was up there, Jerod Mayo. We trained together to prepare for the combine, so we were competing at everything we did. I had a lot of fun just seeing the other linebackers and competing against them.

Fast forward to the NFL. Your first pre-season game for the The Denver Broncos-walk us through what you were experiencing in your first game, your first NFL experience...what was going through your mind, and what really shocked you or amazed you?

Woodyard: The first time I got a chance to go in, some of the vets came up and told me, “let’s go youngster, it’s your time to show everybody what you can do.” The first play I got on the field, I ran down on the kickoff, busted the wedge, and made a tackle. I was like, “Wow, I’m really getting a chance to play in the NFL!” It really didn’t sink in until the next week, the next game. Just getting a chance to go out there, it meant a whole lot to me.

The NFL is called the “Not For Long” league sometimes, for a reason. As a 2nd-year player who made a very positive impact-especially given that you were an undrafted free agent-what is your mindset going into your second season, now that you have a season under your belt?

Woodyard: My mindset is the same as it was coming in as an undrafted rookie. I still have a lot to prove. I would like to get credit for a whole season starting in the NFL. It is deemed “Not For Long” sometimes, but that’s due to injuries and some people just not having a chance to make it out onto the football field. My mindset is to go out there and compete in the summer camp just like I don’t have a shot at making the team, so I am just going to give it my all every time I’m out there.

You’ve been around the NFL for a year now-is it more physically demanding or more mentally demanding? Do you have to do more work in the film room, or is it more physically demanding for you?

Woodyard: To me it is a combination of both, but I can say I spent a lot more time watching film this year than I did in college. I watched a lot of film in college, but when you are getting ready to play against some of the best coaches and players the game has ever seen, you have to make sure you are at your best and you have to understand what they can do. I would say we spend more time watching film than I have ever done in my life.

As you mentioned, you were an undrafted guy last year. We were all pretty surprised when your name didn’t get called that weekend-what was your reaction and how quickly were you able to bounce back and say, “Hey, I have to put that behind me and focus on making happen what I can make happen.”?

Woodyard: It was a big shock to me that I didn’t get drafted, but right after the draft the thing that got me...Coach Shanahan called me. He didn’t call me once, he called me twice to make sure that I understood everything was for real . When I went up there I realized that God gave me another chance to play football and I am the type of guy that loves to compete. Anytime I get a chance to compete and I can show my skills, I’m going to give it my all and make sure I turn some heads.

When your name wasn’t called in the first six rounds, are you hoping you won't be drafted? If you go undrafted, you have a certain degree of control over where you can go-were you getting calls from other teams trying to get you to go to their team?

Woodyard: That was one of the things when it gets late, everybody wants to hear their name called. But once you’re in those later rounds, it's better that you go undrafted because you get a chance to choose a team that doesn’t have a lot of depth at your position, or one that really didn’t draft anyone at your position. For me it, came down to two teams-the Broncos and the Chiefs. I looked at the Broncos' roster and figured I had a better chance to make the team there and I had a better chance at showing myself on the football field early.

Can you give us the highlight of your rookie season? You had a strong second half of the season. I believe you had three games with ten tackles in a game and please, before you answer, you're talking to three Jet fans here, so don’t tell us it was coming to the Meadowlands and beating the Jets.

Woodyard: (Laughs) I don’t want to say beating Brett Favre wouldn’t be one of them. I’ll just hold that one down as the second one, but I would have to say when we were playing the Atlanta Falcons. The week before the game, my special teams coach was taking me out for the special teams and I told him I could still play special teams, you don’t have to take me out. He told me when we need to put our guys in there, you’re going to be in there. He called on me to go make a special teams play to seal the victory on the kickoff . He put me in the game and it was funny, it was kind of crazy how all the veterans were looking for me to make plays, so I just ran down the field, made a tackle, and gave Atlanta bad field position going into their final drive.

You brought up coach Shanahan. How shocked were you when you heard that he was no longer going to be the coach?

Woodyard: Everybody was really shocked. It was something that no one really expected. Things happen for a reason. I think everybody’s pretty excited to get back to Denver and get a chance to workout with their teammates and meet the new coaching staff.

Talk about your coaching staff. I understand your defensive coordinator is Mike Nolan who formerly coached the San Francisco 49ers, what are your first impressions of the defensive coordinator? Also, we understand that Denver has released a number of players, so they are looking to revamp this defense. What are your impressions of the new coaching staff and what lies ahead for this defense?

Woodyard: I actually got a chance to play for Coach Nolan down at the Senior Bowl. He was a guy that demanded intensity and respect from everybody. He seemed like he was a very knowledgeable coach who loves the game of football. I think if you are going to be a defensive coach, you have to have that fire and he definitely has that fire.

You mentioned the intensity of a defensive coach. If I remember correctly, you were coached by Mike Singletary at the Senior Bowl as well and I don’t think there many more intense coaches than him. Can you talk about playing for him, even though it was only a couple of days, what was that like?

Woodyard: That was amazing. The first time I saw him, I felt like a little kid. My mouth dropped open. I ran up to him and introduced myself. His intensity and passion for the game...you just have to respect that. Just being around him made me want to come to practice every day and work hard, just so that I didn’t disappoint him. He was one of the great linebackers of the NFL and you just had to show respect every time you were around him.

It's time for "three and out". First down: Mixed martial arts or boxing?

Woodyard: Boxing.

Second down: Your favorite superhero of all time?

Woodyard: The Incredible Hulk. His characteristics remind me of a linebacker's.

Third down: What was your first big purchase when you got that NFL contract?

Woodyard: I paid out some bills for my mom. I like to see my mom happy, so I helped my mom out.

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.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

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

DE PAUL KRUGER On All Access Football Radio

Paul Kruger joins the NFL Draft Bible for another edition of our Player Spotlights. Kruger is a 6’4” 263-pound defensive end out of Utah who projects as a day one selection in the upcoming NFL Draft. After recording 7.5 sacks among his 16.5 tackles for a loss on his way to a First Team All-Mountain West selection as a redshirt sophomore, the NFL Draft Bible’s fifth ranked defensive end left Utah with two years of eligibility remaining for the 2009 NFL Draft. Not your typical redshirt sophomore, Kruger is mature beyond his years having spent two years on a LDS Mission in Kansas and Missouri. Kruger has also overcome tragedy, surviving a brutal stabbing in January of last year. The former Ute talks with All Access Football Radio about his off the field experiences, playing for Utah and preparing for the NFL Draft.

College Football Insiders Founder and NFL Draft Bible President Daniel Mogollon conducted the interview on February 17, 2009.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)

Pro Day Rewind: 'Canes, Owls & Cardinals

By ANDREW GARDA

Welcome to week two of Pro Day Rewind where we’ll catch you up on the previous week of Pro Days.

The news from the NFL Scouting Combine wasn’t even cold yet and schools were getting their guys into the spotlight immediately. At this point, it’s largely smaller schools that kick off the post-Combine workout schedule, but from those humble beginnings some mighty stars emerge.

So while the week after the Combine was pretty slow, we’ll talk a little about those few who got us kicked off.

Five schools had their Pro Days last week: Bethune-Cookman, Florida-International, Ball State, Florida Atlantic and a big school as well – the University of Miami. At the end of the week, it was the Florida schools which had made the biggest noise, though Ball State had its say as well.

MIAMI: On the 27th of February, 11 players showed off their skills to the representatives of ten NFL teams including Miami, Philadelphia, Tennessee and Atlanta. CB Bruce Johnson improved upon his Combine performance in the 40 (4.42 and 4.45) and vertical (38.5 inches), and posted a 4.03 shuttle and a 6.92 three cone drill. Fellow CB Carlos Armour made up for not being in Indianapolis by running a 4.55 and 4.59 in the 40 and jumping a 37.5 vertical, but was only able to bench press 10 times. However, none of the players looked good enough to go in the first round, which would end a 14-year streak for the 'Canes. In fact, it’s likely nobody will go the first day with Johnson possibly the lone 'Cane drafted.

Florida-Atlantic: The Owls got an unusual level of interest this year as representatives from 16 teams traveled to the school’s Pro Day, for the most part to see senior linebacker Frantz Joseph. Joseph, one of the players highlighted in last week’s column, was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine but his body of work certainly made him an attraction to scouts. He did not disappoint, running a 4.83 in the 40, benching 225 pounds 19 times, and measuring in at 6’1” and 242 pounds. Joseph also ran a 4.41 shuttle and a 7.34 three-cone drill. Overall, he continued to build heat and while Joseph is assuming he will need to fight for a spot on someone’s practice squad, he may hear his name called on the second day of the Draft. Of the other 17 players who put on a display for the visiting NFL dignitaries, the one who stood out the most was safety Carldayle Brantley. While he only started two games this past season, Brantley put on an eye-opening exhibition, running a 4.40 time in the 40 yard dash, jumping a 38 _ vertical and a 10’7” broad jump – all of which were tops on the day. Charles Pierre, the team’s 1,000 yard rusher, led the weight room, lifting the bar 26 times. Still, while the exposure may garner his fellow teammates a chance at a practice squad, if anyone is to be drafted it will most likely be Joseph and last week’s effort solidified that.

Ball State: Representatives from 14 teams came to Scheumann Stadium on a rainy day to see what Ball State’s players had to offer, but quarterback Nate Davis and offensive tackle Robert Brewster (both of whom participated in the Combine) sat out, although Davis threw for receivers working out. Both athletes will be working out for teams on March 20th instead and will be joined by punter Chris Williams, who could not work out because the event was held indoors due to the inclement weather. Of those who did participate, the most impressive was tight end Darius Hill. Hill ran a career-best 4.71 time in the 40 and did well in the pass-catching drill. The Cardinal tight end had been highly rated going into the 2008 season, but his stock dropped over its course. He is now hoping for at least a shot as a rookie free agent.

2.23.09 - Pro Day Rewind: Combine Edition


Photo Credit: University of Miami Sports Media Relations Office

CB SEAN SMITH On All Access Radio

Join us in another NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight with the stellar corner Sean Smith coming out of Utah after declaring for the NFL Draft following his junior season. He talks with the NFL Draft Bible on All Access Football Radio about being underrated coming out of California, changing positions from running back to wide receiver and finally to cornerback, as well as preparing for the 2009 NFL Draft. Smith, who recorded nine interceptions among his 25 passes defensed as a sophomore and a junior, is currently ranked as the seventh cornerback on the NFL Draft Bible’s Big Board and with his 6’3” frame provides unique length for teams looking for a big coverman.

Interview was conducted on February 17, 2009.

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Utah)

Pro Day Rewind

By ANDREW GARDA

As we head toward the end of the 2009 NFL Combine, we do so knowing that many of these players will be getting another chance to shock and awe the scouts at their individual school’s Pro Days. An athlete might have struggled in Indianapolis but could recover his momentum with a second look. On the other hand, a guy can just as easily fritter away all the buzz he gathered at the Combine by not being ready at his Pro Day.

Over the course of the next six weeks, this column will follow the ups, downs, and occasional sideways movement of the NFL Draft Class of 2009.

Now you may be asking yourself is it time for a Pro Day Rewind Column when the Combine isn’t even finished?

Well, not every future NFL star is working out in Indianapolis. Every year, athletes who weren’t present at the Combine end up in the NFL anyway, some to eventual fantastic effect. For examples, please see Welker, Wes and Parker, Willie from 2004.

And of course, there are some players every year who choose not to compete in Indy. Whether it's because of an injury or a concern about losing momentum, these players leave scouts wanting and needing more.

Today’s column is focused on the players who are not performing during the Combine, for whatever reason. For these athletes, their Pro Days are even more vital.

1. WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (INJURED): During his medical examination, the seventh ranked player on the NFLDB Big Board was diagnosed with a small stress fracture in his foot. The news put the kibosh on any plans Crabtree had to work out in some capacity at the Combine and sent scouts scrambling for their notebooks as they tried to determine what, if any, impact this might have on his value.

Crabtree has announced he will delay the surgery until after his Pro Day, which is scheduled for March 26th, and work out on that day. Opinions range widely on whether this could cause more injury and whether he needs to run at all. Clearly he feels the need to perform and that the benefits outweigh the risk. March 26th will be a huge day for the Texas Tech receiver and worth watching. Some teams will downgrade him over the injury and a poor showing, or further injury, could really hurt his draft stock.

2. OT Andre Smith, Alabama (PERSONAL CHOICE): Nobody hurt themselves more this weekend than the big tackle from the Crimson Tide. First, Smith stood up and explained to the assembled media and scouts that he would not be participating in the Combine because he was not in proper shape. That candor might have actually won him points had he not gone missing Saturday morning. While there seems to be some confusion about the complete chain of events, he ended up heading to Atlanta to train and nobody seemed to know about it.

Smith, sixth on the NFLDB Big Board heading into Indianapolis, already had some red flags prior to this weekend. He was suspended for Alabama’s Bowl game for reasons he wouldn’t quite clarify and there had been some reports that he was out of shape, confirmed perhaps by his decision not to work out in Indianapolis. Leaving the Combine, even if it was to work out, was a poor choice and Smith may have been given some very bad advice.

He will need to be on point for Alabama’s Pro Day which is just two and a half weeks away, on March 11th. He won’t easily slide from the first round, but another bad day from Smith will certainly push him down the draft ladder and cost him a lot of money. Teams who have already begun to be concerned by his choices may write him off entirely.

3. QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia (PERSONAL CHOICE): As the top ranked quarterback on most analyst’s boards, Stafford didn’t have much to gain by doing much more than cheerleading on Sunday. However, as one of the knocks against him by some evaluators is occasional sloppiness and lazy fundamental execution, not working out isn’t really putting that doubt to rest.

Still, if you’re the top Bulldog, why not do your work on March 19th in the most comfortable setting possible with familiar receivers and your teammates and coaches looking on? Stafford may lose some of the lead he has now before then, but if he has a sharp day, he will solidify his standing.

4. TE Ryan Purvis, Boston College (NOT INVITED): Purvis, the tenth ranked tight end on NFLDB’s tight end rankings, may have suffered from a down senior year but in 2007, he was a safety net for 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Matt Ryan (not to be confused with Overall Rookie of the Year, Joe Flacco.).

While Purvis is a sure-handed receiver and made strides as a blocker this past season, there are questions about his speed, ability to get separation and upside. Purvis may not be a finished product and he’ll need to show the scouts some shine on Boston College’s Pro Days, March 12th and 13th.

5. LB Frantz Joseph, Florida Atlantic (NOT INVITED): This physical linebacker will actually get an early chance to impress as his Pro Day falls on February 26th. Joseph had a productive career and can make plays, but lacks top end speed and ideal size. He’ll need to come out hard on Thursday and prove that he can hang with the big boys. Joseph has to make a lasting impression on scouts, since it will have to serve him until April and hopefully convince teams to bring him in for a private workout between now and then.

We’ll be back next Monday with a look at the few Pro Days taking place this week and a preview of what to watch for in the coming month.

Smith Not Short On Confidence

Alphonso Smith, corner back from Wake Forest, stated he is the number one defensive back in the draft. To help develop his game, Smith has squared off against a pair of Super Bowl wide outs in Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals and Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers thanks to personal connections. He didn't give up a touchdown his entire senior year (and quoted the last time he did was his junior year against Florida State), but states that holding the all-time ACC interception mark (21 career) is most important to him.

Toughest receivers he's faced? Former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, as well as Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey, and North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks.

His confidence goes beyond himself, as Smith proclaimed that former teammate and linebacker Aaron Curry is the best defensive player in the draft because of his knowledge of the game.

"By far. It's not even close...a lot of people don't know this but he is probably the smartest person in the draft," Smith said of Curry. He also referred to Curry as a "humble beast" because of his polite, yet misleading demeanor.

Stay tuned for more from the NFL combine.

Combine Confidential: Harvin To Sit Out Drills

University of Florida WR Percy Harvin said during his NFL Scouting Combine interview that he will participate in the 40-yard dash and the bench press but will not participate in any of the position drills. Harvin said during his NFL Scouting Combine interview that he believes he would not have any problems if a team asked him to play in the Wildcat formation because he played it in high school and college.

Combine Confidential: Pat White To Try WR

West Virginia QB Pat White said during his NFL Scouting Combine interview that he would love to play quarterback in the NFL but would be open to be a wide receiver or a returner if a team asks. He said some teams believe he can play quarterback while others think he will play another position. White ran the 40 in 4.49 seconds on Sunday.

White will be participating strictly as a quarterback in Indianapolis, but says he plans on doing wide receiver drills at his Pro Day back in Morgantown at the University of West Virginia.

The former Mountaineer had previously refused to play wide receiver while participating at the Senior Bowl, where he was Offensive MVP playing exclusively as a quarterback.

On Location: On The Down Low

Running back PJ Hill played at Wisconsin under the “brats and cheddar” diet and was often criticized that his shape through the hips wasn’t exactly running back-friendly. Hill admitted almost sheepishly that by season’s end he was approaching 240 pounds, and eventually resisted the ill-fated label of “fat kid at camp” when he arrived at his pro workout facility Performance Management Professionals.

“That’s a big surprise for a lot of people,” Hill joked as he announced his size, which is now down to a cruiser-weight of 222 pounds. “My agent told me a lot of teams were saying I was coming in big and lazy…I was always a big back. I just wanted to show them [teams] that…I was a hard worker, I can get toned, I can work hard, lose weight.” If all works out according to plan, Hill expects his 40-time to be in the low 4.5’s or in the 4.4’s. That would be the right type of gain for Hill.

Michigan defensive end Tim Jamison weighed in at 256 pounds, a number that clearly surprised some. His playing weight exiting Ann Arbor was 263 pounds so this could be a potential sticking point as we march towards the draft. Is he defensive end or an outside linebacker? Or a ‘tweener? Where will he be in April and will teams know enough in advance to gauge him appropriately as a future NFL baller?

On Location: Ian Johnson - Bigger is Better

Ian Johnson, the running back from Boise State, is another player who used the time from the end of his college career until the Scouting Combine to bulk up as he prepares to play on Sundays. Joking that he doesn’t care to have pro teams remember him as the ‘guy who proposed right after beating Oklahoma’, Johnson sounded determined to show how much he has changed his body and approach to running with the football. An addition of 14 pounds should make him thicker, yet he is hoping to run a 4.42 or lower. Furthermore, he has dramatically upped his bench, making a significant jump from 12 reps. He fell a bit short of his goal of 28 or 29, throwing the bar up 26 times, which was still good enough for fifth among the running backs (including two fullbacks who were ahead of him). It should be interesting to see his numbers fall – certainly he will be a case of the numbers game correlating potentially to a higher draft slot.

What’s up with PSU Ends? Their Weight

Aaron Maybin – We knew he was going to come into the draft as a DE/LB hybrid due to his size, but Maybin seems to have focused on adding bulk to take on his future role in the NFL. Maybin’s college days saw him wearing smaller sizes, but he feels better prepared moving forward at a heavier weight.

“I came in and gave them [teams] what they wanted to see. For most people they wanted to see me put on some weight,” Maybin said. “I had played my last year at Penn State around 230…so I went to work and put on 20 pounds and I feel good right now.”

Further, Maybin says his weight will possibly change again based on the system he joins.

“I will stay at this weight until the draft and based on what system I [get drafted in to] I will either move up or down based on what they want.”

Despite his increased bulk, Maybin affirms that he remains an athlete and describes himself as someone who brings, “athleticism, hard work, and desire.” One year of college stats isn’t much to hang your hat on, but it seems Maybin is doing (adding weight) and saying the right things to keep everyone’s brows raised.

Maurice Evans – Evans, like his former teammate, Maybin trained at Power Train Sports in Lancaster, PA, and beefed up from 252 lbs to a stalky 274 lbs (6’ 1”). When asked if he felt size would be a problem at the next level, “No, when you turn on the film I can play.”

His muscle gain seemed serendipitous, “That’s the way it goes...you put on a couple pounds of muscle.”