Q&A: Mike Riley, HC, Oregon St.

Coach Riley is 56-42 at Oregon St., including 48-28 since his return from the NFL in 2003, including a 5-0 Bowl record with a stint in between coaching the San Diego Chargers. As a player, Coach Riley won four SEC titles with Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Hi coach, how are you doing today?

Coach Riley: I’m doing very well, thanks for having me.

You are halfway through spring football at Oregon St., with seven practices under your belt and seven remaining before the Spring Game. How have things gone so far?

Coach Riley: Well it feels good. The work is good. The work-ethic is good. We are getting, I think, a lot of good preparation for the season. You know, spring ball is such a great time for teaching skills and spending time with individual players without a ‘game-prep’, right-on-top-of-you. So it’s a great time of year and I think our team is working hard. We have a lot of holes to fill, but it’s all good work.

Would you say teaching is your main objective in spring ball?

Coach Riley: It’s all about skill development really, you know, we run a bunch of plays and we’ll even tweak some stuff, but if we can get a guy to run a better out-route during spring ball then we’ve made some progress. We really try to focus on the little things because they’ll all fit into packages that go into game plans later. But you just don’t get a lot of time to do this kind of thing later on, so you have to take advantage of skill development.

Is that a constant or does it vary from team-to-team depending on who is coming back?

Coach Riley: Well that is well said, because I think you have to balance that out between seniors and freshmen. We've got a senior quarterback that we can hit the ground running with, but we’ve got some freshmen receivers that don’t know where the ground is (laughs). You have to try and balance that out and bring those guys up to speed so they can make an impact in the fall.

You mentioned working on those specific skills. I read that you were working with the stellar running back Jacquizz Rogers on his route running in yesterday’s practice, so is that a point of emphasis with him? Should we expect to see his role as a pass catcher expand come this fall?

Coach Riley: You know Dan, that is something that he can do very well. I mean, he’s got very good hands and of course he’s got great quickness coming out of the backfield. I think he caught 30-something balls last year--he probably can catch 50 with the screen passes we’ll throw him and some of the stuff we can do with him coming out of the backfield. I’d like to expand that a little bit, but it also--right now for him--is one of those areas that can keep him out of contact and let him get healed-up for fall camp. There are also some things that we can work on that don’t put any burden on his shoulder, so he can get some running in and catch the ball. Then we do some ball-handling with him besides that, running tracks of our running plays, but if we can get some of that accomplished in spring ball then we’ll be ahead of the game.

What’s the status on his shoulder and the rehab there--is he getting any contact, and will he get any contact at all this spring?

Coach Riley: Probably not. I don’t think I’m being overly cautious, but I am being cautious with it. He’s basically had a big time positive report from his last appointment with the doctors, so we feel really, really good about him being 100 percent for fall camp.

What’s the status of quarterback Lyle Moevao? When do you expect him to be able to start throwing the football again?

Coach Riley: Well, it will probably be another six weeks. He spent the first six weeks in a sling. Yesterday was his first day out of that sling, so that was good news, and I know, much more comfortable for him. He feels very good. I think the big deal with Lyle, that will keep him paying attention to the protocol, is that he has to go through and not try to do too much too early. But I expect him to be throwing the ball this summer and being ready for fall camp.

Now coach, is there a way you can spin this in a positive way. You know what you have with those two guys...now this gives more opportunities to unproven players to show what they can do and to get some experience?

Coach Riley: That’s absolutely what we’re doing. We have to try and make lemonade out of lemons sometimes. I’d much rather have Lyle practicing with us, but the silver lining is that Sean (Canfield) is having a great spring and is basically ready to take command of this thing. He's playing the role of a ‘good senior quarterback’ and then we have a red-shirt freshman, Ryan Katz, that is really benefiting from all the extra work that he has been getting. So there is a silver lining; we are able to get him some turns that are very visible for his development, so I hope in the long run it all balances out. Lyle’s healthy, Sean’s healthy, and we can start the season with two senior quarterbacks and a younger guy who’s really got good preparation through spring ball.

Offensive lineman Michael Philip was your top recruit according to scouting services. Do you expect him, or any of the true freshmen, to make an impact from day one?

Coach Riley: You know Dan, we really like to red-shirt guys if we can. We red-shirted 25 kids last year, including some of our walk-ons, so in my mind being in a program going on seven years, it’s really about development and having that extra year to work with guys. However, we have had freshmen play--usually there are a couple every year that find their way in--and physically a guy like Michael Philip can do it. You know, whether or not we do it with him, we’ll go into fall camp and find out for sure. We got a receiver, Markus Wheaten, coming in here that ability-wise can play right away. But we’ll play that out, probably two weeks into fall camp before we make any decisions like that.

From a coach's perspective, when spring ball comes you must be pretty excited and pumped up after doing recruiting and all that stuff. You actually get to go back on the football field and do a little football?

Coach Riley: It’s really fun to get back on the field and work with these kids. They’ve been through what I think is one of their hardest, most tedious times of the year--and that’s the off-season program--with a lot of running and lifting, so there’s a new spirit. It’s a new phase of the year, you get to start spring ball and put on the pads. You get to go out there and do what you like to do, so it is always fun. Footballs are in the air…summer is starting to come around a little bit, so it all feels good right now.

So with all this stuff going on...you have the bowl games finishing up at the end of the year, you have a lot of recruiting, spring practice. Do you get any time off, do you do any traveling, or do you have to wait until the summertime?

Coach Riley: That pretty much waits for us. You know, one thing about being in Corvallis, you might be able to appreciate, is it’s a small town and so we’re close to home. We have a fairly balanced life which I will never forget. I’m very thankful for that.

Let’s switch a little bit to guys that are leaving the program and moving on to the NFL. Let’s start with your cornerbacks--what can you tell us about Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes, a of couple guys who I think are getting a little underrated in this evaluation process…

Coach Riley: You know, I think they might be but I’ve gotten quite a few phone calls on those guys, which might mean something. You probably realize that more than most. I think they are very, very good players and they are really solid guys. They played a ton of football for us; Brandon started three and a half years, Keenan four years. They played that position for a long time and got great experience against a lot of great receivers. They have good size for playing that position. I think that they will get good opportunities and it will be up to them to make the most of it.

What would you say is the strength of their game? Lewis to me seems like a physical kid who is not afraid to mix-it-up, and I think Brandon Hughes surprised some people with his speed at the Combine…

Coach Riley: You know, I think you said it right. Keenan is lanky and has long arms, which everybody likes at that position. He gets his hands on people. I thought he had a great year, he had his best year…very, very solid, also ran very well. Brandon ran very well also. When people start testing after their season is over, those are the kinds of things they’re looking for. Then you put that together with their film and I think they’re both pretty good prospects.

Another guy who could be a day-one selection is Ande Levitre, your offensive lineman who played some offensive tackle for you. I think he’s more projected as a guard at the next level. What does he bring to the table? If an NFL team called you to ask about him, what would you tell them?

Coach Riley: Well, you know, Ande is really a good football player, one of the best linemen we’ve ever had. He has played everywhere from guard to tight end. He settled in the last two years at tackle, but you’re right on, I think he’s more of an NFL guard, but I think he’ll play for 10 years. He’s very, very smart, very tough, very competitive and athletic. He’ll be able to go in and technically be very sound, then you add that in with who he is as a person and what he brings in that regard, and I think he’ll be a real-solid pick for somebody.

Coach let me ask you about guys that you faced--I know that it’s a tough question just to pluck one or two guys out--you guys faced a lot of good teams, obviously, with a tough Pac-10 schedule. You played Penn State, Hawaii, and Utah out of conference. Can you throw maybe one or two guys at me that kind of stood out to you, guys that you faced?

Coach Riley: Well I could start off naming USC’s team (laughter) that would be pretty easy. I’m really a big fan of Mark Sanchez, you know, I think that he brings it all there. He’s a very smart guy, can throw all the balls, and I think has been well-schooled at USC in the types of things that they’ll ask him to do in the NFL. He’s great. Then the linebacking corps: (Clay) Matthews and (Brian) Cushing and Rey Maualuga. All those guys are going to be really good players and will be great additions to whatever teams they end up with.

We like to close things out here with a segment we call ‘Three-and-out’, with three quick questions so…First down: What do you miss most about being in the NFL?

Coach Riley: I think it’s…the day-to-day football was outstanding and being around those guys. People like Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison, Jim Harbaugh when he was quarterbacking…I could go on-and-on…John Parilla. I just watched those guys that played at such a high level for such a long time and I appreciated that a ton.

Second down: What do you miss least about coaching in the NFL?

Coach Riley: Well, you know I really...there’s nothing really. I don’t miss losing (laughter). We lost a lot of games and it was hard. And that part of it, if I looked back at it with any regrets--which I try not to--it was just that we didn’t do well enough.

Third down: If you had the first pick in the Draft what would you do?

Coach Riley: Oh boy…I would probably…you know, I don’t know Stafford very well, but I would look hard at Sanchez. I think he will be a good quarterback for a long time.

You would lean toward that quarterback position though?

Coach Riley: Yeah, you know, it depends on my team. But if we needed a guy, I’d look at one of those guys for sure.

Alright coach, thanks a lot for joining us and giving us some time. We wish you luck with the rest of this spring and we’ll be looking forward to that game. I believe the spring game is May 2, is that right?

Coach Riley: That is right. We’ll be heading off into our spring game, and then it won’t be long before (laughter) we’ll be headed into our fall camp. The older we get, the faster these years go by.

I hear that. I’m starting to learn that myself as I head into my mid-30’s. Coach, try and find some time over the summer where you can kick back and relax a little as well…

Coach Riley: Thank you for saying that, I will do that for sure. Thanks for having me on.

Photo Credit: Oregon St.

On The Clock: Indianapolis Colts

Record: 12-4, 2nd In the AFC South
General Manager: Bill Polian, Head Coach: Jim Caldwell (1st Year/8th With the Colts), Offensive Coordinator: Tom Moore (12th Year), Defensive Coordinator: Larry Coyer (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 15 Overall, No. 13 Scoring, No. 5 Passing, No. 31 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 11 Overall, No. 7 Scoring, No. 6 Passing, No. 24 Rushing

Last Five Years: 63-17; Last Playoff Appearance: 2008; Last Playoff Victory: 2006 (29-17 Over the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl)

2008 Draft: (2-59) OL Mike Pollak, (3-93) LB Phillip Wheeler, (4-127) TE Jacob Tamme, (5-161) LB Marcus Howard, (6-196) TE Tom Santi, (6-201) C Steve Justice, (6-202) RB Mike Hart, (6-205) WR Pierre Garcon, (7-236) Jamey Richard

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (2-59) OL Mike Pollak, Arizona St.
2007 – (1-32) WR Anthony Gonzalez, Ohio St.
2006 – (1-30) RB Joseph Addai, LSU
2005 – (1-29) DB Marlin Jackson, Michigan
2004 – (2-44) S Bob Sanders, Iowa

Booms: CB Kelvin Hayden (2nd Round 2005), DB Matt Giordano (4th Round 2005), LB Tyjuan Hagler (5th Round 2005), RB Joseph Addai (1st Round 2006), LB Freddie Keiaho (3rd Round 2006), OT Charlie Johnson (6th Round 2006), DB Antoine Bethea (6th Round 2006), OT Tony Ugoh (2nd Round 2007), LB Clint Session (4th Round 2007), DE Keyunta Dawson (7th Round 2007)

Busts: DE Vincent Burns (3rd Round 2005), DE Quinn Pitcock (3rd Round 2007), DB Brannon Condren (4th Round 2007),

Additions:
P Mike Dragosavich (Waivers)
LB Adam Seward (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
RB Clifton Dawson (Released)
WR Marvin Harrison (Released)
DT Darrell Reid (FA-Denver)

Keepers:
RB Lance Ball
LB Buster Davis
OT Daniel Federkeil
OLB Tyjuan Hagler
C Jeff Saturday

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 27
Round 2, Selection 29
Round 3, Selection 28
Round 4, Selection 27
Round 4, Selection 36 (Compensatory)
Round 5, Selection 29
Round 6, Selection 28
Round 7, Selection 27

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin, Florida; Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Hakeem Nicks, UNC; Brian Robiskie, OSU; Juaquin Iglesias, Oklahoma; Jarett Dillard, Rice; Mike Thomas, Arizona
2. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr.; Clint Sintim, Virginia; Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.; Tyrone McKenzie, USF
3. Middle Linebacker: James Laurinaitis, Ohio St.; Darry Beckwith, LSU; Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh; Dannell Ellerbe, Georgia
4. Defensive Tackle: Peria Jerry, Ole Miss; Evander Hood, Missouri; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.; Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn; Fili Moala, USC; Corvey Irvin, Georgia
5. Cornerback: Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest; Jairus Byrd, Oregon; D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt; Darius Butler, UConn; Sean Smith, Utah; Keenan Lewis, Oregon St.; Macho Harris, Virginia Tech; Mike Mickens, Cincinnati; Coye Francis, San Jose St.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Rutgers)

Pro Day Rewind: That's A Wrap

We wrap up the Pro Day season with a week that, while it had fewer workouts, also contained one of the biggest of the year—USC’s Pro Day.

I was fortunate enough to attend two last week—USC’s outstanding workout as well as the sometimes overlooked, but no less important, Hawaii Pro Day, which was held in Carson, California.

But before we talk about the big dogs and my Los Angeles trip, let’s talk about some of the other schools and workouts.

TUESDAY

UCLA: Head Coach Rick Neuheisel is a long way from stealing any luster from the Bruins’ crosstown rivals. There aren’t too many players who will go in the NFL Draft and even then, they're not likely to go early.

Running back Kahlil Bell is one player who hopes to crack the second day. Bell stood on most of his Combine numbers, though he ran the 40 and jumped both the vertical and broad jumps. He ran a 4.75 and a 4.76, jumped a 32 inch vertical and a 9’5” broad. He looked solid in position drills, and that may get him onto a team. From there, he’s going to have to put his nose down and earn his spot. I think he could stick as a backup, but that may also be his ceiling.

Defensive tackle Bringham Hartwell didn’t get any all-star invites or an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, but he didn’t let that stop him from putting his best foot forward. Hartwell benched 225 pounds 36 times, one short of the top amount benched by a lineman at the Combine. He also ran the 40 in 5.14 seconds. Like Bell, Hartwell has a long way to go to get picked up in the Draft.

Unfortunately, Bruin quarterback Ben Olson was unable to workout due to a foot injury. Their other quarterback, Patrick Cowan, is still recovering from ACL surgery and only did position drills where he threw passes.

WEDNESDAY

USC: On Wednesday, I was happy to be one of the credentialed media attending USC’s Pro Day. It was the second year in a row I have been at USC for this event and as always, it was a well-run and exciting day. As you can imagine, it was heavily attended by NFL personnel, including Saints coach Sean Payton who, with his defensive staff, took a hard look at ‘The Triplets’ – Rey Maualuga, Clay Matthews and Brian Cushing. Also present was 49ers head coach Mike Singletary, Lions head coach Jim Schwartz (who was fresh off a trip to Georgia where he watched Matthew Stafford on Tuesday), Vikings coach Brad Childress and multiple members of teams like Arizona, Carolina and Seattle. Very few teams were absent though some, like Denver, did not make the trip.

The workouts we all witnessed were impressive across the board. Not only for the potential four first round picks – quarterback Mark Sanchez joined the aforementioned Triplets – but also folks like Safety Kevin Ellison, wide receiver Patrick Turner and oft-forgotten, but still solid linebacker Kaluka Maiava.

Still, any discussion about USC starts with Sanchez. After the excellent performances Matthew Stafford put on at Georgia’s Pro Day and for the Lions on March 31st, Sanchez had to have a fantastic day to remain in the conversation for top quarterback in the 2009 Draft.

He did not disappoint. Sanchez threw upwards of 80 passes over about 45 minutes, the majority of which were scripted. However, at the end of his workout he took requests from the Detroit Lions to throw a few different ways. The former Trojan responded beautifully and without hesitation. Sanchez threw long passes, short passes, passes on the run, passes with a three-step drop, a five-step drop, against the wind, with the wind, and across the wind. He threw with perfect accuracy, tremendous velocity, and with a sense of purpose that was palpable as you watched his workout.

Of course, you cannot put to rest the one big question mark about Sanchez at a Pro Day, and that’s experience. Still, after having seen him in person and watching tons of tape, I have become less and less worried that the experience (or lack thereof) is a huge problem. Sanchez has all the tools and the intangibles (leadership, personality and work ethic) to be a success in the NFL. Is he better than Stafford? It's debatable. But I think he could develop into a fantastic quarterback and given that he had dinner with Jacksonville quarterback coach Mike Shula and was closely watched by everyone during his workout, I’m not the only one. In the right system, or with a team who can bring him along slowly (for instance, if he sat behind David Garrard for a year), the sky is the limit for him.

The other story on Wednesday was the outstanding workouts by the linebacking trio of Cushing, Matthews and Maualuga. Of the three, perhaps the biggest impression was made by Matthews.

Matthews has had to fight his way through his college career. Starting as a walk-on, he eventually became an important part of the USC team, especially on special teams. But as of the Pro Day, we can stop focusing on the walk-on story and start discussing his NFL prospects, which looks to be bright.

Matthews looked great in drills, showing good smoothness and fluidity as well as solid ball skills. He caught the ball nicely in drills and overall had a great workout. He added a 4.57 in the 40 to his day and that's not too shabby. In an interview with Matthews, he told me he was on his way to a workout with Atlanta on Saturday, then flying to meet with Denver, Cleveland and Tennessee.

Cushing also had an outstanding day. Cushing, to me, is a safe pick...a guy whose versatility and consistency could make him a contributor from day one on any defense. Cushing looked explosive and quick in his position drills, though he was a tad stiff in the hips at times. He made some great catches as well, including an eye-popping effort during which he had to fully extend his body to make a great catch, then landed and ran out the rest of the drill without missing a beat.

The New Jersey native also ran a 4.70 in the 40, though I saw some times from scouts at 4.68 and a 4.75. In speaking with Cushing, I was also impressed with his decision to head back home and his reasoning that he wanted to go back to work with his high school coach whom he said, “…really made me the player I am today”.

While I think Maualuga might have more playmaking upside and Matthews more untapped potential, Cushing will enter the NFL as an impact player immediately, an outstanding linebacker I would not be shocked to see in Pro Bowls shortly.

The final linebacker of the trio was Maualuga. Maualuga pulled a muscle at the Combine during his first 40 and was unable to do any position drills in Indianapolis. That was very much on his mind Wednesday as he ran his 40 yard dash after he did all the other drills. He told me that he wanted to make sure scouts and coaches saw everything he couldn’t show them in Indianapolis.

Maualuga may not have had the dynamic day Matthews and Cush did, but that doesn’t mean he performed badly. While he looked a little stiff at times, I thought he had a very solid workout.

By the way, that 40 clocked in at a 4.69 according to my stopwatch and looked very respectable next to his 4.43 shuttle and 7.22 three-cone. There were some concerns that while rehabbing Maualuga might gain some weight, which is really all about questions people (mostly media) have about his attitude and work ethic.

I say just because the guy moves to the beat of his own drummer doesn't mean he can't march. Maualuga can flat out play. In my opinion, he's a guy who will need to adjust in the Pros—go less for the big play and more for the basics during his initial year in the league. It will be a few years before teams turn him loose, which is similar to another standout USC defensive player from back in the day by the name of Junior Seau.

Seau used to make huge plays at USC...and whiffed on them at times as well. I'm not saying El Rey is Seau, but he could be and if Seau could adjust, so could Maualuga. In the right system (perhaps one involving Mike Singletary?) I think he could develop into a monster. Maualuga mentioned visiting with Atlanta and having several other teams on tap for visits and workouts.

All three of the linebackers should go in the first round and with Sanchez, April 25th could be a huge day for USC.

Other players of note: Safety Kevin Ellison has been battling the perception he isn’t quick enough to be a safety at the next level and that he might have to convert to linebacker. That may still be some teams’ perception, but several scouts I heard talking about him felt his 4.70 in the 40 along with a 4.15 short shuttle, 7.32 cone, and solid position workout will keep him at the safety spot. With the Triplets at linebacker getting all the glory, it’s easy to forget Kaluka Maiava, but teams shouldn’t. Maiava had a solid positional workout, showing his athleticism and range, as well as running a 4.68. Finally, wide receiver Patrick Turner had an outstanding workout, shagging balls for Sanchez and improving his draft stock considerably. Turner, who started off by running a 4.63 in the 40, made some very nice catches, including a great one at the sideline where he tiptoed along the line to make sure he completed the catch in bounds. He ran good routes and while he may not be a high draft pick, he will find a home and get a chance to catch on in camp. I think Turner could become a very solid receiver going forward.

Overall, it was yet another in a long line of well-attended, well-executed, and successful Pro Days for USC.

Thursday

Hawaii: The second stop in this week’s Pro Day tour was down in Carson, California for the University of Hawaii’s workout. While not the size of USC's, the day was still a well-attended, well-run event with several players whom scouts were keenly interested in.

Held at the Home Depot Center, Hawaii’s Pro Day was attended by about 30 scouts from teams such as Carolina, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Seattle and both New York teams.

It was held at two different locations on the Home Depot Center property. The timing and workout portion was held on a small, side field covered in Field Turf with a small tent set up for lifting weights. The positional drills were held a short distance away on a field also used, so the signs said, for David Beckham’s soccer camp.

We started out in a small meeting room where UH head coach Greg McMackin and associate head coach Rich Miano showed the scouts some highlight videos featuring the various players who would soon be working out. After that, the players’ heights and weights were recorded and we adjourned outside for the vertical, broad jump, and timing drills.

Defensive lineman David Veikune was certainly one of the main attractions for scouts on Thursday. While he stood on most of the results of his Combine performance, he did re-run the 40-yard dash. He ran a 4.80/4.81 in the 40, with 10-yard and 20-yard splits of 1.64/1.71 and 2.82/2.78 respectively.

Veikune also did positional drills and since there is some question as to just where he will fit in at the pro level, he drilled as an outside linebacker and worked some coverage as well. The scouts wanted to take a hard look at his footwork which was another reason he worked out as a linebacker.

Veikune may have to make the switch to a linebacker, especially if he ends up in a 3-4 scheme. What he showed on Thursday had scouts saying he could indeed make the switch.
Scouts and teams are just going to try to find a way to get this playmaker on the field because on tape, all Veikune does is make plays. He’ll need to learn how to work out of a two-point stance, work in coverage and other things, but he’s smart enough and a hard enough worker to get the job done and still cause havoc in the backfield when they need him to.

Another player scouts were itching to see was cornerback Ryan Mouton. Mouton had pulled a hamstring at the Combine and was hoping to make an impression this time out.

He began his day on a very high note with an outstanding 11-foot broad jump. He chose to stand on his bench and vertical from the Combine and got set to run the 40.

Unfortunately, he pulled up lame again in the 40 on Pro Day. Mouton said later he felt it at about the 20-yard mark and was clearly in pain when he crossed the finish line. Still, he ran an impressive 40 time (especially considering). Various scouts had him at anywhere from 4.42 to 4.48. I had him timed at 4.46.

And he did that while clearly pulling up in the last leg. Imagine how he might have timed had it not happened.

The injury looked worse than it turned out to be, as he sat in the corner of the practice area for some time. Still, he was out for the day and there were more than a few disappointed scouts and that tells me he was—and likely still is—very much on the radars of several teams. In fact, he already has a meeting with Jacksonville according to the Honolulu Advertiser.

Several other players are worth talking about as well. Defensive lineman Josh Leonard benched a fantastic 41 times, ran a 4.97 in the 40, had a 31 1/2 vertical and looked solid in drills. Another Leonard, linebacker Adam Leonard, had a so-so 40, but that was due, in part, to some bad starts.

As I saw in San Jose State with corner Coye Francies, once you stumble a few times, it can get in your head. It certainly affected Leonard and probably contributed to his slower than expected 40 time. But his film and other drills will keep him hopping and he will have the chance to show his stuff at team visits and private workouts. He looked good in position drills, so while the 40 time might drop him, how far is a subject for debate.

Finally, I want to talk about long snapper Jake Ingram. That’s right, I’m writing about a long snapper, and I loved what I saw in Ingram.

Ingram was a guy the staff talked about during the film session as a perfectionist and a hard worker—the first guy at practice and the last one to leave. The tenacity and hard work paid off as Ingram did every drill he could, ran a 4.90/4.86 in the 40, showed a 30 1/2 vertical, a 9'9" broad jump, benched 18 times and ran a 4.59 short shuttle.

I wasn't the only one impressed. I saw Bengals special teams coach Darrin Simmons talking at length, and a lot of it was shop talk. Of course, a snapper has to do more than snap the ball so teams will take a long look at a guy like Ingram to make sure he can cover and block. Ingram looked good whenever he was asked to do something and came off as personable and as a nose-to-the-grindstone type of guy.

It's not often I spend much time talking about long snappers, but Ingram had a very solid day.

And so ended another road trip and the final Pro Day. Now the hard part comes for analysts and scouts— to take every scrap of info from Pro Days, the Combine, and tons of game film then rank where each and every player goes on their big boards.

Photo Credit: Long Photography, College Press Box (USC)

All Access: More USC Pro Day Results

Based on unofficial times, here are the 40 numbers for the rest of the group: Cushing (4.68), Matthews (4.57), Maiava (4.68), S Kevin Ellison (4.70), CB Cary Harris (4.89), WR Patrick Turner (4.63) and DE Kyle Moore (4.76). QB Mark Sanchez chose not to run the 40, standing on his 4.88 time at the combine. Harris suffered a hamstring injury during the workouts. Saints coach Sean Payton, Vikings coach Brad Childress, 49ers coach Mike Singletary, Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and Lions coach Jim Schwartz were on the USC campus today. Several GMs are also getting a first-hand look, including the Lions’ Martin Mayhew, the Saints’ Mickey Loomis, the Vikings’ Rick Spielman, the Cardinals’ Rod Graves and Ted Thompson of the Packers. A number of coordinators are getting a look, including Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan of the Lions and Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill is here, and I’m told he brought the Cardinals’ contingent on his private jet. The Lions and Saints have the biggest contingents, followed by the Seahawks, Raiders and Vikings.

Mandel's Take: Cushing, like the aforementioned Maualuga, hits hard and seems to enjoy knocking the crap out of people. Cushing played all over the field in college and I'd say he was a better prospect than Maualuga if it weren't for two things: 1) Cushing isn't as durable and 2) there are rampant rumors surrounding Cushing using illegal supplements. I know he's stated he doesn't do anything steroid-related, but would he really admit it? I'm not saying he's done anything, but teams are very wary of the physical transformation he's gone through and it could hurt him on Draft day. Matthews, the third of the Trojan linebacking trio, is perhaps the most intriguing. He's gone from a walk-on to a first round pick. That improvement must be respected, and he's only getting better. With some more experience and a bit of bulk added to his dedication and athleticism, it could be this kid that ends up being the brightest star of this talented trio. Turner's size and experience could allow him to be a solid possession guy in the NFL, but his lack of speed will be a hindrance. Rev, do Maiava's inexperience and lack of size scare you, or would you use a mid-round pick on him? Discuss!

Mancini's Take: Maiava's a project with great agility to elude blockers and make plays in space. He's not as big as most outside linebackers. His lack of size becomes a concern when he can't run by blockers and must take them head-on. I don't know if he can disengage from much bigger tight ends, offensive linemen or fullbacks even. Maiava would be best served by playing in a Cover-2 scheme. I'm also worried about the steroid allegations concerning Cushing, aka the Bergen Bulldog, and would want to know more about his past before drafting him. My favorite guy here is Clay Matthews Jr. With his work ethic and already rapid progress, he'll be a terror off the edge. Matthews is also a secure tackler and is athletic enough to contribute in pass coverage.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (USC)

On The Clock: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Roster: 9-7, 2nd In the NFC South
General Manager: Mark Dominik, Head Coach: Raheem Morris (1st Year/7th Year With the Buccaneers), Offensive Coordinator: Jeff Jagodzinski (1st Year), Defensive Coordinator: Jim Bates (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 14 Overall, No. 19 Scoring, No. 11 Passing, No. 15 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 9 Overall, No. 10 Scoring, No. 4 Passing, No. 19 Rushing

Last Five Years: 38-42; Last Playoff Appearance: 2007; Last Playoff Victory: 2002 (48-21 Over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl)

2008 Draft: (1-20) CB Aqib Talib, (2-58) WR Dexter Jackson, (3-83) OG Jeremy Zuttah, (4-115) DT Dre Moore, (5-160) QB Josh Johnson, (6-175) LB Geno Hayes, (7-238) RB Corey Boyd

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-20) CB Aqib Talib, Kansas
2007 – (1-4) DE Gaines Adams, Clemson
2006 – (1-23) OG Davin Joseph, Oklahoma
2005 – (1-5) RB Cadillac Williams, Auburn
2004 – (1-15) WR Michael Clayton, LSU

Booms: LB Barrett Ruud (2nd Round 2005), OG Davin Joseph (1st Round 2006), OT Jeremy Trueblood (2nd Round 2006), OG Arron Sears (2nd Round 2007), DB Tanard Jackson (4th Round 2007), LB Geno Hayes (6th Round 2008)

Busts: WR Michael Clayton (1st Round 2004), RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams (1st Round 2005), TE Alex Smith (3rd Round 2005), WR Maurice Stovall, Notre Dame (3rd Round 2006), CB Alan Zemaitis (4th Round 2006)

Additions:
WR Kelly Campbell (Free Agent)
LB Angelo Crowell (Free Agent)
LB Niko Koutouvides (Free Agent)
TE Anthony Mix (Free Agent)
K Mike Nugent (Free Agent)
RB Derrick Ward (Free Agent)
TE Kellen Winslow (Trade)

Subtractions:
K Shane Andrus (Released)
LB Derrick Brooks (Released)
CB Phillip Buchanon (FA-Detroit)
RB Warrick Dunn (Released)
WR Joey Galloway (Released)
DT Jovan Haye (FA-Tennessee)
RB Noah Herron (FA-Cleveland)
WR Ike Hilliard (Released)
OLB Cato June (Released)

Keepers:
S Will Allen
WR Antonio Bryan (Franchised)
WR Michael Clayton
WR Cortez Hankton
QB Luke McCown
SS Jermaine Phillips
DT Ryan Sims
TE Jerramy Stevens
WR Paris Warren

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 19
Round 3, Selection 17
Round 4, Selection 20
Round 5, Selection 19
Round 6, Selection 18
Round 7, Selection 8 (From Jacksonville)
Round 7, Selection 24 (From Baltimore)

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Quarterback: Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.
2. Defensive Tackle: Peria Jerry, Ole Miss
3. Wide Receiver: Percy Harvin, Florida; Darrius Hayward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Hakeem Nicks, UNC
4. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr., USC
5. Fullback: None.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Kansas, Kansas St.)

On The Clock: Houston Texans

Record: 8-8, 3rd In the AFC South
General Manager: Rick Smith, Head Coach: Gary Kubiak (4th Year), Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Shanahan (2nd Year/4th Year With the Texans), Defensive Coordinator: Frank Bush (1st Year/3rd With the Texans)

Offense Rankings: No. 3 Overall, No. 17 Scoring, No. 4 Passing, No. 13 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 22 Overall, No. 27 Scoring, No. 17 Passing, No. 23 Rushing

Last Five Years: 31-49; Last Playoff Appearance: Never; Last Playoff Victory: Never

2008 Draft: (1-26) OT Duane Brown, (3-79) CB Antwaun Molden, (3-89) RB Steve Slaton, (4-118) LB Xavier Adibi, (5-151) DT Frank Okam, (6-173) S Dominique Barber, (7-223) QB Alex Brink

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-26) OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech
2007 – (1-10) DT Amobi Okoye, Louisville
2006 – (1-1) DE Mario Williams, NC State
2005 – (1-16) DT Travis Johnson, Florida St.
2004 – (1-10) CB Dunta Robinson, South Carolina & (1-27) LB Jason Babin

Boom: CB Dunta Robinson (1st Round 2004), DE Mario Williams (1st Round 2006), LB DeMeco Ryans (2nd Round 2006), OT Eric Winston (3rd Round 2006), TE Owen Daniels (4th Round 2006), WR David Anderson (7th Round 2006), DB Fred Bennett (4th Round 2007), LB Zachary Diles (7th Round 2007), RB Steve Slaton (3rd Round 2008)

Bust: LB Jason Babin (1st Round 2004), RB Vernand Morency (3rd Round 2005), WR Jerome Mathis (4th Round 2005), OG Charles Spencer (3rd Round 2006), WR Jacoby Jones (2nd Round 2007)

Additions:
QB Dan Orlovsky (Free Agent)
DE Antonio Smith (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
SS C.C. Brown (FA-New York/NFC)
FS Will Demps (Released)
RB Ahman Green (Released)
LB Morlon Greenwood (Released)
QB Sage Rosenfels (Trade)
OT Ephraim Salaam (Released)
DE Anthony Weaver (Released)

Keepers:
WR David Anderson
TE Joel Dreessen
SS Nick Ferguson
DE Stanley McClover
CB Dunta Robinson (Franchised)
C Chris White
FS Eugene Wilson

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 15
Round 2, Selection 14
Round 3, Selection 13
Round 4, Selection 12
Round 4, Selection 22 (From Minnesota)
Round 5, Selection 16
Round 6, Selection 15
Round 7, Selection 14

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr., USC; Clint Sintim, Virginia; Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.
2. Safety: Louis Delmas, Western Michigan
3. Defensive Tackle: Peria Jerry, Ole Miss; Evander Hood, Missouri; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.; Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
4. Running Back: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia; Donald Brown, UConn; Chris Wells, Ohio St.; Andre Brown, North Carolina St.; Shonn Greene, Iowa; Glenn Coffee, Alabama; Rashad Jennings, Liberty
5. Offensive Guard: Herman Johnson, LSU; Andre Levitre, Oregon St.
6. Defensive End: Robert Ayers, Tennessee; Tyson Jackson, LSU; Lawrence Sidbury Jr., Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech; Paul Kruger, Utah

Photo Credit: College Press Box (West Virginia), SEC Sports Media

On The Clock: New Orleans Saints

Record: 8-8, 4th In the NFC South
General Manager: Mickey Loomis, Head Coach: Sean Payton (4th Year), Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael Jr. (1st Year/4th Year With the Saints), Defensive Coordinator: Gregg Williams (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 1 Overall, No. 1 Scoring, No. 1 Passing, No. 28 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 23 Overall, No. 26 Scoring, No. 23 Passing, No. 17 Rushing

Last Five Years: 36-44; Last Playoff Appearance: 2006; Last Playoff Victory: 2006 (27-14 Over the Philadelphia Eagles)

2008 Draft: (1-7) DT Sedrick Ellis, (2-40) CB Tracy Porter, (5-144) DT DeMario Pressley, (5-164) OT Carl Nicks, (6-178) K Taylor Mehlhaff, (7-237) WR Adrian Arrington

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-7) DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
2007 – (1-27) WR Robert Meachem, Tennessee
2006 – (1-2) RB Reggie Bush, USC
2005 – (1-13) OT Jammal Brown, Oklahoma
2004 – (1-18) DE Will Smith, Ohio St.

Boom: DE Will Smith (4th Round 2004), OT Jammal Brown (1st Round 2005), OT Jahri Evans (4th Round 2006), WR Marques Colston (7th Round 2006), OG Zach Strief (7th Round 2006)

Bust: LB Courtney Watson (2nd Round 2004), S Josh Bullocks (2nd Round 2005), LB Alfred Fincher (3rd Round 2005), WR Chase Lyman (4th Round 2005), QB Adrian McPherson (5th Round 2005), DE Rob Ninkovich (5th Round 2006), WR Robert Meachem (1st Round 2007), OG Andy Alleman (3rd Round 2007), RB Antonio PIttman (4th Round 2007)

Additions:
FB Heath Evans (Free Agent)
CB Jabari Greer (Free Agent)
C Nick Leckey (Free Agent)
DE Paul Spicer (Free Agent)
S Darren Sharper (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
S Josh Bullocks (FA-Tampa Bay)
FB Michael Karney (Released)
RB Deuce McAllister (Released)
CB Mike McKenzie (Released)
WR David Patten (Released)

Keepers:
WR Devery Henderson
WR Courtney Roby
OT Jon Stinchcomb
MLB Jonathan Vilma

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 14
Round 4, Selection 16
Round 4, Selection 18 (From New York/AFC)
Round 7, Selection 13

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr., USC
2. Cornerback: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St., Vontae Davis, Illinois; Alphonso Smith, Wake Forest
3. Defensive End: Robert Ayers, Tennessee; Tyson Jackson, LSU; DE Aaron Maybin, Penn St.
4. Running Back: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia; Donald Brown, UConn; Chris Well, Ohio St.
5. Quarterback (Depth): None

Photo Credit: Aggie Skirball (USC)

On The Clock: Washington Redskins

Record: 8-8, 4th In the NFC East
General Manager: Vinny Cerrato (Executive VP), Head Coach: Jim Zorn (2nd Year), Offensive Coordinator: Sherman Smith (2nd Year), Defensive Coordinator: Greg Blache (2nd Year/6th With the Redskins)

Offense Rankings: No. 19 Overall, No. 28 Scoring, No. 23 Passing, No. 8 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 4 Overall, No. 6 Scoring, No. 7 Passing, No. 8 Rushing

Last Five Years: 38-42; Last Playoff Appearance: 2007; Last Playoff Victory: 2005 (17-10 Over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

2008 Draft: (2-34) WR Devin Thomas, (2-48) TE Fred Davis, (2-51) Malcolm Kelly (3-96) OT Chad Rinehart, (4-124) CB Justin Tryon, (6-168) P Durant Brooks, (6-180) DB Kareem Moore, (6-186) QB Colt Brennan, (7-242) DE Rob Jackson, (7-249) S Chris Horton

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (2-34) WR Devin Thomas, Michigan St.
2007 – (1-6) S LaRon Landry, LSU
2006 – (2-35) LB Rocky McIntosh, Miami
2005 – (1-9) CB Carlos Rogers, Auburn & (1-25) QB Jason Campbell, Auburn
2004 – (1-5) S Sean Taylor, Miami

Booms: TE Chris Cooley (3rd Round 2004), CB Carlos Rogers (1st Round 2005), LB Roger (Rocky) McIntosh (2nd Round 2006), DB Reed Doughty (5th Round 2006), DT Kedric Golston (6th Round 2006), S LaRon Landry (1st Round 2007), LB H.B. Blades (5th Round 2007), S Chris Horton (7th Round 2008)

Busts: RB Manuel White (4th Round 2005), LB Robert McCune (5th Round 2005), NT Anthony Montgomery (5th Round 2006), LB Dallas Sartz (5th Round 2007)

Additions:
RB Anthony Alridge (Waivers)
OG Derrick Dockery (Free Agent)
DT Albert Haynesworth (Free Agent)
P Dirk Johnson (Free Agent)
K Dave Rayner (Free Agent)
DE Renaldo Wynn (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
RB Shaun Alexander (Released)
DE Demetric Evans (FA-San Francisco)
P Ryan Plackemeier (Released)
LB Matthew Sinclair (Released)
CB Shawn Springs (Released)
DE Jason Taylor (Released)
OLB Marcus Washington (Released)

Keepers:
OG Ethan Albright
LB Fred Fincher
CB DeAngelo Hall
K Shaun Suisham
DB Reed Doughty

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 13
Round 3, Selection 16
Round 5, Selection 14
Round 6, Selection 13
Round 7, Selection 34 (Compensatory)

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Defensive End: Everette Brown, Florida St.; Robert Ayers, Tennessee; Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech; Aaron Maybin, PSU
2. Offensive Tackle: Andre Smith, Alabama; Michael Oher, Ole Miss
3. Outside Linebacker: Brian Cushing, USC; Clay Matthews Jr., USC
4. Quarterback: Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.
5. Running Back: Knowshon Moreno, Georgia; Donald Brown, UConn; LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh; Chris Wells, Ohio St.
6. Kicker: None

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, OU Athletics Department

On The Clock: Denver Broncos

Record: 8-8, 2nd In the AFC West
General Manager: Brian Xanders, Head Coach: Josh McDaniels (1st Year), Offensive Coordinator: Mike McCoy (1st Year), Defensive Coordinator: Mike Nolan (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 2 Overall, No. 16 Scoring, No. 3 Passing, No. 12 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 29 Overall, No. 30 Scoring, No. 26 Passing, No. 27 Rushing

Last Five Years: 47-33; Last Playoff Appearance: 2005; Last Playoff Victory: 2005 (27-13 Over the New England Patriots)

2008 Draft: (1-12) OT Ryan Clady, (2-42) WR Eddie Royal, (4-108) C Kory Lichtensteiger, (4-119) CB Jack Williams, (5-139) RB Ryan Torain, (5-148) DT Carlton Powell, (6-183) LB Spencer Larsen, (7-220) S Josh Barrett, (7-227) RB Peyton Hillis

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-12) OT Ryan Clady, Boise St.
2007 – (1-17) DE Jarvis Moss, Florida
2006 – (1-11) QB Jay Cutler, Vanderbilt
2005 – (2-56) CB Darrent Williams, Oklahoma St.
2004 – (1-17) LB D.J. Williams, Miami

Booms: CB Dominique Foxworth (3rd Round 2005), QB Jay Cutler (1st Round 2006), WR Brandon Marshall (4th Round 2004), DE Elvis Dumervil (4th Round 2006), OT Ryan Harris (3rd Round 2007), OT Ryan Clady (1st Round 2008), WR Eddie Royal (2nd Round 2008), RB Peyton Hillis (7th Round 2008)

Busts: WR Darius Watts (2nd Round 2004), S Jeremy LeSueur (3 Round 2004), RB Maurice Clarett (3rd Round 2005), DE Jarvis Moss (1st Round 2007), DE Tim Crowder (2nd Round 2007), DT Marcus Thomas (4th Round 2007)

Additions:
RB J.J. Arrington (Free Agent)
RB Correll Buckhalter (Free Agent)
ILB Andra Davis (Free Agent)
FS Brian Dawkins (Free Agent)
NT Ronald Fields (Free Agent)
WR Jabar Gaffney (Free Agent)
CB Andre’ Goodman (Free Agent)
FS Renaldo Hill (Free Agent)
RB LaMont Jordan (Free Agent)
NT J’Vonne Parker (Free Agent)
LS Lonie Paxton (Free Agent)
DE Darrell Reid (Free Agent)
QB Chris Simms (Free Agent)
G Scott Young (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
CB Dre Bly (Released)
LB Niko Koutouvides (FA-Tampa Bay)
SS Marquand Manuel (Released)
OT Erik Pears (FA-Oakland)
DT Dwayne Robertson (Released)

Keepers:
DT Kenny Peterson
TE Jeb Putzier

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 12
Round 2, Selection 16
Round 3, Selection 15
Round 4, Selection 14
Round 5, Selection 4 (From Seattle)
Round 5, Selection 13
Round 6, Selection 12
Round 7, Selection 16
Round 7, Selection 23 (From Atlanta)

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Nose Tackle: Ron Brace, Boston College
2. Defensive End: Tyson Jackson, LSU; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.; Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
3. Offensive Guard: Herman Johnson, LSU; Andre Levitre, Oregon St.
4. Linebacker: Everette Brown, FSU; Clay Matthews Jr., USC; Brian Cushing, USC; Aaron Maybin, PSU; Connor Barwin, Cincinnati; Larry English, Northern Illinois; Clint Sintim, Virginia; Rey Mauluga, USC; James Laurinaitis, OSU
5. Kicker: None

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images, College Press Box (USC)

Q&A: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Boston College defensive tackle B. J. Raji was interviewed on the All Access Football Radio's Football Friday on March 6 2009 by Ralph Mancini, Daniel Mogollon and Rodney Towe.

You are a projected to go in the top 10, do you think about that while you are preparing for the draft?

Raji: I try to keep it out of my mind, but at this time of the year with all the media attention it is kind of tough to put it out of your head, but I am trying the best that I can, to be honest. I am just going to continue to work and keep the same mentality that got me here.

You are coming from a program that is putting first rounders in the NFL basically on an annual basis. Do you feel any pressure to live up to that legacy, what is your mindset moving forward?

Raji: I learned over my years of playing football that when you play with a lot of pressure on yourself, you’re not going to play your best, so whatever type of person you are, when you bring that to the game of football, you have to be that person. I am a pretty calm individual, so I try to bring that demeanor to the football field.

In one particular interview you described yourself as being a hard worker who takes care of the little things as a defensive tackle. Can you describe to us some of those little things that you do at your position to help your team win?

Raji: During pre-snap I come up to the line of scrimmage and I am able to read line splits, particularly between the guard and the tackle or between the guard and the center. I am able to get a feel for the kind of block I am going to get and that helps me to prepare. Pre–snap moves tell me if it is going to be a one-on-one block. If that’s the case, I can do a quick swim move or if it is going to be a double team I make sure to play stout against that double team block. I also try to get movement.

How about representing New Jersey in this year’s draft? I am sure you noticed there are a lot of guys such as yourself coming out of Jersey that project to be 1st round picks, guys like Brian Cushing out of USC, Donald Brown and Knowshon Moreno. Through your high school and college years do you feel that New Jersey has been underrated as a state producing talent and do you know any of those guys?

Raji: I am pretty good friends with Brian Cushing and Donald Brown. Donald and I are signed to the same agency, so I have gotten to know him pretty well. We are always saying that Jersey is an underrated state in football. We are not as big as the states of Texas or California, but we do have some DI talent out there, it’s pretty evident looking at the success of a lot of our guys.

Do you guys take pride in that, proving that you're are as good as some of the other states at producing talent?

Raji: If you look at this class, half of the top guys were highly recruited, half weren't. We all have the same mentality, the same hunger, that’s just where we are from and that has helped us to this point.

You are 6’1” 320 lbs, who do you model your game after?

Raji: When I was younger I would say a Warren Sapp or Kris Jenkins type of player. Now I realize what you need to do at the defensive line position is get the trust of your coaches to the point where your coaches allow you to do things. At the end of the day, you are getting graded for each game and at Boston College you wanted an 85 percent or higher. As I got older I got a little more leeway from my coaches and I was able to do more things.

There are few defensive tackles that have the size and bulk to play nose tackle as you do, but you also have the explosive of a 3-technique. Where do you see yourself playing at the next level, over the center or trying to shoot through the gaps?

Raji: Honestly, I think I can play both positions pretty well. At Boston College I played a lot of 3-4, I played some 4-3, and sometimes I was able to play the boundary defensive end in some packages. I feel with that versatility I am able to play both schemes pretty well.

Can you tell us a little bit about your teammate and partner in crime, Ron Brace, and how you guys complemented one another and helped each other produce big numbers at B.C.?

Raji: In college football it is hard to find one defensive tackle that is as good as Ron and I...to find two on the same team is a rarity, so to play with him was a blessing and an honor. Ron is a great player with great strength...a great work ethic and I think he has a bright future.

So in other words, you guys turn around and tell Mr. Mark Herzlich of course you’re going to get 10 tackles-look at who you have in front of you, you’re going to produce.

Raji: Yeah...jokingly. Mark is going to be a great player. I heard that if he would have come out this year he would have been a top-15 pick. Next year I hear he’s a top-10 pick, for sure. Hopefully I can get him to come to my agency. He’s going to be a tremendously sought after player.

You dropped a few pounds recently. At one point you were up to 350 lbs, can you tell us the difference between playing at 350 versus 320, 325 (lbs) and ideally what weight would you feel comfortable playing at in the pros?

Raji: For me, it is different from a lot of guys. For instance, I compare myself to Ron, I carry my weight quite differently from him, he is more top heavy. I am more bottom heavy in my thighs and gluts. Initially, coming up to BC, I was able to carry this weight well, then Coach Jagodzinski came to the program and wanted me to get down to around 325 pounds. For one week during the summer, he had me wearing a 15-pound weighted vest to see what the weight felt like. After that experience I really learned that 15 pounds can make a big difference in your play and your daily life.

You had eight sacks playing an interior position, which is a pretty high number for a defensive tackle. What is your secret?

Raji: I have to give the credit to my defensive line coach. The way he prepared us for games, the way we got after it at practice...practice was usually simulated to be harder than the game, so the games were easier for me. I was receiving double team blocks and was still able to make some plays. I have to give all the credit to my defensive line coach.

In 2007, you had to sit out that season. What was that year like, was it tough watching your team make it to the ACC Championship game? What did you learn from that experience?

Raji: That was a tough year. Looking back at it, we had the great Matt Ryan and it was probably the best season we had in 15-20 years. Having to sit that out it showed me that I was a good player but the guys didn’t really need me to have success. I didn’t play a snap and these guys made it to the ACC Championship and to No. 2 in the country. It was a very humbling experience. I went from playing my first three years in college to spending my fourth year on the scout team to help the team. It also taught me a lot about patience.

During the Senior Bowl practices, you were very impressive to say the least. You were pushing around big time centers like Alex Mack and Max Unger. Could you tell us about the Senior Bowl experience? What did you gain from it?

Raji: It was great experience and it was obviously a great honor to be among the top college seniors in the country. You get to meet some of the guys you’ve seen on TV and you realize they’re just people like you. I’m a normal guy. I've had some success, but I am still a down to earth guy and the majority, if not all the guys, were the same way that I am. We have common interests like a normal person. The experience was great. I got to meet a different coaching staff. It was the first step in the long process of getting to the NFL. It gave me a little confidence and a sense of urgency.

Did any player stand out to you? One that made you say. “Wow, I didn’t know this guy was as good as he is”?

Raji: I didn’t know these guys coming into the game, like the top center Alex Mack from California and Eric Wood from Louisville. I had never played against these guys. It wasn’t a sense of 'this guy is better than I thought'; it was more along the lines of 'these guys are good'. I am at the Senior Bowl, so I know these guys are the top in terms of talent. Things that I got away with at college, you couldn’t get away with here, so you have to be precise with your movements and things like that.

That was kind of a transition for you, moving from being a college player to a professional. You were coached by the Bengals' staff, what was that like and what did you learn from them that maybe you didn’t know going into that week?

Raji: I learned that the NFL is a different game based upon how these guys coached. The Senior Bowl was pretty basic with our schemes, you couldn’t blitz. From the coaching aspect it wasn’t that tough, but these guys demanded perfection on every play, so you have to give them all you've got and that is what they look for. They look for a lot of energy during practice. My guess is they feel as though those are the guys that are going to be there on game day.

You have your pro day coming up and you’ve helped your stock a lot, maybe as much as any player who participated in both the combine and the Senior Bowl. What are you planning on doing on your pro day?

Raji: I am just going to do D-line drills. The combine was really a plus, it showed that I can compete with the other top players around me. It is more convenient, not to knock anyone that waits until their pro day, but the coaches get a sense of who is going to compete and that is what the NFL is about. It would be easy for me to hold everything off and work out on pro day but I showed at the combine, with the other top players, that I could compete. I did everything I needed to do and I tested pretty well, so I am pretty happy with the results.

You’re going to stand on your combine numbers then?

Raji: Yes, sir.

Time for three-and-out...First Down: Saddest movie you have ever seen?

Raji: Maybe, Saving Private Ryan.

Second Down: Who is your favorite female singer, Beyonce, Madonna, Gwen Stefani or Pink?

Raji: Beyonce.

Third down: Are you a Biggie or Tupac guy?

Raji: Biggie.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Boston College)

On Location: LB Notes From Indy

LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.

LB Gerald McRath, Southern Miss:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With:: Packers, Lions, Jaguars, Falcons, Texans, Bengals

LB Tyrone McKenzie, USF:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With: Rams, Panthers, Bengals, Jaguars
Fells like he could play all three linebacker positions

LB Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With: Lions, Chargers

LB Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With: Titans, Patriots, Falcons, Jaguars

LB Josh Mauga, Nevada:
Workout: Will not workout here at the combine.Teams Met With: Lions

LB Marcus Freeman, Ohio State:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With: Browns, Jets, Colts, Cowboys, Seahawks

LB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.

LB Jason Phillips, TCU:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With: Jaguars, Cowboys, Cardinals, Falcons, Raiders, Packers

LB Zack Follett, Cal:
Workout: Not going to bench, but going to do the other drills.
Teams Met With: Cowboys, Browns, Bengals, Bill, Ravens, Packers, Chargers, Raiders

LB Darry Beckwith, LSU:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Training: API
Teams Met With:: Chargers, Cowboys, Seahawks, 49ers

LB Rey Maualuga:
Teams Met With: Cardinals, Saints, Chiefs,

LB Brian Cushing, USC:
Teams Met With: Giants, Jets, Bucs

LB Morris Wooten, Arizona State:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.

LB Kaluka Maiava, USC:
Workout: Will be doing all drills at the combine.
Teams Met With: Lions, Raiders, Packers

LB Anthony Felder, California:
Workout: Has Hamstring issue, depending on how he feels he will make that decision.

Senior Bowl: South - Practice Notes

Quarterbacks: Pat White had a solid week throwing the football, displaying good zip on his sideline passes. On one play in 11-on-11 Alphonso Smith – hands down the best cover corner – thought he could jump White’s pass, but did not get there in time. White also showed the ability throw on the move, rolling both to his right and left. It’s hard to say how much NFL personnel people were turned off by White’s reluctance to play another position during the week--if he holds firm on that stance, he could hurt his stock. However, if he agrees to play a slash role, White may have opened some eyes in terms of being a viable option as a number two quarterback. He could be very valuable, saving an extra roster spot or two.

John Parker Wilson had his moments – both good and bad. His arm is solid and he made some sharp throws, but also was off target on several occasions. Wilson does seem to have the intangibles teams look for and commands the huddle, making him a solid candidate as a number two quarterback.

The least impressive quarterback on the South squad in practice was Cullen Harper. Many of his passes were short or behind his intended target. He also didn’t exude confidence with his body language. Harper did not have the bounce back week he desperately needed after a down senior season.

Running Backs: NC State product Andre Brown showed good burst running the football throughout the week, particularly for a man of his size. After the underclassmen are selected, Brown could be the first senior running back off the board. Durability is his biggest question mark.

James Davis couldn’t have been more disappointing in passing situations. He struggled trying to block linebackers and he completely missed Rey Maualuga…didn’t even get a hand on him. He wasn’t any better coming out of the backfield as a receiver, allowing passes to go through his hands coughing the ball up after he was hit by a defender in the Thursday scrimmage.

Small school runner Rashad Jennings looks as good as any of the backs in the blocking drills. More importantly, he looks like he belongs among the big boys…for my money he’s the best FCS prospect heading into the 2009 Draft. A big back who runs with power between the tackles and has more than enough speed.

Arian Foster did a solid job on Rey Maualuga. Considering Foster will likely make a living as a number two back and a pass catcher, the ability to protect in pass coverage is critical to his evaluation.

LSU fullback Quinn Johnson was not stellar in pass blocking drills, but he has the look of a very good lead blocker in the running game – he’s at his best in the eye-formation. He’s shown enough this week to earn a draftable grade.

Wide Receivers: Mohamed Massaquoi looked very smooth coming in and out of his routes – he’s a natural athlete. He made a nice catch on Alphonso Smith. We saw the good and the bad from this Georgia product on one play: Massaquoi beat Derek Pegues with crisp move at the line of scrimmage…but dropped the ball, which has always been the knock on him. A hamstring injury cut his week short, which was too bad…he looked like he had a chance to help himself this week.

Quan Cosby made several great catches and held on to the football after taking a big hit from Corey Francies. No one can question his hands.

The same can’t be said for former Seminole Greg Carr, a late injury addition, who had several passes bounce off his hands. Way too many balls end up on the ground after touching his hands.

Mike Wallace had a good week, showing the ability to run crisp routes and blowing by most of the defensive backs he was matched up against. He did have a bad drop, but I think he made an impression on scouts this week. He could be one of those guys who turn out to be a better pro than he was a collegian. Wallace has nice tools.

Patrick Turner flashed some nice moves to shake free from coverage. Not many receivers can go up and get the football like this former Trojan – he catches the ball with his hands. He’s a big kid, with good athleticism making him a very intriguing prospect. Turner looks comfortable running slant patterns, which is how he can make a living at the next level – as a West Coast Offense wide receiver. With his size, he could be a real red zone weapon.

Tight Ends: Shawn Nelson surprised with his ability as an in-line blocker, particularly when he man-handled Rey Maualuga, throwing him down to the ground in a one-on-one blocking drill. Nelson really helped himself this week–everyone knew he could catch the football and if he continues to show this type of ability as a blocker, his stock will only continue to rise.

Travis McCall had his issues blocking linebackers. First Darry Beckweth blew by him, then Ashlee Palmer used a spin move to evade him. Pass catching isn’t McCall’s calling card so his stock may be slipping, especially when you consider that neither one of these linebackers are considered pass rushers.

Anthony Hill impressed as a blocker, a role which wasn’t considered his forte coming into the Senior Bowl. He constantly drove back linebackers and did an excellent overall job run blocking.

Offensive Tackles: Troy Kropog disappointed as he was bull-rushed way too easily and was even knocked on his rear end. While he has a solid frame, Kropog needs to put on some weight. It will take some time for him to develop before he sees regular action on Sundays. He is a bit of a project – boom or bust.

Michael Oher had an uneven week – at times he was dominant, flashing the potential we’ve seen over his four years at ‘Ole Miss. He owns a heck of a punch--once he gets his hands on a defender, consider his man blocked. Oher showed a nasty side and I mean that strictly in good way. However, he was beaten more often than one would expect from a potential top-10 pick. He is not a lock franchise left tackle and may have fallen behind fellow seniors Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith, who interestingly chose not to attend the Senior Bowl.

Florida’s Jason Watkins had trouble with speed and quickness throughout the week, which doesn’t bode well for a tackle.

Centers: Eric Wood is a physical interior lineman. He may have helped himself even though he wasn’t always winning the one-on-one battles. He’s not very athletic, but may be the most powerful center. Wood isn’t for everyone, but if you like your centers big, strong, and nasty, this Louisville man is for you.

Not a great week for Jonathan Luigs who too often was moving back, not of his own volition. Luigs can get overpowered at the point of attack by bigger linemen.

Antoine Caldwell battled well all week. The Alabama product is at his best holding his ground and going power against power.

Guards: Herman Johnson was overmatched at times, particularly when asked to block fellow SEC product Peria Jerry, who had him backpedaling and stumbling on several occasions. The big man was overpowered at times, and while some like his potential as a tackle, I’m not sure the lateral quickness is there and believe he should remain at guard.

Tyrone Green made a name for himself this week and in a year that is not deep at the guard position, Green is creeping up the charts. He struggled on the first day, but bounced back well and finished very strong.

Defensive Ends: Kyle Moore looked very good this week and should be moving up draft boards. His long arms allow him to keep linemen away from his body. He was beating interior linemen all week – at times overpowering them – and you could see him shifting to the inside in pass rushing situations in the NFL.

Robert Ayers did it all this week, showing he is stout at the point of the attack and that he possesses the athleticism to get into the backfield off the edge. He put an impressive spin move on Jonathan Luigs, blowing by him almost untouched. Not many players helped their cause in Mobile as much as this Volunteer.

Lawrence Sidbury may not have come to the Senior Bowl with a recognizable name, but certainly made an impact as a pass rusher, something no team can have too much of. Another small school product who looks like he will make a smooth transition to the big leagues.

Did David Veikune just whiz by Michael Oher? Yes he did, displaying good speed and quickness. The second time this duo matched up, Oher dominated Veikune – once he was able to get his hands on the defensive end, Veikune wasn’t going anywhere. Veikune continued to flash potential throughout the week, showing quickness and the ability to get leverage.

Defensive Tackles: Peria Jerry beat Herman Johnson pretty easy with his quickness, then got around Eric Wood – he's a pure 3-technique type disrupter from the interior of the line. On the next rep, he pushed Wood off his heels. In 11-on-11, Jerry bested his man for what would have been a sack on John Parker Wilson. He could easily be the defensive player of the week for the South squad. His stock has risen all season and continues to do so.

Fili Moala flew under the radar, overshadowed by the performances of Peria Jerry and B.J. Raji, but he had a solid week in his own right. He went around Tyrone Green using his quickness on one play and on the next rep, he just bulldozed the Auburn product right into the pocket. Moala also beat Eric Wood, Jonathan Luigs and Herman Johnson, who he overpowered on one play, then followed it up by making the guard move his feet as Moala beat him with his quicks. I think Moala is underrated for two reasons –he’s overshadowed by bigger name players at USC, and he was hurt by playing so much nose tackle in USC’s 3-4 system. I could see him as a potential 5-technique 3-4 end at the next level, not a noseman.

Corvey Irvin doesn't always win the battle, but boy does he battle--it’s collision time when he's in there. Matching up with a fellow SEC product, Irvin got low and pushed Tyrone Green back. Irvin knocked John Parker Wilson down in 11-on-11s, he just couldn't help himself after making a nice move to break through the offensive line. You gotta love it! On the next play he got penetration against the run, beating Eric Wood. Irvin beat Jonathan Luigs with speed then pushed him back into the pocket. In the Thursday scrimmage he displayed good instincts reading a screen play.

Linebackers: After a mediocre Tuesday, Rey Maualuga came out like a man on fire on Wednesday, tossing James Davis aside like a rag doll in blocking drill. He then flashed his shoulder and got around Quinn Johnson, exploded by Arian Foster and used a swim move to burst by Davis again. He looked a different player, more like someone who will be off the board among the top 10 picks come April. In the scrimmage he proved he can cover and no one hits like this Man of Troy.

Brian Cushing showed the ability to shed blockers and was tough to contain as an edge pass rusher. He can do it all and is worthy of being a top ten pick.

He’s not quite as explosive as teammates Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing, but no one can doubt that Clay Matthews is going to be a player at the next level. He looks like such a natural pass rusher, who showed he can overpower blockers using leverage in addition to his ability to get off the edge.

Darry Beckwith has good athleticism, but can be overpowered if he gets engaged by blockers. Beckwith seems to try and go around blockers rather than beat them.

Cornerbacks: Alphonso Smith is what we thought he was…the best coverman in the 2009 Draft. He blanketed several receivers in one-on-one situations throughout the week of practice, and showed big play ability when he jumped a John Parker Wilson pass with nothing but green between him and the end zone. Smith dropped the pick, but his resume (21 interceptions) indicates ball skills aren’t an issue.

Ellis Lankster had a solid week and could be moving up the charts among his fellow cornerbacks. He had excellent coverage and showed the ability to cut and change direction quickly. The WVU product locked up several receivers and knocked a pass or two away.

Corey Francies is a very intriguing prospect because of his length, although he did not look great coming out of his pedal. He’s at his best in press coverage, but struggled some in off coverage.

Safeties: Defensive back Sherrod Martin is a little too aggressive, making him vulnerable to the double move. Martin’s tackling skills are in question, which limits his potential as a safety, but does he have the cover skills to play corner?

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box, Chris McGuire (USC)