Q&A: Devin Moore, RB, Wyoming

How did your personal combine go?

Moore: It went well I think. I didn’t put up all the numbers that I wanted to, but I think I expressed to the coaches and scouts that I was a competitor and I do have a little talent under my belt and that I am ready for the next level.

You ran 4.38 (40 yd dash), is that correct?

Moore: That was my low number. I think it is going to average out to a 4.41. I’ll play legit on that part, but 4.3 sounds a lot better in my eyes. I am actually planning on participating in Wyoming’s Pro Day and getting that 4.3 just a tad bit lower so I can actually make it official, so to speak.

When is that going to be, Wyoming’s Pro Day?

Moore: March 12th. I am just trying to get my body rested. It was a tough process, just doing all of those drills and going all out on every one of them, it’s a tough process. I’ve never done them all in one day before and my hat’s off to the guys who’ve actually participated in the combine and who’ve actually done well and excelled at those drills...my hat’s off to those guys.

Let me ask you about that vertical jump, thirty five inches--are you going to give Nate Robinson a challenge at the slam dunk contest?

Moore: That’s one of the drills that I want to do over. When my strength and conditioning coach heard about it, he was a little upset. It was a source of pride for him, for me to jump high. I am going to try to boost that to maybe a thirty seven, at least, or thirty eight. I think that would look better in the scouts’ eyes. It would also show that I didn’t rest on the thirty five, that I actually strove to get better in these last couple of weeks that I have coming.

Maybe you can get one of your O-linemen to play Dwight Howard and you can jump over them as a kind of target to get up higher.

Moore: (laughs) That would probably work, but I don’t know if the scouts would allow that, but I will tell you, I will have to get it on camera one day, me throwing down a dunk. I think a lot of guys find it pretty impressive. Maybe with a couple of guys I grew up with in the neighborhood trying to throw it down. It’s been a while though, so I will say I’ll probably look a little uncoordinated in the beginning, but once I get back into the rhythm I could show a couple of people.

Speaking of impressive, you also had 27 reps in the bench press. I would think for a running back that would be pretty satisfying...

Moore: It is satisfying as of right now. I am thinking about doing that over as well. My goal was to hit 30. I knew that a lot of guys weren’t going to think I could I could bench press the 225 lbs a lot. Initially I was going to start of with the bench press so I would have more energy. It came at the end of the workout. I hope the scouts paid attention to that, knowing that I was a little exhausted at times and when it came time to bench. That was just the icing on the cake. It was pretty much the last drill. I gave it everything I had. I wish I could have got to 30, but I am very satisfied with 27.

What do you max out at, in regards to the bench press?

Moore: I could probably do 400 (lbs), my strength and conditioning coach, actually I have two of them-Brian Herzog, who was my old coach, he is no longer with the university and Scott Fenick, it started with him my freshman year-those guys they pushed me to strive for 400 pounds, which is a lot being that I am 190 pounds. I have always talked to my brothers; they are actually a little stronger than I am. They always told me it would be a little hard on my back to lift so much weight. I try to stay in that 390-400 (lbs) range. I try not to go over that.

Representatives for what NFL teams were there at your workout? Who did you talk to? How many teams were there?

Moore: I think 14-16 teams were there. It ranged from the Tennessee Titans to the Buccaneers, the Green Bay Packers, and the Colts. There were a lot of teams that hadn't made it up to Wyoming’s Pro Day in the past. We have had some nice athletes that come out of there; I would like to mention a few: Daris Martin, John Windley, Corey Mace and a guy that I have played ball with, Jovon Bouknight. These guys have attracted scouts up there at times, but not very many. It spoke a lot in regards to how scouts view me right now, to have 14 teams come out when they know I am going to be the only one competing. I feel great about it, but I wish I could have put up better numbers, but at the same time I think I am sitting okay. As long as I am in the top 5 range, I think I will be okay.

Which teams did you speak to and what type of questions did they ask you?

Moore: I spoke to every team that came. A lot of guys were asking about the slot position, am I comfortable with that position as a wide receiver, do I feel like I can catch the ball well...I think I proved that at the end of the workout. They ran me through a couple of catching drills; they had me run down the field to catch balls over my shoulders. That was the Titans and the New York Giants, as well as the Green Bay Packers; they were all interested in seeing me catch the ball. Buffalo wanted to see me catch the ball out of the backfield, they said they were impressed with my bench press, my 40 time and the fact that I weighed 190 lbs and I am able to do certain things. The Colts made sure they spoke with me also. I hate that I may miss a team or two but everyone spoke to me. The Panthers called me on the phone. That was a good feeling, to have a guy call you and talk about the workout as far as being there.

Were you asked about your willingness to play special teams?

Moore: That was the first thing I wanted to express. I wanted to show and let the teams know that I am ready to come in right away and play special teams. That is something I am looking at doing. I hear that’s the key for some guys' success. My agent mentioned Chris Johnson, he told me that he was brought in initially to do kickoff returns and things of that nature. He came in and performed so well they had to keep him at running back. They had to let him tear it up on the field as a running back, linebackers couldn’t catch or guard him out of the back field, and safeties couldn’t tackle him one on one, so once he broke through the first level, it was off to the races. I am looking forward to doing special teams for any team that may be interested in me. That means kickoffs, kick returns, punt coverage or punt returns. I will be willing and ready to do anything and give it my everything.

Overall, how successful do you think this gambit of yours was?

Moore: I think it was okay. I am not overly impressed with myself because I have actually done better numbers before. I really wanted my L drill in the area of 6.4 (seconds), I wasn’t near that time. I will try it again when I get to Wyoming. I hope to improve (on the drills), but overall I think I helped myself. The scouts told me I helped myself and all I can do is take that and run with it. I wish the guys who were at the combine good luck and the guys who participated in their pro days, I wish them good luck. Hopefully the cookie crumbles my way, so to speak.

Time for three-and-out...first down...What vacation spot would you like to go to that you haven’t been to?

Moore: Atlantis (Paradise Island, Bahamas)

Second down...What is your dream car?

Moore: The Prowler.

3rd down: What is on your iPod that you might be a little embarrassed to admit?

Moore: Coldplay.

Photo Credit: University of Wyoming Photo Service

Q&A: Ryan Stancheck, OG, West Virginia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you plan on doing at your pro day?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four years, four bowl wins, is that correct?

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

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

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

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

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

What’s your favorite Fleetwood Mac song?

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

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

Stancheck: I love Fleetwood Mac.

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication

Q&A: Nathan Brown, QB, Central Arkansas

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

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

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

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

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

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

How long do those interviews usually last?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would you hold a tarantula in your hand?

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Southland Conference

DT RON BRACE On All Access Football Radio

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

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: College Press Box

RB BRAD LESTER On All Access Football Radio

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

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

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

OT RYAN STANCHECK On All Access Radio

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

*** CLICK TO LISTEN ***

Photo Credit: WVU Sports Communication

CFI Q & A of the Week: Eric Berry, Tennessee

Eric Berry, aka the fifth dimension, is the stellar second year safety for the Tennessee Volunteers.

CFI: Tell us about playing safety?

BERRY: I really didn’t play corner any time during my life until the Army All-American game. I grew up as a safety and when they moved me to safety up here, I felt like I was at home. It was just a matter of me learning the schemes and the plays. I just love to play this game. I play it passionately, play every play full speed.

CFI: You already set the SEC all-time record for interception return yards. Talk about going from defense to offense so seamlessly.

BERRY: I’ve played offense all my life. This is the first time I’ve played strictly defense. When the ball gets in my hands, it’s a flashback of me being on offense and making plays. I guess you could say I have a split personality on the field. I just want to find a way to help my team win.

CFI: How about Tennessee potentially installing the “Wild Berry” formation?

BERRY: When that time comes and Coach (Phillip Fulmer) feels I’m ready for it, he’ll call my number. Until then, I’m going to focus on defense and try to get things right on the defense.

CFI: Isn’t playing offense something you’d love to do?

BERRY: Yes it is, but even if I don’t, I’m still satisfied just playing defense.

CFI: What do you do to pass the time off the field?

BERRY: We always have a Madden competition throughout the week. I’m currently on top right now. I had a ten-game winning streak until Savion (Frazier) broke it earlier this week. His profile on the game is “14-Sucks” (laughs). We’ve been going head-to-head battling on the Madden.

CFI: What kind of safeties do you like?

BERRY: I like safeties like Bob Sanders, who can do a little bit of covering, a little bit of blitzing, a little bit of hard hitting…everything. I just like ballplayers.

CFI: How many friends do you have on your Facebook page?

BERRY: I just added around 430 today, so it has to be around 7,000 right now.