Jameson Konz from Kent State

In his college career, Jameson Konz did almost everything. He played special teams. He played linebacker before switching to H-back and tight end. The one thing he didn’t do was get the attention of NFL scouts – at least until after his pro day.

The Kent State utility knife lived up to the Golden Flash nickname last week, running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and leaping 46 inches. That performance, coupled with the success of former teammate Julian Edelman, has gotten him a lot of attention. Konz answered questions about his past quarterback and how he hopes to become the latest in Kent State’s growing line of NFL athletes.

Well, starting out, this is for Patriots Daily, so I’m curious if you could give us any dirt on Julian Edelman.

Oh, geez, I don’t know if I’m going to give you any dirt on him. (Laughs.)

What was it like to play with him? Did you catch passes from him, or did you switch to receiver after he left?

I had just switched to tight end when we were both about to be seniors that year (2008). The thing that I can remember most about Julian – I remember when he first arrived on campus – the vibe right away that I got from him is, this kid is a competitor. That was the main thing that rubbed off on me, and I think that’s what really attracted me to him the most. And I had a lot of respect for him.

Now that you’ve gotten some attention from NFL scouts, are you hearing his name a lot?

Absolutely. Kent State has a reputation of turning out, you know, a couple of good athletes every single year that make it in the NFL. Definitely, people are mentioning Julian’s name, and it’s great to be mentioned along those guys’ footsteps. They definitely have put in a lot of hard work. You know, it’s their time to receive payoff.

Yeah, I think the difference is, after Julian (got) drafted, he surprised a lot of people with his production in the NFL. I think a year later, you know, people might have a different attitude about you after your pro day. Do you think that’s true?

I agree. Yeah, I agree with you there.

So, in terms of your pro day – which was spectacular, by the way – were there any surprises there for you, or did you expect those kinds of results?

I expected those results. I’ve been training up in Cleveland with Tim Robertson’s Speedstrength and, you know, he’s been pushing me extremely hard, and I’m thankful for that. But I definitely had high results in my mind that I wanted to set. I know what I’m capable of, and just to go out there and be able to put up those numbers and do what you know you’re capable of, it feels great at the end of the day.

In terms of putting up numbers, statistically speaking, you had two touchdowns this past year. I’m curious if – at 6-3 with a 46-inch leap – if there weren’t a few more jump balls that could have come your way.

I definitely would have been interested in that. We had a true freshman quarterback kind of thrown into the mix. He did a great job, but as you know, a lot of that comes down to timing between the quarterback and wide receiver. I would have loved to have been able to work with him a little bit longer and gotten our timing down, but, you know, we did the best that we could, and you just have to kind of run with it.

So, after a year – or was it two years at tight end at Kent State?

Yes, two years.

And two years before that as a linebacker – three years, really – where do you see yourself? What do you see as your number one position?

I don’t know that I have one position. I think what it’s going to come down to is where I can fit on the team. Wherever there’s a need on the team, I can fit the position to help them the best. And I’m completely open to that. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on the offensive or defensive side, wherever the team would like me to fit and wherever I can contribute to the team right away and help them win is where I’m more than willing to go.

And you played some special teams too, is that right?

I did.

What areas?

Throughout my career at Kent State, I played just about every single special team almost every year.

On offense, you’re listed as a receiver on the (Kent State) player page. Now, for NFL scout pages, you’re listed as a fullback. Where do you see yourself there?

Oh, I’m not exactly sure how that came about. But, like I said before, as far as the positions on offense, I feel as though I could play a tight end position, I feel as though I could play an H-back position, or even a fullback. It all depends on the needs of the team.

How would you describe Kent State’s offense?

Well, it’s a spread offense. I mean, we like to air out the ball, try to get it down the field. We like to try and take advantage of our playmakers.

In terms of percentages, where were you as far as playing H-back, in-line tight end, and maybe split out?

As far as catching the ball?

Oh, just as far as playing those specific positions at certain times.

Well, at Kent State, they lined me up, I would say, in-line tight end maybe 30 percent of the time. But a lot of the time I spent flexed out in more of an H-back position while I was at Kent State my senior year.

So, did you get to work on blocking a lot?

I did. I actually – I really enjoy blocking in the open field. I think it’s something that I do extremely well. As far as in-line blocking goes, I know that that’s something that I need to improve upon, so I look forward to getting with a team that’s going to show me exactly how to do it, and getting with a coach that will help me, you know, better myself in that position.

Did you do the bench press at your pro day?

I didn’t.

Is there any reason for that?

I just had a minor pull that happened a day or two before… I (was) being overly cautious. I didn’t want to take any risks.

Okay. In terms of high school, you went to Lake High School (in Ohio). What schools were looking at you for football?

Well, coming out, I actually only had one offer, and that was Kent State.

Were you always as athletic as you are now?

I weighed a little bit less in high school. I think the most I got up to was 205 pounds. And it’s funny that you ask that: I’ve actually gotten faster the more that I’ve gained weight. So, I’m at about 235 right now, and I’m the fastest I’ve ever been. I think that I just needed to grow into my body a little bit more.

How has your daily routine changed since last week, if at all?

Oh, it really hasn’t. I’m still going up to Cleveland and getting in a lift every single day. My agent has been in contact with some teams, and we’re setting up some workouts, but, you know, until it comes right down to it, I’m just going to continue to go up to Cleveland and work out.

I heard that the Browns were the only team at your pro day, is that right?

That’s correct.

Did you get a chance to talk to them at all?

I did. I spoke with the guy from the Browns, briefly.

Was it long enough to get any impression of what he was thinking?

Nothing was set in stone. I ran some conditioning stuff for him and just spoke to him briefly, like I said.

Well, for all of the NFL scouts who haven’t gotten a chance to talk to you yet, what do you think they should know about you?

Well, as far as the film, it should speak for itself. I play extremely hard. I’m going to go all-out every single play. But as far as (beyond) film, I would like for them just to get to know me as a person and understand the type of person I am: somebody of high character and integrity… I understand that I’m the type of person who’s going to go into a football organization and not only be 150 percent for you on the field, but in the community as well. I understand that, you know, professional athletes are role models for kids growing up – I used to be one – and I take that responsibility to heart. I really just want to be the type of person who can (become) a positive role model for people.

Who were your athlete role models growing up?

I absolutely loved to watch Jerry Rice. He was one of my favorite people to watch, just how fluid he looked out there. He made everything look absolutely simple, and he caught absolutely every ball. He was just a great person to watch growing up.

And how would you feel about a transition to playing receiver, being split out all the time?

If that is where there’s a need on the team and I can help contribute, I’m all for that. I’m definitely ready to make the move if that’s where the coach sees me.

Do you think there’s anything you may have missed out on playing at Kent State and not, maybe, at a larger school?

You know, I don’t believe so. I absolutely thoroughly enjoyed my collegiate career at Kent State. Great coaches, great kids to play with. I made a lot of friendships, guys that are going to be at my wedding, I’m sure. No, I’m completely satisfied with Kent State and how my entire college career has gone.

That’s great. Any plans leading up to the draft, or are you staying where you are?

Probably going to just stay where I am and continue to work. Stay level-headed, and just keep working.

Well, Jameson, I really appreciate your time today, and good luck. I hope to talk to you soon.

Absolutely. Thank you.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Kent State TE Jameson Konz
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

Wisconsin Safety Chris Maragos (21)

Once overlooked by most Division I programs, Chris Maragos ended up changing schools and positions to give himself the best chance to make it to the NFL. What may have helped him the most, though, was his pro day performance.

Wisconsin’s 2009 interception leader posted a blistering 6.4-second 3-cone drill and a 3.96 20-yard shuttle, times that would have bested all participants at this year’s NFL combine. In his interview with PD, Maragos touched on his consistent efforts to get noticed, as well as a very important weekend in April happening before the draft.

Well, I have to say that I saw your pro day times, and I was stunned. I was wondering if you could talk about how you felt about them, and then maybe we can talk about what the people at the combine were thinking.

Yeah, you know, for me, I’ve always been pretty confident in my ability, and I just wanted to get an opportunity to get out there and compete. You know, I didn’t get invited to the NFL combine in Indianapolis, so one of the things that I really wanted to do was get out there and showcase what I can do at our school’s pro day. I knew I was going to run fast, going into – starting my training, but my trainer, Brad Arnett at NX Level in Milwaukee, did a great job. He really did a great job with me, and got me ready to do what I needed to do.

It’s one thing that you were, I think, tied for second in the 40 for safeties, but your shuttle times would have been the fastest of anybody at the combine. Was that a surprise to you, or have you always been that quick?

No, not really. No, I’ve always been that quick. My 40’s always been fast, I felt, you know? And going into it, I think a lot of scouts, a lot of teams, they kind of had me at a 4.65 (second 40), 4.67, and then I ran a 4.47. So, you know, I was always confident in my ability, and I just think I needed to prove that to other people. That’s kind of been the story of my life. I’ve been a walk-on at Western Michigan, and I played receiver. I was a walk-on at Wisconsin, and I switched to defensive back. I’ve only been a defensive back for two years. So, for me, I’ve always had to go out there and show everybody what I could do. People have heard different things, but until you go out there and do it people (don’t) actually realize. I think that was the case again: I was underestimated again, and I went out there and proved what I could do.

Why do you think that is? Do you think it’s something that people see on film, or is it something that they might be missing?

I think, you know, I’m the type of guy that – with my situation and kind of with my (early) years – it’s hard to put all your stock in a guy like me. You know, I’m 5-10, 200 pounds, and I’ve only been playing the position, safety, for two years in college. So, I think a lot of people, they look at a guy like Eric Berry or they look at a guy like Darrell Stuckey, any of those guys, they look at those guys before they would me, and then they kind of, in a sense, put me on the back burner, because they haven’t seen much about me. They haven’t really heard all that much. But I think as they go back, and as they look at the films again and look at my times, I think they’re going to see something special.

Let’s talk about your journey to Wisconsin. What do you think has been the most memorable aspect of that?

You know, it’s actually pretty neat. It’s actually a funny story, how I even got into college. Western Michigan was the only Division I school to actually give me a walk-on spot. I was playing receiver at the time, and at that time I trained with current Green Bay Packers receiver Greg Jennings. And then after a falling out because I was a walk-on and I wasn’t going to get compensated financially after I started as a redshirt freshman, I transferred to Wisconsin. Actually, how I got to Wisconsin was by my current roommate right now, Luke Swan. He was a former Badger captain, and a great receiver here… I actually facebooked him and asked him if he would take my film up to the coach’s office, because he was a walk-on receiver from Wisconsin. So we had something in common, and our faith was very similar, and a lot of different things. That’s actually how I got to Wisconsin.

You know, it’s been a wild ride. I’d say the most memorable thing for me, probably, that I’m going to take from everything, would be just the fact that I got to wear the W on my helmet and the W on my jersey. I’ve been growing up – been coming to their games since 1993. My family had season tickets to Badger games, and I grew up watching these guys and I wanted to be just like them. And now that I’m in that position, it’s just humbling, and it’s a blessing just to be here.

When you were recruited as a receiver to Western Michigan, were you planning on being a starter, or did you think, because no other larger schools had recruited you, that you’d have to kind of bide your time?

No, I went in for one or two summer workouts right before fall camp, and I watched guys run routes and I watched seven-on-sevens, and I knew right there, going into that, I was probably the third best receiver there, just watching it. And ever since then, I was pretty confident. I took that year – I traveled as a true freshman in the games, but because Greg Jennings was doing so well and he was kind of the feature (receiver), I decided to redshirt. And then that redshirt freshman year, after he left, that’s when I stepped in and started… So, I was always confident in my abilities. Another reason why I was kind of under the radar – it’s kind of been the story of my life, but – out of high school, I was actually at Racine Park for the first three years of high school, and I transferred my senior year. So I think I kind of got lost (off) the radar between colleges because I switched schools. And I was doing really well (in high school). John Clay was at my school – I’m sure you’re familiar with him, the running back that we have who will be up for the Heisman next year. He was running the ball, and I was obviously playing receiver, so I needed to get in an offense to showcase myself to take my game to the next level. So senior year, I transferred to our crosstown rival, Horlick. They threw the ball, they ran the spread and all that good stuff. The first three, three-and-a-half games, I was leading the state in receptions, doing really well, starting to hear from a lot of schools, and then my quarterback broke his collarbone. I think I caught, like, six or seven passes the rest of the year. So it was one of those things where I was kind of under the radar once again, and Western Michigan was the only team to give me that shot.

And why the transfer to safety at Wisconsin?

I came in and I had to sit that year out of eligibility, because when you transfer Division I (to) Division I, you lose your eligibility, and I’d already used a redshirt. That was kind of a big question mark for a lot of people. They were saying, “Why would you transfer to Wisconsin? If you can’t get a scholarship at Western Michigan, why would you go to Wisconsin? That’s even harder, and then have to sit out a year, waste a year of eligibility.” But again, I was always confident, and I was trusting in the Lord’s plan, and I was just walking by faith. You know, I was playing that first year at receiver against the defense every day on scout team, and the defensive coach (Dave Doeren), I think, saw a lot in me. I think (Head) Coach (Bret Bielema) saw quite a bit of talent in me, and they asked me if I would be willing to make a switch in spring ball to go out there and try and see what I could do. I was willing to do it, and felt like I could do it, and it worked out to be the best.

What was that switch like? What do you think were the hardest adjustments to make?

(Laughs.) Oh, man, it wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. I played receiver my whole life: You get the play, you break the huddle, you know where you’re going to go, what route you’re going to run, how you’re going to do it, before the snap. And you’re doing everything forwards, which is a natural body position. You flip to defense, and everything’s reaction. You don’t know what play is coming, you’re backpedaling, everything is backwards. It’s just extremely opposite body movements and way of thinking, that’s for sure. So, it took a little while to get adjusted to, but, you know, I got in the swing of things pretty quick.

I’ve been talking to a lot of linebackers, and they all seem to think that their position is the quarterback of the defense. Why don’t you put in a good word for safeties?

(Laughs.) Oh, man, the safeties are the quarterbacks of the defense for sure. I control our strong safety, our corners, I control what our linebackers are doing in our defense. I think safeties definitely can get the whole picture and kind of bark out all the signals they need to bark out to put the guys in the right position. So, I definitely say safety’s the quarterback. But I’m sure it probably differs based on what defense you’re into.

What was the toughest offense you played against this season?

Toughest offense we played against. You know, Northwestern was pretty tough. They had a good quarterback, (Mike) Kafka. He was a good player. And they had a lot of solid receivers, guys who were really disciplined in their route concepts. They had very good schemes, and they kept you guessing. So Northwestern was pretty tough, and Fresno State, I thought, was a pretty good team this year. They had a lot of different weapons, and were pretty dynamic on offense. I’d probably say those were the best. Michigan State was pretty good, too.

After your pro day, have you gotten some notice from the NFL?

Yeah, you know, I definitely think there’s a buzz. Where that’s going to go, we’ll find out. I think that after a day like that, there’s always a buzz going on. We’re just trying to stay cool, stay working hard at what we’re doing. I really want to focus on my position work now and to get better as an athlete, now that I’m done with the testing, and I’m sure we’ll continue to hear good things.

For most guys in your position, the draft is the big weekend in April, but you have another big weekend coming up. Why don’t you talk about that?

(Laughs.) Oh, yeah, yeah. Probably even a bigger weekend for me, that’s for sure. Yeah, I’m getting married April 9… My fiancée, Serah, she’s absolutely phenomenal. She is by far the most supportive person to me, and it’s just really – I don’t know. If I didn’t have her, this whole process probably wouldn’t be going on right now. She’s always very encouraging, supportive of me, very loving, and, you know, she’s just absolutely great to have, and I really feel blessed to have her.

Well, Chris, I want to wish you congratulations, and good luck after that.

Thanks, Chris. I appreciate it.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Wisconsin S Chris Maragos
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots Hall of Fame Nomination Committee, a 22-person panel made up of reporters, alumni and staff, gathered at The Hall at Patriot Place presented by Raytheon yesterday to nominate three finalists for this year’s Patriots Hall of Fame. The finalists will be announced next month and fans will have an opportunity to vote on the Patriots website, www.patriots.com, for the player they feel is most deserving of hall of fame induction.

In addition, the committee also had an opportunity to nominate, debate and select the franchise’s all-decade team for the past decade. The team consists of 11 offensive, 11 defensive, four special teams players and one head coach. Four of the 27 members were also members of the 1990s All-Decade Team. Willie McGinest was named to the 1990s All-Decade Team as a defensive end and to the 2000s All-Decade Team as an outside linebacker. He joins cornerback Ty Law, safety Lawyer Milloy and kicker Adam Vinatieri as the four players with the distinction of being on both teams.

The 2000s All-Decade Team is listed below. Players at the same position are listed alphabetically. The list of each of the all-decade teams is attached.

OFFENSE

Pos Name

OT Nick Kaczur

OT Matt Light

G Joe Andruzzi

G Logan Mankins

C Dan Koppen

TE Daniel Graham

WR Troy Brown

WR Randy Moss

WR Wes Welker

QB Tom Brady

RB Corey Dillon

DEFENSE

Pos Name

DE Richard Seymour

DE Ty Warren

NT Vince Wilfork

OLB Willie McGinest

OLB Mike Vrabel

ILB Tedy Bruschi

ILB Roman Phifer

CB Ty Law

CB Asante Samuel

S Rodney Harrison

S Lawyer Milloy

SPECIAL TEAMS

Pos Name

K Adam Vinatieri

P Josh Miller

Ret Kevin Faulk

SpT Larry Izzo

Head Coach Bill Belichick

About the Patriots Hall of Fame Nomination Committee

In 2007, the New England Patriots created a hall of fame nomination committee consisting of a panel of tenured media, alumni and staff to annually discuss candidates for consideration in the Patriots Hall of Fame. Each year, the committee gathers to discuss and debate each nominated former player and head coach.  A vote determines the three finalists. Once the finalists are announced, fans have an opportunity to vote for the person they feel most deserving to be inducted into the team’s hall of fame. The Patriots are the only team that includes their fans in the process of selecting their hall of famers.

Post from: Patriots Daily

New England Patriots 2000s All-Decade Team Announced
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

Indiana Linebacker Matt Mayberry

When we think Indiana, most of us think basketball. Last week, Hoosier Matt Mayberry underwent his own version of March madness, starring at Indiana’s pro day with a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and 24 bench press reps.

The 6-foot-1, 235-pound linebacker led Indiana in tackles this past season with 108. He spoke to PD about the importance of working hard on and off the field, as well as his not-so-secret weapon: speed.

I wanted to start out by talking a little bit about what it’s like to be a Hoosier and play football. Do you feel like you have to explain that a little bit to people, or do you think the program has gotten to the point where it really speaks for itself?

Well, you know, when people think of Indiana Hoosiers, they automatically think of basketball… (It’s been shown) that Indiana’s a basketball school and a basketball state. But the things the football program’s doing over there right now, especially with the new renovation, the football stadium, and just really coming along with the coaching staff, things are really starting to get in a groove. So I definitely think, down the road, football will definitely make a splash of its own.

What drew you to Indiana?

It was early playing time, but really just Coach (Terry) Hoeppner and Coach (Bill) Lynch. I was really close to both of them, Coach Hoeppner and Coach Lynch, both great coaches, and really (they) and a beautiful campus just drew me in to Indiana.

You were a fullback in high school, is that correct?

Yes it is.

And were you considering that in college, or were you thinking linebacker all the way?

Oh, there were some schools recruiting me as a running back-slash-fullback type, but most of the schools that were looking at me saw that I could translate my speed and everything over to my defensive side of the ball, and I did play some defense in high school. But for your question, most people were recruiting me as a linebacker.

And did you think that was a difficult transition, playing linebacker at that level, or do you think you were prepared for that?

It definitely was something new for me. You know, like I said, I played a little bit in high school. I didn’t really know a lot of terminology and stuff like that, as far as coming into college and playing linebacker right away, but you know, it’s an upside for me right now, going to the NFL. I think I’ve gotten a lot better my last four years at Indiana, especially my past year – my senior year – so I think it’s only room to grow for me. I haven’t even reached close to my potential yet.

Speaking of potential, were you always fast as a linebacker, or do you think you’ve gotten faster in the last couple years?

Oh, I’ve always been fast. In high school, I went to combines and stuff like that, I was running 4.3s. Of course, I was a lot lighter then: I was about 210 pounds. But I’ve always been fast. That’s something that I train – that goes into my training program. You know, speed kills in the NFL, college, really at any level, so it’s something I always took to heart. I’m always trying to get faster.

Speaking of that, tell us a little bit about your pro day training and whether or not you’re satisfied with the results.

I spent most of my time down at Ignition, in Mason, (Ohio) by Cincinnati. You know, they’re really known – they had a couple guys last year, Connor Barwin and Mike Mitchell. They really produce out there, and they’re just getting their program started, too, on the rise. It was a great experience out there with Ted Borgerding, who’s the head trainer over there, and Clif Marshall, who opened a new one down in Florida this year. But, you know, it was great. As far as my pro day results, I think they kind of speak for themselves as (far as) being one of the fastest linebackers in the country. You know, I always feel I can do better, just being a competitor myself, but overall, it went pretty good.

What do you think are some areas you might want to work on for next year?

I always think, as a linebacker, you can always study and always try to work on every part of your game. I really think this past year, working with my linebacker coach at Indiana, Mike Yeager, I really eliminated false steps. I think my junior and sophomore years I was having some false steps, and no matter how fast you are, you never want to take a false step because football’s a game of inches. So I really think, you know, just keep on working on footwork and studying film, and really just all areas of my game could get better.

If there’s any one particular way to do it, what do you think is the best way to avoid false steps?

You know, really, that just goes back to game study. You’ve got to be comfortable. I know in the beginning, a lot of it – some of it (has to) do with your stance and having a wide base to a narrow base – but a lot of it is having a good idea of where the ball’s going before the play even starts.

Speaking of that, you had three interceptions this past year. What are some of the secrets to that?

Oh, you know, I didn’t have any interceptions my junior year, and I know that – just talking to scouts and hearing different people – that they were kind of questioning my coverage ability, whether I was a two-down linebacker or three-down linebacker in the NFL. So I really made it a goal of mine coming into this year, my senior year, to really be more effective in the pass game. And I feel I did a decent job of that. I ended up with three interceptions.

Is there anything specific about that? Are you reading the quarterback’s eyes, or dropping back in specific zones?

I worked with (Coach) Yeager, who taught me (that) in college, you’re going to get some quarterbacks that are really good with looking you off and stuff like that. But as far as that, you know, just reading the quarterback’s eyes and shoulders, just having a feel for it. And like I said before, it goes back to film study, watching what their favorite routes are on third and long and third and short… Just really having an understanding of the offense and the quarterback, and what he’s going to do at each down and distance.

And what type of defense did you play at Indiana?

We played a 4-3 my last two years, my junior and senior year. Freshman and sophomore year, we tried to dabble with the 3-4, but mainly a 4-3 base.

What do you think are some of the biggest differences between those two?

Oh, 4-3 is more zone based, a gap assignment defense, everyone is assigned to a gap. And the coverages are a little bit different. The 3-4, you know, you’re going to get those two outside linebackers who are kind of rush-end types, who are bigger-body type guys. But I feel comfortable in both of them, and I think that I fit well into both of them.

At your pro day, did you get a chance to talk to any NFL scouts?

Oh, yeah. I mean, I talked to a bunch of them leading up to it and at the pro day. I’ve been in contact with a good amount of different teams. Right now, I’m just trying to wait and set up visits and private workouts and stuff of that nature.

Have you talked to the Patriots at all?

Uh, no. They weren’t at our pro day.

Who do you think were the toughest teams you faced this past year?

I would probably have to say – as far as (from) an athletic standpoint – I’d probably have to say Ohio State. They’ve got, obviously, Terrelle Pryor at quarterback, who everyone knows about, who’s a real threat running the ball, and then people saw in the Rose Bowl what he did throwing the ball (Note: Pryor compiled 266 yards passing vs. Oregon). So I’d probably say Ohio State.

All right, here’s sort of a trick question: if you as a fullback were trying to block Matt Mayberry the linebacker, what do you think you would try to do? What do you think might be a weakness in your game?

Hmm. (Laughs.) I’d probably go in there – I’d probably go a little bit low, knowing that, you know, Mayberry’s going to come up pretty fast and he’s pretty quick to the ball. So I’d probably try and go in there a little bit low.

And what – in terms of the NFL teams you have yet to meet with – what do you think they should know about you that maybe they haven’t picked up yet from watching you on film?

Obviously, the football stuff, all you’ve got to do is watch film. And my attributes at the pro day, a lot of teams, I think 24 teams were there, so they saw how athletic I am. But as far as just being good off the field, you know, I don’t bring any problems, never been in trouble, never been arrested. I think, really, just the outside stuff, and good character, (someone who’s) going to be a positive influence in the locker room.

Excellent. Now, what are you going to be doing from now until the draft?

You know, just continue working out. Some private workouts and visits. Nothing has been set in stone as to what teams yet. But just working out, and getting ready for the draft, and getting ready to go into camp.

All right. Well, Matt, I wish you a lot of luck, and thanks a lot for talking to us today.

Yeah, I appreciate it.

All right. Take care.

All right. You, too.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Indiana LB Matt Mayberry
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

Colorado St Receiver RaShaun Greer

RaShaun Greer is a former first team Mountain West Conference receiver who put up an impressive show for scouts at his pro day last week. When new coach Steve Fairchild came in before Greer’s junior year, he responded with an 1,100 yard season. This year he slipped to 49 catches and over 700 yards, but that was mostly due to young quarterbacks taking over at CSU as they had a down year. Greer has experience in a pro style offense as Fairchild was a NFL offensive coordinator with St. Louis and Buffalo before taking over at CSU. He has good size at 6′1″ 202 and tested well at his pro day, opening some eyes and raising his prospects for the NFL.

Hi RaShaun. Can you tell us where you are from? How did you get into football? What age did you start playing?

I am from North Las Vegas, born and raised. I really got into football my freshman year of high school. I was a basketball player growing up and never played football. When I started high school, I needed a sport to play until basketball season started so I tried football and stuck with it.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

My first love was basketball and that’s all I played year-round until high school. Then in high school I played basketball, football and ran track, hurdles, long jump, and some relays.

Who was your favorite team as a kid?

The Bulls during Michael Jordan era. (Laughs) Have Bulls posters everywhere and all the Jordan shoes.

How did you end up at Colorado State?

I wanted to go somewhere out of state but I also wanted to stay in the Mountain West Conference and close to home so my family could see me play. CSU was a good fit and I liked the staff and the environment as the snow and everything was something new since I was coming from the desert.

You went through a coaching change before your junior year with Coach Fairchild coming in? How did you adjust to that?

It wasn’t that hard to adjust. I took it as a challenge getting familiar with a new staff and learning a new playbook and so on.

What did you do to prepare for your pro day?

I worked out with my high school football and track coach. He knows me really well and he’s been coaching for a long time so I trusted him to get me right on a program and it went well. Basically, I did a lot of plyos, agility drills, lifting and of course some running.

I read you did well at your pro day, what was your 40 time?

My average was a 4.46.

Have you ever done any kick returning or covering kicks on special teams?

I wish I would’ve in college because I missed it from high school but not my decision.

Are you best playing inside in a slot position or more on the outside as a receiver? How do you feel your blocking is?

Our coaches didn’t like to move us around a lot so I mainly played outside but I knew our inside receiver position and based on the routes and plays. (Laughs) I would be best playing outside as our outside receiver got the ball more than the inside receivers.

What are your impressions of the New England Patriots? Did you follow their success at all throughout the 2000s?

Actually I did, since Vegas doesn’t have a professional sports team, I usually just like players and my favorite player, Randy Moss, happens to play on the Patriots, so I did follow them. I actually follow the Celtics too since they have two of my favorite players, Rasheed Wallace and Ray Allen, so thought that was interesting as well.

Did you talk to any teams at your pro day or since? Any teams showing particular interest?

I talk to a few teams and some showed interest but I’m really just being patient and letting things happen as they will as from this point on it’s out of my control. I did what I could do on the field in college, I did what I could do at the pro day so now its just sit back wait and pray and hope for the best!

Thanks for talking to us RaShaun and best of luck.

Thank you.

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Colorado State WR RaShaun Greer
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

For those of you outside the Boston TV viewing area, the show will also be available immediately afterward on Patriots.com.

Some highlights to look forward to:

• Dan Roche re-caps a wild first week of the NFL new year.
• Newly signed Vince Wilfork sits down with Steve Burton for his first extensive interview since re-signing with New England.
• Burton also sits down with Patriots Personnel Director Nick Caserio to discuss the first week of free-agency.
• ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss and Patriot Weekly’s Paul Perillo offer their thoughts on the Patriots off-season moves to date, as well as their opinions on additional off-season needs.

Video Preview:

Also, on the NFL Network this week, check out the follow Patriots-related programming.

Saturday March 13th

8:00 PM – Super Bowl Classics: Super Bowl XXXIX – Patriots vs. Eagles w/ Paul McCartney Halftime Show (HD)

Sunday, March 14th

5:30 PM – NFL Replay: 2009—Week 1, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots (HD)

Monday, March 15th

10:30 AM – NFL Replay: 2009—Week 1, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots, 24-25 (HD)

5:00 PM – NFL Replay: 2009—Week 1, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots, 24-25 (HD)

8:00 PM – NFL Classic Games: 2003 – Week 13, New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts, (HD)

12:30 AM – NFL Classic Games: 2003 – Week 13, New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts (HD)

Tuesday March 16th

11:00 AM – NFL Classic Games: 2003 – Week 13, New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts (HD)

9:00 PM – NFL Game of the Week: 2001 AFC Championship Game – New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (HD)

Post from: Patriots Daily

Patriots All Access Special Tonight at 7:00pm & NFLN Programming This Week
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

Auburn Running Back Ben Tate

Bigger running backs get reputations as between-the-tackles guys who get a few yards up the middle and not much else. At 220 pounds, Ben Tate knew this perception of him going into the NFL combine, and he figured he’d do something about it.

The Auburn product cast aside that image by finishing at or near the top of six categories for running backs. He spoke with PD about the combine, playing in the SEC, and the diverse abilities he’s always had.

Well, I wanted to start out by saying congratulations on a great combine performance. I was wondering if you could talk about your workouts leading up to that, and how you feel about the results.

Leading up to the combine, I was just working really hard on the 40 and all those types of things that we were going to do there, as well as position drills. You know, I just worked my butt off. I had my goals set high, and I reached, pretty much, some of my goals, but not all of them. By the end of the day, I was pretty happy with what I did.

What were you most pleased with, and where were you maybe a little disappointed?

I’d say I was most pleased with my (40.5-inch) vertical. And I was a little disappointed with my (4.43-second) 40 time.

Had you been timed in the weeks leading up to that and done a little better?

Oh, yes. Yes, I had. Prior to the combine, I ran a little bit better than what I ran at the combine. So I was a little upset about that at first.

In terms of the months leading up to the combine, what did you feel your perception was – or the perception of you was – as a running back?

I think everyone had this perception of me as just being a big bruiser: I don’t have any moves, I’m not fast, maybe I can’t catch the ball. I think that was more (the) perception (of me), that I was just a big bruiser, when that’s really not so at all. You know, I have real speed to take to the defense, and I definitely can make people miss. I think I’ve shown that plenty of times this year past, my senior year… I also think I’ve shown that, when I’ve had the opportunity, that I can catch the ball well.

Talking about opportunities, I read just recently in a draft magazine that you’re the type of back who can’t make it to the outside – make it around the end. Obviously, based on your 40 time, that’s not true. Do you think your offense is maybe geared a certain way that makes you look like a certain kind of back?

I would say that that perception really comes from my junior year, being in that spread offense. A lot of our running was side-to-side, and if you’re in the backfield, you’re in a shotgun, you’re lined up on the opposite side. You know, coming all the way across the formation with the ball, trying to run outside, I mean, it’s the SEC. There’s not too many guys that’s really going to make that corner. I think that perception, you know, came from, definitely my junior year, when a lot of times I wasn’t really getting the corner because guys (were) already halfway there before I was. I think that’s really where that perception came from, a little bit. But this year, as you can see – and if you go back and look at my sophomore and freshman year – that I got the corner a number of times.

Also, do you think going up against SEC defenses every week has helped you, or hurt you?

I think it’s definitely helped me. I think it helps a big deal, that the defenses in the SEC are big and fast, and it’s a lot of the same guys that tend to be successful at the next level. You know, going against those guys week in and week out, I think it just better prepares you for the next level. I went to the Senior Bowl, and I was actually getting to practice against those guys. It’s just amazing to see how fast those guys move at practice and things like that. But then, once we got into the game, I mean, it was just like another SEC game because you’re going against the cream of the crop, but it seems like… after going against the SEC, the guys on the other side still maybe wasn’t as fast as some of those (SEC) guys. You know, I think it definitely can help me get ready for the next level.

Were you always looking at playing in the SEC coming out of high school?

For the most part, yes. For the most part I kind of wanted to play in the SEC, but at the same time, I still liked Maryland and Penn State, those schools that was close to home (in Maryland). But I still felt like I would have an advantage playing in a tough conference.

And what made you decide on Auburn?

Again, it being the SEC, going against the quality defenses week in and week out. And, you know, with the tradition of running backs that they have here at Auburn, I felt if I came out and I performed well in a tough conference, all I could do is just help my opportunity, better my chances of being at the next level.

In high school, you gained almost 6,000 yards in your career, and you averaged almost 11 yards a carry. Was there ever a point where you thought it was kind of easy?

Ah… it was, sometimes. Sometimes, it really was easy. (Laughs.) You know, I’d get to the point where sometimes I would make bets with my father: “I’ll bet you I score two touchdowns in the first quarter, or have 100 yards rushing in the first quarter.” Just little things like that, that still just kept me working hard and kept pushing me. But it wasn’t always like that. There was definitely a lot of tough games I had throughout my high school career. At the same time, there was times when I thought it was a little easy, but I still had to find a way to keep myself going hard, and not really bring my level of play down.

A lot of people might go through kind of a senior slump in high school, but you graduated early to attend spring practice at Auburn, is that right?

Yes, that’s correct.

And what was that like?

Oh, it was a great experience. Coming in, I was a young guy, and, you know, I had to work my way up to the top again. So, it definitely humbles you. And it gave me a little step on the other guys coming in at the same time as me.

What do you think NFL scouts should know about you that they might not see on film?

Just how much of a competitor I am, how much I love the game. Just, you know, my good overall character. I’ve never had any off-the-field problems. I’ve always made a pretty good impression. I think that’s important, too.

What running backs do you watch in the NFL? Do you try to emulate anybody’s game, or is there anyone who you like to watch in particular?

Oh, I don’t try to emulate anyone’s game at all. I think my game is a little bit different than most of the guys that you see in the NFL now. I have some similarities to some of the guys, but overall I think my game is a little different. But, you know, my favorite running back – definitely, I like to watch Adrian Peterson and LT. I like watching Chris Johnson, too, but I just know there’s no way I can do what he does: he’s just way faster than me. (Laughs.) He’s got a lot of speed.

Do you see yourself as more of kind of a grind-it-out, old-school back, or are you just leaving that wide open in terms of all of the things you’re able to do?

I like to leave it wide open, you know, because I think I can do it all. I think I can be a great pass-catcher out of the backfield. I’ve shown that plenty of times. I feel like I can be that guy that gets to the outside and runs inside, and at the same time, pick up – if the linebacker comes up – blitzes, like I’m a complete back. I think you have to be, especially in the NFL. You’ve got to have a complete running back. And I definitely think I’m a complete running back.

Do you think there’s any one thing you need to work on more than others?

Not really. I think you always can improve your game, so I’m always working to improve every aspect of my game, from the technique of pass protect all the way to quick feet, or just holding onto the ball. The little things. Always trying to improve the little things.

Did you get to talk to NFL teams at the combine or at your pro day?

Yes, I got to talk to a couple of teams at the combine.

Which ones in particular?

Oh, you know what? It’s really hard for me to remember right now. (Laughs.)

(Laughs.) I’m sure it must have been – was the combine experience just crazy?

Yeah, it was a little crazy, but at the same time, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so you kind of stay with the moment and go with the flow, and have fun at the same time.

And what are you going to be up to from now until the draft?

You know, just working out now, with a couple of team workouts, and things like that. Just working out with different teams, and going on visits maybe, and trying to stay in the best shape I can.

Do you have any team workouts scheduled as of now?

Yes.

Do you want to say who they are?

No, I’d rather not.

All right, fair enough. Ben, thanks a lot for talking to us today. I appreciate it.

All right.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Auburn RB Ben Tate
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

Tyrone McKenzie at South Florida

New England drafted Tyrone McKenzie in the third round, looking to add youth and depth to the linebacker corps. The South Florida grad (who also played at Michigan State and Iowa State) ended up missing the season due to a knee injury sustained in rookie camp last spring.

Despite that setback – or maybe because of it – McKenzie sounded excited about getting back on the field to show what he can do. After only a few minutes talking to PD, it became easy to see why Coach Bill Belichick spoke so highly of him. Judging by McKenzie’s answers, it seems that the young man has been listening to his coach – both on and off the field.

I think the question on everyone’s mind is: how are you feeling? And how’s it been the last few months?

Oh, I’m feeling great. Feeling great. The last few months have been great. I mean, I just keep making strides to get where I want to be to get a chance to get back on that field, you know, to get out there with my teammates.

Where have you been since the injury? Did you stick around Foxboro for a while or did you go home after a little bit?

Oh, I stayed up there in Foxboro. I didn’t go anywhere. You know, that was the best place for me because we have such a great pro training staff. And going into the weight room staff, Harold Nash and Mike Woicik, along with (the staff) in the training room… So, I mean, I stayed around there, had surgery with Dr. (Thomas) Gill, one of the best in the nation, and then went off into training and rehab with the best training staff and recovery staff in the nation.

And have you been at Foxboro the whole time?

Yeah, I stayed in Foxboro the entire time, just stayed up there all through the season. Meetings, learning the defense, and just getting acclimated to the way things are run during the season.

How far ahead do you think you’ll be (at) this coming camp as opposed to last year?

Oh, yeah, it helped me out huge, just to be around the facility and being in meeting rooms and (being) with the guys, and just getting ready for a game every week. Every week I sat there and prepared myself as if I was going to play in a game. I mean, I didn’t get a chance to play, obviously, because of my injury, but I just got myself together and learned everything, week-by-week, to get ready for the season.

Are there any particular players that you talked to?

I talked to all the guys. You know, I talked to all the guys. All the guys in veteran leadership have done a great job with the younger class, the rookie class from last year when we came in. Just showing us the way things are run over there. The coaches have done a great job. You know, that’s one thing that they make clear when you first get there: they show you how they want it done, and you do your best to get it done. And that’s what we all do.

I’ve been interviewing a lot of NFL prospects. What was that process like for you?

The process was long. I mean, it was a long process. I had a lot of fun, meeting with different teams, and getting a chance to play at the Senior Bowl, and starting at the Senior Bowl, and going to the combine. And getting a chance to meet with teams and doing what I got to do. You know, it was tough when I went to the combine. I hurt my hamstring, so I didn’t get a chance to do any of the running events. I hurt my hamstring running the 40, and that lingered on going into pro day, when I hurt my hamstring again at pro day. So that was the toughest part for me because I trained so hard in getting ready for it. I never got a chance to put my best foot forward.

What do you think your optimal 40 time was?

Oh, I was running – I could run high 4.5s all day, so high 4.5s was the optimal time I was shooting for. I was in medium 4.5s… 4.55, 4.56, that range.

Do you think – now that you’ve had a year of NFL coaching under your belt, how important is the 40 time to your position?

I mean, I’m not scouting anybody, not recruiting anybody, so, every team looks at things differently. Then again, you know, tape doesn’t lie. A player’s a player, and that’s what it comes down to: somebody that’s fired up, logging in his time, and playing football.

Yeah, how important is it, in terms of preparation, for how you play? Because it seems like there are a lot of players who might have a lot of athleticism but just aren’t quite sure where to be at the right time?

Oh, geez, I mean, that’s huge. That’s what I said before… about playing football. There’s players, and there’s number guys, and a lot of success comes in the NFL from guys who want to lead by just doing as well as they can, getting better each day, and just keep going. That’s something I’m trying to do.

Was it a surprise when you were drafted by the Patriots?

No, it wasn’t a surprise. I always wanted the Patriots to draft me when I was in that process, so when I got that phone call I was just excited to be here.

What set New England apart?

Oh, you know, every team’s different… But, you know, the Patriots – just like every other team in the league – they do such a great job getting ready to prepare, to win each week, and that helps the win columns.

Now, coming out of high school, you, like a lot of other linebackers I’ve talked to, were a very good running back. Why the switch to defense?

Well, when I went to college, I was a running-back-slash-linebacker. I decided to play linebacker instead of running back because I just wanted to give hits instead of taking them. Running back is great and all, but I felt like I could succeed at linebacker.

Do you feel like there’s a different mentality to linebacker than running back?

There is. You’ve got to lead the defense. At linebacker, you’ve got to be a leader: you’ve got to lead by example and be a vocal leader. You’ve got to know the defense. You’re the quarterback of the defense in some aspect.

Do you feel like, at running back you maybe don’t need to know as much about the offense as a linebacker needs to know about the defense?

Oh, I can’t answer that question, because I played running back in high school, and there’s a major difference between a running back in high school and in the NFL.

So, when is your first day of practice?

I don’t know the first day of mini-camps. You know, I’m just worried about getting ready for tomorrow, and just going out there and keep going through the steps to get better each day.

And what types of things are you doing for training now?

You know, I’m just like every other guy around the league. Just ready to go at it, 110 percent. Go at it during the off-season and just work hard getting ready for the season. So, you know, going from strength, to speed, to agility, you’ve got to look at every aspect to get better at it. You can’t ever just feel like you’re better at one thing so, “I’m going to stop doing something.” You’ve got to perfect every aspect of your game.

This is kind of a difficult question, but I’m curious if at any point someone from the Patriots came to you and asked that you – that you’re maybe a little, let’s say, reclusive in terms of talking about your injury. Is that true? Or can you answer that?

My injury from last year? Is that the injury you’re talking about?

Yes.

Yeah, you know, I’m leaving that in the past. What happened in the past, happened in the past. I’m looking to the future. This is a whole other year. I’m putting the past behind me. I’m just looking forward to this season, ready for the future.

I’ve heard this type of thing, where a rookie gets injured early, being like a redshirt year. Does that make any sense to you?

Yeah, I mean, going back to college, when you redshirt, you just try and learn everything you can and just be there mentally, even though you can’t be there physically. So, I think it’s about the same thing.

What kind of defense did you play in South Florida?

We ran a 4-3. I played Mike, Will and Sam. I played all three positions throughout the season, so I’m pretty versatile.

And in a 3-4, are you still a Mike?

You know, right now I’m just worried about being there, going out there and performing.

So you’re not exactly sure where you would play, or you just maybe don’t want to share that?

Don’t want to share.

There you go.

I just want to go out there. You know, Coach might have me playing one position – I’m not the coach, I’m just a player.

Well, I wanted to talk to you a little bit about your college experience. How beneficial was it to play in a few different systems in college? Do you think that helped you learn about defenses overall?

Yeah, it did. Being around different coaches in college helped me appreciate how coaches coach differently and so forth. It was huge for me, and I got a chance to get my hand in a little bit of everything. So it was a great opportunity. I had fun, and now I’m just looking toward the future.

(During) your first couple of days last year, what did you notice about differences in playing? Was there a big difference in speed or in difficulty of the defenses, or do you think you fit right in?

I feel that I’m just getting ready for the everyday, to go out there and compete. I mean, in this aspect of the game, I’m confident in my playing ability and I know I can fit in. Last year, in just the few days I got to practice, it was great. A great opportunity for me, going out there and just playing a bunch of guys that all have the same mentality… It’s huge, and I’m just excited for it.

One thing that really caught fans’ eyes was, in the press conference talking about drafting you, Coach Belichick talked about you in very high regard. Was that a pleasant surprise for you, or is that something where you felt those positive vibes when you had talked to the Patriots?

Oh, you know, Coach Belichick’s angle was huge. He made me feel welcome coming to the organization. I’ve got to just go out there and show the Patriots that they made the right choice by drafting me. So that’s why I’ve got to go out there, get better each day, train hard, and practice hard on the field.

Tyrone, I’m going to tell you, I think you’re going to be in New England for a long time.

(Laughs.) Thanks. Thanks.

Thanks a lot for talking to us today, and we wish you a lot of luck this year.

All right, thank you. Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Patriots LB Tyrone McKenzie
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

Last year at this time, Darius Butler was a highly-ranked cornerback unsatisfied with his combine performance. After improving his 40-time at UConn’s pro day, most draftniks figured he’d maintained his first-round status.

Though getting drafted in the second round (41^st overall) may have been disappointing for Butler, New England fans could not have been happier. The rookie’s playing time increased throughout his rookie year, leading to three interceptions – including a 91-yard TD pick-six in the final regular-season contest (see the highlight on his NFL player page).

One year later, Butler reminisced with PD about his pre-draft experience and rookie year, all while demonstrating the confidence of a player who understands the high expectations of him in 2010.

We’ve been interviewing a lot of NFL prospects, and I was wondering if you could talk about how you felt at this time last year compared to how you’re feeling now.

At this time last year, I was – I mean, obviously, everything was focused on the draft. I’d just finished the combine, so I was taking a little break for a couple days, and then went into pro day preparation. At the combine, I didn’t run the 40 time that I wanted to, so I was preparing to run the 40 and do my drills again, and I did those things at my pro day.

Were you nervous, or did you feel pretty confident about what you were going to be able to do?

I was pretty confident about it. One of the mistakes I made at the combine when it came to running the 40 was a little nerves involved, and you know, just going there and thinking too much and not just running. Besides that, I performed pretty well at the combine with all the physical things and workout aspects of it, so I wasn’t nervous at this point. I was pretty confident going into my pro day, just excited, and tired of waiting at this point.

In terms of draft day, what teams did you think had an eye on you? Or were there any teams in particular?

Well, I mean, going through the process, I met a lot of teams that had a lot of interest. A lot of teams had seen film, a lot of teams had been at the combine and pro day, so I thought a lot of different teams had interest. But in particular, there was a (draft) range where I had been projected, like in the 20s, and I think 22, the Vikings had a pick, then the Patriots had the 23^rd pick, Falcons at 24 and Dolphins at 25. So, I thought I’d land somewhere between those four teams.

It must have been kind of disappointing to see your name not get called in the first round. What were people telling you, or how were you feeling about that?

Well, like I said, going into it, you know, you can’t really take what coaches and what scouts and what anybody really tells you going into it, because one pick can change the whole draft… A lot of people were telling me – a lot of people had projected going a certain place in the draft, and once I fell past that spot, you know, I was just anxious to get called, anxious to hear my name called. And when it happened, I was really excited.

What kind of vibe did you get from the Patriots when you met with them before the draft, and then how did it feel to meet with them again afterward?

Oh, I got good vibes from them. They were one of the teams that was real positive, and there were a couple of other teams and I met with them. They pretty much – they worked me out at my pro day. Coach Belichick was there, and Nick (Caserio) worked me out, and Coach (Dean) Pees, so I met all those guys during that time. There were pretty good vibes from them: they liked me, and I liked them, obviously. You know, once I got that call from Coach Belichick and Mr. Kraft, like I said, I was overjoyed… that I was going to an organization like the Patriots.

When you arrived at camp, was it overwhelming at first?

Not really. By the time camp came around I was so anxious to get back on the field and start playing football again. Since January, you know, you’re just training and running, taking these tests, everything else except football. By the time July came, I was ready to get out there and compete, and, you know, it was obviously a big jump. You go out there competing at a college level, to where they come out with Randy Moss, Tom Brady, Wes Welker, guys like that. So it was crazy, but I was definitely excited the Patriots got me.

What did you think of the Patriots defense? We like to think of the defense as being really complicated, but what did you think when you first came to New England?

Ah, well, actually, it was good for me. It wasn’t a huge transition, because my coaches at UConn took a lot of things from the Patriots and tried to run a lot of things that they did. It’s funny, a lot of the schemes were pretty much the same, it was just different terminology. So it was just learning the terminology and trying to forget the old one. You know, instead of calling something (what) you did in college, it was the same thing, you just call it something else. So it wasn’t too hard to transition from UConn to the Patriots.

And how do you feel about your progress this past year? Do you feel positive about it?

Oh, yeah, it’s all positive. I got some good experience. I mean, you can practice and have meetings all day, but until you actually get in there and get game reps, you know, those are the best things and the best way to learn. I got a lot on the field – passing snaps – for my first season, so I’m going to try to go forward to build on that.

Where do you think you saw the most improvement? Would it be at the beginning of the season, at the middle, or is it sort of a consistent, inch-by-inch thing?

I don’t know. I can’t say one point or another, because there were times I played well and times that I struggled during different parts of the season, so it went back and forth.

When you struggled, did you feel like it was a lack of preparation, or was it just (from) being in such a new situation?

It wasn’t a lack of preparation, because I did a good job myself and the coaching staff around me did a good job preparing me. It was just a matter of playing against other great athletes, other great players. So, sometimes you line up there and get beat. Sometimes it’s not going to be your day. That happened a couple times, and I’m young so I learned from it. Like I said, you just want to go forward – learn from it, first and foremost – and build on it.

Who do you think is the best receiver you went against last year?

I don’t know, it’s hard to say. I went against a lot of top-flight receivers last year: Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith, Andre Johnson. So, I don’t know, I couldn’t say which one’s better out of all of them. But yeah, they’re all pretty good.

It probably doesn’t hurt to practice against Randy Moss every day.

Oh, no, not at all. It’s a great thing for me as a young guy, getting to practice and learn so much from a veteran like that.

What are you looking forward to this year? Do you think you’ll be a bigger part of the defense? Do you feel like you understand it more?

Oh, yeah, definitely. Getting the off-season under my belt can only help, going in there and learning everything I’ve got to learn off the field… Learning how to be a pro off the field, and working out and getting my body in shape through the end of that long season. I just want to build on my last season and do some great things this year.

How much time have you spent in Foxboro this off-season?

Not much at all. I don’t spend too much time in Foxboro away from work. I live down in south Florida, so I’ve been here, spending some time with my family. They’ve got a great training facility and a trainer down here that I work out with, so I’ve been spending most of my time down here in south Florida.

Now, I was surprised to learn that you didn’t start playing football until your junior year in high school. What other sports were you involved in before then?

Basketball. Basketball was always my sport growing up, up until my junior year, and I still played, actually. I still played in college – not on the team, but intramurals, stuff like that. So it was pretty much basketball and I ran a little track in high school, but that was pretty much it.

What made you decide to play football?

Well, my coach… I went to a new high school. The football team was new, and the coaches decided to talk me into coming out and playing for the team. So I came out and did it. They told me it was pretty much my best chance of going to college, and that’s what I did. I got a free education out of it, and went and did some good things at UConn.

So, I noticed that you played option quarterback in high school. Are we going to see you running the Wildcat in New England?

I don’t know. (Laughs.) That’s up to Coach Belichick. That’s up to Coach Belichick. I’m going to do whatever helps the team, and if that’s something, I’d be more than glad to do it. But for right now, as far as I know, I’m focused 100 percent on playing cornerback.

You returned a couple of kicks last year.

Yup.

Has there been any talk about you continuing that?

Oh, I haven’t – like I said, I haven’t been in Foxboro too much. I go back (this) week. So up until now, like I said, I’m focused on cornerback, and any other job they give me, I’m more than happy to do it.

Well, Darius, good luck. I’m certainly going to be rooting for you, and hope to see you out on the field soon.

All right. Thank you.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Patriots CB Darius Butler
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily

NFL coaches want their defenders to have size, speed and intelligence. They can tell that cornerback Myron Lewis has the first quality just by looking at him. The 6-foot-2 Vanderbilt product showcased the other two attributes at the combine and in college. Now, he’s hoping he’s impressed those same NFL coaches enough to call his name early in the draft.

In the following interview, Lewis talked to PD about athletics, academics, and the type of music that helps him study.

I wanted to open up by talking about the combine. How do you think your performance was?

Overall, I feel I did pretty good. I ran real well on my 40. Doing the position drills I felt really confident, and doing everything out there, everything felt good.

Talk about the weekend a little bit. Were there any surprises, or do you think you were prepared for the pace of the whole thing?

I think I was well-prepared, but the one thing – the only thing – that was a surprise was just waking up early every day, and you better get your sleep.

How did the interviews go? What teams did you talk to?

I talked to pretty much every team, but as far as private meetings, I talked to the Bucs, the Panthers, the Bears, the Chiefs, the 49ers, and the Steelers.

You’re 6-2. Do some people think that’s a little big to play corner? There’s been a little bit of talk about you maybe switching to safety. How do you feel about that?

I don’t really think that’s a (concern), me being a little too big to play corner. Nowadays, you’ve got 6-5 receivers, 6-6 and whatnot, and you need tall people to match up with them.

In terms of your performance in the drills (at the combine)… do you think you’ll participate in Vandy’s pro day?

I was satisfied with my performance, but you know, you can always do better. I was feeling – I was pretty nervous and excited at the same time. But I left everything in God’s hands, and He led the way for me.

What made you decide on Vanderbilt, coming out of Florida?

Just the academics, and trying to play in the best conference. You know, my parents were big on academics, I was big on academics, and that was the best fit.

In terms of academics – maybe because of the requirements – Vanderbilt doesn’t always match up well against other SEC teams. What’s it like to be a team that maybe is good on a national level but doesn’t always do so well in the SEC?

Oh, I wouldn’t say we don’t match up well. You know, we can match up with any team. It’s just all about going out there and executing as a team. And sometimes we execute, and sometimes we don’t.

Yeah, it seems like Vanderbilt always has players that go into the NFL, but they may not do so well every week. Do you feel like, when you go up against a team like Florida or Alabama, that you guys have a good shot?

Oh, yeah. Their athletes put on their pads the same way I put on my pads, and we just go out there and battle.

How would you describe the defense at Vanderbilt?

We’re like sharks. When we’re all, “It’s us against the ball,” and everybody’s playing defense, we’re all in. Our defense was fierce.

What do you think you’d have to pick up in terms of transitioning to an NFL-style defense?

Just learning their system. Whatever team picks me, I’ll just be able to go in there and learn their system. You know, I feel I’m a smart football player, and whatever system I fall into, I’ll be able to study the defensive playbook as well as I can to be able to go out there and help the defense.

Did any teams talk to you about making a switch from cornerback to safety? Or, did they talk about different aspects of their defenses?

All the teams that I talked to, they made me specifically talk about corner, and talk about defensive plays that I ran at Vanderbilt. And they just, you know, they sat me down and they wanted to know if I understood playing football, and defense.

What were some other schools that you had to choose from coming out of high school?

I had fifteen offers. I had Florida South, Florida State, (Florida Atlantic), (Florida International), Iowa, Iowa State, Duke, Colorado, Michigan State. Those are just a few.

And at your high school, you did a little bit of everything on your team, didn’t you?

Oh, yeah. I played tight end, played receiver, played cornerback. I was the punter, I kicked off. I did a little of everything.

How did you end up being the punter?

One day, it was after practice, and I was just playing around with some teammates, and I was kicking the ball. And then the coach was like, “You’re going to be the punter for the team.”

And you also played basketball, didn’t you?

Oh, yeah. I averaged a double-double in basketball. I had some very successful seasons playing basketball throughout my years of high school.

What position did you play?

I played forward.

Do you think it’s an easy transition from basketball to football?

Yeah, I would say so. I would use my athletic ability, and I was out there playing to have fun.

Now, what was your major at Vanderbilt?

Human and Organizational Development.

What types of things did you study?

Basically, the major is a business HR major. That means organizational theories and learning about business skills and people skills.

And you got some academic awards, didn’t you?

Yeah, I was a Student-Athlete (of the Month), academic honor roll for Vanderbilt.

If you were recruiting somebody to go to Vanderbilt, how would you recruit (him)? What would you say?

Basically, I would tell them – coming out of high school – they’re getting their grades. That’s the first thing. And, you know, be a humble person. You’ve got to pace yourself, and don’t be around out partying or drinking. And just go out there, and whatever sport they’re playing, just have fun. You know, just do what you do best, and everything will follow through God’s hands.

Yeah, to balance your studies and football, it seems like you had a pretty rigorous schedule for yourself. Did you figure that out right away, or did it take some time in college to line that up?

I basically figured it out right away. I knew that I wanted to. I studied a certain amount of hours. I made sure I was in the right classes so I could stay on pace to graduate.

Speaking of studying, tell me what kind of effect Barry Manilow has on you.

Oh, Barry Manilow? (Laughs.) Oh, man, you know, I listen to music to keep me focused more on studying.

And that helps you focus as you study?

Yeah. I just listen to music.

(Laughs.) I’m impressed that you know who he is.

(Laughs.)

Well, Myron, I just wanted to say thanks for talking to us tonight. What are you going to be up to until the draft?

Right now, I’m back in Nashville. I’m staying for my pro day. I’m just getting ready for pro day on March 19, (staying available) so if any teams call me in for private workouts, or if they want to come visit.

I’m sorry, was it March 19?

Yes, sir.

Okay. Myron, thank you very much for talking today, and I wish you a lot of luck.

Thank you, no problem.

Take care.

You, too.

Email Chris Warner at chris.warner@patriotsdaily.com.

Post from: Patriots Daily

Q&A With Vanderbilt CB Myron Lewis
Also follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/patriotsdaily