Q.I.T (Quick Interview Transcripts) from Sunday Night
To best describe Sunday’s introduction and interview process would simply be
to call it a “meat market”. Scouts from every team snatching up players as
quickly as possible, giving the players the runaround. Below are the couple
instances I was able to pull some of those players away from NFL scouts to ask
them a quick couple questions….
Adam Terry, OT, Syracuse
SOBO: Egads man, exactly how tall are you? You are by far head and
shoulders taller then me.
Terry: We’ll see tomorrow. But I’m probably about 6’9’ and at the
very least a solid 6’8’
SOBO: You weren’t a basketball player at any point of your career?
Terry: Just one year [hehe], but it wasn’t something I would hang my
hat on.
SOBO: With NFL scouts looking at you, what do you believe they are
looking for? Do you believe you are better suited as a blindside tackle or a
strongside tackle?
Terry: Ideally, I would have to say, that I would like to play the
blindside. All I’m asking for is an opportunity. Y’know if I’m on the
strongside, I might be able to make my way back over [to the blindside]. Even
if I play guard, I don’t know; just hoping for an opportunity.
SOBO: Some scouts believe you can get up to the 340/350 lbs range,
would you be comfortable at that playing weight?
Terry: I’m about 320 right now, and I look pretty skinny…..
[yeah he actually does]
SOBO: If someone asked me to watch tape of Adam Terry, I would say
his greatest attribute is his athleticism. Your thoughts?
Terry: I would have to agree. I’ll compare myself at the end of the
week. I’m 6’8’ 320 and in my opinion I move very well.
SOBO: Looking to play for a cold weather team?
Terry: We have a blizzard warning in New York, so I’ll leave it at
that.
Dan Buenning, OG, Wisconsin
SOBO: Wisconsin’s guard tandem is generally considered the best in
the nation. Who is better, you or your teammate Jonathan Clinkscale?
Buenning: Me.
SOBO: You huh?
Buenning: Yeah
SOBO: Might you elaborate as to why?
Buenning: I pay more attention to detail. And I believe I move
better.
SOBO: Quite frankly, I love your honesty.
Buenning: Jon’s a good player, I just think I’m better.
SOBO: So if asked by a scout, you’d say your greatest strengths then
are paying attention to detail and pulling?
Buenning: Yeah.
SOBO: So the rumor persists that Wisconsin do not become successful
NFL players. A couple of quick examples off the top of my head being Aaron Gibson and Craig McIntosh. Why do you think that is?
Buenning: Well I don’t want to talk bad about other players.
SOBO: It’s just generalities.
Buenning: Give me more examples of bad players.
SOBO: How about the Johnson cousins for a couple years back?
Buenning: Oh Al doesn’t start for Dallas?
SOBO: Well you certainly turned that around on me, next question.
Would you like to stay with a cold weather team?
Buenning: I would, but cold weather/warm weather doesn’t matter to me.
Elton Brown, OG, Virginia
SOBO: Do you know who Mike Mayok from the NFL Network is?
Elton: Yeah.
SOBO: He is on record saying that you are a definite first round
prospect, even at guard, but a lack of kneebend will scare some scouts off.
What would your rebuttal to that statement be?
Elton: I do have a lot of technique things I could be better at and I
would say that’s one of them. I think as the season went by I improved on that
a lot. Even now I’m working further on improving my technique.
SOBO: Now if that would be your greatest weakness, what would
counterbalance that as what you perceive as your greatest strength as a player?
Elton: I’m just a big mauler. Physical. I play well in space. I
can move well.
SOBO: Is a change of tackle within the realm of possibility? Do you
posses that type of athleticism?
Elton: Whatever is asked, I’m ready to do. Hell, if they want me to
play tailback I’ll do that.
[LOL]
David Baas, OG, Michigan
SOBO: Some scouts have you rated as the top guard in this draft, and
you’re the Co-winner of the Rimington Award. Which position are you better
suited?
Baas: I think I’m a better guard. Center was something I did for my
team to win a championship. I just feel I’m more comfortable at guard.
SOBO: I just interviewed Elton Brown, and there is some other healthy
competition at the position here in Mobile this year. Are you the best guard
here?
Baas: I can’t say that. Just what you said, there is some good
competition. I am going to do the things necessary to prove I am the best
SOBO: Going to be some real battles in practice then…
Baas: Absolutely.
SOBO: There are some rumors your workouts in the weight room are
legendary. What is your benchpress max?
Baas: We never did bench mad.
SOBO: Really?
Baas: No. I’m just going to keep you guys in suspense. Let’s just
say it’s up there.
SOBO: Now I am from Ohio, and I need to ask, what happened to that
Michigan offense against the Buckeyes.
Baas: Overall I think we did a great job. An excellent job for
having a freshman quarterback and runningback. Think we did a real good job.
SOBO: Bottom line, could you play for Cleveland or Cincinnati?
Baas: Absolutely.
SOBO: Just wanted to gauge how deep the hatred ran.
Bass: I can handle it.