Few programs have been as successful as Penn State when it comes to churning out NFL talent on an annual basis, especially on defense.
One of the latest in a long line of talented prospects to come out of Happy Valley, cornerback John Reid recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, the big numbers he put up in college, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.
JM: You had 24 career pass break-ups and seven interceptions throughout your time at Penn State. What is it about your game that allowed you to be around the ball so much?
JR: I think a lot of it just had to do with the confidence I have in myself. A lot of it had to do with good preparation leading up to the game. It’s important to have a good week of practice. I enjoy spending time getting to know my opponent. I always know what to expect. You always play a lot more confident when you’re prepared.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
JR: It was a great experience. I grew up dreaming about receiving that invite. I used to wanna stay home from school to watch it on television (laughs). I used to look forward to watching my favorite players in college perform at the combine. I always dreamed about being that guy one day. It was a dream come true.
JM: You had a great combine. You ran a 4.49 in the 40-yard dash. What do you think is the overall impression that you left out there?
JR: I had some goals going in. I definitely wanted to show my speed. I wanted to show my transitions and prove that I’m a fluid athlete. I wanted to flip my hips during the on-field drills and show the teams that I can make those transitions effortlessly. I feel like I’ve been doing the testing portion of the combine my entire life. Before I even got to high school, my dad and I would set up a fake little combine in our backyard (laughs). I knew that I could test well. I really wanted people to see my footwork and the football side of things.
JM: It must have been fun for your dad to watch you perform at the real combine.
JR: Everybody was definitely very excited for me. It was cool knowing that my family was at home watching me at the combine on the television. I played at Penn State so of course they got to watch a lot of games on TV and what not, but you’re a lot more isolated at the combine. It’s really just you out there (laughs). It’s definitely a different feeling.
JM: Did you have a lot of formal or informal interviews at the combine?
JR: I had a lot of informals. I was definitely getting pulled in every direction. That’s how it is at the combine. You’re meeting with the teams and it’s a fluid situation. I had a lot of informals.
JM: Do you have any private visits or workouts lined up, or is everything happening after the pro day?
JR: All of my private workouts and visits will occur after the pro day. I have a few lined up already. We’re keeping things under wraps for now. This is all new to me. I have all these reminders set in my phone (laughs). We’re just taking things day by day. The pro day is going down March 17th. I plan on attending the Jets and Bills local days as well.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked a the combine?
JR: I didn’t really get anything strange. I would say that everything was pretty standard and straight forward. I don’t necessarily have anything that stands out. I just had some regular questionnaire sessions.
JM: Who are some of the best receivers you’ve covered throughout your time at Penn State?
JR: I thought that Minnesota, Ohio State and Memphis had some quality receivers. I still remembering covering guys during my freshmen year. I still think about that. You’re always playing against the best of the best at Penn State.
JM: I heard that you’re a big video game guy. What are some of your favorite video games of all time?
JR: I play a lot of World of Warcraft (laughs). I also love Call of Duty. I play World of Warcraft on my computer. That’s the best way to play it. I’ll play Call of Duty on the console, though.
JM: If you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one teammate with you, who would it be and why?
JR: I would bring Cam Brown with me. He’s coming out with me in this draft class. We played on the same side of the field. He’s very tenacious and he’s a great leader. I had a lot of fun playing with him.
JM: What kind of player is John Reid gonna be at the next level?
JR: I’m an ultra-competitive kinda guy. I love the game of football. I’m somebody that works really hard at their craft. They’re gonna get somebody that takes the game very seriously. I really wanna be great at this. I love to prepare. I’m excited to get to the next level and bring that work ethic with me. I’m excited for my future team to see that side of me. I’m gonna prepare to be great.
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