Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
TCU Horned Frogs 2020 Preview: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead with what you need to know.
Photo Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
TCU Horned Frogs 2020 Preview: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead with what you need to know.
Photo Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles landed an explosive pass-catcher in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft with TCU’s Jalen Reagor
The Philadelphia Eagles selected former TCU wide receiver Jalen Reagor with the 21st pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, landing one of the most explosive playmakers in this year’s loaded class.
Reagor is an exciting playmaker at the wide receiver position. He’s as twitched up, explosive and crafty as they come. His ability to make game-changing plays was often on display at TCU. Reagor is the type of dynamic home-run hitter that today’s NFL offenses are looking for.
He’s a sound route runner, and shows the type of burst at the top of his routes that should make him an easy separator at the next level. His ability after the catch should help out an Eagles offense that needs to be more explosive and dynamic than it was in 2019. Reagor’s big-play ability should help get him on the field immediately.
The Eagles badly needed to add some new faces to their wide receiver room this off-season, and that’s exactly what they did. Injuries to starting quarterback Carson Wentz and several of their top pass-catchers derailed what could have been a big season in Philadelphia. No team can withstand the type of injuries that Philadelphia went through in 2019, and they’ve made several off-season acquisitions to better protect themselves going forward.
Reagor is joining a re-tooled receiver room that gets DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffrey back healthy, as well as some new faces such as former San Francisco 49er Marquise Goodwin, and fellow draft picks John Hightower and Quez Watkins. Don’t look now, but the Eagles have done an excellent job adding some talented pass catchers to their offense for 2020 and beyond. Reagor is set to be a big part of that.
[vertical-gallery id=619051]
One of the losses of Oklahoma’s defense will get to match up against his former team. Mark Jackson has reportedly transferred to TCU.
One of the losses of Oklahoma’s defense will get to match up against his former team.
Mark Jackson was an impact player for the Sooners early on in the 2018 season under defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. Under new defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, Jackson’s playing time was spare.
He entered the transfer portal soon after the 2019 season ended in Jan.. Jackson played in four games, recorded one tackle while preserving his redshirt before becoming a graduate transfer. The former Oklahoma outside linebacker is reportedly heading to conference foe TCU, according to a report from 247 Sports’ Jeremy Clark.
Breaking: Oklahoma grad transfer Mark Jackson is headed to #TCU for his final season. Jackson confirmed to me that he signed with the school on Thursday. Great addition for the Frogs defensive line.
— Jeremy Clark (@JClarkHFB) May 8, 2020
The Cibolo, Texas, native came to Oklahoma as a four-star recruit out of high school. He played in 32 games in his four seasons as a Sooner, making seven starts all in the 2018 season.
Jackson’s position as Oklahoma’s edge rusher was overtaken by Jon-Michael Terry, Nik Bonitto and David Ugwoegbu. He was not set to make the two-deep in Grinch’s 2020 defense.
The Sooners are still scheduled to start the 2020 season on Sept. 5 against Missouri State at home. Oklahoma will face Jackson and TCU on Oct. 31.
[lawrence-auto-related count=3]
A look at our top-32 prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The 2020 NFL Draft is one day away and as the NFL prepares to go virtual with its anticipated draft presentation, our team is gearing up too.
Following, we rank this year’s top 32 prospects. This isn’t a mock draft, simply the 32 best players regardless of position. As usual, the quarterbacks will be chosen before their ranking, but that’s the nature of the NFL game today.
LSU leads the way with 6 prospects followed by SEC-rival Alabama with 5 prospects in our top 32. The SEC has half the top prospects (16), followed by the Big 10 with 6, the Big 12 with 5, the ACC with 4 and the Pac 12 has one top talent.
The draft begins at 8:00 pm on Thursday with the first round. ESPN, ABC and the NFL Network bring the action from Bristol, CT. The second and third rounds continue Friday night at 7:00 pm and conclude with rounds four through seven at noon on Saturday.
32. LSU free safety Grant Delpit, the Jim Thorpe Award winner, has a rare blend of size, length, speed and fluidity. He’s a menace in zone coverage and has a knack for always being around the ball. The 6-3, 205-pound junior runs a 4.39 40.
31. Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts is a proven winner. The 6-1, 222 former Alabama QB runs a 4.59 40, is calm under pressure, has toughness and possesses the ability to extend plays and escape the pocket. He’s played on the biggest stage and is a student of the game.
30. Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun is athletic and has a nonstop motor. The 6-3, 238 first team all-American runs a 4.65 40 and finished the season with 12.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss.
29. Alabama safety Xavier McKinney lined up at safety, corner, inside linebacker and outside linebacker last season for the Tide. His 4.6 40 time is blazing but he has ‘football speed’. The 6’, 205-pound playmaker had four forced fumbles and three interceptions, knocked down five passes and blocked a kick in 2019.
28. Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell can cover in both man and zone looks. He is competitive, will contest every ball and supports the run well. At 6-1, 195 pounds, Terrell and his 4.42 speed will see plenty of action his rookie year.
27. USC tackle Austin Jackson is a big man with a bigger heart. The 6-5, 322 junior contributed bone marrow to his sister last summer and returned to play last season. He has all the intangibles and physical tools.
26. Clemson wide receiver Tee Higgins, at 6-4, 216 pounds, averaged more than 19 yards per reception in two of his three seasons with the Tigers. He can play multiple receiver spots and no player in the draft goes after the ball better in in contested situations.
25. TCU defensive tackle Ross Blacklock has a limited portfolio due to missing the 2018 season with a torn Achilles tendon. But the 6-3, 290-pounder runs a 4.9 40 who generates power quickly, right from his first step and has shown the ability to work through double-teams.
24. LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is an elusive runner with a quick step to the hole. The 5-7, 207-pound back runs a 4.60 40 and in 270 touches in 2019, lost only one fumble. In the passing game, he is excellent out of the backfield.
23. TCU corner back Jeff Gladney is an ‘in-your-face’ corner and plays with a competitive mean streak. At 5-10½, 191-pounds, he runs a 4.48 40 and had 42 college starts.
22. Penn State defensive end Yetur Gross- Matos is quick and has a fast motor. The 6-5, 266-pound Gross-Matos had 35 tackles for loss over the past two seasons.
21. Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa is a full-service defensive end who excels when it comes to shutting down the run. He consistently shows quickness, plays with power and balance, which indicates that this 6-5, 280-pounder, who contributed 26.5 sacks in three seasons for the Hawkeyes, could line up in a 3-, 4- or 5-technique player.
20. LSU linebacker Patrick Queen can anchor a defense because he has three-down ability and a knack for covering and bringing down playmakers. What the 6’, 229-pounder lacks in length and size, he makes up for it in speed (4.5 40) and in his ability to diagnose plays.
19. Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray (6-2½, 241, 4.52 40) has tremendous range and finishes tackles all over the field. He has elite burst, and his play speed is among the best on the board.
18. Georgia tailback D’Andre Swift (5-8¼, 212 pounds) is the most complete tailback in this draft class. He has outstanding vision, speed (4.48 40), body control and smooth hips. Swift rushed for 2,885 yards, averaged 6.6 yards per carry, had 73 receptions and 25 touchdowns in his three seasons for the Bulldogs. The junior’s ability to pick up blitzers in pass protection also sets him apart.
17. South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw has the size (6-5, 324 pounds), length and power to overwhelm opponents. A first team all-American, he has an explosive first step and elite power.
16. Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III’s 4.27 40 time would qualify as high draft consideration alone, but his ability to explode off the line of scrimmage and get vertical allows him to easily create separation on underneath routes. The 5-11, 188-pound speedster creates instant space in the vertical passing game and his quality routes and good hands will make an instant impact.
15. Florida cornerback C.J. Henderson is a fluid athlete who is well versed in press and off-man coverage. He possesses good length (6-1, 204 pounds), speed (4.39 in the 40) and the strength to be a team’s shut-down corner.
14. LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson can line up at multiple receiver positions He has some of the best hands on the board and runs well after the catch. The 6-1¼, 202- pound junior led the nation with 111 receptions and his 18 receiving touchdowns ranked second. His 4.43 speed helped him accumulate 1,540 last season.
13. Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton is not only a huge human being (6-7, 364 pounds), he is athletic powerful and fast (5.0 40).
12. Oklahoma receiver CeeDee Lamb is an explosive athlete who catches the ball with timing and precision. His catch radius is enormous, and he has the strength to break tackles on a consistent basis. The 6-1⅝, 198-pound playmaker, who runs a 4.50 40, caught 173 passes for 3,292 yards and scored 32 touchdowns during his three seasons in Norman.
11. LSU defensive end K’Lavon Chaisson, at 6-3, 254 pounds, is an impact pass-rusher. He is loaded with potential, has football smarts, has demonstrated leadership skills and has a quick first step off the snap.
10. Iowa offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs plays with balance and the ability to counter. The 6-5, 320-pound tackle started 33 games at Iowa. His 4.85 40 time is blazing for a lineman. Pencil him to start once the season begins.
9. Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills started 29 games for the Tide. The 6-4½, 312-pound people-mover has the ability to protect the edge against speed rushers. He’s an immediate starter at right tackle.
8. Georgia offensive tackle Andrew Thomas has a unique combination of length and size (6-5, 320 pounds), athleticism, hands and balance. The junior started 41 games for the Bulldogs and has extensive experience playing left tackle — the money spot on the offensive line. Day one starter.
7. Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has accuracy, instincts, a quick release, athleticism and a feel in the pocket. The 6-1, 215-pound Hawaiian native’s deep ball is borderline ridiculous. He tossed 33 touchdowns in nine starts last season and had only 11 interceptions in 32 college games.
6. Auburn defensive tackle Derrick Brown is a human wrecking ball. He’s 6-5, 325-pounds with the movement skills of a linebacker. He explodes off the snap and has the power to back any center up into the quarterback if he’s solo blocked. Brown has the versatility to play several roles in a number of schemes.
5. Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy is a phenomenal route runner who has terrific quickness and a knack for creating separation from defensive backs. The 6-1, 193-pound speedster (4.45 40) finished his Crimson Tide career with 159 receptions for 2,742 yards and 26 touchdowns.
4. LSU quarterback Joe Burrow had a senior season for the ages, leading the Tigers to the national championship and winning the Heisman Trophy. The 6-3, 222-pound Ohio native threw an insane 60 touchdown passes in 2019. Against the three teams LSU faced that finished among the nation’s top 10 in scoring defense, he threw for an average of 368.3 yards with 12 touchdown passes and no interceptions. He’s a leader, athletic, confident, poised and accurate.
3. Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah doesn’t have much of resume because no one ever challenges him. A driven, intelligent player with rare skills, the 6-1, 205-pound shutdown corner is an opening day starter. A 4.48 40 man, he has rare closing speed, quickly recognize routes, handles zone coverages and excels in man coverage.
2. Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons possesses rare length (6-4, 238-pounds), speed (4.39 40) and strength (20 reps of 225), which makes him the prototype for the modern day, multi-position player so many teams are seeking. He projects as an early-down safety who can drop to linebacker in nickel and dime packages. His unique ability to spy and shrink the field against dual-threat quarterbacks is a game-changing quality.
1. Ohio State defensive end Chase Young has a rare combination of high-end production and enormous upside once he refines his handwork and counters. The 6-5, 263-pound Buckeye is explosive off the snap and fluid in his movement. In 2019, he had 16.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and 21 tackles for loss, with an amazing 45.7% of his tackles coming behind the line of scrimmage.
[vertical-gallery id=24661]
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with TCU cornerback prospect Jeff Gladney
If you think size matters at the cornerback position, you’d better steer clear of TCU’s Jeff Gladney.
Opposing wide receivers across the country have found out the hard way that you shouldn’t underestimate Gladney, one of the top corner prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Gladney recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his impressive career with the Horned Frogs, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and why he’s ready to make a big impact at the next level.
JG: I had a great time at TCU. I enjoyed playing for defensive coordinator [Chad] Glasgow, my position coach [Jeremy Modkins] and [head coach] Gary Patterson. I trusted the process and showed improvement on a yearly basis. It paid off for me.
JG: I credit that to my quick feet. I also have great instincts around the ball. I know where the ball is at all times. I’m a ball-hawk out there.
JG: We played a lot of man coverage. We predominantly became a man coverage team. The coaches decided to make that change. That’s how I became so good in man coverage.
JG: A lot of NFL teams run man coverage. I’m ready for that. I know that I’ll be well prepared for that. Don’t get me wrong, though, TCU gave me experience with a ton of different coverages. At some point in time, we ran every coverage that you can possibly think of at TCU. Any coverage that my NFL team wants to play, I’ll be able to pick up on it very quickly.
JG: My two favorite match-ups from this past season were against Baylor and Texas. Denzel Mims and I had a great mach-up. I’ve been playing against him since high school. We already know what type of game it’s gonna be when we play each other. We know that it’s gonna be a competitive battle. Collin Johnson from Texas also comes to mind. He’s such a big receiver. We battled the entire game.
JG: That’s love right there. We’ve played against each other so many times. We’ve probably had some our of best match-ups throughout our careers against one another.
JG: No, I really don’t, to be honest with you. It doesn’t matter which receiver I’m lined up with, I always keep my technique in mind. That’s how I prefer to play them.
JG: I love how competitive of a position it is. Man coverage places you in a 1-on-1 situation. May the best man win.
JG: My experience at the combine was great. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m very thankful to have had the chance go out there and compete. It’s cool to know that most NFL players have gone through this experience and I’m going through it now.
JG: I don’t think there’s any unanswered questions when it comes to me. I went to the combine and answered any and every question that a team could have about me. I performed at the combine with a torn meniscus. I definitely showed how tough I am.
JG: I feel great. I’m 100 percent ready to go.
JG: Yeah, I might have surprised a few people with my 40 time.
JG: I did a workout with the Arizona Cardinals just a day or two before the shutdown. That was the only in-person meeting I was able to attend.
JG: I’ve met with so many teams. I have a full list for you here. Via FaceTime and Zoom, I’ve met with the Jets, Raiders, Ravens, Cowboys, Vikings, Packers, Saints, Falcons, Titans, Browns and Chiefs.
JG: I wasn’t asked any strange questions at all. There really wasn’t anything that caught me off guard. I wouldn’t say that I had anything weird happen to me at the combine.
JG: Shoot, I hear that word all the time (laughs). Size really doesn’t matter to me. It goes back to why I don’t cover receivers differently based on their size. Do you have heart? That’s what matters. Are you tough, physical and competitive? I know I am. I put trust in my technique. I’m confident in my abilities. I’ll line up against anybody. I’m gonna bring the fight to you. It doesn’t matter how big or tall you are. I really don’t think that size matters.
JG: I watch a lot of film. I do a lot of studying throughout the week. I’m gonna look for the things that makes you uncomfortable. It’s my job to get you outside of your comfort zone. I’m able to recognize a lot of things pre-snap. The receiver will line up across from me and I might start calling out their plays before they even run them (laughs).
JG: I would bring Ross Blacklock with me. He just plays like a dog every snap.
JG: They’re getting a coachable guy, first and foremost. I’m a very dependable and durable player. I’m confident in my abilities and I play fast. My football IQ allows me to play fast. I’m excited to hit the ground running.
[vertical-gallery id=617977]
The New Orleans Saints recently interviewed 2020 NFL Draft prospect Jeff Gladney, a highly-rated cornerback out of TCU, per a report.
[jwplayer cfFkvnkH-ThvAeFxT]
#TCU CB Jeff Gladney worked out privately for the #Cardinals prior to COVID-19.
Since then, he's met virtually with the #Jets, #Raiders, #Ravens, #Cowboys, #Vikings, #Packers, #Saints, #Falcons, #Titans, #Browns & #Chiefs.
— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) April 12, 2020
The New Orleans Saints might be in the hunt for more help at cornerback in this year’s NFL Draft. According to a report from Justin Melo over at Draft Wire, the Saints are one of eleven different NFL teams to have interviewed TCU cornerback Jeff Gladney, who also went through a private workout with the Arizona Cardinals prior to travel restrictions from the novel coronavirus.
While he isn’t widely perceived as a surefire top-20 prospect, it wouldn’t be a shock if Gladney ends being selected in the draft’s opening round. This year’s draft class is more uncertain than many that preceded it due to a lack of the usual pro days and formal facilities visits that NFL teams use to round out their scouting reports. Grades are more divisive than normal, and the Saints could very well end up being a team that does rank Gladney among that top tier, and be happy to pick him at No. 24.
So what’s drawn the Saints to him? Gladney measured in at 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds, timing the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds — clearing the established benchmarks the Saints have maintained internally. The redshirt senior is well-experienced in shadowing opposing No. 1 wideouts, playing a lot of press coverage while earning All-Big 12 recognition in three years as a starter (Honorable Mention in 2017, Second-Team in 2018, and First-Team in 2019). He finished his college career with the Horned Frogs with five interceptions and 43 total passes defensed in 50 games played. Not too shabby.
Besides slightly middling height and wingspan (Gladney’s arms measured in at a hair under 32 inches in length), the big knock on Gladney might be his injury history. He missed his first year with a medical redshirt while recovering from ACL/LCL surgery, and went under the knife again earlier this offseason after playing through a meniscus issue in his senior year. It’s possible his conversation with the Saints was a simple check-in on his recovery process.
While the Saints have a stellar top-two combination at cornerback between Marshon Lattimore and Janoris Jenkins, things are far from settled behind them. A number of players figure to compete for nickel duties (including P.J. Williams, Patrick Robinson, XFL signee Deatrick Nichols, and safeties Malcolm Jenkins and C.J. Gardner-Johnson) while the Saints lack a clear first-man-up should Lattimore or Jenkins miss time.
On top of that, Jenkins’ contract is structured so that the Saints can take it year-to-year, while Lattimore’s fifth-year option only guarantees he’ll be around through 2021. Gladney would make sense as an understudy for either of them as well as a possible heir-apparent. And considering how often the Saints field multiple defensive backs, it’s possible fans could get a good look at Gladney in his rookie year — if he ends up being the pick.
[vertical-gallery id=31446]
The Chargers could be looking to fill out the backfield in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Chargers will be without Melvin Gordon next season after he decided to sign with the Broncos in free agency.
In order to fill out the backfield, Los Angeles could be looking to add a running back in the draft.
According to Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson, the Bolts had a pre-draft FaceTime meeting with former TCU RB Sewo Olonilua.
In four seasons for the Horned Frogs, Olonilua amassed 1,624 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 348 carries.
For his size (6-foot-3 and 232 pounds), Olonilua possesses some enticing traits as a ball carrier. He does a nice job reading his blocks and gaining yards provided for him, possesses the lateral agility to change directions in his cuts, power to pile his way through defenders and solid build-up speed in space.
Olonilua would be the perfect compliment to Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson, as his bruising style of running would be able to serve in short yardage situations and his physicality would aide in pass protection.
Olonilua projects as a Day 3 selection.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about TCU cornerback prospect Jeff Gladney
Gladney isn’t the biggest cornerback in the upcoming draft class but one of the more well rounded corners that will be in play during the first round. A corner who will do a good job of getting under the skin of wide receiver that he is covering. Hoping to force a mistake and that is where Gladney will take over.
Height | 5-10
Weight | 191
Class | Senior
Gladney plays well in press man situations. He can jam his man at the line to re-route the receiver and throw off the timing between him and the quarterback. That sometimes leads to passes batted down, incompletions or interceptions. He is able to use his length to his advantage with almost 32″ arms.
In coverage, Gladney does a good job of reading both the receiver and the quarterback. He plays with good anticipation in order to disrupt the pass. In man coverage, he does well to stick to the receiver. Unlike some corners who play the eyes of the receiver, Gladney plays the ball in the air. He is also physical enough to take the ball right out of the receivers hands.
Does a good job of mirroring receiver in coverage. He also possesses the speed to recover and close the gap if he gets over aggressive in playing the receiver. He is no stranger to playing bigger receivers. He did very well against Collin Johnson who stands in at 6’5″. Also he can be very physical as a tackler.
Gladney will need to fix the focus drops at the NFL level. His numbers would be a lot better had it not been for dropped interceptions during his time at TCU. Not to mention as a tackler, he can take improper angles that could cause some issues for his potential team. Both fixable issues with proper coaching and technique.
Being a sticky defender is one thing but Gladney will need to learn to play better coverage downfield. He tends to be a bit grabby during the route which will cause flags to fly his way. Once those issues get fixed, he will be a good cornerback in the NFL.
[vertical-gallery id=615330]
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about TCU running back prospect Darius Anderson
The former 3rd ranked prospect at running back in the state of Texas, Darius Anderson would eventually lead TCU in rushing. He earned himself a roster spot at the Senior Bowl. He could find himself as a backup at the NFL level but will likely need to be patient to earn himself much playing time.
Height | 5-10
Weight | 208
Class | Senior
Anderson can be counted on in terms of ball security, only fumbled four times during his time with the Horned Frogs. Runs with good contact balance and always seems to fall forward when being tackled. Defenses need to wrap up on Anderson, he fights through contact and will lower his shoulder to pop the defender.
Definitely a back who can run between the tackles, gets upfield with some burst. See the field well enough to find cutback lanes with the initial gap gets filled. Shows off these skills well in the return game on kickoff returns. Has some wiggle when he runs as well, can create more opportunities downfield with how shifty he can be. Good receiver with soft hands.
Not a running back that can be counted on in pass protection. Will limit his ability to get on the field. Needs to either run the ball or be a receiver. Won’t break off a lot of huge runs, can get upfield quickly but lacks that second gear to run away from defenders. Speedy defensive backs and linebackers can catch him in pursuit.
When running upfield, Anderson can dance around a bit much trying to make something happen. Pad level seems a bit high, will take unnecessary hits from defenders at times. Can’t take the corner as much as he would like to, needs to just get north and south.
[vertical-gallery id=615330]
Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with TCU offensive line prospect Cordel Iwuagwu
If your favorite NFL team is looking for an offensive line prospect who has been tested by some of the best defensive lineman in the country, TCU’s Cordel Iwuagwu may just be the man for the job.
One of the more underrated blockers in the 2020 NFL draft class, Iwuagwu recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, how playing for the Horned Frogs prepared him for what’s next, and what kind of impact he’ll have at the next level.
CI: I feel like I’ve seen it all from an experience standpoint. There isn’t too much that can surprise me honestly. I’ve seen it all before. You’re not gonna surprise me at the next level.
CI: I feel great. I’ve been medically cleared to move forward. It’s all systems go right now.
CI: I love protecting my guys. I can deliver some blows and create space for our offense to play at a high level. I’m just trying to help my team win games in any way possible. That’s what I enjoy. I’m into the X’s and O’s. I love figuring out how to overcome the challenges we have in front of us and how to combat different people.
CI: I’ve primarily played in the spread, but I’m comfortable playing in any scheme, really.
CI: In my opinion, you have to get off the ball when it comes to speed. It’s very important. You have to be able to match speed with speed basically. You can’t overstep speed. It’s a fine line. You have to get outta your stance as fast as you can. You have to keep your feet moving and you have to combat them with your hands. There’s no lunging involved. You can’t come off the ball late. All of those missteps are just quick ways to lose that rep.
With power, it’s a little similar. You have to match power with power. When they deliver a blow, you have to deliver a blow back. You have to use your hips and make sure that you’re sinking properly. You have to keep your head on the block. You still have to get off the ball. It’s not as important as it is with speed, but you still have to get off the ball. It helps you in both situations.
CI: It was a great experience. It was great to be around the guys. Everyone there had the tools necessary to go on and be successful. That’s the biggest collection of talent I’ve ever been around. It was great to pick each other’s brains. We discussed different defenders we’ve gone up against. We talked about the schemes we’ve played in. Everybody was so friendly and eager to learn. Everybody was very supportive. It was a great experience.
CI: I had a lot of informals. I took care of most of my formals at the Shrine Bowl. I met with the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers at the Shrine Bowl. That’s just off the top of my head. I met with a lot of teams.
CI: It’s all going down after the pro day. I have some lined up already. Our pro day is March 27th. The Tennessee Titans are coming down here the day after the pro day to work out our offensive linemen and I’m included in that. We have four seniors so the Titans will be down here working with us as a group. I’ll start taking my visits after that.
CI: The Green Bay Packers asked me if I could tell them a joke on the spot. I froze up (laughs). I could not tell them a joke. They told me it had to be funny, too (laughs). I flat out choked.
CI: They all busted out laughing at my silence. They told me the next time they see me, I better have a joke ready for them. They told me the joke was the most important part of the interview (laughs).
CI: L.J. Collier from TCU. Ben Banogu from TCU. Ross Blacklock from TCU. Are you seeing a theme yet? (laughs). My own teammates were the greatest. Neville Gallimore from Oklahoma was great, as well. Iowa State had a solid nose tackle last year. I can’t remember his name.
CI: My guys made me better. We went at each other every day. I’m forever thankful for those guys.
CI: I never back down from anything. If I’m beating him on every rep, he’s gonna start to feel demoralized rather quickly. It doesn’t matter what he does after the play. I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability.
CI: They’re getting a physical, accountable guy. I’m a leader first and foremost. It doesn’t matter if I play right away or not. I can sit back and learn if that’s what they deem necessary. I’m happy to soak it all in. I’m gonna give it my best during every day at practice.
[vertical-gallery id=613832]
