Georgia Offensive Lineman Cordy Glenn

How was your first day of practice?

Good. Pretty good, I thought I did pretty good for not knowing what to expect. I was just trying to pick up on some of the things the coaches wanted out of us. I think this next practice I’ll be more prepared and more ready to know exactly what’s going on and what we’ll be doing.

You were at left tackle in practice today, is that where you see yourself in the NFL?

Honestly man, I just wanna play for a team and get drafted. I can play left tackle or guard, I’m pretty good at both.

You don’t have a preference?

Nope.

Is there a specific defender who has stood out to you yet as a really tough matchup?

(Pauses) Specificly? Well, everybody here is good, I don’t know.

What are your goals this week?

Just get better at everything, doing what the coaches say. Just take in the teachings and try and get better.

With the level of competition, do you rise to the occasion?

Yea, I love competition. I love competing.

How much are you looking forward to the game on Saturday?

I’m just looking forward to going out there and having some fun with these guys. Showing these guys what I can do in a game format it’s gonna be a great experience for me.

Marshall Defensive End Vinny Curry

How was your first day?

My first day so far was good, man. It felt good to get back in pads, run around a little bit, run around with the rest of them.

Did they try anything new with you that you hadn’t done before?

Everything was basically the same. Football is football. I learned some things technique wise, it was great.

What did you think of the coaches?

Loved the coaching staff. Everything, everybody so far are straight forward guys.

Did you know any of them previously?

No, yesterday was the first time we met.

Are there any offensive tackles who you’re looking forward to matching up against this week?

All of them, all of those guys. I’m just looking to line up against the best of them and try my best.

Do you have any draft day plans?

Not really, haven’t really got that far yet.

North Carolina Defensive End Quinton Coples

How was the first day of practice?

Great. It was fun. Unfortunate weather with the ground, but it was a great day.

What has this experience been like so far?

It’s different. I’ve never experienced something like that before. But overall it’s definitely a good experience. I appreciate everything that has happened so far.

I have to ask because it’s staring me in the eye, how much did that tattoo (branding) on your arm hurt?

My brand? It didn’t hurt at all. Never had any pain. Offensive linemen like to hit it but it doesn’t hurt any.

You worked against  Zebrie Sanders today and at Florida State, talk about what kind of player he is.

He’s a great young guy, he’s definitely gonna have a great career, NFL-wise.

What kind of feedback are you getting?

Great feedback. Everybody so far just wants to know my general background, how I was raised.

What teams have shown the most interest so far?

(Smiles) All of them.

As far as 3-4 defense or 4-3 defense goes, do you actually have a preference? What do you think your best position is?

I don’t have a preference. I probably am best in a 4-3 because I practiced it most throughout my collegiate career. But overall I’m willing and ready for whatever.

Any advice from former teammate Robert Quinn?

I talked to him two days ago, he said I have to kill everybody. I have to beast it and destroy everybody. That’s the type of defensive linemen mindset we have, it’s never like “Go out and have a good day today” it’s just “Destroy and kill everybody.”

At any point did you get frustrated with the team this season?

Nah, I didn’t get frustrated. We dealt with some adversity, we had some situations that were unfortunate for us. We had a lot of young guys and we kinda struggled. I think we had a successful season we definitely didn’t win as many games as we wanted to but I think we competed at a high level.

What do you want to show scouts out here?

Versatility and that I’ll do anything to get to the Super Bowl.

Any feedback on where you’re going?

I’m not worried about that, I’ll let my agent handle that. I just have to go out there and do my best and compete.

Any special draft plans?

Nope, just hoping to get drafted.

What about your first paycheck? What do you plan on buying?

Hopefully buy an apartment or somewhere to stay at in the city.

Those were the first 3 athlete interviews I’ve ever done. You can see a clear improvement from one interview to the next! Huzzah. Thank you Evernote app, and thanks to those guys for taking time to let me interview them.

Time to go to bed for more Senior Bowl goodness tomorrow. If you have any questions or recommendations please feel free to send them my way!

Robinson is a bit of an enigma for scouts. On tape, there are games where he is absolutely dominant. Other times, he can disappear. Robinson came into the Senior Bowl as possibly the 2nd rated corner on most folks board, but I’m not sure if he lived up to those expectations. Patrick took some of his time out to sit down and talk with me during Senior Bowl week about what his favorite coverage is and what receiver gave him the toughest time in practice.

Spencer: How’s your Senior Bowl experience been so far?

Robinson: It’s been good. It’s been fun so far.

Spencer: Was this something that you knew right away you’d play in if you were invited?

Robinson: Oh yeah. I knew right away.

Spencer: What is it about the Senior Bowl that is so appealing to you?

Robinson: It’s a huge game for me to showcase how good I am. That’s, for the most part, what I think it is.

Spencer: What would you say is the strongest aspect of your game?

Robinson: Being able to play man to man. Man to man, alone on that island.

Spencer: Do you prefer playing press-man or off-man?

Robinson: It doesn’t really matter to me. If they want me to press, I’ll press. If they want me to sit off a little bit, I can do that too. I have no preference.

Spencer: Do you think you’d be better in a man coverage system than a zone coverage system?

Robinson: I wouldn’t say that. But I’m more used to man.

Spencer: Is there anything in particular that the coaches have been trying to work with you on this week?

Robinson: Well, in my press technique, my stance was a little wide. That’s something I can correct right away, but that was it for the most part.

Spencer: What are you looking forward to for the rest of the week?

Robinson: Making more plays. Making a lot more plays.

Spencer: Looking at the receivers you’ve been matching up against, who has stood out to you as a strong opponent?

Robinson: Riley Cooper. He’s a guy that never quits on the ball. If you get a good jam on him, he’s still fighting to get open and try to catch the ball. He’s a tough guy.

Spencer: Thanks a lot for your time tonight.

Robinson: Alright, thank you, too.

A one year wonder or the next Antonio Gates? That’s what scouts are wondering as they break down the tape of Miami tight end Jimmy Graham. A former basketball player, Graham only played his senior season for the Hurricanes but produced at a relatively high level. At just under 6’7″, Graham is a huge target and he feels that his best aspect is his ability to catch the ball in the red zone. Jimmy talked to me about working out with Ed Reed of the Baltimore Ravens and how that helped his play as well as what he’s trying to show scouts while at the Senior Bowl.

Spencer: With all the extra fan attention around Tebow this week, has it been a distraction at all?

Graham: No, not at all. Whenever you go to college at Miami, you kind of learn to ignore all the distractions real quick. I’m actually training with Tebow at D1, too.

Spencer: Was the Senior Bowl something you knew right away you’d attend if invited, or was it something you had to think about?

Graham: Of course. 100% I was coming. First, it’s an honor to only play one year and be invited to this. It kind of showed me that hard work does pay off. So being invited to the best all-star game in the nation really meant a lot to me. So I was definitely gonna come up here. It also gives me an opportunity for scouts to see me play another game and also see me practice and how hard I work. So that’s the big reason I came here.

Spencer: Have you noticed noticed any differences running with the Dolphins coaching staff as opposed to “The U’s” coaching staff?

Graham: Oh yeah. They’re fairly similar in how they coach. We run a pro offense. Mark Whipple, you know, he’s very professional and Randy Shannon’s a tough coach just like they are. The Dolphins are one of those old school staffs. They tell you like it is and you better do it. I really respond well to that so far, it’s been great.

Spencer: What would you say you’re the most confident in about your game?

Graham: My ability to stretch the field. I’m 6’6, well, I thought I was 6’7″ (Graham measured in at 6’6 3/8″). But I run a 4.5 40, so I’m able to get on safeties really fast and I’m able to open it up. But the biggest part of my game that I’m the most confident in is my red zone play. I think I’m unstoppable in the red zone and I don’t think anyone can do anything to stop me in the red zone.

Spencer: What area of your game do you really want to show the scouts improvement in this week?

Graham: The little techniques. I’ve really been working on techniques as far as pass blocking and stuff, which showed up today. I’ve been working my tail off the last two weeks on that stuff. I was kind of thrown in and it was like, “Jimmy, just get open!” or “make sure he doesn’t hit anyone else but you.” So a big part has just been learning the techniques of everything and it’s definitely coming together.

Spencer: What other player on your side of the ball has really stood out to you this week?

Graham: Tim Tebow. The kid’s a competitor. That’s the biggest thing about him, he’s competitive. He’s confident and he’s a leader. He always makes sure he’s the first one in there and he always lets everyone know what they’re supposed to be doing. He is a leader and I’ve had the opportunity to work out with him for the last two weeks and it’s been fun.

Spencer: What about defenders you’ve matched up against? Who’s standing out to you?

Graham: During a stretch play, I had to get out on Taylor Mays and we took each other to the ground. So I’d have to say him because that was pretty physical.

Spencer: I’m also writing some articles for the Ravens, so what would it be like if you were to be drafted by Baltimore?

Graham: It’d be amazing. First off, because I feel that half of their team is from “The U.” I had the opportunity to learn from Ed Reed this summer. He was kind of teaching me coverages, teaching me how not to give away what I’m about to do. He’s a very smart safety so that was really cool. I think I could really help out the Ravens, stretch the field and help them in the red zone. I’m a pretty big target so just throw it up and I’ll get it.

Spencer: Thanks a lot Jimmy and I look forward to following you through the draft process.

Graham: Thanks a lot.

A physically imposing player at 6’4 5/8″ and 221 lbs, Danario Alexander led the nation in receiving yards for 2009. The Senior Bowl was his opportunity to show the NFL that he could play with the big boys. Unfortunately, an injury slowed him down at the end of the week and he wasn’t able to shine in the game as he would have hoped. What stood out most to me while watching Alexander during practice was just how hard he was working. I could tell that Danario was doing everything possible to make his routes crisper and he wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line for passes. I sat down with Danario early in the week at the Senior Bowl and we talked about what he wanted to show in Mobile and what players he hopes to emulate once he’s in the league.

Spencer: Overall, how has your Senior Bowl experience been?

Alexander: It’s been pretty good. It’s a different type of deal. I’m walking around and I’m always getting pulled different directions by scouts or whatever. So it’s a pretty big deal for me right now.

Spencer: So you’ve had a chance to talk to all the NFL teams?

Alexander: Yeah, I’ve been interviewing with guys every time I’m in the lobby. I’ve had at least 20 meetings already which is kind of crazy. I’ve got more lined up when I get back tonight.

Spencer: Any particular teams showing a little more interest than others?

Alexander: It’s kind of hard to tell at this point. They all basically want to know the same things. They want to know about your history and everything about your life. And they’re asking me about my knee a lot.

Spencer: How is the knee, by the way?

Alexander: It’s doing pretty good. Doing pretty good.

Spencer: What’s the oddest question the scouts have asked you so far?

Alexander: I haven’t really got to the weird questions yet. Everything’s been pretty basic so far.

Spencer: While you’ve been in practice, what corners have given you the toughest time in passing or team drills?

Alexander: I think the guy from Boise State [Kyle Wilson]. He’s pretty good. He’s a smart player. He can sit on a lot of routes and we’ve been running a lot of comebacks, so he doesn’t sit on those, but he’s a pretty good player.

Spencer: Looking at your side of the ball, who has impressed you on offense this week?

Alexander: I think Jacoby Ford. I think he’s really showing his talents. He caught a lot of balls today. He’s shown everyone that he can play for a small guy.

Spencer: What would you say is the strongest aspect of your game?

Alexander: Being physical. Catching the ball and after the catch. Yards after the catch is a big thing for me. I try to get to the endzone every time I catch the ball.

Spencer: Do you have a specific route you like to run or a particular area of the field that you like to work?

Alexander: I actually like to work the middle. A lot of guys catch the ball and look around but I like to catch the ball and get up field as fast as I can. And you can make a lot of guys miss like that.

Spencer: You led the nation in receiving yards this year, you have all the physical attributes scouts look for, so does it bother you that you aren’t being mentioned along side players like Dez Bryant as the top wide receivers in this class?

Alexander: That’s something I can’t focus on too much. I’ve gotta come out and have a good week this week and put my name out there. I’m pretty sure the scouts see what they need to see. So I’ve just gotta play my best right now to show everyone that I can play.

Spencer: So how important do you think this week is for your draft stock?

Alexander: It’s very important. I’ve gotta come out and show everyone that I can run routes and catch balls and that I’m an all around receiver.

Spencer: What would you say you have to work on the most?

Alexander: Probably just coming out of my breaks a little quicker. Everything else is pretty much polished and good for me right now.

Spencer: Did you have a particular NFL team that you follow or is it going to be “whatever team drafts me, I’m gonna love!”

Alexander: Pretty much, but I grew up a Cowboys fan. I grew up around that area but right now, I’m a fan of every team until draft day.

Spencer: Do you have a particular wide receiver that you grew up watching and tried to model your style of play after?

Alexander: I kind of like watching Moss and T.O. I kind of want to try to mix those two guys and be somewhere in the middle. Be able to catch those deep balls and be as explosive as T.O. is.

Spencer: What are you looking forward to the most in the draft process?


Alexander: I’m looking forward to hearing my name on draft day, of course. That’s my dream. I’ve been playing football my whole life and for them to call my name on draft day, that’d be the biggest thing for me.

Spencer: Thanks a lot Danario, I appreciate your time.

Alexander: Thanks.

Versatility is the word that comes to mind when I watch Jared Odrick play. Odrick showed throughout his career at Penn State that he can be a disruptive force along the defensive line and he displayed the ability to line up as a 4-3 defensive tackle or 3-4 defensive end while at the Senior Bowl. Jared and I talked about where he fits in best in the NFL and how he found out about his Senior Bowl invitation. Read below for the transcript of our conversation.

Spencer: So far, how’s your Senior Bowl experience been?

Odrick: It’s been good. Busy. With all the testing, interviews and practice. But it’s been an experience so far.

Spencer: Have you had a chance to sit down with any NFL teams yet?

Odrick: Yeah, yeah. Quite a few.

Spencer: What’s the oddest thing the scouts have asked you so far?

Odrick: I really haven’t been asked anything out of the ordinary yet, but I know they’re coming. I know those questions are coming.

Spencer: When you were invited to come play at the Senior Bowl, was there ever a doubt in your mind that you’d participate? Or was it something you had to give a lot of thought to?

Odrick: In terms of an invitation, I’d go to my d-line coach, Coach Johnson. I’d go up to him and ask him, ‘Hey, I’ve got something from other all-star games. Should I respond, should I give an answer, what should I do?’ There was a time where he was like ‘we’ll have our talk, we’ll have our talk,’ and he kept pushing it off. I think he was withholding the invitation that I got, I think because he wanted me to work for it like I did in my Senior year. I think that’s the way it came off, but I never asked. I think he received it, he just never told me about it. He just wanted to wait for the right time. But the day I got it was the day I responded.

Spencer: Who’s the toughest lineman you’ve had to face so far this week?

Odrick: Toughest? There was a pretty tough double team I had to face today between [Mike] Iupati and Sam Young. I pride myself in handling double teams and facing them head on and either trying to split them or hold them. But it was pretty tough today. I lost my footing and those two guys got the best of me.

Spencer: Turning to your side of the ball, who have you been playing beside that has really stood out to you?

Odrick: Cal, [Tyson] Alualu. He’s really good with his hands. Very good with his hands, shedding people. I’ve watched him a few times on TV but I was more impressed here in person. But I’ve been playing beside Cam Thomas of North Carolina, so I can’t really watch him. But I’ve been watching Alualu and been really impressed.

Spencer: What would you say is the strongest aspect of your game that you’d bring to an NFL team?

Odrick: It’s hard to talk about yourself because I always think that I have so much to work on.

Spencer: Well look at it this way. If a team was watching you on film, how would they game plan against you?

Odrick: Double team me. I think that’s one thing. I’m the type of player that commands a double team. I guess that’s one thing I would write down if I was a scout. There’s not many times throughout a game that I’m not double team. There wasn’t many times throughout my whole Senior season. I think I’m the type of player that left in single blocking, I’m gonna disrupt plays or go make a play. So I’d probably have to say that.

Spencer: Where do you think you’d fit in best in the NFL? A one gap defensive tackle or a 5 technique in a 3-4 defense?

Odrick: I’d say a 3 or a 5 technique. I think I can play in multiple schemes, to tell you the truth, and I’ve been hearing the same thing from NFL teams. So it will be interesting to see where I eventually land.

Spencer: Jared, I appreciate you taking your time out to talk to me.

Odrick: Thank you.

No interior defensive lineman helped themselves as much during the Senior Bowl as Dan Williams of Tennessee. Williams showed the strength and versatility to play several spots along the defensive line which will probably land him somewhere in the late first round on draft day. I had the chance to talk to Dan after practice early in the week. Here’s the transcript of that conversation.

Spencer: What are you initial impressions of the Senior Bowl?

Williams: First thing, I was just excited to be here. It’s just a huge honor, just being invited. There’s been a lot of great players here before me and I want to try to keep up with the tradition that the Senior Bowl has of sending guys to the next level.

Spencer: Has there been anything in particular the coaches have had you working on?

Williams: Just trying to get the base defense they have. Just trying to get us used to it and the language they use. We’re from all different parts of the country and we’re just trying to learn the plays and learn everything so we can start playing fast.

Spencer: Who’s been the toughest guy you’ve faced on the offensive line this week?

Williams: Of guys I’ve went against, I’d say Mike Johnson of Alabama. We went against each other in the pass rush [drills] today and he won one and I won one. I’m just trying to figure everybody out and go against everybody the rest of the week so I can continue to get better.

Spencer: Anyone on defense stand out to you this week?

Williams: Oh yeah. We’re starting to get together out here and get to know each other. We’re pushing guys, especially in one on ones. I’d say Jeff Owens (Georgia) had a couple good pass rushes today. We’re all living off each other out here. And especially today, one who showed me something was Antonio Coleman (Auburn). He went up and over big Ciron Black from LSU in pass rush drills, so he did impress me today.

Spencer: Is it a distraction at all here with all the attention Tebow is getting from the local fans and media?

Williams: Not really. You have one purpose and everyone has that purpose. You’re trying to improve their draft stock and trying to impress these NFL scouts, coaches and GMs.

Spencer: Thanks a lot for your time, Dan and good luck this week.

Williams: Alright man, take it easy.

Probably the best player at the Senior Bowl practices and in the game, Michigan DE/OLB Brandon Graham was a force on the field. Graham won the Senior Bowl MVP award after recording two sacks and a forced fumble in the dominate win for the North team. I had a chance to talk to Brandon a few times during the week. Here’s the first transcript of our first conversation.

Spencer: What’s your Senior Bowl experience been like so far?

Graham: The tempo is fast and I expected it. That’s all I’ve been practicing for. I feel like I did good today. I was kind of sad because one of my boys, O’Brien Schofield, tore his knee up today. So he won’t be participating no more. I talked to him for a minute and told him that I’m gonna keep him in my prayers and I’ll keep going for him. Stuff happens for a reason, so you just have to keep fighting.

Spencer: Did you plan all along to play in the Senior Bowl if you were invited, or was it something you had to really think about?

Graham: No, it’s always an honor to get invited somewhere. Especially for what you’re doing. It’s like an accomplishment and a privilege, like they say and I appreciate it.

Spencer: What are you trying to show scouts while you’re here?

Graham: Just trying to show that my motor’s always going. I love football and I just wanna make plays and sack the quarterback.

Spencer: You’ve matched up against some pretty good offensive lineman out here. Who has given you the toughest time in practice?

Graham: Uh, I forgot his name…from UMass.

Spencer: Ducasse?

Graham: Yeah, Ducasse. I’ve only seen him in team drills, but not in one on one. I did see the one from Virginia Tech (Wang).

Spencer: What about on your side of the ball. Who’s impressed you so far?

Graham: Jared Odrick. That boy’s a good player and he’s got a motor, too. He always keeps going and I can’t wait to see him in the game.

Spencer: Where do you think you fit in best in the NFL? Do you think you’re a 3-4 outside linebacker or do you feel confident you can play 4-3 defensive end at the next level?

Graham: I don’t really wanna say because I’m willing to do 4-3, 3-4, it doesn’t matter. I like linebacker a lot. I’ll say it like that. But I’ll play wherever the coaches want me to play.

Spencer: Do you feel pretty comfortable dropping into coverage?

Graham: Oh yeah. I feel real good. I’ve been working on my hips, working on my drops every day in practice for Michigan. It’s almost the same but it’s a little different. With a little coaching from NFL guys, I believe I’ll get it done.

Spencer: Is there a difference working with an NFL coaching staff than with the staff at Michigan?

Graham: It’s almost the same. Since they’re teaching all basic kind of stuff, it’s kind of the same. But the intensity is there, the way they do it in practice, But they’re NFL guys, so of course they’re better than college guys. But at the same time, I believe it’s all the same thing so you just have to buy into it.

Spencer: Did you grow up with a favorite NFL player?

Graham: Ray Lewis. That’s my guy. I try to just go hard like him. He works out so hard from everybody I hear. I just see him out there and it shows out there on the field. That’s what I wanted to be. I wanna show how hard I put in to it, how much hard work I put into it, so I just appreciate this opportunity.

Spencer: What would it be like to get drafted by the Ravens and play next to your childhood idol?

Graham: Hey, they would love Brandon Graham. I would bring the passion for the game and you’d just know that you have 100% coming.

Spencer: What would it be like for you having Ray Lewis behind you and Terrell Suggs on the other side?

Graham: That’d be nice right there. That’s scary. First off, not only is Ray Lewis a great player, he’s a mentor. He’d teach me a whole lot. That’d be a good fit, just on the football stand point. I’ve never met him as a person but I keep hearing good things about him.

Spencer: What are you looking forward to the most throughout the rest of the draft process?

Graham: I’m looking forward to tomorrow and then the Senior Bowl. Then running in the 4.5s. I’m trying and I’m working. I’m excited because I like when people doubt me. That’s just a challegenge and I like challenges and I’m gonna try to fulfill it. And if I don’t, then I gave it my all and that’s all I can say.

Spencer: One thing we can’t doubt is your ability to get to the quarterback. What goes through your head as you come around the corner and have the QB in your sights?

Graham: Hey, get out of my way. You better get out of my way because I’m coming.

Spencer: Thanks a lot for your time, Brandon.

Graham: No problem!

One of my favorite guys at the Senior Bowl has been the speedy all-purpose back, Dexter McCluster. Dexter has stolen the show in Mobile and is really flashing his explosiveness when the ball is in his hands. I had the chance to sit down with Dexter and talk about his Senior Bowl experience and how he thinks he’ll be utilized at the next level. Continue reading below for the full transcript of our conversation.

Spencer: Alright, I’m just gonna throw it out there. How often do you get mistaken for Lil’ Wayne?

McCluster: All the time man. All the time. Some people come up to me and are like ‘Are you Lil’ Wayne?’ I’m like, ‘Nah, I’ve got the gap, he’s got the grill’ (pointing to his teeth), so I’m good.

Spencer: What’s your Senior Bowl experience been like so far?

McCluster: Ah man, it’s been great. Coming in to it, people told me about it but you can never imagine something like this. It’s a once in a life time type deal. So I’m enjoying it, enjoying talking to everybody, including you, (laughs) and all the teams. Practice is great. It’s fast tempo and everything is just going. We’re learning with NFL coaches, so you can’t go wrong.

Spencer: What have the coaches been talking to you about or wanting to see from you on the practice field?

McCluster: Well, they wanna really see me do more special teams. I had been pushing to do that in college but they gave me that deal of ‘we don’t wanna get you hurt, we wanna keep you fresh because you’re kind of the engine of this team.’ So I was just like, just let me loose, let me do it. But they’ll let me do it now in the Senior Bowl. They wanna see me play slot receiver, which I know I can, I’ve just got to show them that I can do it. But pretty much I’ll be every where, so I’ll be ready.

Spencer: You’re kind of a jack of all trades, but what’s your favorite thing? Do you like to run the ball more, catch more, return more, what do you prefer?

McCluster: I’ll say this. I like the ball in my hands early. I feel like I can make some good decisions with it in my hands early.

Spencer: What’s the best thing that you bring to the table for an NFL team? If I’m a scout and you can tell me one thing about your game to make me draft you, what would that be?

McCluster: I would say my heart, my passion and my dedication. My heart is so big, man. A lot of people come to me all the time and say ‘You’re 165 pounds, how do you do it?’ And I look at them and tell them, you know what? I’ve got the heart of a lion. I’m not scared of nobody. I’m gonna compete and go toe to toe with you and we’ll see what happens.

Spencer: Was there ever a doubt in your mind that you’d participate in the Senior Bowl, or was this something that you really had to think about before making a decision?

McCluster: It’s another opportunity to compete and just show that I’m an all around player. You may look at me and think that I’m on the small side but at the end of the day, I’m gonna show you that I’m a big guy.

Spencer: What does the success of smaller backs like Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew and Ray Rice do for you and your draft stock?

McCluster: It helps me out. Just seeing them have that type of success at the next level just shows that, you know what, I can do that too.

Spencer: Are there any particular NFL players that you like to model your game after?

McCluster: You just said one, Chris Johnson, and Barry Sanders. That’s my man right there, man.

Spencer: What are you looking forward to the most throughout the draft process?

McCluster: I’m looking forward to just showcasing my abilities. Just letting them know that I’m an all around football player. That’s what I’m looking foward to.

Spencer: Have you had a chance to interview with any teams yet?

McCluster: I have. It’s been good. I’ve sat down with the Buccaneers, talked to them a little bit. Of course the Dolphins, since they’re coaching us and a couple more people. It’s been good. I’m just getting some feedback from them and them feeling me out and me feeling them out, and hopefully building a relationship with them.

Spencer: What are scouts saying to you about how they’d like to use you for their team in the NFL?

McCluster: Slot receiver and returner. Some of them say, maybe we can use you as a change of pace back, which I’d have no objections. So if they ask me, where do I see myself in the NFL, I say, ‘I see myself where ever you put me.’

Spencer: Do you have any particular draft day goals? Is it important for you to be drafted in a certain round?

McCluster: Yeah, you always wanna go first round. That’s been my goal, that’s my passion. So I’m gonna keep working at it and see what happens. If it doesn’t happen, whatever round I’m in, I’m gonna make sure I stay with it.

Spencer: What kind of 40 time do you think you’ll run at the Combine?

McCluster: In the 4.3 range.

Spencer: Thanks a lot Dexter, I really appreciate your time.

McCluster: No, thank you, man.

During Senior Bowl week, I had the pleasure of talking with Cincinnati WR Mardy Gilyard. Mardy was great and very vocal about his abilities and how things are going during Senior Bowl week. We talked about everything from Tim Tebow to Santonio Holmes, and he was very complimentary of the Detroit Lions coaching staff. Continue reading below for the full transcript of my chat with Gilyard.

Spencer: What’s your overall impression of the Senior Bowl so far?

Gilyard: Like I said the first day, everybody here is real.Back at school you play a lot of guys that go to smaller schools and can’t compete. But everybody here in NFL ready. The DBs are good, all the guys I’m going against are good. Everybody’s working hard to adapt to the speed of the game because mostly everybody out here is fast. These last couple of days I’ve just noticed that the North team, man, we’re starting to come together.

Spencer: What have you been learning from the Lions coaching staff while you’ve been here?

Gilyard: Oh man, it’s like, what haven’t they worked on with us? Coach Jefferson and Coach Todd (Downing), both of those guys are just excellent. They don’t shoot it to us sideways, they give it to us straight forward. Regardless of whether you like it or not because there’s times where we definitely don’t like what’s coming out of their mouths. But, it’s not for us to like those guys, it’s for us to get better and be successful in the league and those are the kind of coaches we need. So I just want to say kudos to Coach Jefferson and Coach Todd (Downing) for just getting us right. They’re starting to get us right and we’re getting better and better every day. I’ve probably learned more in the last couple days from these guys than I’ve learned in a while from playing the game of football. So those guys are working us.

Spencer: What’s the one thing you’ve been able to improve that the Lions staff has been able to help you with?

Gilyard: My route running. They’re helping me understand the route running and the route tree as it pertains to the NFL level. I’m able to get in and out of my breaks a little bit better. They’re just working on the fundamentals and mechanics of being a wide receiver with me and it’s helping me a lot.

Spencer: This Senior Bowl is a little bit different with all the extra attention on Tim Tebow. Is it a distraction for you or are you just trying to stay focused on your game?

Gilyard: Well, it isn’t a distraction for us because he’s on the South team. I can imagine how those guys on the South team feel though. Nobody here is getting attention for anything. It’s the Tebow show. He’s a rock star. I mean, you have other top guys in the game like myself, Stafon Johnson of USC, Taylor Mays of USC, Devin McCourty of Rutgers, [Kyle] Wilson of Boise State, I could name on and on. Asante from Nebraska, I could go on and on. My man Vladimir from UMass. I could go on and on and on about great players that are here, but you would never know. Probably no one is hearing about them because it’s Tebow’s show down here. He’s a rock star. You see little kids in the lobby with helmets on and his jersey on playing play football. I was listening to the radio yesterday down here in Mobile and even fans are tired of hearing about Tebow. They’re calling into radio shows saying ‘can we hear anything about any other athletes?’ But on the North side, we don’t get caught up in that because he’s not a part of our team. But I honestly feel bad for the guys on the South team because they aren’t getting credit for anything.

Spencer: I agree with you but I can tell you this. I don’t think the NFL scouts are paying as much attention to Tebow as the media is. They’re watching guys like you. Now looking at your game, what would you say is the strongest aspect of your game?

Gilyard: I’m versatile. I can come in immediately and help a team on special teams. I can play my role under those veteran receivers and learn the game a little bit better and also help those guys as a receiver as well. I’ve shown that I can go outside, I can play inside in the slot and I’ve shown my ability as a kick returner and a punt returner. So the main thing I can bring to the table is just being a versatile player.

Spencer: Are there any current NFL players that you model your game after?

Gilyard: Santonio Holmes. Everybody in Cincinnati kind of calls Santonio my twin, as funny as that sounds, because we just favor each other so much the way we play the game. I can’t explain it. Even in the Super Bowl when Santonio caught that ball, I remember a fan had a picture of Santonio and me on the sidelines in the Orange Bowl. It showed his picture with the catch and both feet in bounds in the end zone and then it shows me and my one foot down, over at the Orange Bowl. So it’s just little things like that. Every time he does something people are like ‘Hey Mardy, you see your twin on TV?’ And of course, both of us are from Florida, so that kind of falls into play. Santonio when to Ohio State and I was at Cincy, so it’s nice. It’s nice to just follow somebody like that because I take so much from the game from watching him and he probably doesn’t even know I watch him like that. But just watching that guy and enjoying the game. I enjoy watching what he does. I like it…it helps me do a lot of things.

Spencer: Before the play starts and you’re looking across the line of scrimmage at the defensive back, what’s going through your head?

Gilyard: I don’t even look at the DB at first. I actually scan my triangle and I kind of take a glimpse at the DB. I take a glimpse at the linebacker to see where he is. I’ll take a glimpse at the corner and kind of see where everyone is at. Then I focus in on the corner after I get my reads from my triangle. And of course, I’m really a noise talker out there. You’d never think that from seeing me off the field. The game’s mental too as well. If you can get in that guy’s head before the snap comes off, then you’ve won half of the battle right then. The best thing about corners is, and Deion Sanders is a prime example, he was really patient. So if you can get a corner to be impatient, then definitely you can win as a wide receiver. That’s what good wide receivers do, they get corners to be impatient. So if I can get them to get their concentration off of focusing on me and try to get them focusing on the personal level of what they can and can’t do to me, then that’s when I’ve got them.

Spencer: Are you working out anywhere in particular coming up to the Combine?

Gilyard: Yeah, I’m working out with Cliff Marshall down in Naples with Ignition.

Spencer: Mardy, I appreciate you taking your time out for me and I wish you the best of luck this week and in the Draft!

Gilyard: No problem!