Introduction....
What have you been doing?
Went back up to Colombus, visiting my family, working out. Been back here for about three weeks, working out, building for the upcoming season.
New LB coach?
Great guy. Starting to learn some things about him. Only heard great things, very intelligent, very precise. He's gonna let us play football, simplify things and just let us get out there and make some plays.
2007 - with new Wade defense, what were your expectations for your playing time?
I wanted to have an opportunity to play more than what I did. Just some things didn't work out because in a coach's first year, they're just trying to feel out the players and vice versa. You just don't have the background on each other. I think coming into this year the situation is going to be improved with the guys we got here and I think I'm going to be on the field alot more.
Did you feel any frustration as Bradie's backup, or did you understand Wade was more comfortable with him as a veteran?
It can be frustrating when you're not playing. I feel like I should be out there playing, not really sure where exactly, but I know I have the skillset to participate at a high level in this league, but at the same time I knew that Bradie was coming in as the starter for three years and it was gonna be tough to unseat him. I practiced hard in camp and really improved during the year, I feel like this year I'm coming in with a great deal more experience, I feel like they've been moving the LBs around to different positions to get the best players on the field, so I feel like that's going to help.
Contributed on special teams, are you ok with just playing situational roles?
Obviously I was drafted to come in and play defense, and that's my ultimate goal, but if I'm not doing that I definitely gonna help out any way I can, just trying to help thee team win games. Special teams, anything just play as hard as I could.
Moved inside and outside, are you most comfortable inside?
I can always play outside, but the skillset between ILB and OLB 4-3 is extremely different, between reading the man and reacting outside playing inside and being more patient seeing the offense, because you're expected to be in on every play. Over the course of the year I improved at that. Zach Thomas and his knowledge should help.
Thoughts on bringing in Thomas?
It was a little frustrating at first, try to understand their take on it. Team is always changing, trying to find pieces to contribute. Zach's a 13 year guy, has alot mentally to give and try to take advantage of.
Wade's comments on you at end of last season...do you think you'll get more opportunity in training camp?
I thought I was performing well up til the last preseason game. Going into it I was injured, but I still wanted tot ry to play and perform, I probably shouldn't have. Didn't play as well as I wanted to and it hurt my standing with the coaches. Once things settled in and your wnining you're not apt to change things up. He kinda told me at the end of the year that he probably should have got me in a little more. I'm excited about that this year working and understanding things I know I have the athletic ability to play out here.
Did you hear any trade rumors involving yourself?
I just want to have an opportunity to start in this league, if it wasn't going to be here I'd be willing to take it somewhere else. However this is where I want to be, it's a great team, a great situation. My agent and I talked to Jones about it, I don't think there was anything to it and they assured me that I wasn't going to be traded whether I wanted to be or not. Wade had a great deal of confidence in me, so I was excited at that point to come in this year and play and contribute on this team.
What are your expectations for this season?
To start and play every game, that's my goal. But I'd definitely like tog et a decent amount of snaps on defense, get in and contribute there, and whatever I'm in on special teams, to get in there and contribute as well. If I could lead the team in ST tackles and get in on 45-50% of defensive snaps, that'd be a great deal for me, if I'm doing that then our team is doing well. Our goal is super bowl, I think those things are very attainable.
How frustrating was playoff loss?
Anytime you lsoe it's tough, we haven't won a playoff game since 98, we thought this year we were gonna kick the door in and get it done. giants came in and got hot, especially watching them beat New England because we thought if we could get another shot at New England we might have done the same things the Giants did. Tough to watch the playoffs after knocked out.
NFC East game unpredictable?
Each of the 6 games was battle to end, especially when you have to play them a third time, familiar with each other. Sometimes you get the breaks, we didnt make our own breaks.
Thoughts on Karli Wetstone video?
Wife of one of my good friends from OSU. Told her if there was any way I could help, I would. When I was 18 I told her I wanted to be in one of her videos. I knew I was gonna take some grief in locker room, it took about a year to circulate but it's finally made it's way here. Guys in here definitely gave me a hard time. It's all good fun.
