Player Interviews
Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati (Houston Texans)
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Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon (Pittsburgh Steelers)
NFL Rough Draft: What have scouts said about your progress with taking snaps from under center?
Dixon: The question about taking snaps from center always cracks me up. I wonder if the Patriots were concerned if Tom Brady could take snaps from the shotgun when they first went to it. I read that he played out of the shotgun for about 60% of the plays last year. They both take some adjustment, but it's not like it takes month or years to adjust. It's more a matter of getting your timing down with the receivers. I feel that I'll be prepared because that's all I've been doing for the past 2 mos. As far as the NFL people my agent and I have talked to, they really don't seem too concerned about it. They say that I'll adjust quickly because of my athletic ability.
NFL Rough Draft: Your academic accolades certainly suggest that you won't have much trouble learning an NFL playbook. With that said, what do you think will be your biggest challenge as a rookie in the NFL?
Dixon: I'm not sure that my academic accolades will prepare me for what's about to come my way. I know I'll have the same challenge as every other rookie QB, and that is how much can you digest in such a short period of time. I can't wait.
NFL Rough Draft: Is there a specific team you'd like to play for?
Dixon: The one that is going to draft me.
NFL Rough Draft: What round do you think you'll come off the board?
Dixon: I'm not sure...I haven't gotten too caught up in that. I do know one thing....the earlier, the better.
NFL Rough Draft: Who was your favorite team as a kid?
Dixon: I grew up in San Leandro, CA, about 10 minutes from Oakland....so I would have to say the Raiders.
NFL Rough Draft: There was talk about how you knew your ACL was torn before the Arizona game, but you wanted to try and finish the season out anyway. First, let me say…Awesome! But, can you describe the process you went through in making that decision?
Dixon: It didn't hurt that bad so I thought I could play. I had two weeks to get ready for that game, so it felt pretty good going into it. More importantly, we hadn't reached all the goals we set and I felt that I'd be letting the team down if I didn't keep playing. We were pretty close to that National Championship game, so I really wanted to accomplish that.
NFL Rough Draft: Can you describe the rehab process you have endured since the Arizona game?
Dixon: I didn't have surgery until Dec. 15th...but from then on, it's been tough. If you go on my website, www.dennisdixon10.com, you'll see a lot of the rehab. It's pretty cool. Lots of pool work, underwater treadmill, stability ball, and more recently I've been working on explosive change of direction drills.
NFL Rough Draft: I've read that you recently visited with the Steelers. How did it go?
Dixon: It went great. I've never been there. It's a great city and they have some passionate fans.I'm also visiting the Redskins, Panthers and 49ers this week.
NFL Rough Draft: What are some of the things you've worked on most during the pre draft process?
Dixon: My pre-draft was different than most guys. I spent most of the time doing rehab and the other time throwing routes, trying to get my timing back. I've also spent a lot of time on the board with my Offensive Coordinator, Chip Kelly staying mentally sharp.
NFL Rough Draft: Where will you be on the weekend of the draft?
Dixon: I'll probably be in Oregon...probably bowling.
NFL Rough Draft: How do you think you'll react when the call finally comes?
Dixon: Excited...it'll give me something to focus on rather than rehab. It will be another chance to compete and hopefully succeed at another level.
Dennis, thank you so much for your time. I've been telling people that you're the best quarterback in the draft for months! Best wishes from NFLRoughDraft.com.
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Patrick Chung, S, Oregon (New England Patriots)
NFL Rough Draft: Hi Patrick, we have you rated as the top safety in the class because of your polished skill-set. What part of your game do you take the most pride in?
Chung: I take pride in leadership, passion, and delivering punishment.
Chung: I think my versatility separates me, and also special teams play. I played on all four for all four of my years at Oregon.
Chung: I have never really thought about it, I was just playing to the best of my ability and now I have the chance to show what I can do at the next level. So it’s showtime!!
Chung: I can’t really answer that, we had alot of talent this year at different positions. So I’m praying that all of us will be the best pro at our position.
Chung: The best offensive player I played against was the tight end from Arizona University (Rob Gronkowski). He was a beast.
Chung: It has to be a throw up between tight end from Arizona or Walter Thurmond from Oregon, they are both ballers.
Chung: I’ve had contact with alot of teams, maybe around 24 or so.
Chung: I have one more visit with Cleveland. I have pretty much done all of my visits in the past two weeks. (San Diego, Philadelphia, New England, and Denver)
Chung: Whichever one chooses me. haha
Chung: On April 25th, Im just going to hang out with the family and close friends and just sit and watch the draft. See where my friends are going to end up, along with me.
Chung: Thanks man, I appreciate it.
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Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington State (St. Louis Rams)
NFL Rough Draft: Hi Brandon Thanks for your time. Between battling for playing time alongside Michael Bumpus and Jason Hill to fighting through a difficult senior season you overcame
a lot during your career at WSU. Even when you were the most prolific
receiver in the Pac-10 during your junior season you were playing
through a number of injuries including a nagging heel injury. With all
that said, do you think teams have an accurate gauge of your potential
or do you see yourself as more of a sleeper who is going to surprise
people at the next level?
Gibson: Ive played since 2005 so I think there is enough film. Ive played along side of some pretty good recievers i think. Jason was a big time threat who i learned a lot from, and Bump was incredible reciever with reliable hands...he did a lot of the dirty work...I was fortuante to learn from both of them and kind of put my own twist on things but I dont have a problem with being a sleeper, I came into WSU as a backup and i was able to accomplish great things. Im hoping to get an opportunity in the NFL, and I liked to get drafted as high as possible but I understand the evaluation kind of puts players in ceratin rounds.
NFL Rough Draft: Mike Levenseller is regarded as one of the best receiver coaches in
college football, how did having coach Levy as both your offensive
coordinator then later position coach help prepare you for the next
level?
Gibson: Coach Levenseller is probably the biggest reason for my successfull college career. He challenged me early in my career to be the best. The hardest part for me was probably blocking and he made work at it every practice...I began to understanding his play calling my junior, of course you need the run to set up pass or vice versa and he would use that formula along with a small amount of screen game to get the ball rolling. I think he is one hell of a coach and really can get through to his players. He is very precise in the way he teaches routes and i think im a reflection of that.
NFL Rough Draft: Who was the best cornerback that you played against this past season?
Gibson: This is a hard question to answer mainly because I wasnt able to get an accurate judge on the players i played against because we were so limited on offense...but Ill go wit Devin Ross. I think hes pretty talented.
NFL Rough Draft: Ok, you can choose anyone except yourself. The best overall player in the Pac-10 last season was…?
Gibson: Offense: Jahvid Best: You gotta hold your breath everytime he touches the ball, recieving and rushing and in the return game
Defense: I though Pat Chung did a good job of being around the ball and making plays on defense as well.
NFL Rough Draft: Which teams have you had contact with so far?
Gibson: Well 11 to 12 teams came to my workout...so im guessing those teams: Seattle, Cotls, Saints, Giants and the Packers.
NFL Rough Draft: Do you have any visits with NFL teams scheduled in the near future?
Gibson: I have a local workout with the Seahawks on the 6th, I think I might meet some of their coaches.
NFL Rough Draft: What is your dream scenario for draft day? Being a state of
Washington product is there any interest in playing for the Seahawks
and re-forming the Bumpus/Gibson receiver duo?
Gibson: Hopefully i get a call from an unknown 425 number and its Coach Mora saying "do you want to be an Seahawk?" That'd be a dream come true but ya never know that'd b a 1/32 chance...Id love to play wit Bump i hope i get that opportunity again.
NFL Rough Draft: What will be the better feeling, hearing your name called on draft
day or hearing complete silence come over Husky Stadium after you
hauled in the game winning touchdown in the Apple Cup two seasons ago?
Gibson: That was an incredible game and I had a lot of fun taking part in it, but throughout my life i have dreamed of being drafted...ive worked so hard just to get here and I think itll be a huge accomplisment...I'm praying I will get that opportunity.
NFL Rough Draft: Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions Brandon. We wish you the best of luck in the NFL.
Gibson: Thank you