Quentin Poling – June 13, 2018
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Wednesday, June 13, 2018
LB Quentin Poling
(How would you describe, since it’s almost over, your first camp?) – “Exciting. It’s fast-paced obviously going from college to the NFL. It’s not just the speed of the game, but just how practices are run and the expectations and everything. It’s different. It’s been a good adjustment though and I think it’s gone well for me and as a defense, especially.”
(What’s been the biggest eye-opener for you?) – “There hasn’t been anything too crazy, to be honest. You come into things and you come in with high expectations for everything, so you leave little surprises out there.”
(Any plays you are proud of that you’ve made? Anything in particular in 11-on-11 work?) – “Nothing too crazy. I had an interception today for me so that was a highlight through camp for me so far probably.”
(Can you remember who threw it?) – “No.”
(Was it a ball right in your area, or did you have to lunge to get it?) – “I don’t know. Maybe he just didn’t see me because it seemed like I baited him on that one.”
(What are your plans for the time between the offseason program and the start of training camp?) – “I’ll be down in Florida training, staying in the heat and getting used to that – body acclamation – and all that.”
(How do you like living in Florida?) – “It’s warm. It rains a lot. I’ve talked to some people and I’m like, ‘When is it going to stop raining?’ They’re like, ‘November.’ I was like we call that summer back in Ohio. You guys call it rain season here.”
(Among the group of players you’ve been going against primarily on offense and team drills, just a couple of guys who stood out to you on offense?) – “I’m more worried about the defense right now and getting things situated with those guys. (Mike) Gesicki is making some nice catches and things like that, as he should. Besides that, I’m just working with the defense and focusing more on us and more on myself as supposed to the offense.”
(How about that same question for your side of the ball? Anyone in the group you’ve been working with that kind of stood out to you?) – “I think everyone is doing a good job. I think watching practice, the defensive line is doing a great job playing aggressive and getting after it. They’ve looked really good here through this offseason training. In the back end, the linebackers, I think we’re progressing nicely as well.”
(There’s obviously a lot of people you can learn from, veterans and young players alike. How do you go about picking and choosing what they do and how to apply it to you? How do you handle that whole process?) – “Just watching them. Like you said, there’s a lot of different guys. You don’t necessarily have to watch your position. It’s not just, ‘Oh, this guy is at my position. Today watch that guy.’ You can just watch great leaders. You can watch guys on offense and watch how they lead and how they carry themselves and you can take things away from that. You don’t necessarily have to look at one specific guy. You can watch the vets as a whole. We have a lot of great leaders on defense, so just watching those guys.”
(Are there any vets that you’re kind of like, “I want to pay close attention to those guys?”) – “I think … Not necessarily a vet; but, Raekwon (McMillan) is doing a great job. (He has a) good work ethic. Kiko (Alonso) also, and Cam Wake and Robert Quinn. (They’ve been) outstanding so far, so just watching how they carry themselves, get to the ball, always running, speed-chasing and all of that stuff. (I’m) just trying to replicate that.”
(What’s an actual example of development for you during this past month? What’s something that wasn’t very good at the beginning that you feel better about now?) – “Just understanding coverages and leverages, things like that. As I’ve been moved across linebacker positions, just understanding that I’m not always just in the middle now, like I was in college. Just understanding leverages on wide receivers and how that can help in coverage with not necessarily being the fastest guy but if you play your leverage and technique well, you can cover a guy.”
(Have you worked at all three spots?) – “I’ve moved around, yes.”
(Has that been the same also with LB Cayson Collins and LB Mike McCray? Have all three of you guys?) – “Yes, not just the young guys. Everyone … All of the linebackers are moving around and learning more than one spot just kind of helps you understand the why behind the defense and things of the other positions. If you know what everyone is doing as a linebacker, it just opens your vision so much more to how the defense operates and helps you play. We’re moving around between sub packages, base packages. That’s for everyone.”
(Which rookie is the funniest?) – “I don’t know how to answer that.”
(Who has a great sense of humor?) – “I like ‘Bake’ (Jerome Baker). I like Jerome. We’re roommates. Some of the stuff he does … Obviously, I’m not going to invade on his personal stuff; but some of the things he does in the hotel room, I just … I mean, it’s crazy.”
(Interesting show selections, television programs?) – “Nope, nope. I’m not even going to go into it. (laughter) He does some funny stuff.”
(Strongest personality, like who is a clear leader in the group? Who has that strong leadership presence between the rookies?) – “I think Minkah (Fitzpatrick). He’s doing a great job embracing the role and everything. Just stepping into it and trying to work hard and show that he should be in the position that he is and all of that. He’s doing a good job so far.”
Cameron Wake – June 13, 2018
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Wednesday, June 13, 2018
DE Cameron Wake
(What are your thoughts on the addition of DE Robert Quinn?) – “Pleasantly pleased, I guess? Obviously, being in this league for a while, I know of the guy. I can’t say I knew him personally before now, but knew of him. (I) obviously watched his body of work. (He is a) tremendous, tremendous football player. I can say he’s a great man and a great teammate. I’m actually smiles all around for that acquisition, for sure.”
(What do you think of the overhaul to the defensive line in general? It sounds like not only are there more guys, but it seems like there’s a little bit of a new plan to kind of roll guys through and keep everyone a little fresher.) – “I’m all for that. I think, obviously, playing defensive line is – of course debate amongst you as you will – I think probably the most taxing position on the field. What you do is different than any other sport, position, or whatever it may be; but it’s a lot. So having guys and being able to trust guys to say, ‘Hey, listen. Such and such may not be in this week, but (we need) you to go in and play at the same level. No let down. Do the same things and give it all you got, and somebody will be in there to spell you when necessary.’ I like that plan of attack and I look forward to implementing it into game-time situations.”
(There is this theory that your fellow defensive lineman have come up with that DE Robert Quinn’s bend is the best that they’ve ever seen. I’ve seen your bend. I’d like to get your thoughts on who’s bend is better and your viewpoint of Robert Quinn’s bend.) – “He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s done a lot of things that you don’t see anywhere else. So, comparing bends, that’s … Again, enjoy yourselves. I’m looking forward to meeting him – both of us bending – at the quarterback come Sundays, for sure.”
(What does DE Robert Quinn do that’s so phenomenal athletically?) – “It’s probably a combination of the maker – his mom and dad – hard work, flexibility and just that wisdom of where the quarterback is going to be, (knowing) at what point do you bend, which step – things that he’s probably repeated and done through repetition 10 million times throughout his career. But it’s one of those things where it’s looking across, I see it and I know for an offensive lineman, that’s a bear. I’m going to enjoy watching it on Sundays. I’m sure you guys will, too.”
(You had a productive season individually last year; but you guys collectively, the sacks, you were in the bottom five I think in the league. Did that wear on you that as a group you weren’t able to do that and did you identify anything, any trends? Were you guys close a lot of times? What was holding you guys back as a group?) – “There were a lot of missed opportunities sometimes. I think, to me, I’m not a sack counter. I think you guys know that about me. I honestly couldn’t even tell you where we ranked. I know as a defense and as a team, we didn’t get to where we should’ve. If you look at the guys we had, and our expectations, we weren’t there. If we were to have success as a team, I truly don’t care about sack numbers. I just want to get everybody on the same page as far as winning the game on Sunday and us reaching our potential. I think obviously potential to be at the top of the sack numbers should be there; but I think that comes with all of the other pieces of the puzzle – whether it’s stopping the run, third-down numbers, some things offenses are going to do or not do. All of that ties into what you get to do as far as getting to the quarterback.”
(A couple things about you: I think it’s ironic you’re wearing a sacrifice shirt because isn’t that the story of your career in many ways?) – “Are you sure it’s not a coincidence?”
(No.) – “Truly it is. I think, every year, I go through and I kind of get an opportunity to see the young guys, see the new guys and get different stories from different guys, whether it’s free agents or first-round picks, whatever it may be. You can’t help but to kind of reminisce back on your own and reflect. Every year I tell the rookies, ‘You’re already in a better position than I was when I was at the same point in my career long ago. Cherish the moment. Trust me. Take it from me that whatever is pulling you on the outside of football – I don’t care if it’s the South Florida sun, fishing, golfing, girls, party – whatever that thing is, sacrifice for now and put everything you can into this game and it’ll reward you tenfold. A lot of guys who listen, you’ll hear their name some day. Some guys you won’t. That’s just the nature of the business and you’ll never know who they are.”
(I know you’re 36 years old. Do you feel it? Do you feel like you’re in the same condition you were five years ago, 10 years ago? Can you give us your mindset right now about where you are physically?) – “I feel good. I feel as good as I’ve ever felt. As you get closer and closer to tapping out that battle with father time, I think you have to do whatever you can on the other side as far as the wisdom of the game. You maybe can’t physically work as hard, but you can definitely work smarter. There are more things I know now that I didn’t know when I was 25 years old when I was out there running around with whatever God gave me. To be able to be as physically able as possible at 36, and still have that wisdom to put those two things together, I think you can still be successful. Again, with a little bit of sacrifice, if it’s worth it, then I think the fruits of your labor will come to bear. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
(Is it fully year-round for you? Do you have to do it every single week or is there a long weekend you take sitting on the beach where you don’t work out?) – “All year round. It’s a lifestyle. People always ask me, ‘When do you cheat?’ or ‘When do you do this?’ To me, it’s … I don’t even look at it like a cheat. I’ve decided many years ago that this is going to be my life if I want to be successful. To me, every week off that I’m taking is a week that some other guy is not, or a week that I’m stepping back or a sack that I’m going to miss or a play that I’m not going to get. It all comes down to what it’s worth. If I told you or I told a rookie or whoever, ‘Listen, if you never drink a drink of alcohol throughout your entire career, you’ll have 15 more sacks for the years you’re playing. Whatever that is. Is that worth it to you?’ Some guys say yes; some guys says no. ‘Never have fried food for your 10 years and you’ll make X more money.’ Some guys say yes, some guys say no. To me, even if it’s one sack, one play, it’s worth it, because 10 years from now when I’m not playing, I can have all the cheeseburgers, all the beaches, all the everything, because I put the time in now to put myself in a position that I can have all those things. But if you try to do it the other way around, you won’t be in that position to even enjoy the stuff that you’re working towards. It’s all year round. It’s 24/7. It’s just a lifestyle. It’s not a cheat or a weekend. It’s my life and it won’t change until I stop playing.”
(Are you always calculating it? Would you turn down a beer in February saying, “That might be a sack I don’t get Week 7 against Buffalo,” or something?) – “No. I said in 2005 that I’m not going to have beer, because it will make days like the days that come where it’s third-and-10 and he’s hurting or he’s tired or he didn’t recover – whatever the million different scenarios – I know I have a step ahead of him no matter what it is. It could be one millisecond. It could be … To me, even if it’s 10 years for that one millisecond, that’s worth it for me. Beer is not my thing, but it’s not that much of a draw that I can’t get … Beer is not going to change. Beer is going to taste the same in 10 years as it tastes tomorrow, yesterday and that sack won’t. That opportunity won’t be there 10 years from now. So, I can get it now; I’ll have the beer later.”
(Ten years from now, what is the end game for Cameron Wake? I say 10 because that’s probably when you’ll retire.) – “Freedom is my ultimate goal. I think unlike … Probably no different than most of the guys in here, whether it’s (the) newspaper business (or) football you want to have freedom. I want to say in 10 years I will be able to do whatever I want. If it’s skiing all year round in the Swiss Alps, I sacrificed so that I could do that. Or if it’s teaching boys and girls how to pass rush, whatever it may be, I can make that choice. But like I said earlier, if I’ve been drinking beers for the last 10 years, I might have to go do something for the next 40 years. I couldn’t go skiing and drink beer all day and sit on the beach, whatever it may be. To me, freedom is happiness and that’s kind of what my direction is.”
(We all know the story back in 2016 of how the vision was to make you a pass-rush specialist and not play on early downs. Coaches admitted that wasn’t ideal. You started 10-6, continued last year with good play. Do you fully expect to remain a starter and does the idea of ever being a pass-rush specialist appeal to you or are you an NFL starter who should complete his career as an NFL starter?) – “I feel that I have NFL starter ability. I don’t think that’s been questioned or ever been a question. I’ve obviously been that for however many years it’s been. But again, like I said earlier, working hard versus working smarter. Could I play every down? Obviously, yes, I’ve shown that. Is that in the best interest of the team? Is that in the best interest of myself? Question mark. I think to me, as I’ve shown … Again, I’m not … I don’t have this ‘Everybody look at me. I must be the starter.’ That’s not my mentality. I want to do whatever is going to help the entirety of the team, the entirety of the defense. So, if it means me being a third-down guy, let’s do it. If it means I have to start and play every down, I’ll take that role on, too. And I’ve done both and I think I’ve been fairly successful either way. Again, it’s going to come down to the personnel, the scheme and what’s going to work out for everybody involved. I don’t have an ego that I need to have that starter by my name. Whatever needs to happen will happen. Let’s get it done.”
(Ten years of playing is a long time for anything, but what is your best guess today as to what you will be doing 10 years from now? What is your number one goal?) – “That’s a hard question, because if you would’ve asked me 10 years ago, I don’t know if I would’ve said I’d be doing this now. So, 10 years from now, your guess is as good as mine. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be skiing in the Swiss Alps somewhere. Who knows?”
(Have you ever been skiing?) – “Every year.”
(When it comes to DE Charles Harris, have you enjoyed a mentorship role with him? Is that something that you look for or you’ll do it if he asks? What’s your attitude towards it?) – “I probably enjoy that (not) as much as playing football, but quite close. I think … Again, there’s so much that you gain playing this game and being in the locker room and just going through life as an NFL player that no teacher can teach you, no pamphlet, no seminar. Most coaches don’t understand and don’t know. You’d have to have been in the mix and a lot of the lessons that I’ve learned early on in my career were from guys who played 10-plus years in the league and said, ‘Listen, this is how you get to the quarterback. This is what to look for on Sunday. This is what to look for off the field. Don’t do this. This is how you’re going to get that second contract.’ So many different things that go into being a professional athlete and being a good pro. To me, I want to see everybody win. I want you to make the most money, get the most sacks. I’ve done that. One of my younger players was telling me, ‘I’m going to make sure we get you to the Pro Bowl.’ I’m like, ‘Let’s get you to the Pro Bowl. I’ve been to the Pro Bowl. I’ve done this, this and this. How about let’s get you there?’ So, whatever you need, whether on the field, off the field, anything. I am completely open and again, I want to share that wisdom because it’s not like I can go to other areas and tell them, ‘This is how you do this pass rush,’ or, ‘This is how to work as an NFL player.’ I can only speak to a certain group who has the ability and who will be able to implement the things that I’m saying. It’s kind of that use it or lose it. I’m not going to take it with me and give it to anyone else. I’ve got to give it to the Charles Harrises of the world to hopefully apply the same way the Jason Taylors of the world (did) for me, to have me stand here talking to you guys.”
(For every young player who kind of wants to follow you, they say, “Do what Cam does.” And after they join you for a while says, “I can’t do that.” Do you have that moment?) – “I’m going to say not just young players, I’ve had older players. They kind of pick you brain and say, ‘Okay, what is it?’ And maybe it’s like he spoke about not having a beer year round. And again, this is not universal or exclusive to me or to football or to anything. It’s what is it worth to you? Is one more sack worth five years of a clean diet? Some people are like, ‘That’s crazy. I love cheeseburgers.’ Some people would say, ‘Yes, I’ll do anything I can to have one more sack.’ Because like I said before, cheeseburgers aren’t going anywhere – video games, women, partying. All of that stuff will be there, trust me. But you’re only going to have one Monday Night Football game. You’ll never get it again. I’ve had guys, like I said, veterans, rookies, people who work 9 to 5 all come to me like, ‘You’re crazy.’ But I’ve also have people who’ve said, ‘You know what? I’m going to do whatever I can to make myself better.’ It’s a universal thing for anybody. What is it worth to you? Are you willing to pay the cost? Some are; some aren’t.”
Isaiah Ford – June 13, 2018
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Wednesday, June 13, 2018
WR Isaiah Ford
(We haven’t had a chance to talk to you since the injury last August. How did it happen? Did you know right away it was serious?) – “It happened just running a slant. I was going against Tony Lippett and I joke with him a bunch because he got hurt about a week or so right after I did. I just made a plant that I’ve made a ton of times and me and him kind of collided a little bit and I kind of felt it. Once I finished the route, I sensed that it didn’t feel right; but I pushed through it and finished the day off and practice the next day as well. After that, it was stiff on me and I was like something is not right here. That’s when the swelling started to show and we had the test done and it showed I had the tear.”
(What was the actual injury?) – “It was the meniscus.”
(How has the rehab and recovery gone? How do you feel now compared to a year ago?) – “Rehab has been great, I don’t even think about it anymore at all. That’s a great testament to our great strength staff and our training staff. I had some really good guys in there rehabbing with me as well.”
(LB Raekwon McMillan and QB Ryan Tannehill?) – “Yes. I think Raekwon did a story about how competitive that was in there. I think that helped us push through some of those dark days where we really didn’t feel like rehabbing or we were kind of down on ourselves that we wanted to play and things like that. To have Ryan there as a leader to help us push through it was really huge for both of us.”
(Were there any competitive games that you guys used to play?) – “(laughter) We have this machine, it’s call BFR – it’s blood flow restriction. It’s like a Velcro strap that you put around your leg and you use it around both of your legs. It inflates and it’s almost cutting off your circulation to a point, and you work out with it. So it’s maximum effort but you don’t have any weight. We would ride the bike for 10 minutes and we would see who could get the furthest. It was kind of suicidal but it ended up going on for a while and our trainer stopped it because he got a little scared because each time the next person was trying to beat that score and whoever set the highest score, whoever was up next, you had to beat it. It was fun though. It was a lot of fun.”
(Who was the champion?) – ‘I think Raekwon (McMillan) was the last to go, so I think he had the record. They stopped us right then, so no one else got the chance to go again after Raekwon beat it.”
(How would you describe your confidence level right now in terms of your belief that you will make the team and contribute?) – “I’m extremely confident. I’ve had a year to just pick everyone’s brain, so to say, just to learn and understand the terminology, the language and what the coaches are expecting and how they want things done. I think just spending all of that time and having the confidence in myself and my abilities that the Lord has given me, I’m extremely confident.”
(How excited were you to start OTAs this spring after having to miss last year?) – “Extremely excited! Thinking back on the first day of OTAs, it kind of put everything back into perspective of just appreciating the game because a sudden play, just like that, a routine play that I’ve done a million times over and over again, had caused for my season to be over. I couldn’t wait to get back out there and it’s been a long time coming.”
(This spring, what percentage would you say you’ve practiced in the slot and about what percentage would you say you’ve practiced outside?) – “It’s been so, so. I’ve spent a bunch of time inside and a bunch of time outside, as well. Just being ready for wherever they decide to put me. I’m comfortable playing both, which is a good thing. I think it a good thing to always be versatile to play inside and outside.”
(How experienced are you as a slot receiver?) – “I’ve played in the slot a bunch in high school, a bunch in college as well – my freshman and sophomore year and a little bit my junior year. I played mostly outside my junior year, but I’ve gotten a bunch of experience inside also.”
(Where’s the difference in terms of that position? How do you explain the difference between being a flanker or a split end versus being a slot?) – “I think in the slot, you have a little more freedom (and) a little more wiggle room in terms of your releases, your routes and how you get to break and maneuver and things like that. Then, a lot of the times you’re going against either smaller corners or against linebacker and safeties and things like that.”
(Obviously you wanted to play last year, but your redshirt year, so to call it, how much did it benefit or how much can you learn by watching or did you learn anything?) – “I think that it helped me a ton. I got to spend a full year just listening to our coaches and how they taught everything and how they wanted to be ran. I got to learn the playbook for a year and I got to learn from some of our veteran guys and some of the guys that were here last year. I think that just learning from them and asking those guys questions and then seeing the things on film, then going to some of the games and watching them on the sidelines, I got to see how everything works before I actually ran through it. I thought that was pretty good for me.”
(Physically, you look physically bigger than you did last year. How much different is your body this year from last year?) – “I got to put on a little bit of weight. It was good weight as well. I think me and (Head Strength and Conditioning Coach) Dave (Puloka) spent a lot of time together just working hard on being functionally strong as well, not just blowing up and getting stiff and things like that – being able to move and still have that flexibility.”
(There’s an awful lot of depth at the wide receiver position on the team. What skill and part of your game do you think will be your ticket to the 53-man roster?) – “Just being available whenever my number is called on. My job is to go out there and compete, to execute and to know my job, to know where I’m supposed to be and to be where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, and let all of those things sort themselves out. I think if I just focus on doing what I have to do, doing my job, I’ll be fine.”
(Just to build off of that, there are obviously four veteran receivers who are going to be on the team barring injury. Then you have WR Jakeem Grant. Do you think about the numbers game of “Okay, are they going to keep six receivers?” Does that thought go through your mind?) – “No. I don’t think about any of that. I think that’s for (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and (Assistant Head Coach/Offense) Coach (Shawn) Jefferson and (Executive Vice President of Football Operations) Mike Tannenbaum and (General Manager) Mr. (Chris) Grier. I think that’s for all of those guys. I leave all of that stuff to them. I focus on knowing my craft, studying my craft and being the best that I can be.”
(Dolphins fans probably have never seen you play. They’ve probably YouTubed you and watched a few highlight plays where you ran past the Canes guys or something; but fill the fans in a little bit about on-field your strengths, what you believe they are.) – “I think that I’m a competitor first and foremost. I want to win at everything that I do. I think that starts with my mindset on how I approach everything. I’m a versatile player. I can play inside and out. I can make those contested catches and I’m a technician. That’s something I pride myself on is being really good in and out of my breaks and running really good routes.”
Cornell Armstrong – June 13, 2018
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Wednesday, June 13, 2018
CB Cornell Armstrong
(I know former Dolphins CB Patrick Surtain was trying to catch up with you at some point. Did that happen yet?) – “Yes. Actually, we met up with him. We had a player engagement meeting, a little thing that we do. So we met with them at Bokamper’s and all of the alumni came down. I chopped it up with him. I’m supposed to hopefully get in contact with him this summer and try to get some knowledge, and just see where it goes from there.”
(What, if anything, did former Dolphins CB Patrick Surtain tell you in terms of advice, general advice, or anything?) – “He told me to go out there and get as many reps as I can. (He said) don’t hide in the back, go out there and just do what I do, do what I did to get here and just play ball.”
(Has Southern Miss changed a bunch since former Dolphins CB Patrick Surtain was there? I don’t know. How is the perception of the program?) – “I would say we have the same perception (and) the same motto. Just attacking the ball. We still have ‘The Nasty Bunch,’ what they call our defense. We just go out there and try to hold up to that name and go out there. I know those guys are going to keep it going; but when I was there, that’s what we lived by. ‘The Nasty Bunch.’ Just doing all you can to … Giving it all you’ve got out there on the field.”
(Did you ever YouTube former Dolphins CB Patrick Surtain? What did you see?) – “(Laughter) I YouTubed his videos and I just liked the way he played. I’m going to have to go back and break them down some more; but yes, I liked the way he played. Most definitely I’m going to have to go back and try to steal some tips.”
(Former Dolphins CB Patrick Surtain was playing when some of us were covering the team, so you make us feel old.) – “(laughter)”
(Do you have any picks at all during team drills during the OTA sessions? Any interceptions?) – “Not yet, but I’ve got a few pass deflections. I’ve got to get my hands on the ball. I’ve got to steal some picks, for sure.”
(Which DB do you think has had the most interceptions in OTAs?) – “I want to say I think Minkah (Fitzpatrick) is up there, for sure. Yes, I think Minkah is up there.”
(I know you came in as a very accomplished college cornerback, but it’s a big jump to covering some of these guys. What has it been like to cover people like WR DeVante Parker and WR Kenny Stills out there?) – “Like you said, it’s a big jump; but deep down, you’ve just got to trust yourself. Mostly I’m just trusting my speed. I’m just doing everything I did that got me here and just building off of that.”
(What’s the worst and best experience you’ve had on one of those guys?) – “I don’t know. Like I said, (I’m) just trusting my speed. Sometimes I’m trying to sit on stuff and stuff like that, so I’ve just got to trust it and just go with what I see on film and believing what I see.”
(Who is helping you learn how to study film for NFL games? How do you learn that process?) – “There’s a few. Actually, I go around the locker room asking all of the vets – Bobby (McCain), Xavien (Howard), ‘Lipp’ (Tony Lippett), T.J. (McDonald) – all of those guys. I’m getting outlook from all of them, just trying to see what’s the difference and how I can build myself and separate myself in the room.”
(CB Bobby McCain said that you remind him of him. Has he mentioned that to you?) – “(laughter) Yes, he actually did. One day after practice, I just went up to him. I just got out of that shell of just hiding back, so I had to go talk to him. I was like ‘Man, why did you do this? Why did you do that?’ Because I want to be up there where those guys are at one day. I decided to just stop shying around and just go out there and speak to all of those guys and treat them like they’re my brothers.”
(From a football perspective, is there anything that you see similar – your style – to CB Bobby McCain?) – “Physical. I like the way he plays. He’s a physical guy. He’s not scared to go in there and get rough with you. I like that. That’s just how my game is.”
(CB Bobby McCain just got paid and he was a fifth-rounder. You were a sixth, right?) – “Right.”
(Does that give you some hope that you don’t have to be a first-rounder?) – “Man, it gives me a lot of motivation. Yes, I look up to him a lot. Just to see that and where he came from – a fifth-round guy, late-round guy – yes, it means a lot. It does.”
(You’re nearing the end of your first spring in the NFL. How would you evaluate how things have gone?) – “Every day I could say I laid a brick, I laid a foundation, to get better every day. I may have a few mistakes but the next day, I’ll build off that. I’ll make sure that I don’t mess up again on the same mistake. Every day I’m just laying a foundation and just stacking bricks.”
(Tell us more about that shell you were in when you first got here.) – “I’m pretty sure every rookie, just new guys in the room. When you come out of college with guys for three or four years, you see them every day. Now, you’re the new face. Now you’ve got to know names and stuff like that. I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s just being shy, I guess. I don’t know.”
(Have you learned every receiver’s name yet?) – “Yes, I know a few of them. For sure.”
(A few of them? Not all of them?) – “Not all of them yet. (laughter)”
(How difficult is that to learn 98 new teammates?) – “It’s very difficult. Like you said, I’m learning 98 names and they’re only learning one, really. Yes, it’s pretty tough.”
(Have you been on WR Isaiah Ford, who is visiting with us later today? What makes him difficult to cover?) – “Isaiah is just … He’s a fast guy. I don’t know what his 40 (time) is but the way he’s so light on his feet, I can tell he’s pretty fast. I don’t know what he ran but I can tell that he’s fast.”
(Do you have experience playing in the nickel spot in college?) – “I played it actually in practice but never in a game. I’ve got a little experience there.”
(Have they worked you at all in nickel?) – “No; but we’ve got a bunch of guys working in a bunch of spots. I’ve mainly been left and right corner, every day, just switching it up and getting used to this side and getting used to that side. (I’m) not mainly sticking to one side.”
(Did you move in college?) – “Yes, I did. I did”
(So you’re familiar with …) – “Boundary and field. Yes, sir.”
(There’s a lot of nicknames in that secondary – ‘X,’ ‘Tank,’ ‘T.J.,’ ‘G5.’ What’s your nickname?) – “They call me ‘Big Country.’ (laughter)”
(Why’s that?) – ‘Big Country?’ Because I’m from Bassfield, Mississippi. You know Mississippi is country so ‘Big Country,’ that’s my new name until I guess I get out of this rookie shell and get my ‘C-Nell’ back.”
(Are you okay with that nickname?) – “Yes. I’m okay with ‘Big Country.’ (laughter)”
(Who stuck that on you?) – “(Defensive Backs) Coach (Tony) Oden. For sure.”
(Was it just purely because you’re from Mississippi or did he detect the accent?) – “Yes, he detected the accent. They kind of tell me I talk too fast, so sometimes I have to slow down. Like if you hear me say Bassfield, Mississippi, they don’t understand that I have to break it down – ‘Bass Field.’ But I kind of run with it – ‘Bassfield.’”
(Who has been working in the slot besides CB Bobby McCain obviously?) – “There’s been a few guys. ‘Mink’ (Minkah Fitzpatrick), Jalen Davis, (Jordan) Lucas. There’s been a few guys. Everybody is just working around in different spots.”
(CB Johnathan Alston has been outside?) – “Yes, sir.”
(Back to the nicknames. Are there any of the other rookies that have been saddled with a nickname that they didn’t like so much?) – “I’m not sure they don’t like them or anything but I know Jalen Davis’ nickname is ‘Surfer,’ because he is from San Diego and coach says he likes to surf, I guess. We call Johnathan Alston, we call him ‘Snoop’ because of his dreads and long hair. We call him ‘Snoop.’ What did we call ‘Mink’ (Minkah Fitzpatrick)? We really just call him ‘Tide.’”
(They don’t sound like derogatory nicknames.) – “No.”
(It sounds like something you have to earn your way out of being called that? At some point you earn the right to be called what you want to be called?) – “Right, right.”
Jerome Baker – June 12, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
LB Jerome Baker
(How pleased have you been with how you’ve done in your opportunities in team drills?) – “I feel really good. I’m just getting better every day. It’s a constant grind, but I’m definitely happy where I’m going.”
(What’s been your best play? We’ve only been able to watch five of the practices.) – “My best play is … I don’t know. Every day you just continue to learn and learn from your mistakes. Every day I get a new best play, I guess you could say, because I made up for the mistake I made the day before.”
(Have you forced a fumble? Have you done anything you would consider real notable?) – “Not really. Just constantly getting better.”
(Have they been working you mostly at Will or Sam?) – “I’ve been moving around a lot – in and out, from nickel to base. I’ve moved around pretty much.”
(Have they tried you at Mike or no?) – “No, they haven’t tried me at Mike.”
(I know LB Stephone Anthony said yesterday it’s been sort of a rotation with him and LB Terence Garvin. Have you gotten a little first-team work? A lot?) – “I’ve just been moving around pretty much everywhere. Sometimes you can be thrown in anywhere. When I’m in, I just try to make the best of the opportunity.”
(I like following your Twitter account. I get motivational messages on there sometimes. I guess I’ll ask you about the one you pinned here. Can you explain what this one means: “Please don’t fight my battles. I need these scars.” Can you tell me about that?) – “I made that one quite a long time ago. It’s pretty much I need that struggle. I don’t need anybody to take it for me. That pretty much was my whole college career. Coming in as a freshman, being behind some first rounders, Raekwon (McMillan) and all of those guys, they just sat me down and said, ‘You need all the pressure and all the hard times you go through. It’s going to pay off in the end.’ Honestly, it did and I kind of just stick to that. The hard times are going to come, but they’re not going to last.”
(How many scars do you got?) – “Quite a bit. Quite a bit.”
(Any one in particular that stands out?) – “I would say my freshman year at Ohio State. That was the biggest hard time in my life. Coming in as a senior in high school and a star player, you think I’m going to come in and pretty much do whatever I want to do, be behind Darron Lee, Christopher Worley, Josh Perry, Raekwon (McMillan). They humble you fast. They try to bring you along, but they understand that it’s a growing process and they definitely helped me.”
(Do you see any correlation between what’s going on then and now?) – “Yes, but it’s kind of a … I’ve been through it before, so I know it’s going to come and it’s going to go. So, just take advantage of it and try to learn as much as you can. The faster you learn, the faster it gets over with.”
(What kind of feedback have you gotten from the coaching staff about how you’ve played so far?) – “Pretty good. I’m learning the playbook pretty well; but now it’s just the focus on the little details. The little things I’m pretty much focusing on. The basic things are going well, but the little things is what’s going to separate me.”
(While you were going through the hard times as a freshman, what was going through your mind? Were you starting to wonder, “Am I ever going to get it?” or “Why is this tougher than I thought?”) – “The physical part, I really never really questioned. It was more the mental part of, ‘I keep making the same petty mistake.’ And after a while, three mistakes turned into two, those two mistakes turned into one and next thing you know, you’re not making as many mistakes anymore. The mental part is what’s – with any athlete – is what’s the hard part. Once I got that under control, the physical part just took care of itself.”
(Who has been your roommate?) – “’Q.’ Quentin Poling.”
(Is LB Quentin Poling a good sleeper? Does he snore?) – “Does he snore? (laughter)”
(Are you getting rest?) – “No, he doesn’t really snore. I go to bed before him and he’s gone before me. When I wake up, he’s pretty much gone already. He has his own car, so he’s gone.”
(Do you guys work out who’s the night shower and who’s the morning shower?) – “(laughter) It’s kind of just get it in when you fit in. (laughter) That’s pretty much what it is.”
(Is it difficult out there to restrain yourself to remember not to hit anybody and have you been reprimanded for maybe getting a little too close?) – “Sometimes it’s hard when you’re running full speed. It’s a regular play, you just run through them; but we’re pros now. You just got to take care of each other. It’s pretty cool.”
(Did you have any time where the coaches had to tell you, “That was a little too much?”) – “I have players be like, ‘Alright, calm down.’ Especially at walkthroughs. Walkthroughs – even in college – it was a full … We were going hard. You just weren’t hitting anybody. Here, the walkthroughs are a little toned down; but I was still in my college mind of going hard and sometimes it gets you in trouble a little bit. But it’s all good.”
(How bummed were you that the Cavs lost in the NBA Finals and how bummed will you be when LeBron James leaves?) – “Alright. Alright. Okay. (laughter)”
(I know you’re a big LeBron James guy.) – “It is what it is. Wherever LeBron goes, I’m still going to be his fan; but he’s still the greatest basketball player of all time. I’m happy for the Cavs. They had a great season, but it is what it is.”
(I know obviously any linebacker coming into the league, they’d eventually like to be a full-time player. You’re obviously known for being terrific in coverage. Have you thought about in your mind, “I’d like at least to show enough now and again in August to get on the field on traditional passing spots.” Is that a thought process you have?) – “Yes. Any player, they want to get in pretty much every play, and that’s me. I’m known for coverage, but I feel like I can do anything you tell me to do. That’s just one aspect of my game is just covering, but I have a whole arsenal of different things I can do.”
(How have you held up in coverage against backs and tight ends the last three weeks?) – “It’s been pretty good. Mike (Gesicki), he’s definitely a great tight end. It’s funny going up against him because we went against each other in college, so it’s pretty fun.”
(Maybe practicing against TE Mike Gesicki will get you ready for TE Rob Gronkowski. Have you watched any of that Gronk film yet? How familiar are you with that guy?) – “He’s a great player, but I’ll cross that path when it comes. He’s one of the best tight ends ever. It’s going to be a good honor, but I’m going to cross that when it’s time to cross that path.”
(How much have you leaned on LB Raekwon McMillan obviously with the friendship going back to Ohio State? Do you talk to him most days about things? Does he come to you with advice?) – “I talk to him pretty much every day. His locker is right next to mine. Weekends, I even ask to use his car. I pretty much use him as much as I can. He comes to me and he tells me things I need to work on. He’s a great leader. He’s the middle linebacker. He’s been a real middle linebacker his whole life. He’s good.”
(Let’s get to the root of this whole thing: Where’s your car? Do you have a license?) – “I have a license. So when I was training for the Combine, my dad ended up wrecking my car. He’s fine. It’s just I don’t have one now. So, that’s going to be my purchase I guess.”
Akeem Spence – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
DT Akeem Spence
(I don’t think we’ve chatted with you since you’ve been a Miami Dolphin. How did all of that go down?) – “I just got a call from my agent. He told me that I was kind of going to Miami. I was excited to get back with (Defensive line) Coach Kris (Kocurek) and be back in this scheme, this attack scheme, which I’m accustomed to playing. I’ve been playing it since I’ve been in the NFL. I’ve been in a Tampa 2. It’s the same type of scheme. It just kind of worked out.”
(Did you get any warning signs that your days there we numbered?) – “No warning signs. I just went to work every day, did everything I was supposed to do. Just was being a pro and it just so happens Miami pulled the trigger to get me down there. The rest was history.”
(When they did the contract restructure, did your agent know at the time it was for trading you here?) – “Might’ve had a inkling or something like that.”
(Yes, because it all happened in like a one or two day period.) – “It was kind of weird to everybody, but we kind of had an inkling.”
(Any hard feelings?) – “No, no, no. No hard feelings. It’s a business at the end of the day. I love those guys in Detroit, my fellow d-lineman and everything like that. It’s just different strokes for different folks. They were going to a different scheme and it just so happens I didn’t fit well in there. It’s different strokes for different folks, that’s all.”
(How would you describe your strengths for somebody who’s never watched you?) – “In this type of scheme, it fits me. I’m a quick-twitch guy. I get off the ball and make plays in the backfield. I play my gap very well, just being fundamentally sound. Being here to help these guys know what (Defensive Line) Coach Kris (Kocurek) wants, because I’ve played for him. (I’m) just (trying to) help the d-line core, group, come along a lot better and learn how to be attack defensive tackles. That’s pretty much what we’ve been working on every day, just trying to get better and just keep progressing every day.”
(You mentioned Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek. Up there do they expect to rotate as much as they expect to rotate here?) – “Yes, but last year we had a few injuries in Detroit. Haloti (Ngata) went down. Jordan Hill went down, so the load got kind of put on me and A’Shawn (Robinson). I felt like we did a good job playing 60-70 snaps a game. The idea for the way we play is you have about eight or nine starters and just continue to roll guys in. That’s what Kris believes in and that’s how we play – guys going all out for four or five plays and then get a fresh set in. (It’s a) hockey lineup type of deal.”
(How do you feel about wearing No. 93?) – “I feel funny about it because I’ve been #97 my whole career and then when I came into the league, Gerald McCoy was No. 93. I really didn’t want to be No. 93 but hey, it was the only number available, so I just took it.”
(How does your style compare to the last No. 93 – DT Ndamukong Suh?) – “We’re two different guys. I’m not a big flashy guy. I’m a do my job type of guy, control my gap and make plays when I can. (I’m) just trying to help the guys around me become better. I have my edge rushers. I have two great edge rushers now between Cam Wake, and Robert Quinn, so that’s going to help a lot. Just doing my job, being where I’m supposed to be and just making the play I’m supposed to make.”
(You just recently got here, but you’re not only the one who has familiarity with Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek but you’re also the oldest guy amongst the defensive tackles. With those two factors combined, do you see part of your role being a leader among the defensive tackle positon?) – “Yes. Like I tell the guys, if there is anything you want to know about me or Kris, just ask. I’m here to help. I’m here to help the guys progress. They’ve never played for Coach Kris. Sometimes Kris gets to hollering and they don’t know what he’s talking about, so I can pull them to the side (and say), ‘Hey, this is what he means.’ (I’m) just trying to get the group better. Yes, I am the veteran in the d-line room. So these guys, they do look to me like (Davon) Godchaux, J. (Jordan) Phillips, Gabe (Wright) and those guys. It’s just about getting better every day. Obviously we know we’re going to have to work hard to make up for some guys that we lost. That’s a challenge that we’re willing to take. Upfront, just continue to get better everyday.”
(Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek is a pretty intense guy. Give me his vocabulary today, how often do you hear from these guys about is he for real about what he’s saying?) – “Yes and I’ll tell them Coach Kris is all about ball. He loves ball. Next to his wife, and then it’s football. I tell them everything he says he means, and he means well. If he’s not yelling at you, cursing at you, then he doesn’t care. I tell them he’s just trying to get guys better when he’s dong all of that yelling, doing all of that hollering. He cares so much and he’s so passionate about the game that he wants guys to play well and get a whole bunch of sacks. I’m sure he talked about that with you guys.”
(We saw you guys have a little in-practice game, d-ends verses d-line? What happened there?) – “That’s just competition period. I think the ends, I think they came back and tied us at the end, so nobody had to do pushups today. That’s just a way to make individual fun. You have your d-tackles competing against your ends getting off the ball, seeing who can get off the rock fast. We’re just making individual fun because obviously it’s hot out there. You’ve got to make working fun and make this game fun. That’s what we’re trying to do every day.”
(Why was it important to you to participate in the social injustice protest last year?) – “It was important to me and it still is important to me. I’m not going to make a big thing about it. I’m just going to continue to do what I do off the field and just leave it at that; don’t try to make it magnify onto the team. Just keep it the way it is.”
(Then you made the decision that you will not be participating this year?) – “No. I’ll just be doing whatever I’m doing off the field, not to bring attention to the team or anything like that. Just keep it as is.”
(You made some national headlines last fall about your father. Have there been anymore ramifications since then?) – “No more ramifications. His business is doing well. He’s still building homes out there in Panama City and Destin and everything like that. That actually helped business pick up more so than anything, which I was glad to see. People stepping up to the plate. That was pretty cool. It is what it is.”
(So you speaking out about what happened to him helped?) – “Yes, it actually helped him get more jobs and stuff like that. People reached out. A bad thing turned into a great thing.”
(Why was fighting for social equality important?) – “It’s the world that we live in. Just like my kids, I want them to be treated equally as your kids and vice versa. This world we live in is crazy. We all say we’re equal so we all should be treated equal at the end of the day and just leave it at that.”
(The few questions we’ve asked you about Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek, every time you get a big smile on your face. How would you describe what it’s like to play for him?) – “It’s fun. You hear him in the meeting room, some of the jokes he says and then he goes out on the field and gives it his all. Just like this offseason, we’re out there running hills and he actually ran 20 hills with the d-line. He’s not just talking like most coaches. He’s going out there and living it, as well. I love to play for that guy. He’s intense. He wants you to do well. He cares about his players genuinely. Who wouldn’t want to play for a coach like that?”
(Why do you guys call him Coach Kris? You don’t just call him Kris or Coach Kocurek. It’s coach Kris all the time.) – “I mean that’s what he wants to be called. (laughter) He introduces himself as Coach Kocurek, but that’s a mouthful. Especially being down here in Miami, it’s so hot. Coach Kris is cool. That’s cool.”
(How much has having him here helped you with your transition personally?) – “It’s easy.
I came in whenever the trade happened. This defense is pretty much similar to what we ran in Detroit, minus the terminology here and there. I hit the ground running and picked up where I left off last season, just fine-tuning every day, getting ready for the season and getting ready for training camp.”
(You mentioned the two defensive ends you’re going to line up next to – DE Cameron Wake and DE Robert Quinn. How excited are you to play next to them?) – “Very excited. Cam, I forget how many career sacks he has, and then you have Rob on the other side. I think he leads the NFL in active strip sacks or whatever. When you get to play with those guys, it kind of makes it easier on Sundays because come third down, you’re going to see Rob and Cam flying off the rock. You’re going to get some production somewhere. They’re going to make the quarterback step up to me somewhere. I’m just excited to be there collect and clean up and do what I do.”
(We hear the word attacking with Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek. Can you explain to us a little bit more about his philosophy and what he wants his defensive tackles to do?) – “When you turn on the film, it speaks for itself. The defensive tackles next to the ends should be the first two guys off the ball, attacking the guards shoulders, knocking them back and creating penetration so that way your linebackers can play downhill. Everybody can be downhill. You’ve got your ends setting hard edges attacking the tackles at the tip of their pads, setting edges. That way our defense is one-gap sound, playing downhill. The defensive tackles are playing in the backfield and that should show on the film, guys getting knocked back. If not, then we’re playing read 3-4 and Kris is probably somewhere throwing his hat off screaming all types of obscenities. (laughter)”
(I’m dying to hear one of the jokes that Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek shares with you guys in the meeting room.) – “I probably couldn’t say it because there are so many F bombs in them. (laughter) I forgot what we did last year in Detroit. I think one of my teammates counted how many F bombs he said in a 45-minute meeting. I think it was over 130 or something like that. That should give you an idea that. That’s his favorite word.”
(When you broke into the league, a lot of people were comparing you to the famous DT Warren Sapp. Now that you’ve been in the league, have you had a chance to go back and look? Maybe some similarities?) – “Yes, but Sapp is Sapp. Sapp is great. Like I told people when I came in the league, no I’m not Sapp. No, I’m not whoever. I’m just me. I’m just every year trying to get better. I still haven’t hit my milestones in sacks. I thought I was going to get it last year. It’s about getting better every year and being a good football player in this league, just mentoring guys that are coming along and help them every day, day in and day out, working together and just … Right now, I have an opportunity to play with a great group of guys. I’m happy and just trying to get better.”
(What’s your milestone?) – “I want like eight (sacks) or something like that; but when I get to 5, then I’ll go from there. That’s always been a dream of mine, but I’m going to keep dreaming.”
(Eight sacks is a dream?) – “Yes, for an inside guy. I saw Gerald (McCoy) do it for like three-plus years.”
(If you’re only getting 35 snaps a game, that’s a lot of sacks.) – “Hey man, you’ve got to attack.”
(Is there a vision you have? Obviously defensive snaps vary in a game. Do you have an understanding of how much you think you’re going to be playing? Is it 25 snaps a game, 30 a game?) – “I just know from my experience in Detroit, it’s pretty much 50/50. I know when me and Haloti (Ngata), when we were splitting snaps, it was dead even. If we had 60 for the game, it was like 30 and 30. That’s ideal, but you know how it gets during the game. Some guys might get nicked up so you never really know, and then everything gets thrown off.”
(Have you and DT Davon Godchaux basically rotated with the first group?) – “All of the defensive tackles are rotating. Me and Jordan will go out there first and then Godchaux comes in with the second group or sometimes me and Godchaux go out there first and it’s just a matter of what we’re doing and the periods because we’re always rotating. You never know who’s going to be on the field.”
(DT Ndamukong Suh had 84 percent of the snaps. What do you think when you hear that number? Suh played 84 percent of snaps.) – “That’s ridiculous. Some teams, that’s what they expect from a guy of his caliber. But to play 84 percent of NFL snaps and be productive at every one, that’s pretty hard to do. I kind of like it down in the 50 percent range, that way you can be more effective and you can be more productive like that. That’s how I feel. That’s a lot of snaps. And then trying to run to the ball and try to make plays as well? That’s tough in the interior. Trying to whip a guy, then run down the field, then run to the sideline. That’s a lot to do.”
(Which defensive player, non-defensive line, have you noticed or has made an impression on you?) – “Our secondary. You look at it, you’ve got Xavien Howard, you’ve got Reshad (Jones) in the back. It’s a really talented group. And then our linebacking core with young Raekwon (McMillan) and Kiko (Alonso) and those guys, they’re impressive. How fast they play, their anticipating, picking balls off. It’s a really great group to play with so far. They made an impression on me so far.”
Walt Aikens – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
S Walt Aikens
National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League (National PAL) CEO Jeff Hood:
“Good afternoon. (I’m) Jeff Hood. I’m CEO of National PAL. I’m not sure if you guys are aware, PAL has a long standing history of engaging kids, cops and communities around this country. PAL started originally in 1914, over 100 years ago in New York City. Basically it’s kind of come full circle with a lot of what’s going on around the country right now between our young people and law enforcement. That’s originally why we were birthed and why we were started: to be able to engage young people, get them off the street and involved and engaged in positive enrichment opportunities in communities such as what we’re doing right now. The gentleman behind me, Walt Aikens, (is) someone that I’ve known since he was a little, little fella. His dad and I are also friends and I used to be over the Charlotte, North Carolina PAL. It’s great to see a young person such as this be able to work hard, put a lot of work into his craft and to be not just a great football player and athlete. I’ve said this in another setting actually, Walt was just as good in basketball. I thought that was the direction he was going to go and (he) wound up taking off with football. I couldn’t be more proud of him not just from the athletic side, but the type of person that he is. He’s so willing to give back. He actually texted me this week wanting to see about doing some things in Charlotte with young people while he’s off on a little break before he gets back going with the Dolphins. That’s the type of a person he is and that’s what PAL is about. We’re so excited to be able to have him being named one of our spokespersons, to be a good representation piece of who and what we are and what we aspire our young people to be. With that, I just want to again thank Walt for coming onboard and be willing to talk positively about who and what we are both here in Florida but also around the country.”
Walt Aikens:
“Like (Jeff Hood) said, I grew up a PAL kid in Charlotte, North Carolina. I started off playing football for PAL and ultimately finished up as late as I could in the system we had in North Carolina. Right now, Jeff had called me a few months back over the break and asked me if I wanted to become a part of the PAL system again. I felt like it was the best way to give back, me going back to these local communities and showing these kids that no matter where you are or where you’re from, you can always make it and there’s a positive way out of every situation. I just love the fact that I’m able to give back. Jeff put me in a positon where I can impact these kids’ lives and really be a positive influence in their life and that’s my ultimate goal.”
(What’s your best memory of PAL growing up?) – “Just being out there with the kids. You build true friendships. You build real relationships and you go out there and play football. Then, there’s no stretch. You just go out there and play and everything is real fun. That whole team environment, that’s what builds on and helps you get through your everyday life, not only on the field, but off the field. I still have relationships with kids I grew up with. They hit me up every now and then (and say), ‘Remember when we played PAL ball?’ This and that. So, it’s not just one, specific memory, it’s just the whole camaraderie of being in a group at that young age.”
(Tell us about your basketball skills.) – “I was a hooper now. I was a hooper. (laughter) I thought I was going to … I really thought I was going to play basketball up until around 11th, 12th grade and it was still a tough decision after that, because I ended up playing basketball at Liberty (University) and ran track there, too. But early on, I was straight basketball and football was something I could do and then I just fell in love with the game and I realized where I wanted to be in life and what I wanted to do, so I had to go with football.”
(What was it about the game that helped you make that decision?) – “Being angry a lot. (laughter) I’m never really an angry person, but on the football field, it’s where you can release all of your senses, all of your emotions. You can go and hit people, you can go and run as fast as you can. Basketball is more of a finesse-type game, low contact. And you know how people flop in basketball. There isn’t any of that in football. You’ve got to be real when it comes to that gridiron.”
(Did you ever meet an NFL player when you were in PAL and what is the reaction you see in kids’ faces when they see you out there?) – “I was just talking about this the other day. I feel bad for myself. I feel like these kids are so lucky, because now you see a football – like for me – you see a football play (and say), ‘Oh, it’s just another football player.’ But they still have the joy of, ‘This is my first time meeting such and such. This is my first time seeing an actual football player,’ and I get jealous sometimes just looking at them and how excited they are. I wish I could have that feeling all over again.”
(We haven’t had a chance to chat with you since you decided to re-sign here. What was you thinking and how did that all come together?) – “This is home. Any other team was just a second option at that point. Me and my agent sat down, made some decisions and this was the best place for me.”
(Do you hope that your role will continue to grow here?) – “Yes, definitely. Definitely. That was a big part of my staying too, just talking with (Head Coach Adam) Gase and (Defensive Backs) Coach ‘O’ – Tony Oden – and just trying to find a home. I’m willing to do whatever, going out there day in and day out, just grinding and everything will fall into place.”
(Do you speak to kids? Do you give like a talk when you’re involved in these things?) – “Yes.”
(What is your message to them as far as relating to law enforcement?) – “The whole aspect of PAL is to keep kids – at-risk kids or just kids in general – out of trouble. So, the police aspect is taking these kids from off the streets or off of doing bad things in the neighborhood or community and bringing them into one place where they can have a constructive atmosphere, whether it’s football, boxing. They have classrooms and everything. We do tutors, after school programs, everything like that just to keep kids in a good environment and out of trouble’s way.”
(Do they every ask you tough questions given some of the issues that have popped up between police and youth?) – “Who is, ‘they?’”
(Do the kids ask tough questions?) – “No. They’re kids. And if they do know about it, I’m pretty open with my situation. I would just tell them we all make mistakes. I made a mistake my first ever time getting in trouble and it was my last. (I) didn’t make it a habit. Even me, I was in a nice, two-parent home and I made mistakes. I was young. I was a kid; but that didn’t describe my life. I didn’t let that define who I was as a person. So, when that happened, I just kept it moving. My pops told me when I initially got in trouble, he said, ‘What’s done is done.’ We’ve got to learn from it and move on. And I feel like that was the most impactful thing that you could say to me, because he wasn’t mad, he wasn’t yelling. He said, ‘I’m not mad or nothing. I’m more upset,’ and that really hit home like if you’re mad you can get over it, but if you’re upset, I felt like I let him down. I let my parents down. I just kept it moving. Like I said, I was hurt by it. I ultimately made the best out of my situation and I tell these kids that they can do the same in whatever situation they come from.”
(Do you think that your interactions with police officers at a very early, young age impacted your viewpoint of police?) – “Up until more recently, I’ve had a pretty good viewpoint of police. I’ve never been in any situation where it was just wrongfully an outburst, or something that was drastically crazy. My viewpoint was always good. Back in Charlotte, we have a nice group of police officers that a lot of them were my friends’ parents, so we grew up in that environment where I know his dad is a cop, but at the end of the day, that’s my friend’s pops. So, we always had a good relationship. When I said up until recently, I still don’t have a bad viewpoint; but we’ve seen what’s been going on in the media with police and people going on, beatings and all that stuff right now. It affects me. It affects me because I have police friends. Even a few years ago, with the Brent Vinson situation in Charlotte, North Carolina, he’s a police officer that shot an unarmed man supposedly; but he went to my college. I know he’s a good dude and I know that he was doing what he needed to do in the line of duty; but it was kind of hard having mixed emotions coming from patrons and then coming from the police officers. It’s kind of hard when you have friends or family involved in that; but my viewpoint is still the same until otherwise. There are a lot of things you have to watch out for nowadays, especially being a young, black male in today’s society. It’s kind of tough; but at the same time, I just try to keep my nose clean, do what I need to do and get out of the way.”
(Back to football for a second, what do you think of the new kickoff rule and how does that change what you do?) – “New kickoff rules are pretty decent. We’ll see how it plays out more in preseason; but as far as right now, it’s made to protect players and make it a safer play, because there’s a lot that goes on in a five, six second play. People are running down with a long head start. Now they’re shortening that up, trying to make the blocks easier or safer. We’ll just have to see how that works out in preseason.”
(I asked Head Coach Adam Gase about how he considers you, whether a special teams player or a special teams DB. What do you consider yourself? Do you think you’re like a Matthew Slater type or are you special teams DB as a football player?) – “I feel like if you put me out there on the field, I can play wherever. I don’t try to limit myself with a title, especially as a special teams player, because I’m a DB before anything. My ultimate goal is to get out on the field and ball out and show them what I’ve really got. It’s been a long journey these past four, going on five (years) now. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win.”
(Prior to re-signing here when you sat down and talked to either Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke or Head Coach Adam Gase or Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum or whoever about a defensive role potentially, where did they tell you they saw you having a chance to compete – safety, corner? What sort of role?) – “Safety, but be alert for anytime we need corners. I’m at a good way where I feel like I can move as a safety or a corner. The main thing is just knowing everything and being ready when the time comes.”
(How much do they cross-train you? Do you play both in practice?) – “I’m just playing safety right now, but I know both. I know everything.”
(We mentioned Matthew Slater, who’s kind of the guy when you mention special teams players, he’s the guy. How much of a goal is it for you to get to that point where it’s not just Matthew Slater, it’s Matthew Slater and Walt Aikens?) – “I try to make my presence be known whenever we play a tough opponent like the Patriots and you’ve got great special teams guys like Slater and Danny (Amendola). When Danny was there, we had to look out for them, but I wanted them to feel me and look out for me, too. Just hearing those guys come up and talk to me after the game or before the game knowing we’re going to battle it out, that’s a big confidence, big momentum booster for me.”
(Why do you think this year is going to be different for this team?) – “Really, we have a whole new team; but I feel like we’re buying into the system right now. We’re gelling. We’re bonding together. Just with the pieces we’ve brought in this year and the guys we’ve already had, I feel like it’s about that time we start making some noise.”
(What has your impressions been on S Minkah Fitzpatrick so far through minicamp and OTAs?) – “Minkah is a nice safety. Young dude, high energy, big motor. He’s coming along good in these offseason programs and we hope to see a lot out of him.”
(A minute ago you mentioned you wanted to show the coaches what you’ve really got. How big of a gap do you think there is between what you’ve shown and what you can give this team?) – “It’s a lot. There’s a lot I haven’t shown you yet just with the limited snaps I did get. I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I feel like I kind of fell off confidence-wise the past couple years, but I’m coming back in refocused, refreshed, full of confidence, full of energy and just ready to ball out.”
(What made you lose confidence?) – “I would say just not being on the field as much as I would want to and just being labeled as a special teams player for so long. I kind of got down on myself; but I know I can ball. I know I can go out there and play. (It is) just about getting on the field now. When the opportunity comes, show out.”
(A business of football question: you know now that WR Jarvis Landry is gone, you and T Ja’Wuan James are the only players from your draft class on the team. Does that surprise you when you think about it or is it kind of “I’ve been in the league. I know that’s how it goes” type deal?) – “Me and Ja’Wuan were actually talking about that yesterday. A few years ago, anybody that left was a shocker to me like, ‘Gosh, we’re really letting these people go.’ But now, I’ve seen it so much, it’s just the league thing. It happens. So, it’s not really a big deal. We’re holding on, me and Ja’Wuan. (laughter) But it’s not really a big deal. Seeing people come and go, it’s part of the league. NFL stands for Not For Long, so you have to make the most of your opportunities now.”
(You mentioned WR Danny Amendola. CB Bobby McCain had said a couple weeks ago that was his second most hated player in the league prior to now. Did you have similar affection for Danny prior to this?) – “Something like that; but it wasn’t as personal as Bobby and Danny. (laughter) Me and Amendola had some words every few punts or a KOR might get him. We actually ran into each other, it was like three years back. I think it was in New England. He tried to block me and I made my presence be known. I like to joke with him about that one. But no, he’s a good dude. He’s a nice asset to this team – a hard worker, goes out. You’re going to get the same person every day. Ultimately, he’s going to make this defense better being that he came from a system that can score and (a) high-powered offense. He’s here now. We’re going to see what he’s got.”
Kalen Ballage – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
RB Kalen Ballage
(How much have you thought about … It’s clear obviously that RB Kenyan Drake and RB Frank Gore are going to play. How much have you had in your mind of “I’ve got to give this staff a reason to play a third running back this season?” I know learning has been a priority but has that thought come into your mind?) – “Yes. I mean I feel like I’ve always been a playmaker so those things come into my mind automatically. But I definitely want to be a guy that stands out (and is a) hard worker – everything that I do on and off the field. There’s probably not a guy in here that doesn’t want to be noticed for doing good things.”
(I know there is the usual crash course of trying to get into the playbook and practice and everything like that but you also have a lot of veterans around you. What have you picked up from the guys in your room?) – “It’s funny because Frank (Gore) is a vet but he’s new to the offense, as well. And Kenyan (Drake) is a vet but still really young so it’s been a nice mixture. It’s allowed me to really get into the playbook and learn and different aspects of it, and learn differently. Not everyone learns the same but it’s helped me a lot.”
(Have you asked RB Frank Gore for his autograph while he’s been here?) – “(laughter) I haven’t had to. I’ve got his number.”
(What kind of feedback have you gotten from the coaching staff so far?) – “I’m not a guy that makes a lot of mental errors. There’s going to be stuff here and there because I’m learning a completely new playbook. It’s a lot of information to learn but I’m just trying to be the most consistent football player I can be right now.”
(What do you like about the offense so far?) – “There’s nothing that I don’t like about it. Everything the defense gives us, we’ve got something to give them back so it’s a nice offense to play in, for sure.”
(I saw a cool social media video on the Miami Dolphins account where RB Kenyan Drake was giving you some extra time, maybe after practice or something. What specifically has he said about what he remembers about his rookie season that he’s shared with you?) – “Kind of what you heard on the video. Somebody put their arm around him and kind of did the same thing, so I appreciate him not only being a teammate but kind of like a big brother.”
(How much Arizona State reminiscing have you been doing with QB Brock Osweiler? Had you met him before you came here?) – “We’ve always been around each other kind of in the same vicinity but I actually never met him until I got here. We knew about each other so when I got here, I had the opportunity to speak to him. He went to a completely different Arizona State than what I went to. He had Coach (Dennis) Erickson and it was a little bit different over there. We’re still Sun Devils.”
(You’re obviously more known as a guy who had success catching the ball out of the backfield. Do you have a mentality of when you catch the ball, after you do it, to sort of become a running back? There seems to be a second gear you have at times after catching.) – “Absolutely. I don’t have one specific mentality though in anything that I do. I try to do everything. I want to score every time I touch the ball. That’s kind of how I am. Definitely though, when I catch the ball, I want to make a difference in the passing game.”
(What was the most humbling moment for you so far out on the field?) – “I think practice one day we just started going super fast. I’m from a no-huddle offense at Arizona State or whatever. I’ve been in the no-huddle stuff and going really fast but going really fast and not knowing all of the plays is completely different. There were a few times where my mind is running 100 miles per hour trying to figure things out.”
(How does it feel when you are out there trying to do that and you know that you don’t know?) – “It’s not that I don’t know. It’s am I 100 percent sure? You kind of have an idea of what you are supposed to be doing but maybe you aren’t fully sure about it. That’s what I said: just being consistent and knowing what I’ve got, so you can be very decisive and play fast.”
(We heard from TE Mike Gesicki and TE Durham Smythe saying they’ll have this white board where they’ll quiz each other on plays. Have you done that with any rookie teammate?) – “We’ve done a lot of that stuff. Me and Buddy Howell are roommates so we go through a lot of the plays, the system and then try to get it down. One thing about that too is you can’t try to look into the playbook too much. You can fry your brain if you look at it too much, so it’s just about finding that balance.”
(One of the coaches mentioned in blocking, and I’m quoting him here, he says “In the NFL you get odd defenses – spinners, floaters and trap blitzes.” I don’t know what that stuff means but it sounds kind of complex. What have you learned about the sort of stuff that they try to do to you in the NFL?) – “There’s a trick to the trade in everything. All of that stuff, yes it sounds confusing. It was kind of confusing to me in college when I (first) heard that stuff and now I’m getting more detailed about it now that I’m in the NFL. There’s tricks to the trade. Everything on defense, every blitz that they have coming, we have something to counteract that.”
(Do you have a good RB Frank Gore story yet?) – “(laughter) Yes, I’ve got a few. Top Golf is not Frank’s thing. (laughter) We’re very competitive – our whole running back group – so we got in there and none of us really know how to hit a golf ball; but we were hitting it hard as hell. It was going far but not where we want it to go. It was veering off here and here and here. We were all trying to get a little better at that. That was fun.”
(Did RB Frank Gore make contact every time?) – “Oh, yes. We were hitting it. It just wasn’t pretty. (laughter)”
(When you said that your head was spinning a little bit in no-huddle work, was that early?) – “Yes, it was a little bit earlier on.”
(So how have things progressed for you now?) – “Really well. It’s a lot of memorization and stuff like that so repetition helps with that. The more you do it, the less mistakes you make.”
(Is there anything in particular that you’ve tried to pick RB Frank Gore’s brain about?) – “Everything.”
(Like diet, how RB Frank Gore stays durable?) – “Everything. Luckily, me and Frank are … Frank is 14 years in the league but he studies running backs still to this day. He studies running backs younger than him, older than him. He’s really into that and so am I. Luckily he’s that same way or else I’d probably get annoying. (laughter)”
(When you’ve looked at other NFL backs, is there anyone with similar body types as you?) – “I would say David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell. They’re bigger backs that catch the ball well out of the backfield. Those are two really great running backs. Yes, we’ve got the same body type and stuff but they’ve lived up to the hype so that’s where I’m trying to get next.”
