Kelvin Joseph – August 31, 2023
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Thursday, August 31, 2023
CB Kelvin Joseph
(Being traded is never easy, picking up and uprooting and just coming to a new city. But what has this experience been like for you?) – “It’s a blessing just to be here, to still be in the league. I mean, I’ve just got to embrace it and be ready to play.”
(Have they talked to you about what the expectations are? When General Manager Chris Grier talked about you he said they were looking for a nickel and some special teams help. Is that what you feel like you can contribute to this team?) – “Yes, sir. I know I can contribute to that, but the role is not really identified yet, but Noah’s (Igbinoghene) position, that’s where I’m capable of being.”
(Do you remember if you met with the Dolphins in the pre-draft process, either their coach or their defensive coordinator?) – “I think so. Yes, sir.”
(I’m trying to remember, when you were drafted, who would have been the head football coach? Was it Head Coach Mike McDaniel or Brian Flores? Probably Brian Flores.) – “I’m not too sure. I don’t remember. I’m just happy to be here.”
(Have you spent a lot of time in South Florida in your lifetime?) – “Not a lot of time, just vacation.”
(Tell us about your special teams experience. How extensive is it?) – “Just being available and wherever coach wants me on the field to make a play, I’m going to go do it.”
(Did you play it in college?) – “No, sir. Not really, not much. I can say that.”
(I was talking to Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman about coaching guys up who hadn’t played in college. Tell me about the challenge of learning special teams in the NFL kind of on the fly.) – “Going in with the Cowboys, C.J. Goodwin, he was a good mentor to me. So, just taking it all in, and being able to showcase what I can do with my talents and put it all together. Just having mentors and having the coaches that believe in me and knowing that I can do what I can do and I went out and did it. I’m going to keep on.”
(Is that a tough challenge to undertake or it’s kind of football and you learn it like you would learn any other job?) – “It’s football and it was kind of tough because I was focused on playing defense. But it’s a part of the game, so special people do special things on special teams. I guess I’m one of them.”
(I watched the rap video that you made. I don’t know a lot about rap, but I thought it was pretty good. What do you love about music?) – “It just helps me vent. Different hobby besides just football.”
(Is it something that one day you would like to do a concert? Have you ever done a concert or made a full album?) – “No, sir. I’ve made a lot of music though, but I haven’t done a concert. I’m not looking to take it that serious. Just focused on the football right now, then all that can be later.”
(There are a lot of guys in the locker room who make music. LB Jaelan Phillips has made music. T Terron Armstead has made music. LB Duke Riley has released – you’ve got to look up Duke Riley. Do you know Duke Riley from LSU?) – “From LSU, yeah.”
(Have you ever heard his music?) – “Not yet, but I’m going to look into it.”
(I’m going to Tweet out both of y’all’s songs, maybe see who gets more votes.) – “Yes sir.”
(Forgive me for not knowing this, but did you play much in the nickel and slot at LSU or your first year in Dallas or did you only start playing nickel last year?) – “Last year in Dallas. Really, this year in the offseason. It’s my first time and it’s been smooth so far.”
(What skills do you have which you think would make you effective playing in the slot?) – “Aggressive, getting to the ball, tackling, whatever you need.”
(There’s always this expression in sports for high draft picks, maybe who don’t get a ton of playing time with the first team, that a “change of scenery” can help. Did you believe in that sort of thing?) – Yes, sir. I played a lot. I feel like I’m just in the right place where somebody needs me to showcase my full potential.”
(I was asking one of the corners about you. He said you were “fast as hell” which is good. What’s the fastest 40-yard dash you’ve run?) – “4.28.”
(This is a fast squad. Do you realize how many fast guys are in the room?) – “It’s a challenge. It’ll make me better.”
(Tell me about playing slot. I know sometimes guys say there’s a lot of traffic and have to fight through and navigate your way through. What do you think about the slot versus the boundary, the difference?) – “You’ve just got to be aggressive as hell because you’ve got to make that tackle. When them linemen come getting on you and you have to get them off you. It’s pretty different from outside because it’s a lot more contact.”
(Have you been a gunner?) – “Yes, sir.”
(What makes someone good at that?) – “Just being able to fly around and make plays. Put the defense in good field position. Get the ball back to the offense.”
(You have a seven-time Pro Bowler as your position coach in Cornerbacks/Pass Game Specialist Sam Madison. You have Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio who’s a legend as a defensive coordinator. Do you think those two guys can help you maximize?) – “Yes sir. I can see it already. Just putting it all in the playbook. Just being ready so whenever my name is called, I’ll be able to make plays.”
Alec Ingold – August 31, 2023
Thursday, August 31, 2023
FB Alec Ingold
(How are you feeling?) – “I’m good, I’m excited. Today is one of those days where you don’t really know how it happens, why it happens, but it kind of all happens at once at the same time. I’m extremely humbled, a lot of people to thank. You have just an absolute attitude of gratitude for this whole organization to trust you. I feel like that’s the biggest thing is whenever you can get your trust from teammates, players and organization, the people you go to work with every day, that’s the biggest seal on anything, stamp of approval. So yeah, man, I’m excited to be here. You guys are stuck with me four more years, stuck with some fullbacks. It’ll be good.”
(What comes to mind when you reflect back to your injury in Las Vegas to today and kind of the work that went into all of that to get yourself in this position?) – “There were some dark moments on the rehab table, trying to straighten out those legs and be able to walk again. Then you’re on the street trying to find a new opportunity, new job. To come into a place that supports you and the way that you can believe in yourself and really just amplifies and empowers you to be the best version of yourself, I think that’s what I fell into and got extremely lucky to be here. You just show up to work every single day with the guys in the room, doing it for something bigger than yourself, and all of a sudden, the time flies by. The growth happens, the plays happen on the field, and then you’re able to kind of grow into that potential which has been extremely rewarding and fun journey up to this point.”
(When did you hear of the news, because it seemed like it broke during practice? Was it like as you were coming off the field? What was your immediate reaction?) – “Yeah, it was right in between meetings and practice. It was one of those things, I had to call wifey, had to call my parents real quick, let them know something was happening and then go to work. That’s the compartmentalization of football – you can’t sacrifice or let your head be anywhere but where your feet are at. So it was a fun day at practice today, getting on the field running around with the guys. I get a long weekend to soak this one in and then get ready for Week 1. So it’s pretty cool timing.”
(I know you said that you’re still trying to wrap your head around how this all came together. But what can you tell us? How did this all come together? Is it as quick as it sounds?) – “Yeah, it really was. It’s in the back of your head whenever you’re heading into a contract year that whatever motivating factors can get a player ready to play a season, you want to use it to the best of your ability. So whether that’s playing time, whether you have individual goals, team goals, financial goals, all of it kind of plays into an offseason that you want to put together. In a contract year, it’s almost like your back is on the wall a little bit. When you have that pressure, when you have different circumstances popping up where it’s not as stable, or it’s not as certain, I think that’s where that uncomfortable nature kind of forces people to be the best versions of themselves. I keep talking about that all the time, but I truly believe that that’s a thing. So having an agent, putting a team together personally, so that I can just worry about doing what I love to do, which is hitting people, catching the ball, running for my guys. That’s really how it all came together. Yeah, it was just as quick as nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing all the way, and then all of a sudden, you snap your fingers, it’s time to go and sign a contract.”
(How do you handle that label that I’ve already seen on Twitter, highest-paid fullback in the NFL. How do you handle something like that?) – “Labels, dollar amounts, values that other people can put on you, I don’t think in the slightest that impacts the way I show up to work and the way I do my job. I’m a process-oriented guy, so no matter what the salary is, no matter what the signing bonus is, you’re going to get the best out of me, because that’s the human being that I am. Now do I get that financial stability in the place that I get to put my all into and a community that I get to be a part of for four more years? Heck, yeah. So I’m going to go all in, even that much more, because there’s not one foot out the door. There’s no other thoughts besides being a Dolphin. I think whatever title or tag or circumstance that you can throw on a highest-paid this or highest-paid that, it can’t impact the process and the way you show up to work.”
(When did you realize that Head Coach Mike McDaniel really likes fullbacks in his offense?) – “When I first got here and all we were watching was 49ers clips all the time, and I was already all over that ‘Juice’ (Kyle Juszczyk) tape, watching it forwards, backwards, up and down. Being able to go through a full year of this offense and this system, to put your fingerprint on it, to be able to watch yourself go through all of those things for this offseason was amazing. And then the opportunity to be able to like ‘Okay, this is what we did in the game that worked. This is what didn’t work,’ and really improve off of that. So it did not take long, it took me about a day. But it’s cool to be a part of this offense, to be a part of a system where a coach appreciates the different skillset that you can bring.”
(Can you take me through your teammates’ reactions when you told them you were getting an extension?) – “The running back room was the first to know which was really cool. To be able to go to work with those guys every day, and to be able to share that moment with those guys was special. And then it’s the guys you’re sitting at the lockers with after that. The big smiles meant the world. Just to know that they care about you, and the way that you show up to work impacts the way they show up to work. Being accountable for those guys, I get to stay being accountable for them, and be here for them. I think that’s the coolest part, is the relationships that we’re going to be able to build.”
(Talking about the running back room. I’ve asked them a couple of times what Head Coach Mike McDaniel told the backs, and I’m assuming you that he wanted to run the ball more last year. Are you looking forward to maybe running the ball a little bit more this year?) – “Heck yeah. Always, we can run the ball as much as we want, and whenever those opportunities come you never ask for them. But when the ball is in your hands you get to do something with it. I think that’s the mantra of this running back room. It’s going to be a committee deal, and we got a lot of good ones that all have their own wrinkles, their own skillset which is amazing. To be able to block for a bunch of guys that care about ball, that are smart, they know what to do, how to do it, they’re going to do it with relentless effort. We’ve got a room with a big diverse skillset that’s going to be fun to play with.”
(How would you categorize the talent level for all of those guys? The strengths for RB Raheem Mostert, the strengths for RB Jeff Wilson Jr., the strengths of RB De’Von Achane?) – “It’s really a spectrum of talent with experience, with speed, you have physicality, you have downhill, and one of my favorite things that Raheem (Mostert) talks about is he was able to turn his speed into power. You talk about him mentoring a guy like De’Von with all of his experience. Now you have got a guy who is running 4.2 that is crazy fast, he’s teaching him how to turn his speed into power. It’s all of that experience in the way that this room works. It’s super cool to see the selflessness in the committee really working together. I haven’t been around a group where we’ve been as tight as this one is right here, on the field and off the field, and it’s really cool to see those guys springboard each other, and give each other tips on how to play ball.”
(Different subject, but this team was in some exploratory talks of assuming a certain college teammate of yours. What was reaction to watching that unfold?) – “It was crazy. I was following along just like everybody else. I haven’t played with ‘JT’ (Jonathan Taylor) for a handful of years now, but just know that he is a heck of a human being. He’s one of the most humble guys that I’ve ever gotten to play with in college. Really happy for that dude and obviously it’s a tough situation, but like I said you get to fall back on the guys you get to work with every single day. Our running back room is pretty solid. It’s fun to see those guys get to go out and showcase their talents and their abilities. Whenever ‘JT’ gets healthy I’m sure he’ll do the same.”
(I know you said the means won’t affect how you work outside, but are you going to celebrate, are you going to go out, do you have a plan?) – “We’ll see. Wifey has work tomorrow morning, 5:30 a.m. she’s getting up, she’s working hard and we’ve got some dogs to take care of, and we’ve got a long weekend. I need to get healthy, and recover, and all that stuff. Maybe after we win some playoff games and play well and win some games, then maybe we can celebrate after that.”
Braxton Berrios – August 31, 2023
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Thursday, August 31, 2023
WR Braxton Berrios
(Prediction for tomorrow night’s Hurricanes game?) – “A win. Any way, shape or form. A win. Let’s get started.”
(I know you’re busy, it’s crazy. Any chance you’re going to be able to make it out to the game or is that something?) – “No, not this one sadly. Not this one.”
(Is it good to be able to have a chance or a better chance to get back to games now being back closer?) – “It’s amazing. They asked me if I would be an honorary captain at one of the games and I said absolutely. We just have to see what our schedule is like on Saturday, what time their game is. So yeah, it’s going to be exciting and I’m ready to be a little bit more involved in the program now that I’m down here.”
(What has it been like for you being back with the hometown team, so to speak? I know you said you never really left and that people seeing you, welcome back, stuff like that?) – “It’s been incredible. I grew up a Miami Hurricanes fan and that’s where I wanted to go to college and I was able to live that out. And I also grew up a Miami Dolphins fan and to be here now and to literally be living out my second dream as a kid is incredible. This city, this town, these fans – I got very close to them for four years in Miami and especially that last one and I take a lot of pride in being here and representing the city of Miami.”
(To follow up on that, is it a little bit different now you’re preparing for a game? It’s not training camp anymore. It’s different, isn’t it?) – “Yeah, absolutely it’s different. I think our preparation is really good in training camp. I think we take the field every day with a purpose in mind, but now it’s the real deal. It’s not preseason. Your record doesn’t get wiped clean. It’s there forever.”
(So you’re back home and everything is flowing the way you want it to?) – “Absolutely. Life is good.”
(A lot of times when a player is outstanding in one area, they can kind of get typecast and you’re known as a return specialist who’s very good at that. Is it in the back of your mind to establish yourself that much more as a wide receiver as well?) – “I think that was a big point of this camp and hopefully I did a good enough job for a long enough time to establish that. And the only thing that matters is what this locker room thinks, what the people in this building think and that’s the only thing I’m concerned about. I hope I did a good enough job there.”
(Take me through some of the process that was involved in getting you to this point as a wide receiver.) – “It’s everything. It’s six years in the NFL, going on six. It was four in college and then in high school I kind of played everything. So it’s figuring out what I need to get better at and that’s an ongoing process. It’s across the board and every offseason is I think a different emphasis point and again, it’s figuring out where the offense needs me, where the QB needs me to be and when they need me to be there and the most efficient way to get there.”
(And what’s it like if you’re lining up and you have No. 10 on one side, No. 17 also beside you…?) – “Yeah, it’s like, I’ve got to run fast is what it’s like. (laughter)”
(I mean seriously, you don’t want to mess up the timing when you have guys like that.) – “No, I wasn’t joking. (laughter) There was nothing funny about that, but it is true and honestly it’s been incredible learning from them. And again, there’s some things that they do that there’s not many humans on this earth that can replicate just because they’ve been blessed with some abilities – pure speed – that you can’t replicate. So some things you tip your hat and you say, ‘that’s you and that’s your game and nobody else is taking that.’ But there’s other things that you can absolutely learn from them and it’s been incredible watching them and learning from them.”
(So how much more sharp do you have to when you’re…?) – “I don’t think it’s more or less. I think the level of detail is high regardless and again, those guys are going to do what they’ve got to do and they’re going to do their job and you’ve got to make sure you do the same.”
(And what about Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker’s role in helping you develop? What is he stressing to you so you work on it?) – “It’s not any one thing. We stress details because I think the margin for error in this league is so small, and it’s so hard to win. And so the main thing that we’ve stressed is details. Like I said, being where you need to be when you need to be there, on your landmark at the times. If it’s steps, if it’s a depth, whatever it is; really stressing the details so that everybody is on the same page.”
(What should we expect from you as a return specialist?) – “I guess we’ll find out. (laughter)”
Andrew Van Ginkel – August 31, 2023
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Thursday, August 31, 2023
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
(On adjusting to the new defense) – “Obviously none of us have played in this system. So the more you can take in, there’s a lot of different verbiage and terminology that you have to go through. You have to work out the wrinkles within the defense, and I think (Defensive Coordinator) Vic Fangio has done a good job teaching us and telling us different tools that we can use and how to be prepared for games.”
(Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio is like a wealth of knowledge.) – “Yeah, he is. Everyday you can gain something. We meet as a whole defense, so you’re learning defensive line stuff, you learn corner play. You see the big picture and how the defense works and how we all play off each other.”
(How much are you going to relish the challenge of playing two linebacker jobs this year? Is it extra work? Is it something you’re looking forward to?) – “Yeah, for sure. Obviously the more you can do, the more you can help the team. I’m just accepting my role no matter what it may be. Obviously, it’s a challenge. Outside to inside ‘backer is a lot different then going from inside to outside. There’s a lot more information that you have to take in. You get to see the bigger picture of the defense and how the offense is attacking you. It’s definitely helped me learn the defense and have a better understanding of what we’re trying to do and be in the right place.”
(When they called you in March before you signed, did they bring up inside linebacker at the time or did that not come until after you re-signed?) – “That’s something that came up a little later. Obviously, (Fangio) saw something in me and he was an impact in trying to get me back here. Maybe he saw it in me the whole way which is why he wanted me back.”
Mike McDaniel – August 31, 2023
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Thursday, August 31, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Obviously things can change. With RB Jeff Wilson Jr., I know Monday, the thinking was that it wasn’t too serious and he could have played. What happened to him or what subsequently was determined to require the injured reserve placement of Jeff Wilson Jr.? And do you expect him back in October or November?) – “Those timelines are individualized and we kind of let the people go through the requisite rehabilitation. Really, it was kind of a sneaky situation for Jeff Wilson because it was a midsection injury compounded by some finger issues. Then really, we just made the assessment that he couldn’t protect himself and really be himself the way we know him to be. Time is the best healer. Knowing Jeff, his true passion in life is to play this game so he’ll do everything he can. I definitely wouldn’t be surprised if he would make a return this season. But we’ll let his body tell us.”
(Knowing RB Jeff Wilson Jr. the way that we do, how did he take that news? Was he crushed? Did he take it in stride?) – “I think he understood exactly the thought process. His injuries are not ideal for someone that in their job description, someone’s trying to tackle them every play. I think he just wants to be back on the field himself as the best version of himself, which he’s capable of doing. It’s one of those things that through our conversation, he totally understood where we’re coming from and he’s just focused on when he is back on the field, how he’s going to be prepared, like the true professional he is.”
(How ready physically and mentally do you think the rookie RB De’Von Achane will be when the Los Angeles game comes?) – “We shall see. I think it’s sooner rather than later. In regard to next week, we have four opportunities to sharpen our axe, as it would be. I would expect him to get some prep work before that game. Timelines are always fluid. But with regard to him, I think him and his teammates are very confident in his competitive play and he’s been playing football for his whole life. The good news is he got a ton of reps in the spring and training camp, so I’m not too worried about that with him.”
(Same thing for RB Salvon Ahmed. I know you said he’s day-to-day, but is he on track to be able to return to practice next week?) – “I would anticipate seeing him today in practice, and if not today, if there’s any whisper of a potential setback, then the beginning of next week. We were being very deliberately cautious with him as he has proven his growth on the field, both in practice and the preseason games.”
(And DB Elijah Campbell avoiding injured reserve, are there encouraging signs that he can return sooner than anticipated? And same thing for CB Justin Bethel?) – “Yeah, that’s kind of the reason that they’re not on injured reserve is you’re expecting them sooner rather than later, in the first quarter of the season. Exactly what game, what time, will be to be determined but we feel like they didn’t necessitate any sort of injured reserve consideration after doing our due diligence.”
(Can you talk a little bit about WR Braxton Berrios and what you saw with him throughout training camp and now what you expect out of him heading into the season?) – “I think the league is very aware of him as a returner and he proved to us every practice in his opportunities why that’s the case. From a coaching perspective, what’s been real fun to watch is his development and ascension within the offense. He’s always been a good football player, but at this time in his career, he really understands the timing and spacing of this offense. Especially for a first-year player, I think it did help that he was in a similar system with a guy that I worked with in New York. I think there’s a rapport that has been developed with the quarterbacks and him that makes me excited for the upcoming future. I know he’s excited, as I can see his smiling face every day in team meetings.”
(Was there a factor that stood out in the decision to keep TE Julian Hill over the young tight ends?) – “Yeah, I think it speaks more to what we think about Julian than less of Elijah. I prioritize earning your position at work, and (General Manager) Chris Grier does, too, so that was an intense competition that you get a lot of moments to evaluate. It wasn’t a crazy distinction. Again, it’s not to speak lowly of Elijah. It’s really about Julian’s ability to really come from a small school and develop each and every day to the point that we thought that he earned the trust of his teammates and the coaches of how he competed and how he fit within the team. But that was a close competition. But, again, it’s an inexact science, the whole draft process in general. You can go one or two ways when you’re making those type of decisions and we are steadfast on allowing the players, while they’re here, to make those decisions for us.”
(You mentioned in the past all the clerical, non-football aspects that come with being a head coach. Now that you have a game plan to draw up and get to go put a whistle on and coach football, how pumped are you for the first regular season game next week?) – “It never gets old. You feel that same momentum build just because it’s such a long process. You’re identifying things that you can work on, you’re identifying the people that can best put players in position for success, then you’re going through free agency and the draft, then you’re practicing religiously day-in day-out for this opportunity. So there’s a lot of buildup. Every year, Week 8 feels pretty similar. Every year, Week 1 feels pretty similar. You get used to the habits that come with the NFL grind that is the NFL season. But there’s still that build up. There’s still that unique feeling that you get Week 1 where it’s like, wow, this is this is why you do it. There’s a lot of hours comprised of preparation from a meeting room standpoint, from all the things that are required of an NFL player, coach and team, and then it’s just a culmination of it. So it’s a pretty exciting process that never gets old.”
(A follow up about the locker room. We got in there yesterday for the first time this season. I’m going to assume you like your process of mixing up groups. What did you see either obvious or subtle as a benefit of doing that last year?) – “Well, I thought that every team is different. So I try to look at everything from a clean slate each and every year. And what I did feel from my own really educated guesses, and then from exit interviews from the players is that the desired effect was to intermingle the team to have the team more connected. One of the big things that goes on in the life of NFL player is you’re constantly funneled with your position group to different things during the day. Whether you’re going to a group meeting, and you generally sit next to each other or close to your coach, or then you go to a position meeting, which is just your position. On NFL Sundays, position groups don’t win games. Teams do. So the more that you can get connected to your teammates, the better. If you really accumulate all the time spent in the locker room at your locker, if you accumulate that at the end of the season, it’s a ton of time. So guys know more about each other and that’s kind of the whole idea behind it. You invest in your teammates, while not on (phone) screens. And fortunately there as coachable as you guys are. (laughter)”
(Do you personally do the seating chart or does somebody else?) – “I do.”
(Do you take anything into account?) – “Oh, a lot of things. And what I did learn this year is that there’s not a decision that I can make – it’s like not in my body – to just copy and paste. So there were different things that inspired certain locker room assignments. It was very different knowing all the guys so much better than I did last year. So there’s different impulses and directives that I don’t even tell those guys why. So I think I’ll stop at that.”
(You talked a little bit about RB Jeff Wilson Jr. and RB Salvon Ahmed and RB De’Von Achane earlier. RB Raheem Mostert is the other guy in that room and he’s been pretty healthy this offseason. What have you seen from him as he prepares for a healthier year than maybe he had last offseason?) – “Outstanding focus. I couldn’t highlight a guy in a better light. He’s someone that’s directly heard a ton of noise for months and months and months. It’s almost like every day that it’s loud, you see extra focus, and that epitomizes the journey of an NFL player. We’re in a very fortunate business to be able to do the things we do on the stage we do and be compensated the way we are. However, it comes at a cost, and that’s a lot of people having opinions that directly or indirectly relate to you, and you can’t control that at all. I think the sooner that you open your eyes to that, the better. So to have a guy like Raheem, who I’ve had such a cool journey with, and to watch him work, is the exact thing that you have to do in this business at some point in time. Look, we’re all earning our day to day and not entitled to anything, and he shows exactly that with how he carries himself. I’m so proud of him as a professional. Just another reason why I have such a strong human connection with that player.”
(I know last Sunday you were waiting to inform QB Mike White and QB Skylar Thompson who would be the No. 2 before you let us know, but there’s also some kind of unclear spots in term of left guard, starting safety and cornerback. Have you made decisions? And if so, are you able to share that with us?) – “That’s why we practice. You can look at one of two ways; you can look at it like, ‘Oh, there’s some unclear circumstances with the position,’ or you can look at is as, ‘Well, there’s a couple guys, at least, at those positions that are deserving of one spot.’ So it’s not typically the way you draw it up, but at the same time, it’s not necessarily a bad thing either. Those things, they can go all the way up into the season. There can be rotations, or it can be solidified today, tomorrow, the next week. You just go with the best intent, and we’re fortunate to have a roster of depth. It’s not because there’s lacking in our particular situation that that’s the case. It’s more that there’s competition that’s very, very close, and you want to do right by the team and the individuals.”
(How do you want these guys to approach these next three days off? Do you tell them, “Get off your feet?” Some of the guys said they’re going to keep on working, because they don’t want to ratchet down to ratchet it back up.) – “I think that it’s a balance of both. First and foremost, I want to protect the team, and that goes along the lines of everything. That’s kind of why I use that phrase, because part of protecting the team is to make sure that you’re in the premier spot to go through the rigors of the NFL season, and that’s tailored to each and every person. There are some guys that are worn out earning the job that need the rest. I think that’s player to player, but I think overall, the only way you can kind of surmise that is how your game and where you’re at affects the rest of the team and each and every person within the organization and the fan base. You hold that responsibility in high regard. It’s case by case. Some guys do need to stay off their feet, because of the rigors. Some guys need to stay in shape, because that’s their edge that they’ve built up on and they don’t want to lose.”
Julian Hill – August 30, 2023
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Wednesday, August 30, 2023
TE Julian Hill
(If I were to go to Campbell University for this first time, what would I notice? What would you recommend I do?) – “A lot of trees, a lot of open farms and cows. I recommend that you go visit Campbell University. That’s really the excitement of Campbell. Buies Creek is a long way from Miami.”
(I know you had a couple knee injuries your senior year of high school. Other than Campbell, what do you remember were some of your recruiting options?) – “I had some ACC schools, come C-USA. I played quarterback in high school. I was a pretty highly recruited quarterback. I had some Sun Belt schools. It ended up not working out obviously, so Campbell gave me an opportunity and I ran with it.”
(The background with the Dolphins, at what point did they start showing interest in you? In February or March, did Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Jon Embree sort of develop a relationship with you back then?) – “Yeah, leading up to the draft, so many frequent teams are calling you. As the draft got closer and closer, that’s when the Dolphins became interested. My agent told me and I thought it was a great fit. I always had my eye on the Dolphins. Nice weather. (laughter) I like their system. I like Coach McDaniel and how he runs things, and of course just getting a chance to work with Coach Embree from who he’s coached in the past, it was a no-brainer.”
(I know that to play in this offense at the tight end position, you need to be an effective blocker. I just told TE Durham Smythe I haven’t studied your blocking film yet. What will I notice? What’s your approach to blocking?) – “I love it. I take pride in being a half o-lineman. (laughter) I love the trench warfare or whatever you want to call it. Whatever name it has, I love getting physical and I think that that’s where it allows me to buy time to develop my route running. A lot of guys – you’ve just got to be willing and have a willingness to block and I have that. I love to show effort in the run game. I love to get physical, like I said, and I think that’s the beautiful thing about it.”
(From a receiving standpoint, what tight ends do you think you might have a similarity with and that you’ve studied on tape with similar games?) – “I like the Jets’ Tyler Conklin. I just like him. We’ve got a similar style of play, same size. I like watching Tommy Tremble from the Panthers, just his mindset. He was a young guy as well, same size, and how he gets in and out of breaks. Of course, George Kittle – he’s the one who was a superstar in this type of offense. How he gets up field, how he slashes the defense, all of those types of things. Those three guys are the main guys that I take a look at and take notes on.”
(What’s something that Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Jon Embree has said or shown you that really stands out? Like every time you’re out there, you kind of have it in the back of your mind.) – “It’s a mindset. Everything you do is a mindset. He preaches that. He doesn’t like when we don’t have that mindset going onto the field. Really that’s the only thing. He preaches it in the film room, he preaches it on the field – mindset, mindset, mindset. So mentality.”
(This locker room, this team and this organization has track record of adding undrafted free agents who have a lot of success, such as CB Kader Kohou who used to be there. DT Brandon Pili has made it, which is good for him. Did you feel like a long shot when you first got here?) – “Of course, definitely. (laughter) I knew since I walked into that meeting room, I understand I’m at the bottom of the depth chart, but I knew it was an opportunity. That’s all I needed, just a (foot) in the door. Every single day I’m going to continue to work hard. I’m just honored that they decided they want me to be one of the pieces, and I know every day, it’s an interview every day. So I’m willing to take that on.”
(How did you find out that you had made it? Did anybody say something to you? Did General Manager Chris Grier?) – “Yeah, it was Coach ‘Embo’ (Jon Embree). It was the day after the deadline, he told me congratulations. A lot of other guys, a lot of older teammates that have been around here came up to me and said, ‘Congratulations, can’t wait to work with you throughout the season.’ It was just a big moment. God is good.”
(Is it happiness? What sort of emotion is it to make it as an undrafted rookie?) – “It’s huge. It’s huge. I called my coach from Campbell because nobody has even done it from Campbell before. It’s just an honor, like I said, just to be one of the pieces of the puzzle. I’m really excited to chase this ring with these guys and earn it every day.”
(What did Campbell do to prepare you for this opportunity?) – “Humble me. (laughter) ‘Coach Mint’, Coach Mike Minter, he played in the league for 10 years. Just knowing his mindset, he played for the Panthers, the mentality he had, what it takes to be an NFL guy, he kind of molded that into me while I was at Campbell.”
Brandon Pili – August 30, 2023
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Wednesday, August 30, 2023
DT Brandon Pili
(Who told you you were on the 53? Did Defensive Line Coach Austin Clark tell you, somebody else?) – “I’m trying to remember.”
(Did anyone tell you? Or you just showed up and they told you, you were going to stay?) – “I just showed up, came to the team meeting and Coach Mike (McDaniel) came in front of the whole team and just told us congratulations, this is who we’re rocking with.”
(What did that feel like?) – “It was the best feeling in the world. You can’t duplicate it. Just a lot going through my mind. Just happy and appreciative that they gave me a chance.”
(Is it like a badge of honor when you come in as an undrafted free agent and make the final 53?) – “I kind of don’t see it that way. Obviously the NFL is a business. They’re looking for somebody to replace you every day, so it kind of just helped motivate me even more to keep going and keep pushing and keep getting better.”
(What do you think you showed this camp?) – “I just came to work. I just came and put in the work. Yes sir, no sir. The coach told me to be low maintenance, don’t be a high maintenance guy. So I think that combined with the stuff I did on the field is really what helped me kind of get here.”
(What was it like walking into that room not knowing?) – “It was nerve-wracking. It’s a big day for everybody in the league and you hate to see the guys you shed blood, sweat and tears with have their dreams ended or go somewhere else. But it’s just a blessing. It’s an honor to be here.”
(What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned whether it be from Defensive Line Coach Austin Clark or Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio or any of your coaches?) – “I’d say 80 percent of the game is mental. How you prepare for it mentally, how you get your mind right every day to go out there and practice.”
Chris Brooks – August 30, 2023
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Wednesday, August 30, 2023
RB Chris Brooks
(How does it feel to make the official 53-man roster?) – “It feels great. It’s a blessing to be here. I want to be a great teammate and do whatever I can to help this team.”
(Who told you? Was it Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Eric Studesville, General Manager Chris Grier, that you made the 53? Was there someone who told you?) – “I just walked into meetings and came in and they said congratulations fellas. I just assumed I was on the 53.”
(I know DT Brandon Pili was saying Coach Mike McDaniel was saying “this is our group.” Did it really resonate with you that you made a NFL team?) – “For sure. Then again, you have to take every day one day at a time. The most important day is right now. Just be present and do whatever I can to help out and get better.”
(When you woke up yesterday, you thought what?) – “I thought that I hope I have a good day at practice today and do whatever I can to get better at something today.”
(It would have been very human to think, there are five really good veteran backs in this room. How am I possibly going to make the team? Tell me did that thought ever go through your mind in the dog days of training camp?) – “No. I thought more in a day-to-day mindset. I feel like if you look too far ahead, you get really anxious and get kind of nervous. I just thought, ‘What can I do today to get better?’ and ‘How can I learn from these guys?’”
(Can you take us through the entire journey of not getting drafted, that low, to the high of yesterday’s news?) – “I feel like not getting drafted, I wouldn’t really look at is as a low. I would say it’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity that not many guys I have. I can either take advantage of the opportunity or I can just let it go to waste. And I chose to take advantage.”
(What was it like when you weren’t getting those opportunities in the team drills and then had that 95-yard touchdown that day and eventually got more involved?) – “I think that the mental reps were just as important as the physical reps. I think that was probably the most important aspect of all this is taking advantage of those mental reps. Almost like I’m in it, getting those reps right then. I think taking advantage of those was a very big deal because anybody can get those same reps on game day.“
(Prior to the Dolphins calling and General Manager Chris Grier giving you an offer, did you have any relationship at all with Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Eric Studesville from March through April? Or was there anyone with the Dolphins that tried to cultivate a relationship with you pre-draft?) – “No.”
(So was it a surprise when the Dolphins called and offered?) – “I would say so.”
(And you picked Miami why?) – “It’s a great spot. I get to learn real football from ‘Coach E’ (Eric Studesville). He’s a great coach. I’m blessed.”
(Did he call you that night when they made the offer, that third day of the draft? Or had you not really talked to any Dolphins coaches by the time you agreed to terms?) – “I hadn’t really talked to anyone.”
(Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Eric Studesville has coached for a long time, coached a lot of good running backs. What was the most important thing you were able to learn from him?) – “The most important thing I’ve been able to learn from ‘Coach E’ (Eric Studesville) is learning conceptual football and breaking it down to a foundational level. I think once he breaks it down to a foundational level, we’re able to learn, read and do things when we play football.”
(What did you feel was most important to show Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Eric Studesville and show Head Coach Mike McDaniel?) – “Just to show them that I love being a great teammate, I love to work and am here to get better.”
(Had you been to South Florida before signing with the Dolphins? Did you have any Miami connections at all?) – “We played the Hula Bowl down here before. That’s in Orlando. I don’t know if that is near here though. Probably not. That’s the only time I was in Florida though.”
(So you’ve basically made home the Dolphins facility the past few months?) – “Yeah, since May. Since rookie minicamp.”
(You definitely have a lot of skills. What would you point to is your skill that you feel best about coming into the NFL?) – “Coming into the NFL, I thought my skill was physicality. I probably feel the best about that. I’m working on branching off and getting all the other skills.”
(What’s the best reaction you got from a relative or friend over the news from yesterday?) – “They were really happy and congratulating me. I thought that was great to have that love come back to me.”
