Eli Apple – July 30, 2023
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Sunday, July 30, 2023
CB Eli Apple
(One of the big story lines is you and WR Tyreek Hill. Have you talked to Tyreek and where do things stand right there?) – “Yeah, of course. His locker is literally right across from mine. I saw him earlier today in the locker room and we were chopping it up a little bit at the training and breakfast table. We all good. It’s all love. We’re on the same team. All love.”
(Talk about the decision to come to Miami. Joining the Dolphins with what happened to CB Jalen Ramsey, talk about your decision to come down here.) – “I’ve been staying out here and they hit my agent and talked about coming in for a workout. That went well and I talked with (Mike) McDaniel and the GM (Chris Grier) and everybody. It just felt like great love. They told me it would be a great opportunity for me to come in and compete. That’s all I care about. I want help the team and compete out there.”
(You and Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo had a pretty great relationship in Cincinnati. How do you think playing in his defense helped you come down here and play in this defense?) – “It just helps with my versatility. He makes you do everything in the defense. You have to be able to press, play off man, different zones. That’s kind of like here. It’s very versatile in the scheme and I think that fits well in my skillset.”
(Is it your understanding you’ll have a chance to compete for the starting boundary job that CB Jalen Ramsey was going to have?) – “Yeah, I just want to come in here and do anything I can to make the team better and compete.”
(Were you disappointed at all not being signed? Obviously you were a 15-game starter for a really good team last year. You’ve had a good NFL career. Was not being signed up to this point disappointing, frustrating, anything like that?) – “Yeah, it was different. I haven’t gone through that long of offseason without being on a team being signed. It just took a lot of patience and hard work on my end and just continue to stay ready as much as I can for any opportunity.”
(Were there any offers during the offseason at a really low money number that didn’t interest you? Or did you not have any offers up until yesterday?) – “There were different teams that reached out. I just wanted to be patient in my approach and wait for the best opportunity.”
(Were there times when you wondered if the right offer would come your way?) – “No, I never try to waver in my confidence. I believe in myself and my ability. I knew the right opportunity was there.”
(What was the main thing you were looking for?) – “Just the right opportunity to come in for a good team and compete.”
(Did the issue of social media usage come up in any of you conversations?) – “No, not at all.”
(What have you learned from that experience? Are you now more likely to be more disciplined? I know it’s all in good fun but people notice it and it can have impacts.) – “Of course, yes. I just want to do what I can to be a positive influence on the team and make the team better overall.”
(What did Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio tell you about he sees you fitting into this defense? Did you talk to him yesterday?) – “Yeah, it was brief. Good feedback.”
(What do you think about the talent on this team right now?) – “There’s great talent everywhere. Dawgs all over the place. Guys can play and guys have great ability and athleticism everywhere.”
(What have the past 12 hours been like for you?) – “It’s been crazy. It’s been hectic. Just hitting the ground running especially out there today just thrown into the fire. Literally still kind of sweating a little from the practice. But I feel good. My body feels good. I just want to continue to get better and better every day.”
(How much did you know of what you were doing out there during team drills?) – “The guys were really good with communication. Coach (Sam) Madison actually came to my place last night and we were running plays and he was helping me out with some of the schemes and terminology. I felt good. He put me out there close to the sideline where he could talk to me a bit. It’s just about getting reps.”
(You said you were already in the area. For how long have you been in South Florida?) – “Since March.”
(Is that in anyway because the Dolphins are here?) – “I had no anticipation this offer would come. I just like Miami. I like the weather and everything that comes with it. I was just training and trying to stay ready.”
(Do you have a place down here?) – “Yeah, a little rental.”
(Have you talked to CB Jalen Ramsey yet? What’s his message been if you have talked to him?) – “Yeah, I saw him. His locker is right there as well next to mine. We were just talking a little bit. He was like do what you can and go get it, compete. Very encouraging, and I was just trying to encourage him as well to help his situation.”
(Any funny exchanges with WR Tyreek Hill? You both are funny guys and there’s some history there. What did he say to you today?) – “No, we were just talking a little bit. He was telling me about the guys on the defense and catching me up and introducing me to the coaches I hadn’t met yet. It was cool, it was a great introduction.”
(Have you played in a defense such as this and how soon do you think you can get acclimated to what they run?) – “It still very new to me. The defense I’m coming from with Lou Anarumo, it’s pretty different. Here they do a lot of different disguises and schemes for corners. I like it a lot. It’s very corner-friendly and aggressive. I’m looking forward to it.”
(How’s it been going from being a rival to teammate with WR Tyreek Hill? What’s that like?) – “It’s great. He’s definitely one of the most athletic athletes in the whole world. Everyday going against him is going to make everybody better.”
(How happy are you in terms of not being in the league a week ago to now being potentially a starter on a playoff-caliber team with a lot of talent virtually overnight. Are you very pleased by that turn of events?) – “I’m happy to be here. I’m excited to get going and learn more every day and be around the guys. It’s definitely a great feeling.”
