Jay Ajayi – December 28, 2016 (Conference Call)
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Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Running Back Jay Ajayi Conference Call with New England Media
(I was wondering about your journey through coming up through the draft and being a fifth-round selection and now putting up the season you’ve had. Is it especially gratifying knowing that you had to come from that point and prove some people wrong?) – “When I got drafted, it was disappointing from the standpoint that I believed I was a higher choice than where I went. I believe it was like 14 guys that got picked ahead of me or something like that, so it was definitely motivating for me. I was grateful to be on the Miami Dolphins and then since that moment, it was about proving to myself how great I can be in this league and showcasing to everyone else about the mistakes they made picking the guys in front of me.”
(I know that one of the concerns that seemed to make you drop in the draft was over your knee and a possible micro-fracture surgery. When you were going through that – and you’re hearing all those things – how frustrating was it to not have any control of those type of rumors?) – “It was frustrating because there were a lot of rumors, basically, and a lot of stuff that wasn’t factually supported, and I couldn’t really say anything. All I had was my play and film and everything I did up to the draft to speak for itself. It was tough sitting back and watching everything unfold. I think everything happens for a reason, and I’m glad I ended up on the Dolphins, because this is where I’ve actually been able to have my opportunity to play. This is where my career is, and I’m grateful.”
(One of the things a lot of the guys here are talking about is how much better you get as the game goes along. You have, I think, the highest yards per carry for somebody that has had at least 10 rushes in the fourth quarter and overtime in the league. Is that something you’ve been able to pride yourself on is your ability to finish games?) – “I think all throughout my career I’ve done a good job of being the workhorse throughout the games – through all four quarters – understanding the fourth quarter is usually the most important quarter to finish the game off, and I think it has been a great job. Our o-line, they’ve been doing a great job finishing games, staying physical throughout the game. I know if I run hard the first three quarters, by the fourth quarter, most defenses usually wear down, and they don’t want to keep having to tackle and wrap up. It’s just a mindset, a mentality with our team and myself that you’re going to have to see us all four quarters, and it’s not going to stop.”
(I know you didn’t get that much of a chance to play the first time this season when you guys faced the Patriots. What is it like being able to go up against them knowing that you’re going to be one of the guys?) – “It’s exciting to play this game. We know what’s at stake for us. It’s the next game, but we’re excited for the opportunity to have them come play us at home. For me, personally, I didn’t play as much that first go-around, so it’ll be exciting this next time. We understand what’s at stake. It’s still a big game. We’re not looking ahead. We’re looking to this weekend.”
(You talked about getting stronger as the game goes on. Dave Puloka, the strength and conditioning coach, can you maybe talk about the work you’ve done with him and how that has translated to your ability to get better as the game goes on?) – “I do a lot of stuff not just with ‘Coach P’ – Coach Puloka – but also with the sports science staff, (Director of Sports Performance) Wayne Diesel, and the trainers and making sure that my body always is at tip-top shape for the game. Working with Wayne and ‘Coach P’ during the week, I try to prepare myself to be able to withstand all the hits and punishment of the game, so that I can stay in all four quarters, still feel fresh, still feel good and staying on my routine to make sure that I can handle a full workload.”
(I’m asking specifically about Head Stength and Conditioning Coach Dave Puloka, because he has some local ties up here to the area. Is there anything maybe he has challenged you with in a different way or brought something new to the table that you’re unfamiliar with, but now you’ve tried it and reaped the benefits of it?) – “I would say with ‘Coach P’ this offseason, it was good to work with him. It was his first time, I think, being the head trainer – head strength coach – so his program, it was pretty intense. Working with him, I definitely felt like it helped me get ready for the season.”
(Your production obviously spiked once the Pittsburgh game came along. Was that something that coincided with the offensive line gelling a little bit better or was that something that you felt you were more energized at that point of the season? What do you think was the difference there?) – “Week 6 – the Pittsburgh game – it was a culmination of a lot of things. As a team, we changed the whole mindset, mentality. We made some personnel decisions here and there, our o-line got healthy, we were running confident, we were being physical. I was able to get a big opportunity to carry the ball more than the usual 10 times. It was about running hard that day, and we were able to have a good game. We were able to see what we can do when we run hard and hit our landmarks and read our keys. For me, I always have the confidence that I know what I can do. It was about staying with it since that week and trying to continue to have great games like that.”
(Do you still keep in touch with former Boise State Head Coach Chris Peterson?) – “No.”
