Kenyan Drake – May 6, 2016
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Friday, May 6, 2016
Running Back Kenyan Drake
(On the experience of being drafted) – “The process was tedious in itself. Going from as soon as the national championship (game) ended, straight into finding an agent to going down to IMG (Academy) and training in Bradenton, Florida to getting ready for the Combine, Pro Days, flying out to different teams – things of that sort … So once I got time to actually sit down with my family for the last few days leading up to the draft, it was … I guess it was more relaxing than anything, because it was the first time that I really got to chill with my family through this whole entire process. I just took that all in with them. Once I got drafted by the Dolphins, obviously, it was a very fulfilling moment in my life, because it’s a lifelong achievement that I’ve always wanted to accomplish. I’m glad to be a Miami Dolphin.”
(On what trait makes him a running back that doesn’t need a lot of carries to make an impact) – “I guess my versatility, in general. I don’t necessarily have to be in the backfield to make a play. I can be lined up out wide in the special teams game, not necessarily just (to) return the ball, but kickoff, run down, (and) make a tackle on kickoff. I feel like I try to make the most of every opportunity that I have on the field (and) play every play like it’s my last play. I give every effort – my maximum effort – in every play and just go with it.”
(On if he wants to line up in multiple positions with the Dolphins) – “Of course. I want to come here and definitely display my versatility. Not necessarily in my game specifically, but if I can cause a mismatch and make a defense play to me, that leaves somebody else open and we have a multitude of weapons on this field that can be utilized. That just opens (up) a game plan even more for everybody else.”
(On whether he expected to be the third running back drafted) – “Yes, of course. I feel like – in general – (with) my skill set … In my eyes, it allowed me to be the best back in the draft. I want to continue to prove that throughout my NFL career.”
(On playing against G/T Laremy Tunsil in college) – “I’ve played him – I guess – three times in my career, because he’s a junior, and I’m a senior. But he’s a very polished athlete at the offensive lineman position. Watching film on him up to the draft with all the analysis on him, he definitely didn’t give up many sacks, (he has) no technique flaws or anything. He’s just very polished, very firm in his technique. I feel like he will definitely bring that to the league and be a contributor right away.”
(On watching G/T Laremy Tunsil on film) – “When you see it on TV, the analysts break things down. Obviously, they’re going to show the best plays. And his best plays were great plays.”
(On whether he feels fresh because he did not have many carries in college) – “I guess you could say (that) in a sense. But we haven’t … I haven’t played a down of football since January, so I feel like anybody in their right mind would feel fresh, regardless. Like I said, I just want to come here (and) help this team win any way possible.”
(On the strengths he brings to the table) – “I guess reiterating on my versatility, my ability to be an every down back in my personal opinion, continue to improve on things I need to work on such as my pass protection, third down, things of that sort, but also being able to line up out wide and create mismatches against linebackers (and) safeties.”
(On whether he believes he has a chance to start) – “I’m just coming here to help the team win any way possible. I’m focused on rookie minicamp right now, going into OTAs, going into (training) camp and let the chips fall where they may at that time. I’m going to continue to work hard and be the best player I can be and help this team win a championship.”
(On playing behind RB Derrick Henry at Alabama and how you have to suppress your ego in a role like that) – “I don’t necessarily look at anything in that sort, because I played behind a multitude of backs at Alabama from the Eddie Lacys to the T.J. Yeldons to Derrick Henry. We didn’t necessarily see it as playing behind each other – playing in front of each other – because we were all in one room trying to obtain one goal, and that was to be the best we could be. Anytime they made a play, I was happy for them. We were together anytime I made a play, and vice versa. That’s what I’m going to bring here to this team is selflessness and a willing to go out and win in any way possible.”
(On whether there were times he was concerned that not being the featured back in college would affect his draft stock) – “Of course not. Because at the end of the day, GMs and everybody, they look at specific abilities. Just because you didn’t get the play doesn’t necessarily mean you’re not a great player. Obviously, the Dolphins proved that with drafting me.”
(On being compared to great NFL running backs that were backups in college) – “Just to be mentioned in names with such great backs is very humbling. But I have to go out there as Kenyan Drake and do what I have to do personally. I loved, personally, what they did, but I have to put the work in to make my name a household name, too, like theirs.”
(On whether there is a particular run play that he enjoys) – “Any run play. It doesn’t matter. Inside, outside, sweep, inside zone from the gun – it doesn’t matter. I’m willing to stick my nose in there, get the yards (we) need to get, bounce it outside, take it the distance. It doesn’t matter.”
(On what the first morning of minicamp was like for him) – “I’m just glad to be back to work, honestly. Just to get back to football is definitely something I’ve been urging to get to. We’re not practicing or anything, which actually … Ironically, I actually looked forward to actually being back into pads, but this is definitely something … I definitely believe (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase has the best interest in us as players … with how we’ve come through this entire (draft) process, and how our bodies have worn down up to this point, and to focus mentally on the game plan, and becoming pros and being a Miami Dolphin is the best situation for it.”
(On how playing at Alabama prepared him for the NFL) – “I just felt like practicing against, honestly, the best players in the country on a daily basis, would give me an edge in any regard, first and foremost. The process of being in that kind of situation – (a) pro-style offense – I come in with a good understanding of not necessarily the terminology – because terminology can be different – but every base pro-style offense is going to be the same. So, that gives me an edge over whoever else didn’t have that opportunity. At the same time, going to Alabama and being under that kind of culture – that winning culture – I expect nothing less out of my teammates and out of myself. That’s why I’m going to come here and try to help this team win a Super Bowl any way possible.”
(On his best story of Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban) – “Next question.” (laughter)
(On being polished as a route runner and whether that is something he learned at Alabama) – “With (Alabama Offensive Coordinator Lane) Kiffin, he allowed me to go into their offensive meeting rooms and then go out with the receivers and learn formations and things of that sort. I feel like the last two years when I was with Kiffin and his offense, it definitely gave me a broader knowledge of the game and the offense as a whole, because now when I come into these meeting rooms with the coaches and they ask me to give a formation or a personnel (grouping) – things of that sort – I’m not just looking at my position as a whole. I can see the field and have a broader, wide range of how to understand the offense as a whole.”
(On whether understanding the receiver position gives him an advantage) – “Yes, exactly. Having that ability to understand, not just my role but (the) receiver role … They can insert me into that position – and things of that sort – (and) I feel like (it) gives me an edge and gives my teammates an edge, because I have the ability to have that knowledge.”
