Chandler Cox – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
RB Chandler Cox
(What is it like to have a lifetime dream of being drafted happen for you?) – “It’s incredible. I’ve been out here on the boat with my family all day just trying to wait for a phone call. I was hoping for Miami the whole time because I took a few visits and I came down to Miami and that was by far the best one. It’s just an organization that I would love to be a part of and it’s a dream come true to get drafted. I’m so excited. I’m from Apopka, Florida, so it’s about three hours north. So I’m coming home.”
(Where were you? On a boat? Where?) – “Yes, sir. I’m out in St. George, Utah with my mom and my stepdad, and my little brother and sister, and my oldest brother, my girlfriend and his girlfriend. We’re out here on one of the lakes in St. George.”
(Fullback seems to be a dying breed of a position. What made you play it?) – “It’s just being physical. I love the position. I know it’s a dying breed but I want to be one of those guys to bring it back because it’s one of those things that teams need a guy that can be physical and do a lot of things and just help the energy of the team. That’s why I love playing it so much.”
(You said you’re from Apopka?) – “Yes, sir. I went to Apopka High School.”
(Did you come close at all or were you close to going to any of the schools in Florida?) – “I was, yeah. I almost went to the University of Florida but I took more visits and I ended up at Auburn just because I fell in love with it. But I was always a Gator growing up.”
(Do you have a special teams background?) – “Yes, sir. I do. I played all special teams at Auburn. I started on kickoff return all four years and I was a backup on all of the rest. I was also a wing on the field goal team.”
(What do you feel like is your best trait?) – “Just my versatility. I can play different positions. In high school, I was a quarterback, too. So I had to transition to play fullback at Auburn. I played a little bit of Wildcat quarterback there and I split out to receiver and played some tight end. I did a bunch of different things for them, so that was something that I think is my best trait that I can help the team.”
(Did you get very much with the Dolphins into talking about your role? Because they don’t use a traditional fullback. Did you talk about how they could use you?) – “We did, yes. They told me little things but I’m just trying to help them any way I can. Whatever they ask me to do – whether it’s just special teams or whether it’s just fullback – whatever it may be, I’m willing to do it. I’m going to do it to the best of my ability and try to just help the team win.”
Isaiah Prince – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
T Isaiah Prince
(Are you better suited for the right side or the left side, do you think?) – “I played my whole career on the right side. I definitely feel more comfortable on the right side but I’m willing to play any position that the coaches allow me to play.”
(Can you talk about your pass protection skills? What do you think you do well in that area of the game?) – “I think I’m really strong with my hands and I have really good leverage with my long arms. I definitely use that to my advantage.”
(What has this draft process been like for you, going from when you finished and started training for the draft to draft day? Did you go around when you expected?) – “Yeah, I’ve only been on three visits. The process was long but I’ve enjoyed it the best that I can. I’ve been grateful for the opportunities.”
(You said you went on three visits. Was one of them here?) – “Yeah. Miami was one of the visits.”
(Who did you meet with? How did that meeting go?) – “I met with everybody, the whole staff (and) everybody in the program. I thought it went really well. I enjoyed the people there and I really enjoyed my visit.”
(How much did you go against DE Nick Bosa in practice and how did you generally do against him?) – “I went against Bosa every day in practice. It was very competitive every day. I enjoyed it. I think we definitely made each other better.”
(How would you describe your playing style?) – “I’m physical. I like to get after people, take shots and just wear the defense down. (That’s) something an offensive lineman is supposed to do.”
(What other competition have you gone up against in your collegiate career?) – “I played against Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa, Jalyn Holmes, Sam Hubbard, Tyquan Lewis. I’ve played against some really good players – Dre’Mont Jones.”
(It’s the third straight year now the Dolphins have taken an Ohio State player – LB Jerome Baker and LB Raekwon McMillan. Have you heard from them?) – “Yeah, I’ve been talking to Jerome a lot. Especially Jerome because we came in together in college, the same class. So he’s somebody I was close with.”
(What’s it like to know that you’ve finally achieved a dream and you’re in the NFL?) – “I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity and I really love the opportunity that they’ve blessed me with. But now it’s just part of the process and it’s time to get to work and work hard again.”
(What aspect of your game do you want to improve on the most?) – “Definitely my pass protection. I struggled a little bit in college with that and I think that’s something that I can improve on and showcase at the next level.”
Andrew Van Ginkel – April 27, 2019
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Saturday, April 27, 2019
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
(Did you have any idea that you were on the Dolphins’ radar?) – “They talked to me a couple of times and I met with them at my Pro Day. I didn’t know exactly but I had a good idea that they were interested in me.”
(Could you describe your game as far as against the run and against the pass? What do you consider your strengths?) – “I feel like I can get after the (passer). I’ve been working on it ever since I got to college. I’ve always tried to develop my game and I’ve really anchored down on the ground to be able to stop the run. I’ve really worked on that my whole career. I feel like it’s something I continue to work on and something that I can improve on.”
(What linebacker position did you play for Wisconsin?) – “I played outside linebacker there.”
(Did you have strong or weak side, or was it interchangeable?) – “We were interchangeable, so I played both sides.”
(Do you have any special teams experience?) – “Yeah, I played all four special teams. I was a core-four guy my junior year, so I got a lot of experience there.”
(Were you kind of surprised you were reunited with OL Michael Deiter down here?) – “Yeah, I’m excited. He was a great teammate. He has a knack for football and he’s so knowledgeable about the game. He’s a good friend of mine and I’m excited to be able to be a teammate of his again.”
(What led to you going to junior college? Why didn’t you go to a four-year university initially?) – “I did go to a four-year university at the University of South Dakota. I played well my redshirt freshman year, so I wanted to see where my talents could take me. I ended up choosing Iowa Western so I could get recruited and end up going to a bigger D-I school. I ultimately chose Wisconsin.”
(You transferred after two years to Wisconsin?) – “So I spent a year and a-half at South Dakota and then a year at my junior college, and then spent two years at Wisconsin.”
Michael Deiter – April 26, 2019
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Friday, April 26, 2019
OL Michael Deiter
(What’s your reaction to being selected by the Dolphins?) – “Super excited. I can’t wait to get started.”
(Did you have an idea that you were on their radar?) – “Yeah. I knew that they needed o-linemen; but at the end of the day, you have no idea. I knew they needed o-linemen. I figured I could be a guy that could come in and help. I’m just excited to get picked and I just can’t wait to get to work.”
(How many positions do you play on the offensive line among left guard, right guard, left tackle, right tackle, center?) – “I’ve played left tackle, left guard and center.”
(Where do you feel the most at home?) – “Honestly, anywhere in the middle three – center, left guard and then right guard. At the end of the day, I think I could still play tackle if need be.”
(What was it that made the coaches decide to play you at so many positions do you think?) – “I think it just means that it’s the easiest way to get the best five o-linemen on the field. As long as you can handle it mentally and physically – and I’ve been able to do that – it just makes the team better. If you can play something that might be a little bit unnatural but you get the best five o-linemen on the field, that’s always going to make the team better in the end. I think it really speaks to coaches having confidence in you to be able to handle it mentally. I think the first thing you always think of is can he handle it mentally, will he be able to not miss assignments, be on the right guys and stuff like that. Then physically, it’s still offensive line no matter where you’re playing, just each spot kind of has its little intricacies.”
(Is it a coincidence that all the work you’ve done is on the left side, or is that just the side you’re the most comfortable with?) – “That’s just where they put me and that’s just where I kind of hung out. That’s where I’m most comfortable right now, but I’ve played right guard in camps before and the left side is just where they needed me, so that’s where I was always put.”
(What goes into playing 54 straight games. What was the biggest lesson you learned after that?) – “The biggest lesson is you have to know when you’re injured and when you’re hurt. There’s going to be times where you’ve got something bothering you, but it has to be a decision on whether or not you want to not be out there with your guys or you want to be out there with your guys. To me, I’ve done all of this stuff in the offseason, all of this work for only 12 guaranteed opportunities, and the last thing I’m going to do is miss any of them for something that might be minor. You see it a lot and people might call it smart or dumb or whatever, but I just never wanted to be someone who was missing opportunities to play with my guys. I just did everything in my power to make sure I was out there and at the end of the day, I just got lucky. I never had to deal with any crazy injuries or anything like that. I was super blessed in that regard. You have to know when you’re injured and when you’re just hurt.”
(What’s the worst thing you’ve played through?) – “I had a high-ankle sprain when I got in the BYU game in 2017. It was kind of a grind to finish that game and play the next couple of weeks, but it’s not like I was hurting the team. Obviously you have to make that decision if your injury is affecting your play to the point where you’re not helping the team. Then you’ve got to make that decision and get out of there. I felt like I was still good enough to help the team win, so I stayed out there.”
(I know we’ve asked you about the offensive line and different positions. If Miami wanted you to play right tackle, they kind of have a need there. Would you feel comfortable there?) – “Yep.”
(How much experience do you have there as far as practice and games and everything like that?) – “I don’t have a ton taking team reps during practice or team reps during camp; but I would need a week and I would feel comfortable enough to go out there and compete at that position and to be for sure serviceable. If I had four or five days to get ready to play a position, I’d be good.”
(What are your first thoughts about moving to Miami?) – “It’s a big city. I’m not used to being in a big city like that. I’ve been down there for the Orange Bowl. It’s super nice and kind of fancy. It’s a little bit warm, but it’s no big deal.”
(How would you describe your playing style?) – “I would say I’m a mauler first and foremost. Playing at Wisconsin our ‘M.O.’ was obviously run the football first. That was always the bread and butter. You’ve got to be able to move people. You’ve got to be able to finish blocks and then in pass protection, you have to be able to obviously protect. You have to be serviceable and you have to be able to throw your hands fast, get your hands on guys fast. I think my playing style is definitely physical, hard-nosed and then I’m going to try to finish people and get after people and at the end of the day, that should put you right where you want to be.”
Chris Grier – April 26, 2019 (3rd Round)
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Friday, April 26, 2019
General Manager Chris Grier (Round 3)
(Opening Statement) – “We selected Michael Deiter, offensive lineman (from) Wisconsin. This is a guy we had watched over the years. He started 54 straight games there. He has played everywhere on the line from center to tackle (and) guard. Again, he’s tough, he’s smart, he’s versatile. The program has done a great job of producing offensive linemen in the league, as well at the collegiate level. Again, he fits all of the boxes for us. We met with him at the Senior Bowl. (We) spent time with him. Some of our scouts met with him again up in Wisconsin at the Pro Day. This is a player that we liked and we’re glad we could get him where we did.”
(When you watch the film, what stands out most to you about OL Michael Deiter?) – “Just his consistency and toughness. It’s typical Wisconsin. You kind of watch it, you kind of know what you’re getting. It’s kind of the meat and potatoes – not the flash – so that’s what you appreciate. This guy (started) 54 straight games in that conference, (which) speaks for itself. He’s an easy player to evaluate and a great kid as well.”
(Do you see him as a guard?) – “Again, it’ll be up to the coaches; but it’s the versatility that he can play that allows us to fit him in anywhere that we need.”
(Did you expect a run at offensive line today?) – “Yeah, especially with it being such a defensive-heavy draft in the lines early. (We) thought there would be a run as well as (at) wide receiver and the skill positions, which there were.”
Chris Grier – April 26, 2019 (2nd Round)
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Friday, April 26, 2019
General Manager Chris Grier (following second round)
(Opening Statement) – “We acquired Josh Rosen from the Cardinals tonight. It was an opportunity to add more competition and talent at a position that we’ve always talked about here, in terms of creating that competitive environment at every position. I want to thank the Cardinals for working with us. It’s been a grueling two days for both of us working through it. I’m sure they were talking to a bunch of teams. (Arizona Cardinals General Manager) Steve (Keim) and I had been in touch. It was very good. We’re happy that we could come to an agreement that benefitted both teams.”
(What do you like about QB Josh Rosen as a quarterback?) – “He was always a guy that’s had a ton of talent. He’s a smart guy, like everyone knows. He has arm talent. He can throw it. I think what everyone always liked about him was how cerebral he was as well. Again, it’s a young, talented guy at a premium position in this league.”
(The decision to move back from 48 to 62 – how did that come about, was there talk about using that pick to trade for QB Josh Rosen?) – “No. When you make a trade like that, a team has to come up wanting somebody. We were perfectly ready to just make the pick at 48 and we got a call. Literally, we were almost on the clock, and so we hashed out a deal with New Orleans.”
(How instrumental was Head Coach Brian Flores and Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea in the decision to acquire QB Josh Rosen?) – “Very involved. Like I said, this isn’t a one-man show. I know everyone is always like ‘Who does what?’ but it’s working in collaboration with Brian, the scouts, the coaching staff, the pro scouts. Everyone watched a lot of stuff. We talked and did a lot of background checks in terms of people in and around Arizona’s organization, UCLA’s staff that had him and we had the information on him last year too. Again, we felt comfortable for the value where he was and then added him to the roster.”
(You’ve talked before about last year and you liked two quarterbacks – Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen – obviously not Josh Rosen. What has changed?) – “I wouldn’t say we didn’t like Rosen. Again, working with different coaching staffs and what they’re looking for at the position. At that point, we were talking about a top-10 pick, and he just wasn’t in those top five or six guys we were comfortable taking at pick 11.”
(Do you see QB Josh Rosen being your starting quarterback this year?) – “I’ll leave that up to Brian (Flores). You know me, it’s always (up to) the coaching staff. Brian will make those decisions. Ryan Fitzpatrick has been great. His personality, as you guys know, he’s a character. (He’s) a great leader, so I think the two of them will be good in the room.”
Christian Wilkins – April 26, 2019
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Friday, April 26, 2019
DT Christian Wilkins
(What has your day been like today as far as travel and meeting with Dolphins executives and things along those lines?) – “My night really hasn’t even ended just because after the draft immediately, after I was selected, you had a bunch of media obligations and things like that you had to do, and then I just couldn’t sleep all night. (I was) just so excited, the adrenaline and everything, just being around my family. Everybody is excited. I’m excited to be here, so I really couldn’t sleep. This morning, seven o’clock, a car was waiting for me outside and took me to the airport. I got a couple hours of sleep on the plane, which was good, so I’m able to be here in front of you guys looking nice and sharp, nice and shiny. That was cool. Then I came right here (and I’m) meeting with you guys.”
(Did you have a private jet?) – “Unfortunately, no. I didn’t get to do the private jet. Something about budget cuts or something like that. (laughter)”
(You ensured that Commissioner Roger Goodell will never forget your name.) – “Yeah. I think I did that last night. I just got too excited. That’s on (Head) Coach (Brian Flores) and everybody involved who made the decision to get me. That’s on them. I just got too excited because this is just what I’ve been dreaming about my whole life and what I’ve been working towards, and I just feel like I’m ready for it. I’m so excited and honored and blessed to be in this position.”
(Commissioner Roger Goodell is not a little guy. You weren’t afraid that you’d knocked him down?) – “I know, but he’s pretty solid. He was way more solid than I thought. He has some oomph. It kind of hurt me a little bit. He’s a pretty solid guy. I’m glad he was able to do the 14th selection. He was able to come back out for that. He almost didn’t make it there, but I’m glad he did. (laughter)”
(What did you think when you saw the picture of the two of you colliding like that?) – “The first thing I thought was, ‘Look at that vert (vertical jump).’ I had to show off my athleticism a little bit. I hope Dolphins fans and everybody saw a little bit of my athleticism. But that was cool. He was kind of just like cowering, seeing me, like late reaction. It was pretty funny and something I’ll remember forever, and I’m sure he won’t forget it either.”
(What, more than anything, do you want this team and this fan base to know about you?) – “First of all, speaking about the fan base, they’ve been great so far to me just on social media and everything. I love what the fans have been sending me all through Twitter, Instagram and everything. I just definitely feel like I’m already part of the family and everything the way they’ve accepted me already, just not even 24 hours being a part of this team. But really, I just want everybody to know that the biggest thing about me is I just feel like I’m essentially – I don’t mean it in an arrogant way – the total package. I’m someone who gives their all on the field, wants to be the best at what I do; but also the type of guy off the field who is going to try to do everything right, be the example. I lead in the best way I know how, serve my teammates, and do everything I can for those guys around me because I just feel like my purpose and my responsibility here on this Earth and in life is to make everyone around me better and serve others.”
(I’m sure you’re still enjoying the moment. Are you the type of guy who as soon as you got drafted said you just want to be on the football field now?) – “Yeah. I’m just ready to work, like I want to get started as fast as I can. It’s good I know where I’m going to be. I have my home just because of that peace and now I can start to get into a routine and things, and not travel and do all of those things. It’s good just to know this is my home now and I can just get started and train and do the things I need to do to get me as ready as possible for Day 1 when I have to show up.”
(When you are lining up, what is going through your head when you see opposing offensive linemen and the quarterback?) – “Really, the first thing you have to think about is … You kind of always want to think situationally. A lot of things are situational, you get the call and things like that – down and distance and all of that stuff. Each play, just be the best you can on this play and give it all. Every play means a lot. There are so many times you see games and stuff come down to one play, so you can’t afford to take any plays off or anything like that. And really, just be great on that play and just respect the game every play just by the energy you bring and the effort you bring, as well.”
(What do you think it would be like to sack Patriots QB Tom Brady?) – “Well, you all bear with me because I grew up a Patriots fan. I’m from Massachusetts so you all have got to cut me some slack. Something like that would be cool. I’m going to have to put the work in before I even get the opportunity to sack Tom Brady. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me.”
(What made you get into substitute teaching and how much did you enjoy that?) – “That was great. That was a great experience. I got into substitute teaching because, last year when I decided to come back to Clemson, I already had my degree, which was great. I had a lot of free time in the spring that wasn’t in the classroom setting, per se. I still like to challenge myself intellectually and do things to enhance my education and my knowledge about things. So I was like, ‘What’s something that I can do where I can have a nice little job, get some cash and a little pocket change?’ Anything helps a college student. ‘What’s something I would be good at too?’ My brothers are teachers as well, so I was like, ‘Let me look into substitute teaching.’ I looked into that. That was an amazing experience. I learned so much from those kids. I was going there thinking I was going to teach them but they taught me a lot in return. It was really fulfilling. I’m here to serve, to be a positive male influence, a role model and be so relatable and touchable. As someone who’s looked at in the Clemson community as a superstar essentially, that was just a cool experience for me.”
(What were the ages of the kids and what did you teach specifically?) – “I mostly taught high school and elementary school, kindergarten and stuff. I wasn’t messing with middle school. Those middle schoolers are different. (laughter) Mostly kindergarten, special ed and stuff like that. It was cool. I felt like Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop. They were falling all over me. They were running to me like, ‘Mr. Wilkins, Mr. Wilkins.’ It was funny they were calling me ‘Mr. Wilkins.’ I was like, ‘Dude, my name is Christian.’ It was funny to have that power, and be in that teacher role.”
(Were any of them intimidated by your size?) – “I feel like that little kids, the innocence of little kids, they just love people. So they kind of loved the things about my size. One kid even said, the first day I walked in, ‘Whoa, that’s one big mister.’ That was funny. They warm up to you pretty quick and you warm up to them and it’s awesome.”
(Is there a great player or players that you try to model yourself after?) – “There’s not anyone specifically that I try to model my game after, but there’s a lot of players I like and have a lot of respect for. (There are) a lot of guys in the league now too. I just try to take a little bit from everybody’s game. If I see a move or if I see something that works, or I see guys that are well respected in this league, I definitely try to take a little something. I look into them (and say), ‘Why is that guy successful?’ So I can learn from them and take it into account for the type of player I want to be.”
(What do you think of being reunited with CB Cordrea Tankersley?) – “Tank. ‘Toody.’ That’s my man. That’s awesome. ‘Toody’ was a great teammate of mine at Clemson. I was around him for two years. (He’s an) awesome dude. I’m xcited to see him and be around him but also Dwayne (Allen) too, another Clemson guy who’s been like a big brother to me. Every time he comes around Clemson, he shows me a lot of love. (He’s) just a great guy (and) someone I’ve been able to get close to over the years.”
(What went into returning for your fourth year at Clemson? Were you tempted to jump?) – “I definitely was. A lot went into my decision as far as coming back and whatnot. There are a lot of reasons and everything but ultimately, just the short of it, I just wanted to finish my college experience out the right way and finish strong, and improve in those areas of my game where I thought were lacking before I made that jump going to the NFL, especially because I realized this is a man’s game and a man’s league and I wanted to be as polished as possible and be able to come in Day 1 ready to help a team. I feel like just this last year, I got so much better from just a technical standpoint, just a knowledge standpoint, just the game of football and everything. So I just feel like it was so beneficial. And everything I wanted going into the year, I got. I mean, I got close with my teammates, got better on the field, won a national championship. Just things like that, that you can’t really put a price on that were just so special to me and memories I will have forever.”
(You will be in the same division with Jets DL Quinnen Williams and Bills DL Ed Oliver. Where do you compare to those guys and how do you see yourself handling criticism against those guys?) – “Those guys are definitely two great talents. You’ve seen them do it all this past year and in previous years. Those guys are definitely really talented and I’ve got a lot of respect for them. I was able to get close with them just throughout the whole college experience and everything. Those guys are really talented. I’m looking forward to see what they do. I’m sure it’ll be … Because we’re cool, we’re all close, but we also compete with each other as well, so I’m sure there will be some little competitions here. I’m just looking forward to seeing what we all can do.”
(Regarding your grandfather, where were you when you found out he had passed? Was there anger?) – “I wasn’t at his house that night because I was living with him. I actually stayed somewhere else that night. So the next morning I got a call and everything and the news was broken to me. It wasn’t really much anger. It was kind of just like, ‘Man, that’s my dude. I lost my man.’ You know what I mean? But then, quickly, I realized that there’s no reason to pout. That’s not going to bring him back. So I just made a decision, shortly after that, that I’m going to be his legacy and he’s going to live on through me. That’s something that I try to bring each and every day, just bring his energy, his spirit. So when you see me, you see my grandfather. None of you all know him, but if you see me, you see my grandfather.”
(You lived with your grandfather a lot, right?) – “Yes, sir.”
(Where did you live after that?) – “I was up in Framingham, Massachusetts, and I moved back to Springfield, Massachusetts, which is about an hour away.”
(Was that with your mom?) – “With my mom, yeah.”
(Why were you able with bond with kids so much? I think I read there was a special needs kid that you really bonded with? Why?) – “I bond with kids so much too because I feel like it takes a kid to know a kid. I feel like I’m a big kid but also I’m very serious when I need to be and know there’s a time and a place. But I have a childish spirit to a degree, but not in a way to where it’s too much, to where you can’t get anything done or whatever. But yeah, I just see the potential in little kids. It’s cliché, but they are our future. Just the innocence and just knowing I can impact someone’s life, because that’s something that, when I was younger, I always wanted role models and to see role models and people that I could look up to and say, ‘Okay, that’s who I would like to be like.’ So I just try to be as relatable as possible to kids and do everything I can for them.”
(What kind of kid were you?) – “I was just a young, little chubby, little no-neck, all head-and-shoulders little kid. (laughter) But I still always have been just the same person like I am now, just older and more mature. I’m still playful, still joking. A lot of that is just because I’ve been in a household of eight brothers and sisters, so I was always kind of the youngest. I needed some maturity because I always wanted to do what the older kids wanted to do. But then I was always the youngest, so I could get away with like joking and doing little things here and there. That’s really why I am who you see in front of you.”
(You said this is living out a dream for you. When was that dream born?) – “Really, I would say, I remember in second and third grade, when I first was signed up for football and wanted to play football because I remember just watching Reggie White highlights, Emmitt Smith highlights and stuff like that. I know, Emmitt Smith. I wanted to be a running back and do all that too. (laughter) All the great safeties that I grew up watching play. Those were the guys … I just saw NFL football. I just loved every bit of it when I was just a little kid. So when I was like about 7- or 8-years old, that’s when the dream began for me. I was like, that’s what I want to do. I want to play at the highest level someday. I was 7 or 8 when that happened; I’m 23 (now). I just went to work and now I’m just so blessed to be in this position.”
(It’s been a great 24 hours for Clemson between yourself, DE Clelin Ferrell, DT Dexter Lawrence and now Head Coach Dabo Swinney got a huge deal. What did you think?) – ”That’s awesome for Coach (Swinney), and it’s well deserved for Coach. I’m definitely going to have to hit him up. We’re going to have to go break his back at a steakhouse or something like that. All of the guys are going to have to get together, but he’s well deserved. I know him. All of the things he’s been able to accomplish in his time at Clemson, it’s clear, it’s evident what he’s been able to do and how he’s been able to change that program around and get a couple of national championships like that. It’s really special being around a guy like that. He’s more than deserving of that. I’m just excited for my brothers. They’ll be my brothers for life. We’re on different teams now, but those are still my guys forever. We’ll continue to push each other even though we’re not with each other on the day-in and day-out grind and on a day-in and day-out basis. I’m excited for all of my other guys from Clemson who’ll get drafted because there’s something to a Clemson man. We’re just a little different. We see the big picture. We like accountability. We like discipline and we understand the importance of team and hard work.”
(You mentioned last night that you were hoping to fill that void that Dwyane Wade had in the city. What would you have to do to foresee that…) – “I was just kind of joking about that, but why not? It’s something … I’m just worried about working as hard as I can now and just being myself because something we talked about a lot at Clemson and that I realize to be true is that you do the little things, the common things, in an uncommon way and you command the attention of the world. So if I just do the little things right on a day-in and day-out basis, and be who I am and just be happy about who I am and be myself, I’ll just command the attention of the world and people will take note. It’ll be infectious. People will gravitate towards me. But right now, I’m just focusing on being the best I can each and every day, day in and day out.”
(Did Dwyane Wade DM you after he saw those comments?) – “I haven’t really looked. My phone has been blowing up. It’s been frozen and things like that, so I haven’t seen anything.”
Christian Wilkins – April 25, 2019 (Round 1)
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Thursday, April 25, 2019
DT Christian Wilkins
(How are you doing?) – “I’m doing awesome. I can’t wait to get down there.”
(Is Commissioner Roger Goodell still hurting from that hug?) – “I think so. I had to beat him up a little bit. I was too excited. (laughter) This is awesome. This is big.”
(You get to re-unite with your old coach – Defensive Line Coach Marion Hobby. What does that mean to you?) – “Oh, gosh. I forgot about that. Thanks for reminding me. I’m not looking forward to that. No, I’m just teasing. (laughter) Hobby was a big part of my development as a player at Clemson. I’m just excited because I worked with him closely for really only one year, when I played defensive end my sophomore year. And now knowing that he’s the defensive line coach and that I’ll be able to work with him for a long while, it’s going to be great because I know he’s going to get me to become the player that I need to be. He’s going to get the best out of me and I’m going to get the best out of him, for sure.”
(With all of the Clemson players drafted in the top 17 picks, did you all have some type of competition?) – “Of course we did. We had a little friendly wager. We put a meal on it. Whoever got drafted before each guy, we each put a meal on it. So I’ve got to buy Clelin (Ferrell) a meal, Dexter (Lawrence) has to buy me one. It’s looking like Austin (Bryant) is going to have buy Dexter one or whatever, so that’s what we did. I like steak, so I’m about to hurt ‘Big Dex’s’ pocket. (laughter)”
(General Manager Chris Grier told us that you told him it was the best decision he ever made.) – “The best decision.”
(Why did you say that?) – “Because just of what I can do for the culture and for the organization. They’re not just getting a guy on the field who is going to do his best as a player and be disruptive and do the things I need to do on the field, but I’m the kind of guy you want in your organization just to make it a better place, to be playing winning football and play at the highest level. I’m determined to do that. I’m so excited and so fortunate just to be a part of this organization.”
(How much time did you spend with the Dolphins during the process and what indication did you have they would draft you?) – “I met with the Dolphins at the Combine and then I met with them again at Pro Day. I didn’t know if this was going to happen or not. I’m still surprised, especially because I know (Marion) Hobby didn’t like me that much when he was at Clemson. (laughter) No, this is definitely awesome. I’m excited for my opportunity. I’m just truly blessed.”
(Have you met Head Coach Brian Flores and what are your impressions of him?) – “I have not met Brian Flores but I know a little bit about him because I’m from Massachusetts and he obviously was a coach with the Patriots and everything. I just know a little bit about him and just kind of his history a little bit and everything like that.”
(How much do you know about the Dolphins and the state of the franchise?) – “Well I definitely know about the history and guys like Dan Marino, great players like that – Jason Taylor was a great defensive player – who put on that uniform and everything. I just want to work hard so I can get to that point to where I can be considered great like those guys. But that doesn’t just happen. I’m coming in humble, ready to work and ready to learn from all of the vets around me. I’m just ready to make the organization better.”
(How do you feel about Miami as a city?) – “It’s awesome. You may not know this or not but I just had a Wall Street Journal article come out about me being the most frugal guy in this draft, and I know I have no state income taxes, so I’m excited about that! (laughter) I’m looking forward to that. Miami is about to be a great spot. You all just lost D-Wade (Dwyane Wade) too, so Miami is going to need somebody to kind of help fill that void. So hopefully I can work into that role and Miami will love me like they love D-Wade or something.”
(We heard you on the broadcast that you wore the number 42 because of your grandfather. What did that mean to you and what did that event mean to you?) – “My grandfather meant everything to me. He was the most influential person in my life. I grew up in a house really without my dad around, so whenever I saw my grandfather, he was that positive influence that I looked to just to learn a lot from. He just was so special to me. I’m not going to be able to wear 42 anymore, unfortunately, (due to NFL rules), but I’ll find a way to honor him just throughout my personality and through the way I carry myself each and every day. People in Miami will definitely be able to see who my grandfather was through me, because I’m his legacy and they’re going to get a feel for who I am very quickly.”
(There’s a lot of talk about culture down here. At Clemson, you guys have evolved that culture to national championships. How do you change the culture of an organization?) – “Really, just by doing the little things right. It starts with the little things and those turn into big things. You aren’t going to be able to change the culture overnight. I’m just glad I’m going to be able to be a part of that. I feel like that’s why it was a good move to get me, just because I can help do that. I just feel like … First of all, it starts with buy-in, believing in a system and really just believing in the installation of the organization as well, too. Just believing what the coaches say, buying into that and everybody has to be together.”
(In what way do you believe you can impact an opposing offense in the National Football League?) – “Really just continue to do what I’ve done all of my entire career. Just support the offense as much as I can. When they score a touchdown, I hope that I’m on the field goal unit so I can run into the end zones and celebrate with those guys, just to support them and show that I’m happy for them. Also, just things like being the best guy I can every day in practice and bringing my all each and every day, because iron sharpens iron and I’m a firm believer of that. If I’m doing my job each and every day on that practice field, then the guys around me and on the opposite side of the ball are going to get better as well.”
(QB Dwayne Haskins was still available when you got picked by Miami. You know he’s highly regarded. Miami needed a quarterback. Are you surprised they took you ahead of a quarterback?) – “I really don’t have an opinion on that. I’m just blessed to be in this situation. I’m just so honored and so blessed just that Miami came and got me. Dwayne’s a great player too. Me and him are actually pretty close and everything. I’m happy he just got picked up and went to the team where he needed to be. I’m definitely just excited to be a part of the Dolphins franchise and get this thing going.”
(What is it about you that makes you so comfortable in your own skin as you show us your personality here?) – “That’s just the biggest thing. I’ve just always had a lot of confidence. Again, that still comes from my grandfather a little bit. He was more than comfortable in his skin. I’m just taking that to another level. No one else is going to be the best me than me. I don’t want to be anybody else. I just want to be who I am in my goal and in life. I feel like I was put on this Earth just to serve and make others around me better. That’s what I try to do each and every day with just my energy, just with who I am … I just caught a glimpse of my ring – that’s the natty (national championship) ring – 15-0 right there, the best ever – sorry … Just with who I am and everything, that’s just my mindset. Just make everyone around me better. Why doubt? Why not have confidence? Just be comfortable in your own skin. No one else can be a better you than you.”
(What did Commissioner Roger Goodell say to you after you nearly bowled him over there?) – “(laughter) He wasn’t too upset about it or anything. He just continued to talk to me, said if I need anything that he’s there for me, just wishing me good luck. I’m surprised he didn’t hit (me) back or anything like that because I did get him kind of hard. My shoulder is actually kind of hurting a little bit from how hard I bumped him. (laughter) I was just so excited.”
(Did you graduate in two-and a-half years? Did you get your degree and if so, how did you do that?) – “I did. I graduated in two-and a-half years just by a lot of hard work, really, and just being disciplined and being consistent. It sounds crazy that I did that, but it’s really just all about being consistent. Anything in life is really just about doing the little things right and being consistent and staying true to what you believe in. That’s what I did when it came to my academics. I knew last year as a junior, I know the big thing is after three years, a lot of guys leave and go to the NFL. I knew I didn’t want to go to the NFL without my college degree. I came back actually for my senior year. It turns out I got a two-for-one and was able to get two degrees in the span of three-and a-half years. It’s awesome. I’m 23 with a Master’s degree. That sounds like a Drake line or something, but it’s definitely awesome. (laughter)”
(How much did your character away from the field do you believe put you in this opportunity right now?) – “It’s something we talk about at Clemson a lot of the time and it’s very cliché, but it’s always that thing. I think it’s a quote by George Washington Carver, just ‘You do the common things in an uncommon way and you command attention of the world.’ I don’t look to be recognized for all of the little things I do and all the good things I do. I don’t look for attention but people take note. That’s ultimately what I’m getting at is people just watch everything you do. I feel like no matter what I do, I just try to set the tone and always be the example. People see that and it’s infectious and it rubs off on people, for sure.”
(It had been speculated that the Dolphins are going to be running a hybrid defense this upcoming year. Where do you think you would be best suited at for your skillset?) – “Luckily for me, while my time at Clemson, I played in a lot of different schemes defensively. We played in a 3-4 – just three down linemen – (and a) 4-3. We were very multiple with our defense, so I was able to play all over the place – play some end, play some five (technique), play some three technique, play some one (technique). I was fortunate to play all over the place. I just feel like wherever I’m asked to play, I’m just going to be the best that I can be. I feel like I can play just because of my experience at Clemson and playing at such a high level against high level competition – playing everywhere – I suit well for the defense.”
(What do you remember about the Orange Bowl game you played in at Hard Rock Stadium?) – “Of course. The Orange Bowl. 32 yards up the left sideline. A big boy for the big catch on the fake punt. I remember that and it’s going to be cool. I’m coming back. Every time I was in that stadium, something good happens. I’ve got eight chances a year to do something good in that stadium, so let’s do it.”
(We know in college, it was you guys and Alabama that dominated the scene those last four years. Now you’re going to be joining a former Alabama defensive star in S Minkah Fitzpatrick here. How much are you looking forward to that?) – “That’s right. I didn’t think about that. I think that’s awesome because I feel like Minkah was one of the best college football players I’ve ever really seen. I thought he was such a great talent and it was so awesome. Every time I’m playing him, I’m just like ‘Man, that guy is something else.’ Just watching him play and the way he carries himself, he’s big in his faith, he’s big in faith and football. That’s what he cares about and that’s kind of what I take note on. He’s always a guy watching the film and just so dedicated to football, so I’m sure he’ll be a guy I’m always around.”
