Leonte Carroo – May 6, 2016
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Friday, May 6, 2016
Wide Receiver Leonte Carroo
(On what the experience is like for him to finally be part of an NFL team and live out his dream) – “It’s a great experience. After the season, you pretty much train for two months and then you go into things like the Senior Bowl and the Combine. So to finally be here and to be with an organization and to get picked, it’s a great feeling. It’s just a blessing to be here and (you’re) just excited to be with your rookie class and your future team.”
(On if he feels added pressure because the team traded future draft picks to select him) – “No, not at all. Our special teams coach (at Rutgers, Joe Rossi) has a saying, ‘Just do your 1/11th.’ I’m just here to do my job. I’m blessed and thankful for the opportunity that the Dolphins … that they did that for me and that they traded up. I’m here now and I’m excited to be here. I’m just here to do my 1/11th.”
(On if he has a chip on his shoulder) – “Yes. There were, I think, nine receivers that were drafted ahead of me. (With) what I accomplished in college, I felt like I was the best receiver in this draft class. Now that I’m here, I’m just excited. All that stuff is behind me. I’m just going to do my 1/11th and show what I can do on the field.”
(On if he had any troubles sleeping in anticipation of reporting to the team) – “No, not at all. The one thing that the Dolphins organization (did) is that they made it very comfortable for us as a rookie class. It wasn’t very intense when we got in here, as far as coaches yelling at us. (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase did a great job of introducing all of the coaches to us and the support staff here. It was good to put a face with all of the names and now we’re just playing football. We’re doing what we’ve been doing since we were five years old. So I didn’t lose any sleep last night. I just woke up and treated it like every other day.”
(On if it is weird to not practice during a rookie minicamp) – “Honestly, this is my first rookie minicamp. I don’t know how any other team does a rookie minicamp. To me, this is what the Miami Dolphins do. I don’t know how any other team does it. I’m just here to do whatever they ask and our job, whether that’s on the field, (in the) weight room, in the classroom or (with the) media. I’m just here to do my job.”
(On if he has seen what Head Coach Adam Gase’s offense will be like and if he feels like the receivers can be versatile in this offense) – “Yes. He’s an offensive genius. He creates a lot of mismatches for a lot of defenses. I feel like, with this offensive system, it allows playmakers to make plays. He’s going to move guys in different spots. That’s why our wide receivers coach (Shawn Jefferson) is big on making sure that we learn the whole concept instead of guys just learning individual routes or what they do. So that’s what I’ve been focused on so that way I’m able to move in different spots, if necessary.”
(On a specific trait he brings to this wide receivers group) – “Kind of a lot like (WR) Jarvis (Landry), I’m a very physical receiver but I’m also fast for my size. I had three career drops in my whole entire career so I catch the ball very well. That’s what I look to do – stretch the field; and, if necessary, I can be in the slot and catch the underneath routes as well.”
(On if he specifically remembers those three drops) – “I remember two of them. I forgot the third one. All I know is that I only had three (drops).”
(On how he decided on playing college football at Rutgers) – “I chose Rutgers because I had a pretty unique situation in high school. My high school was an hour and 10 minutes away from my actual home so I decided to live with a host family for four years in high school. I had a little sister at the time (that) … I was a very important person in her life. I didn’t want to pretty much be out of her life for eight years so I decided to just stay home. (My hometown of) Edison is two minutes away from Rutgers so I stayed home and was able to go to her basketball games and things like that. So that’s the reason that I stayed home.”
(On his arrest and if he thinks it impacted the draft process for him) – “I do believe it probably did hurt me. But at the end of the day, it’s behind me now. The Miami Dolphins obviously believed in me since Day 1 and believed that it wasn’t true, which it wasn’t. I was exonerated and I was back on my team two weeks after the incident happened. I’m just happy that that stuff is behind me and I’m ready to play football now.”
(On the experience of living with a host family) – “It was awesome. It was a little weird at first, me being a 13-year-old little boy. And I’m here, pretty much out of my comfort zone because I’m from a pretty bad neighborhood and now I’m in Ramsey, New Jersey, which is a pretty wealthy neighborhood. I’m not used to some of the things. But that family made it very welcoming for me. They had three kids of their own and they allowed me to stay with them. They treated me as if I was their son for years.”
(On his sister) – “Her name is Kenisha. She’s a freshman in high school now so she was in elementary school when I left. I’m her big brother. It was a time … I played three sports in high school so I didn’t go home much at all. I was living a college experience in high school. So when it was time to make my decision, I was a U.S. Army All-American, so I had scholarship (offers) everywhere. So I said why not stay home so I could continue to be a part of her life, watch here grow up, and also try to do something that’s never been done and that’s bring a championship back to Rutgers.”
(On what he expects to get out of this rookie minicamp) – “Learning how to be a pro. This is the first time any of us are officially a pro. So one, you have to learn how to be a pro, learn how to take care of your body, and also learn how to be a Miami Dolphin. (You have to) learn the offenses, make your way around the building (and) get to know people. They have the connections here for us to not only be a great player but a great person. So we just have to take advantage of it.”
(On what he attributes to having just three drops in college and if catching the football comes natural to him) – “It’s actually not natural. My junior year (of high school), kind of like what (WR Jakeem) Grant was up here saying, I was a little big-headed. I had (18) touchdowns up until the state championship game my junior year. And I think in my junior year state championship game, I think I dropped six touchdown passes in that one game. It was something I took a lot of pride in. I came back my senior year and worked on my hands every single day. I did rice bucket and sand bucket (exercises) and caught JUGS and I dropped one pass my senior year. I (went) to college and, from that junior year experience, I told myself that I was going to try not to ever drop a pass again because it was just embarrassing. I just focused on my hands every day. Every morning, before anybody else got into the building, I caught JUGS, 100 balls a day (and) 100 balls after practice. That’s what I’m going to continue to do here, continue to do what I do best and that’s catch the ball.”
(On if he won that state championship game his junior year) – “We won. We almost lost though but we ended up winning. I never lost a game in high school.”
(On how he dropped six touchdowns in one games) – “(It was) just a lack of focus. Not to make any excuses, (but) it was freezing cold. My coaches put me in the best situation to score touchdowns. I actually lost a lot of scholarships off of it. Like I said, I was rolling. I had (almost) 20 touchdowns in that season. Up until that state championship game, I thought I was the man. That week I wasn’t practicing as hard. It was a lifelong lesson for me. I learned from it and now I take advantage of every opportunity. (During) game week, I still make sure that I stick to my routine so that I won’t ever drop a pass again.”
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.”
Xavien Howard – May 6, 2016
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Friday, May 6, 2016
Cornerback Xavien Howard
(On his size, how he fits into the team’s scheme and if he thinks that is why he is here right now) – “Yes, I feel like I fit the scheme they have going on. (I’m a) press corner. I’m six (feet tall). I’m a physical corner, a ball hawk, and I feel like I fit the scheme that (Defensive Coordinator) Vance Joseph has going on.”
(On how practicing against former Baylor WR Corey Coleman helped him) – “It helped me a lot. Me and (WR) Corey (Coleman), we stay competing. Every time we played each other, it was always good or bad. So we competed against each other (and) made each other better.”
(On if it means anything to him that he’s being talked about as a possible starter) – “I really don’t look at it like that. I’m just coming in here to make plays and hopefully be a starter. I love that they’re talking about it but I’ve got to live up to my expectations that I have for myself.”
(On what he thinks about not practicing during rookie minicamp and what he hopes to get out of this weekend) – “I plan on getting immensely prepared for it. (I plan to get) prepared for the NFL, the speed, the tempo and how the things go; and really learning the defense.”
(On his football background) – “I realized I was good at football in high school. In my freshman year, I had played basketball. I didn’t play football in my freshman year. (I did play football) my sophomore year. I got back into it. My junior year (was) when I started playing quarterback – my junior and senior year. I started really cornerback my senior year. So I feel like I had made some plays. I had a lot of interceptions in high school and that’s when I knew I was ready for college. So I got accepted to Baylor then I redshirted my freshman year. There was some stuff I needed to work on – technique and getting ready for the (college) game, the Big 12. Then after that, my redshirt sophomore year I had won a starting job and my redshirt junior year. I was just improving each year. As I left as a redshirt junior, now I’m here in Miami.”
(On if he agrees with the comparison to CB Byron Maxwell) – “Oh yeah. I had watched him when he was at Seattle and (with) the Eagles. I like his game. I feel like he’s a good comparison.”
(On how important it is for a cornerback to always know where his help is) – “It’s very important because you have to know where everybody is on the field. So knowing what’s going on and just being mentally prepared for it – like how they have us (learning) now – It’s just learning (where the help is and) learning defense.”
(On playing at Baylor and helping put the school on the map) – “When Coach Briles came in from (the University of Houston) he had started (to turn things around) at Baylor, going to a bowl game and stuff like that. As we had different players coming in (and some) top recruits coming in, we just worked hard over there at Baylor. And just competing against teams like OU, OSU, TCU, it was very important because everybody wanted to be the Big 12 Champs and we were the Big 12 Champs back to back. And we knew TCU, OSU and a lot of teams wanted to beat us.”
(On what area he feels he needs to improve and grow) – “I need to chill out with a lot of penalties that I had in college and really my technique. (I need to) get better in my technique. Not false stepping and stuff that my coach used to tell me in college. That’s really, basically it. I’m improving on everything around but I (have) good ball skills and being physical but I (have) to clean stuff up and make me an NFL corner.”
(On his first conversations with Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph) – “When I came in, he had talked to me about learning the defense. Getting the mental (part) down and just know what everything going on.”
Adam Gase – May 6, 2016
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Friday, May 6, 2016
Head Coach Adam Gase
(On some rookies mentioning he was an offensive genius) – “They’ve been around me (for) five minutes. That will probably be one Matt’s going to (have to) review his media (training) as far as what guys need to say about stuff like that. (laughter)”
(On his unique approach to this rookie minicamp) – “It was something we’ve been discussing since … probably around the combine. Between (General Manager) Chris (Grier), (Executive Vice President, Football Operations) Mike (Tannenbaum) and myself, we’ve talked a lot (with) our coaching staff, especially some of the older guys. (We talked about) their thought process of kind of trying (to do) something a little different. I’d reached out to (Los Angeles Rams Head) Coach Jeff Fisher at the owners meeting because I had heard that he had always done it a little different. I mean I think he’s been doing it different than everybody else for a long time going back to Tennessee. So it was just kind of how we wanted to build it and see how we could kind of take that injury out of what goes on in this camp. A lot of our guys haven’t practiced (in) four to five months, so we just wanted to make sure that they learned our program. We got them ready to go so when we get to OTAs, those guys are in the right kind of shape. I think last year probably scared a few guys. When you lose a first round draft pick like Jacksonville did, it just kind of gets you thinking ‘What’s the right thing to do at this point?’”
(On what he has the rookies doing today) – “What we basically did this morning was football. They were in the classroom and then we got them with (Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Dave) Puloka in the weight room and kind of their introduction there. Then this afternoon will be a lot of things, whether it’s dealing with kind of how to go through the adjustment. Dealing with (the media) is different than what it is in college and how accessible they are. The Sports Science Department we have is … We have a big group and there are a lot of things that they offer. And then a lot of the things that (Director, Player Engagement) Kaleb (Thornhill) brings to the table with the player engagement stuff. So there are some different things set up. We’ll bring in a speaker on both days to kind of inform our players and let those guys understand kind of what it takes to be a pro. And then at night after dinner, we go back to football. For the coaching staff, they have the flexibility since there are so few guys and there’s a lot more one on one time … we’re able to have in the bubble. We can go over to the bubble and (Wide Receivers Coach) Shawn Jefferson (can) get those guys out there and say, ‘Oka,y show me this formation,’ and ‘Line up in the correct splits.’ The thing that we were just trying to avoid was the offense vs. the defense. I think for what we’re looking to do, (which is) to get these guys caught up to speed with the veterans, we felt like this gave us our best chance.”
(On how he feels G/T Laremy Tunsil has handled all the attention) – “I think he’s done a good job. I mean I know it’s been what, eight days? He looked excited when he got here. He’s probably happy that this is kind of starting. These guys have been almost on their own for so long and training with Pro Days and traveling and the Combine … It’s just a lot of things going on for them that’s kind of outside the norm for a college athlete. Now finally getting back into the environment all these guys know and understand, and that structure, I’m sure not only him, but everybody else is just happy to get going again.”
(On if he’s given any advice to G/T Laremy Tunsil on how to handle all the noise) – “No. I mean we haven’t talked extensively. I mean everything happened so fast after the draft with bringing him in, getting (him) with you guys and then him basically (leaving town for a few days) and then now coming back … I mean our conversations have been short but we’ve had a couple of good talks.”
(On what he wants to see from G/T Laremy Tunsil in this rookie minicamp) – “I think with all of our guys, we just want to see them attack this playbook. (We want them to) try to use the people that we have in this building to their advantage. The people in this building are going to try to help them become pros as fast as possible and that transition is a lot harder than what people realize. The good thing is we have such a good support staff. If they lean on the people that work in this building, they’re going to have success.”
(On when he starts the process of who is going to play guard whether it’s Laremy Tunsil or Ja’Wuan James – “We’re so far away from, I mean (OTAs are) really two weeks away, but we’ve got some time. The good thing is when you have the OTAs, you have the minicamp, you can do some experimenting. Obviously you guys saw what we did in that first minicamp; we were moving guys all over the place. We’re trying to see who fits in at the center position, as well, as far as a backup. (We’re) moving guys around in the guard position and see who can swing out to tackle because when you get to that 46-man roster, you have to have some guys that can be flexible. It’s going to be a little bit of a process for us to figure out what the right five are for us, but we’re going to use all that time.”
(On what he likes about QB Brandon Doughty) – “When I first met him, (I thought) that’s a confident kid and he has something about him that’s just one of those things. He has a presence about him. He has a swagger about him. He’s very confident. I mean his numbers are … a lot of you guys have probably followed him because from being down here. The numbers he put up in college and being part of a winner, I love that fact about him. I feel like we have a guy that’s going to come in here, he’s going to work to get better and he’s going compete with those guys. And that’s all we want.”
(On if it’s a coincidence that this draft was heavy on offense) – “Yeah, I mean going into the draft we initially thought it was going to be … more defensive guys were going to be available for us. The good thing that (General Manager) Chris (Grier) did was that he stuck with our board. We didn’t go and try to just grab a guy just so we could say ‘Hey, we drafted a defensive guy.’ And that’s why you go through that whole process. I mean they started it way … they started way before I even got here. And then going through that process in February, the Combine, coming back in with the coaches, and then leading up to draft day … All the things that they did research-wise and making sure the scenarios they had down, they adjusted on game day basically. And they stuck with the board. I though Chris (Grier) did a great job of that.”
(On what WR Leonte Carroo and WR Jakeem Grant both bring to the unit that maybe he didn’t already have) – “The way that we look at is our definitions for each one of those positions is something that we kind of keep in-house, but we do have a role for one, two, three, four, five, and if there’s a sixth guy. So right now those guys will be competing with the rest of those groups and we just need to see how it falls into place. We’re going to need a guy who can back up all the spots and contribute on special teams. I don’t want a guy sitting next to me the entire game just being a spectator. We need guys that can contribute on special teams, whether it be in the return game, or in all four phases. So those roles will develop as we get going and get moving into training camp, we’ll have a better idea because of preseason once we get into real games. But we do need to have guys in that room that are going to contribute on special teams.”
(On if he has key weapons with varied skill sets that excite him as an offensive coach) – “I think it excites us as an organization to just know that we have options. If something bad happens, I mean it’s the NFL as far as injuries go. You just better have depth.”
(On if RB Kenyan Drake’s versatility is alluring) – “I think in a lot of positions that you look at, the more you can do, the better. You only have so many spots on game day and when you have a guy like him, who’s done so much … And no one talks about the fact that he played on punt. That was a big deal to him and again, a guy that was in a program like Nick Saban’s program and being with Nick for as long as I was … You just know these kids are brought in (and that they’re) playing special teams. It doesn’t matter how many snaps on offense and defense you play, whether you’re a starter or a backup, you’re going to play special teams. And at this level, there are a handful of guys that don’t play special teams so you better be able to roll in here and contribute in that area.”
(On what stands out to him when he looks at this team right now) – “I think the fact that we did get deeper at a lot of different spots (stands out to me). We feel strongly (that) if somebody did go down, somebody’s going to be able to step in. We’re starting to create that next man up mentality of ‘Hey, we need guys that have not initially been starters to be ready to go,’ because at some time, your number is going to be called. And the fact that we have competition at multiple spots, guys are fighting for starting jobs, guys are fighting to keep their starting jobs – that’s what you want to create. You want to create competition in as many positions as possible.”
(On if not practicing in this rookie minicamp hurts the undrafted players) – “I don’t think so. I think it helps everybody that’s involved in this rookie class. I mean once you get here, for the most part, everybody’s competing. It’s hard the way that everything is structured nowadays. There’s very few guys where you’re like, ‘Oh, this guy automatically makes it because he was drafted in this round.’ For the most part, it’s just how you know get here; and then what you do with that after you get here, that’s on you.”
Jakeem Grant – April 30, 2016
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Saturday, April 30, 2016
Wide Receiver Jakeem Grant
(On whether he can be a special teams returner or a receiver at the line of scrimmage) – “I definitely think I can play receiver, and I definitely will be the return guy. I feel like I can do the same exact role I did at Texas Tech there at Miami.”
(On why he is confident in his return skills) – “I have faith in myself. I feel like once you get the ball in my hands, there’s nobody that can stop me. With God being behind me and then after my back bone (injury), I haven’t had any injuries off the field. I’m as healthy as a horse. I’m fast. I’m quick even if I don’t have the size. But you can’t hate what you can’t get.”
(On whether he has run a 40-yard dash faster than 4.38) – “A lot of teams clocked me at 4.1 (seconds). They said a 4.3 would have been labor time or whatever that is. I definitely feel like a 4.3 is definitely not my speed. I feel like if I would run a 40 (-yard dash) over and over again, (I would) tell guys that I don’t run a 4.3, because … When they told me I ran a 4.3, I was ticked off, because that’s slow to me.”
(On which NFL players he compares himself to) – “Yes – Darren Sproles, Tavon Austin. A lot of those guys. Andrew Hawkins – all those guys. I try to make my game after all those guys and try to be best as I can and try to take all those guys moves and put it all into one body. If you can do that, then there’s no ‘how high’ I can go or what I can do.”
(On whether he can return kicks and punts) – “I’m a kick and punt returner.”
(On how he sees himself fitting in with the other receivers on the Dolphins roster) – “I feel like I could fit in as a slot guy on the roster. Yes, there’s going to be competition but … (inaudible) … it’s a competitive sport and I’m looking to go in with a chip on my shoulder. I’ve been that way my whole life and I’m going to continue to do that. That’s never going to go away.”
(On if he was as confident and entertaining with the Dolphins coaches as he is on this teleconference and what the coaches thought of that) – “I definitely wanted to come in there and show them my personality and show them that I’m just an outgoing guy. I’m confident, self-motivated, and that’s just the type of guy I am. I’ll continue to show people that and show them that I don’t wish that I’m bigger than I am. I commend my size; I love my size. And I feel like I’m not blessed with the height but I’m blessed in other areas that some guys do not have.”
(On how he succeeds in making defenders miss in small areas and if that is something he can bring to the NFL) – “Yes sir, most definitely. I feel like that is one of my specialties and I feel like a lot of guys in the league … Some of them can do that but I add more oomph to it.”
(On if the height the NFL listed him at 5’5 ¾” is accurate) – “Yes, they had me at 5’5 ¾” but I always tell people that I’m 5’6 ½” because you never going anywhere without shoes on. (laughter) You never see me playing a game in my bare feet, so I always tell people I’m 5’7 because you never know how tall I am once I step on the field.”
(On his weight) – “I weigh 170. I weighed in at 165 on Pro Day only because I had pneumonia the week before so I couldn’t get my weight back up. Once I come in (to Miami), I will be at 170.”
(On the size of the rest of his family) – “My family is all in the five-foot area. I was just blessed to have the five-foot gene but everyone in my family has lightning speed so that’s where I get my speed from.”
Jordan Lucas – April 30, 2016
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Saturday, April 30, 2016
Defensive Back Jordan Lucas
(On what the Dolphins have planned for him) – “I just got off the phone with the coaches and they want me to play corner. They want me to be a press corner, come in there (and) be physical and just be the type of player I am – physical, aggressive – and a smart football player.”
(On whether he has experience playing press coverage in college) – “Yes, sir. I played corner for three years in college and safety for one. (I) played a lot of man (coverage), a lot of press, close to the line (and) a lot of bail technique, so (I) mixed it up.”
(On his best game at Penn State) – “I would say my best game at Penn State was probably the Michigan game (in 2013).”
(On why his best game was against Michigan in 2013) – “I had my first career interception that game. It was just a great team win for us. We went (into) four overtimes with Michigan. I had a great game for such a young guy. It was probably the most fun I’ve had playing at Penn State.”
(On recording four sacks) – “They sent me on a lot of blitzes. I’ve been playing nickel for three years as well as corner. I would come on a lot of blitzes and sometimes I didn’t get the sack, but we were able to cause pressure. We had a great defensive line so they would occupy the offensive lineman and the tight ends and sometimes I could come free.”
(On why he moved to safety) – “Just to help the team out. They felt that it was the best thing for the team at that time and (the) best thing for me. They felt that it would help me out on the next level – being able to play both positions – and my knowledge for our defense was great. I knew the safety position. I knew what the corners had to do. I knew what the linebackers had to do down to our defensive linemen movement. I was a senior and they felt that it was best to have a senior back there.”
(On what the draft process has been like for him) – “It’s been crazy dealing with the injury and rehab and everything, and then getting ready for the combine and Pro Day. It was a short amount of time for me because I was rehabbing a lot throughout that process, but it was great. I met a lot of great people and I’ve been blessed. I’ve been blessed to keep a clear mindset throughout this whole process and now I’m just ready. I’m happy to be a Dolphin and I’m ready to work.”
(On if he has played slot corner) – “Yes, I did. I played slot corner for three years out of my four years at Penn State.”
(On if he played outside at all) – “I played slot and inside for three years. On certain packages, I would move into slot. I played field, corner, boundary corner, slot and strong safety.”
(On if his shoulder injury will limit him in the offseason) – “No, I’m not limited. I’ll be ready to go. I’ve been lifting. I’ve been running. I’ve been doing everything, so I’m ready to go (with) no limitations and that’s that.
Brandon Doughty – April 30, 2016
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Saturday, April 30, 2016
Quarterback Brandon Doughty
(On his reaction to being drafted by his hometown team) – “My hometown team; the Miami Dolphins. Who would have thought? It ended up being a blessing for me (to be) taught to by Dan Marino and being coached by him in high school. It’s an unbelievable honor for me. I can’t be thankful (enough). I am so thankful for all of the opportunities I have in front of me.”
(On his strengths as a quarterback) – “I’m a gunslinger. I led the nation in passing these last two years. That doesn’t really mean much at this point. But I’m going to come in there and compete, work my butt off, learn from Ryan Tannehill, learn from Matt Moore and the other guys on the roster right now. (I will) try to compete, try to win myself a spot and hopefully make it on this roster and be an impact player. That’s my goal. I’m not just trying to … This wasn’t the goal for me, just to be drafted. It’s to be an impact player on the field, off the field and really just be Brandon Doughty. I’m excited to let the fans (learn) about me.”
(On if he can name all of the school records he broke) – “I have absolutely no idea. (laughter) I have literally no clue. Winning all those rewards, winning all those records and all the other stuff … College was an amazing experience but now I’m a dang Miami Dolphin. I’m excited about that. I’m excited about the future, for sure.”
(On the greatest strength of his game) – “My accuracy. I led the nation in completion percentage this year. I think I take pride in taking care of the ball (and) not being able to turn the ball over. I think in every game – if you play in a game – and you win the turnover battle in the fourth quarter, you’ll have a chance to win at the end. I take pride in taking care of the ball, being a leader, being a captain and being (a) three-time captain. I’m really going to try to bring that in. First, I’m going to just kind of have my head down and try to grind this thing out. I have a lot to learn. I’m excited. I’m just really, really excited about the opportunity.”
(On what his role will be) – “We just kind of spoke briefly before I got pushed to you guys, so I’m not really sure where I’m going to be at. I got to meet with the Dolphins on Local Day and meet with coach and really had a good experience there. I had a really good time. Like I said, I’m just really excited about this, for sure.”
(On if he had previously spoke with the Dolphins and if they were on his radar) – “Absolutely. They were one of the top five teams I had. It’s crazy. It’s very surreal. My whole life, God has kind of just rolled out a red towel and said, ‘Brandon, just follow this thing for me.’ It has really been a huge and amazing blessing and now I’m a Miami Dolphin. It’s my home town team for the rest of my life, and it’s something I’ll tell my kids about someday hopefully.”
(On what his expectations were before the draft) – “I did have a little bit of expectations. I thought my stock was a little higher than I thought. But don’t worry, I’m going to be playing with a chip on my shoulder for all the teams that passed on me, all 31 other ones. We’ll see what happens when the time comes and when an opportunity presents itself but I’m really excited about the opportunity and just ready to get back to work, for sure.”
(On how close he lives and if he has spent a lot of time around the team) – “I’m from Davie. It’s where I was born – where I was raised – so I’m about 15 minutes (away). I live in Shenandoah right near Weston. Funny story: Dan Marino, I went to the same high school as his son. He used to have this foreign exchange student that would come to the school, and I would take him home every day to Dan Marino’s house. Occasionally, I would go in there and try to talk to Dan and stuff like that. I’m very, very local. My brother is actually – it’s crazy – but he’s wearing a Dolphins shirt right now. We didn’t plan that, nothing happened, we’re just Dolphin fans. Now that they’re my team, I think I’ll work a little harder, because this is my team. This is my home team. This is whom I’ve loved since I was a little kid. It’s going to be really cool run. Everybody involved, I would like to thank everyone for sure.”
Thomas Duarte – April 30, 2016
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Saturday, April 30, 2016
Tight End Thomas Duarte
(On being drafted by the Dolphins) – “I couldn’t be more excited. I took a visit down there and loved it. It just felt like home.”
(On whether he is more of an H-back or tight end) – “Really, (I am) just trying to be an NFL tight end. Whatever these coaches want to use me as, that’s what I plan on coming in and doing and contributing in any way.”
(On how he would describe his game) – “If there’s one way I would describe my game is just a playmaker. I’m always around the ball. (I) make sure I catch everything. Definitely that’s my biggest thing … Once it leaves the quarterback’s hand, (it is) my job to catch it, and that’s what I plan on doing.”
(On if he plays special teams) – “I did a lot of special teams at UCLA and that’s what I plan on doing for the Miami Dolphins.”
(On whether there is an NFL tight end that his game resembles) – “Definitely Jordan Reed. I got a lot of comparisons to him and I definitely watched a lot of his games this year and tried to implement his quickness with his speed. The key awareness in route running transfers over to the same thing that I can do.”
(On how he feels health-wise) – “Really well. I had a little hamstring pull and ankle sprain in 2014. But other than that, I’ve been real healthy, really adamant about taking care of my body.”
(On which teams he spoke with before the draft) – “My agent fielded a lot of calls. I’m not sure from what teams, but I took a visit out to Miami, and that was about it.”
(On his family history and playing football) – “Really, my whole family played football. On my dad’s side: both my uncles played, my grandpa played and my dad obviously played football. We were always around the football field and just watching football on TV on Sundays. Growing up, (it is) something I knew I wanted to do. From a young age, I had a real passion for it.”
