Devin Fuller Q&A

Photo courtesy of Jeff Lewis

Pro Player Insiders we caught up with wide receiver Devin Fuller at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl from nearby UCLA. Fuller’s mom is one of the most prominent backup singers in the music industry; she’s toured with Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston and other legends. Read on to find out a little more about Devin Fuller.

What were your expectations coming into this week?

I just wanted to showcase my talent. I think that’s everyone is out here for. And to improve on my skills.

What skills are you looking to improve on, specifically?

Just route running. Learning from the NFL coaches on just separating. The NFL trait you need to have [at wide receiver] is creating separation.

You were catching punts in practice. Is that something you’re looking forward to doing on the next level, too?

Oh yes sir. Because the people here tell us we might not be first or second round draft picks — although we might be at the end of the day. Coming into a camp, that’s what I’m going to do to make a team and hopefully stay there.

It takes a lot of heart to be a punt returner, right?

Yes. You have to have that to play football anyway.

What type of conversations have you had with your position coach?

Just ways of getting better, and he’s been helping me with that.

What are some life lessons you’ve learned while attending UCLA?

Nothing comes easy. I started as a quarterback and moved to receiver. I had to work my way up the depth chart. In high school, I was with a lot of great athletes but feel like I was one of the best. But going to UCLA, there are a bunch of great athletes. That’s one of the key things besides getting a great education. The number one thing for me was to get a great education while playing at a great football school.

Compare California to New Jersey life.

It’s a lot different. There aren’t that many seasons out here. I kind of miss the seasons a little bit but I can get used to 75 degrees every day.

What has been the best part of college life for you?

Just meeting new people. I’ve met some of my best friends out here. And playing with some of the best guys in college.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your life?

My mom and dad because they have always backed me 100%. They have faith in me in anything I do. They’ve shown me the right way to do things.

Have you ever met Bruce Springsteen?

Yes, I’ve met him before backstage about three or four years ago. He’s a great guy. A high energy guy. For how old he is, you’d never expect him to perform like he does at his concerts.

What event has had the most impact on you so far?

Me committing to UCLA. Life changed. I was going to become a Bruin, further my education and start a new chapter.

What do you dislike the most out of society right now?

A lot of hate. Hating on the next man. You just have to love one another. I feel like that’s one thing that we’re missing. Everybody has to love each other for us to all succeed. The world is not made for us to hate on each other because we’re all going to need one another some day.

What is your biggest goal outside of football?

To help the next man. To be in broadcasting after football is done, with my UCLA degree.But I just want to help people in need. I feel like that’s the biggest thing.

What lasting impression do you want to leave on this world?

I was here for a purpose and to help other people become better for themselves, while making me a better person for myself.

If there was just one reason a team decide to draft you, just one, what would it be?

The relentlessness, commitment, and the willingness to get better every day. I’m a pretty good receiver right now but I feel the sky is the limit for me. I haven’t even reached my ceiling yet. I would say that to them and let them know there really isn’t a ceiling for me.

Hampton University Lineman Torian White Q&A

Photo courtesy of NFLPA via Kevin Koski

Pro Player Insiders caught up with offensive lineman Torian White of Hampton University at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. White first attended UCLA, starting every game before suffering an injury in his sophomore season and then transferring. Read on to find out more about White.

What are some of your goals in life outside of football?

Outside of football? That’s tough. I just want to be remembered as a good person. I think the better person I am, then the better respect that I can get all around.

What were your expectations of the NFLPA Bowl entering this week?

I expected it was going to be tough man. I knew we had a back to back schedule, a lot of things going on here. I knew the competition was going to be at a high level and I was going to have to bring it.

Have your expectations been met?

Absolutely. Absolutely. We’ve been doing some good work out here. I’ve been going against a lot of good guys. I’ve enjoyed my experience here thus far.

Why did you choose to play in NFLPA bowl?

This was a game I was invited to that I was real excited for once I received the invitation. I think I remember signing up online, thinking it would be my time to shine.

What are some of the conversations you have had with Jackie Slater (position coach) been like? What have you learned from him?

Oh man! Where do I start? The guy has taught me so much from day one. Before getting here, in the meetings, way before we even stepped on the field. He is full of information. I’ve tried to just absorb it, day by day, all of the things he’s been telling us over and over again. I’m trying to let everything sync in. He’s been teaching us everything from pass blocking to run blocking, foot movement to hand placement, having spatial awareness against a defender — all types of stuff.

What are some life lessons you learned from college?

I’ve learned a lot from college. Number one is being careful of who you stay around and pick your friends wisely. Another one is to be self aware; always know your surroundings. College is a big experience for a lot of people. It was a big experience for me coming in. There are a lot of things going on. I just needed a year to myself to experience it as a freshman and play everything by ear to be aware of what was going on.

What has been your favorite part?

My favorite part of college has been playing football. Absolutely football. There is no feeling like running out of that tunnel for the first time. But I get that same feeling every time. It’s go time. Every time I’m on that field, the lights are on and the show is starting.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your life?

I would say my parents have been the biggest influence on my life. I owe everything to God. And right under God, it’s my parents. No one has ever supported me like my family has. They’ve taken care of me. I’ve followed in their footsteps. Although I’ve been a little stubborn at times but I think at the end of it all, they have done a great job.

What event has had the most impact on your life so far?

That’s tough to choose from. I can’t say that there has really been one event that seperates  from the rest to change my life from all the others. It’s mostly a collection of everything I’ve been through that makes me who I am. I would say just being born in Inglewood. My parents have taken me out of a bad environment, from being held to a stereotype and given me the ability to shine and become the person who I am today. I feel like that small step has impacted my life and played out for me the way God has intended it.

What do you dislike the most out of society?

I guess the biggest disappointment from society would have to be the stigma that people can’t learn something. I feel that everybody can learn anything. When people hold themselves to kind of a barrier and think they can only learn so much or only be this type of a person, they hold themselves back from really growing. I think that hurts us. That influence comes from a lot of things, mainly the media.

What’s the lasting impression you want to leave on this world?

Like I said before, I just want to be remembered as a good person. I want to be remembered as a guy who people can trust, a guy people can go to for help, and a guy that taught something… in the end.

If there was just one reason a team decide to draft you, just one, what would it be?

Because I’m physical. They’d look at me as a physical guy and say “We want him.”

Stanford RB Remound Wright Q&A

Photo courtesy of NFLPA via Kevin Koski

After a National team practice at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, Pro Player Insiders caught up with the 5-foot-9 running back, Remound Wright, from Stanford. Wright played in a crowded backfield at “The Farm” that included Heisman trophy finalist Christian McCaffery but yet still led the team with 13 rushing touchdowns. Read on to find out more about Remound Wright.

What were your expectations coming into this week of practice?

I knew there would be scouts around. It would be an opportunity to put my skill-set on showcase. But it’s even exceeded my expectations. I’m getting coached by Priest Holmes and Ray Rice — two running backs who I’ve looked up to since they’ve been playing in the league. I’ve actually fashioned my game after Ray Rice. So it’s an honor to be coached by him.

Your size is comparable to his. What have you learned from Rice?

So far we’ve been focusing on techniques. It’s hard to coach a running back once we’ve gotten the ball because it’s mostly about instincts. We’ve concentrated on behind the line of scrimmage type of stuff like keeping my pad level low and making sure that my footwork is right. He’s been really helpful with that.

Skills that you’re working on to improve for the next level?

I’m really working on my long distance speed. That’s one area that I can improve a lot. But things like quickness, acceleration, decisiveness, hitting the hole, and vision. I’m trying to work on everything.

What are some of life’s lessons that you’ve learned while in college?

I’ve definitely learned that there is something to be learned from everyone, everyone you encounter. Around Stanford, there’s a lot of smart people who are doing cool things. If you stop to ask people about life, especially those who are older than you and may have more life experience than you, there’s not one person who couldn’t give me some wisdom or something I can learn from.

What has been your favorite part of college experience?

My favorite part of the college experience is that I’m just very glad I chose to go to Stanford University because they create well-rounded individuals. They’re just as dedicated to athletics as they are to academics. You are surrounded by some of the smartest, most intelligent people in the world. When you surround yourself with good people, you’re going to become like those people. That’s definitely what Stanford has allowed me to do.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your life?

My father, without a doubt. My father is the greatest man that I know. I’d love to be just like him in so many ways. He’s helped me stay on the right path my whole life. He taught me discipline and hard work. My father is a great man.

Has there been any event that occurred that has had a huge impact on you?

I would say it’s more than just one event. My dad pushed me to play all sports. I never wanted to play them when I was little. Once I found some success in them, I started to really enjoy playing them. If it wasn’t for having a father in my life and him pushing me — he knew what was best for me even if I didn’t know what was good for me — I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What do you dislike the most out of society?

In American society specifically, it really bothers me how African American lives are not valued. Especially how black males are not valued, there’s no justice for us out here. You know of Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, you know Freddie Gray. All those men way heavily on my heart.

What goals do you have outside of football?

One day, I hope to own my own business. I really enjoy writing, I have a passion for it. Over the past couple of years, I’ve really tried to develop that skill. I want to write books, something that will influence the world in a positive way.

If there was just one reason a team decides to draft you, just one, what would it be?

The top reason is that I’m a good person. Which means that I will be a good fit in the locker room. There will be no worries about me off the field. I’m going to work hard every day and be the best player I can be and reach my potential as a football player.

Lasting impression on this world?

That’s a heavy question. I’ve never been asked that before. I have to take time to think about that because it’s important.

You can die at any moment. What would you want people to say about you if that so happens?

That Remound Wright had a positive impact on the world. He was an intelligent man who made the world a better place. If I’m not the one to change the world, I hope that I’m able to spark the mind that is able to change the world.

Azusa Pacific Lineman Paul Flores Q&A

Photo courtesy of the NFLPA via Kevin Koskie

The 2016 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl takes place today at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California and will air live on ESPN2. The MVP of last year’s game, Terrell Watson, came from Division II Azusa Pacific and found his way onto an NFL roster.  Earlier this week after a National team practice, Pro Player Insiders caught up with offensive lineman, Paul Flores, from the same school to to gauge his chances on accomplishing the same feat.

What were some of your expectations coming into this week?

I think I was just really expecting to compete against a higher level of athletes that I have played against during my college career and being expected to compete and perform on that level now.

You blocked for the running back who won MVP of this game last year at Azusa. How do you feel about the level of competition after a few practices?

I think it’s a good opportunity for people to see me go up against that talent you expect to see at the next level and for me to go out there and battle and compete and see what I can do against guys like that.

Why did you decide to play in this game?

I think it’s a good opportunity for me to be seen, by scouts, playing against elite-level competition as opposed to D-II guys. I think that’s what scouts wanted to see from me.

How do you think you’ve done?

I think I’ve been battling. I’m trying to just get better, making some adjustments, whether it’s just positioning or speed. I feel like I’m getting used to it and improving everyday

What skills are you working on specifically to be better at the next level?

I think right now, playing guard, I’ve been more solid and more sure footed, being good with my hands and able to deal with power and being a power monger, myself. Getting used to playing heavy, being big and trying to maul people.

Jackie Slater is your position coach here, but he was also your coach for the past few seasons. What have you learned from him?

He’s written the text book on offensive linemen. It’s been a joy being coached under him for these past five years. Being on his team here is a blessing to me because I already know some of his techniques. His ideals are very simplistic. He has you pay attention to the details that will have you succeed. Just mastering the finer points of blocking.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your life?

I’d have to say Jackie Slater. He’s the one who inspired me to move to the offensive line (from tight end). He took me under his wing, mentored me into becoming the player I am.

Do you miss catching touchdowns?

(laughs) No, I caught my one and I’m good. Not touchdowns. I got one and that was it.

What are some of life’s lessons you have learned from college?

I think all of the position changes that I’ve gone through have taught me to be flexible and adaptable. Whatever position you’re put into, you should give it your full 100% and see what happens. That’s what I’ve done.

Outside of football.

Being consistent as a person. You’re going to go through ups and downs, whether as a football player or a regular person. Just try to consistently give that good effort to try to win each day and get better.

What has been your favorite part of college?

I think probably all of the friendships and relationships you make from being on a team. Especially playing offensive lineman, it’s such a close brotherhood. Those are guys I’m going to be friends with for the rest of my life.

Other than playing football, what are some of your goals?

I already have my Bachelor’s degree and I’m working on my Master’s right now. I think something I’d like to do is work in athletic administration at the collegiate level or work in a front office position for a professional team.

What do you dislike the most out of society?

I think people getting too caught up, whether in social media or just on their phones, getting caught up in being other places than being present where they are at right now. I think what people lose a lot is being in the present moment.

What’s one lasting impression you want to leave on this world?

The impression I want to leave throughout my life is displaying perseverance, flexibility, being able to work hard no matter what opposition you face, hurdles come into your life, being able to push through and just keep fighting.

If there was just one reason a team decides to draft you, just one, what would it be?

I’m going to work my butt off.

Texas A&M-Commerce's Vernon Johnson Q&A

Pro Player Insiders caught up with the two-time Lonestar wide receiver of the year, Vernon Johnson, out of Texas A&M-Commerce for an exclusive interview during the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.  Here’s our exclusive story.

Goals outside of playing football:

I want to become a successful businessman and to be able to support my family. I want to make smart investments. I like reading about stocks and people like Warren Buffett because of what they’re able to do with their life by multiplying their money. I’m a strong believer in the theory that your money should make you money.

Favorite Food:

My nutritionist is going to kill me for saying this. She says I can have a 20% risk if I eat good 80% of the time. In my 20% of the time, I like to eat bacon cheese burgers. I like to go to San Diego and get carne asada fries with guacamole, and put sour cream and cheese on it.

Color:

Red, because it sticks out.

Music:

To relax me, I listen to 90’s R&B. There are some games that I listen to Chakka Khan or Earth Wind and Fire to get me ready for the game. I like listening to weird stuff.

Favorite place to visit:

San Diego, of course.

On playing in NFLPA bowl:

I’ve read about it, and just from my experience here, I can tell you that it’s very helpful. It’s not just about the football field. They get you ready for the rookie year, your whole life, finances, talk to you about women; all that stuff. They know everything and they are here for you.

Skills that he’s working on improving to be better on the next level:

Being more patient in and out of cuts, and also being more patient with my routes. I’m a very fast guy so I always think “go go go” and there are some routes where I don’t need to always “go go go”. Just need to know my route tree better, just focusing on that.

Player that he emulates:

Probably Mike Wallace or Desean Jackson. Those are guys that can stretch the field. I like to take the top off of the defense.

Top priority to get ready for the scouting combine:

I just need to work on my technique. I’m already pretty athletic, there’s a lot of technique in getting stronger in your ankles for whenever you’re going to do your verticals. You have to have your ankles steady for the 40 time. A lot of that stuff, people don’t think about it, it makes a big difference in your 40; arm drive, leg drive are some of the stuff that I’ve been learning here. It has already helped out a lot so I just want to keep getting better and to just become a better player.

Favorite part of college:

Likely the freedom, being able to become a man. You’re not under your mom’s wing all of the time. You get those growing pains because you spend all of your money on fast food, when it comes to Saturday and Sunday, you have to eat Ramen Noodles. I’ve learned that lesson about not eating bacon cheeseburgers all of the time. You can order from the dollar menu or get some bread and make the money last.

Life lessons learned while attending college:

Everything happens for a reason. I’m a strong believer in that. I feel that God has everything planned out. I’ve been through situations where I know I shouldn’t be here. I’ve seen a lot of things happen to people that they feel that shouldn’t happen but if it’s in God’s plan, then it’s meant to be. I strongly believe that. That’s one thing I’ve learned going through college, is if it’s meant to be, then it’s going to happen.

Favorite active NFL player:

I like Antonio Brown. He’s a low-key player, not too flashy. A lot of people think that he’s underrated. He’s just a great player, maybe a smaller guy but he does great for his team.

Favorite Player of all time:

Probably Barry Sanders

Dream Car:

The funny thing is even if I had money for my dream car, I probably wouldn’t buy it because it’s not about material things. You have to be able to manage your money right. If I had to name one, it would probably be a Lamborghini, but if I had $100 million, I probably still wouldn’t buy it.

Favorite TV Show:

SportsCenter

Favorite Movie:

I have three actually. They are Friday, Lords of Dogtown, and Friday Night Lights… duh.

What he dislikes most out of society:

Just everybody being judgmental and not giving others a fair chance at life. There are a lot of people that get looked at on the outside, but it’s about what is on the inside. People might look at me, I’m covered in tattoos and they might think I’m a criminal or something. When in reality, I’m probably the nicest person in the world. I want to get people to understand that you have to talk to people and see where they’re coming from because a lot of people don’t think the same way. If you just look at somebody and judge them by their cover, you’re not going to get anywhere in life, only be a judgmental and crude person.

Lasting impression:

I feel like everybody is put on earth to help somebody in some type of way. If you live your life like that and make an impact on somebody’s life, I think you are doing your job on earth. There are people that think they are here to just live and worry about themselves but it’s not about that at the end of the day, it’s about going out and helping other people. Here at the NFLPA game, it’s what they’re doing for us. They’re going out and helping us. I love that.

National Defeats American 17-0 in 2015 NFLPA Bowl

You often hear that it’s good defense that wins championships. The same can be said for the 2015 NFLPA Bowl game as the National team, coached by Mike Martz, put the clamps on Mike Holgrem’s American squad and shut them out. Terrell Watson, who rushed nine times for 55 yards, was named MVP of the game. 

National received the opening kick of the game and methodically drove 80 yards down the field in 12 plays. The key play was of the drive was UTEP QB Jamieill Showers scrambling 19 yards on 3rd and 6 from the American 47 yard line. FB Channing Fugate, of Eastern Kentucky, fumbled a handoff from the 2 yard line but luckily his teammate Terrell Watson, running back from Azusa Pacific, scooped it up and took it across the goal line for the touchdown

 

The American team had issues trying to move the ball; merely picking up one first down on each of the first two possessions. The National defense, coached by Ron Meeks, proceeded to force the American side to three consecutive three and outs. 

“We spent a lot of time this week talking to them about fundamentals and technique specific to corner play, safeties, linebackers – all those things.” said coach Martz, “Ron Meeks and his staff did an exceptional job.” 

The American were held to 178 total yards in the game.

Overall it was pretty much a hapless football game in the first half.

On the National’s 4th drive, Miami (OH) QB Andrew Hendrix picked up a first down on 4th and 1 with a QB sneak for 2 yds.  Toledo kicker Jeremiah Detmer then kicked a 33yd fg to make it a 10-0 score.

The National’s first 2nd half possession was much like their first possession of the game, in that they easily moved the ball down the field and scored. Brandon Bridge went 3 for 3 passing with 40 yards. Channing Fugate atoned for his earlier fumble by punching it in with a 1 yard run.

The highlight of the game came on the subsequent American possession when Syracuse RB Prince-Tyson Gulley caught a screen pass and ran towards the left sideline and was met by crushing hit from Southern Mississipi’s DB Emmanuel Johnson.

Southern Mississipi CB Emmanuel Johnson just lowered the boom on RB Prince-Tyson Gulley @NFLPABowl #NFLPABowl

— ProPlayerInsiders (@PlayerInsiders) January 17, 2015

“It’s just football,” stated Johnson. “Looking at my assignment, let my player come to me, and then you know… it eventually came to me. It feels good man. I was kind of doing some of that this week during practice and my coaches were getting on me for coming up so fast. They said ‘You can do that during the game.’ And when game time came. I just let it loose. ‘Practice how we play.’ That was our motto, and that’s what we did today.”

Syracuse RB Prince-Tyson Gulley Q&A

The 2015 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl took place Saturday at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California.  After the American team practice earlier in the week, Pro Player Insiders caught up with Prince-Tyson Gulley. Gulley is a 5’9 running back from Syracuse University who ran for 1,063 yards in last two years, but his talents include being a dynamic kick returner on special teams. Lets find out some more about Prince-Tyson Gulley.

Goals outside of playing football:

Whenever I’m done playing, I want to be a coach, whether high school or college. I love the game. I’ve been playing for a long time. After I’m done playing, I wanna give the knowledge that I’ve gained to the generation after me.

Favorite Food:

I’d have to say pizza. Everybody likes pizza. I love pizza.

Music that gets him ready for the game:

I listen to Young Jeezy. Favorite song by him is “Who Dat?”

Favorite place to visit:

I’d love to go back to New Orleans. When I went there, it was a good time.

On playing in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl:

I feel like I need to get myself some more exposure. I don’t feel that I was able to show what I can actually do during my career at Syracuse. I believe this is the perfect place for me to showcase myself and play around some players of the highest D-1 talent and get my name out there.

The amount of time it took to grow his dreadlocks:

Five years.

Skills that he’s working on improving to be better on the next level:

I feel that I already have the skills capable. One thing I just need to work on is narrow the focus in everything I do and I’ll be able to succeed.

Top priority to be more attractive at the NFL Combine:

Show them that I can do everything. My coaches told me that it is “block, catch, run” in that order. So I have to show them that I can block first, catch after that, and then run the ball as well. That would make me more viable.

Favorite part of college:

Just the network. Syracuse is a great school. There is a lot of good people there. I met some people that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to if I didn’t go. There’s a lot of good people at Syracuse.

Life lessons learned while attending college:

I went through a lot of stuff when I was there. I’ve been stabbed six times. I’ve broken my collarbone doing some foolish things. Syracuse is definitely where I’ve grown up at. So I’ve learned many things.

Take away from being stabbed:

You can’t take life for granted. I had some life threatening wounds. Umm, you just can’t take anything for granted. You have to live . . . every day.

Favorite active NFL player:

Right now? It’s funny because he just came out, I’m actually watching Devonta Freeman right now. I like him.

Favorite Movie:

Dead Presidents

TV Show:

It’s a new show that came out on Netflix called Marco Polo, it’s about the early Chinese. I like stuff like that.

Favorite Player of all time:

Barry Sanders. He’s someone I try to mirror myself after as far as running style. It’s not easy but I try hard. He was so shifty.

What he dislikes most out of society:

I’m not a trendy person. I feel like my values are more self-righteous. It’s all mental with me, so I don’t really care about certain things that everyone else does. A lot of stuff doesn’t really matter to me.

Lasting impression:

I want to be remembered as somebody that persevered. Everyone has a story. I have a story. It was a setback but I never made that an excuse for why I should stop. I’ve always made that the reason that I should keep going. Some people just do the opposite.

Prairie View A&M Jerry Lovelocke Q&A

The 2015 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be played on January 17 at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, California and will air live on ESPN2. After Wednesday's American team practice, Pro Player Insiders caught up with quarterback Jerry Lovelocke from Prairie View A&M. Lovelocke passed for 2,473 yards and 26 total Touchdowns (10 rushing) in the 2014 season. Read on to find out a little more about Jerry Lovelocke.

Goals outside of football:

I actually want to open back up a restaurant for my grandmother. My family is from the islands. My grandmother used to own this Jamaican restaurant. (A break in the interview occurs as I inform him that I’m also of Jamaican, and he’s now my favorite player.)

On playing in NFLPA Collegiate Bowl:

I knew it would be a great opportunity for me and gives me a chance to play on the next level.

Some Favorites:

Food – Oxtail and Curry goat. Yes sir, I can cook.

Color – Blue

Place to visit – This is my first time on the west coast. I love it here.

Skills that he’s working on improving to be better on the next level:

My vision and of course being under center because I haven’t done it in the last couple of years since high school. That would be one of the main things I have to work on.

Life lessons learned while attending college:

Take every moment seriously. Don’t ever think it’s a game and take nothing for granted.

More Faves:

Movie – The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons, it's a mystery to the whole movie. I actually watched it three times straight to actually understand it. People mistook him for an old man when he was really a child in a grown man's body. He had a child's mind so there was a lot of things he knew he wasn't supposed to do even though he was allowed to. He stayed within his mental confinements and didn't leisure himself... 

[I asked if there were any similarities between him the main character of the movie] 

I traveled a lot when I was young. I was born and raised in East Orange New Jersey then I moved to Maryland, and throughout my time living in Maryland I played basketball so I did a lot of travelling via AAU-wise. In football when I started my college tour, I traveled a lot of places because I never wanted to stay in-state for school.

Favorite active player:

Peyton Manning, he's the best to me actually. He's a wonderful guy and he's the prototypical quarterback, everybody knows that, and I've watched him since I was young. I pattern myself after him.

Player all-time:

My favorite player of all time? I have to say Michael Jordan man, he's the greatest in basketball, but football wise my favorite of all time is Donovan Mcnabb.

Favorite team:

Ravens, gotta stick with them.

What he can change about the world if he could:

Right now, I would change the stereotypes man. People put labels on folks before they get to know them. Just from simple things of seeing them, of course we had the big racial issue in the past where your complexion would get you put in that stereotype before you even opened your mouth to see if you were knowledgeable. . .

Importance of athletes using the platform they have to address social issues:

Some people say that athletes should have no part in social commentary.

Do you agree with that? 

No cause athletes are still apart of society whether they wanna say we are or not. We live in the same world as everyone else. Just because we are looked at in a different light and put on a different stage or platform from everyone else, we're still people.

Lasting impression

I want people to remember me as the positive person that I am. Always with a smile on my face. Always trying to encourage someone to do better. Always seeing the glass half full instead of half empty.

Jerry Lovelocke certainly has the confidence to play the quarterback position in the NFL.

Duke Left Tackle Takoby Cofield Q&A

     

Pro Player Insiders caught up with Takoby Cofield, a 6-4, 305-pound native of Tarboro, North Carolina as he prepared for the 2015 NFLPA Bowl. Cofield was a three-year starter at Left Tackle for Duke University and 3rd team All ACC honors in 2014. Find out more about Takoby Cofield.

Goals outside of football:

I want to continue my education and get certified to teach high school history. And once I’m done playing football, coach high school football. . . I love children. I had a whole lot of great high school coaches, people that came along the way around high school to help me to where I’ve gotten right now.  I just feel like I can do that for other kids based on the experiences I’ve been through.

On playing in NFLPA bowl:

It was a great opportunity that was presented to me. I felt like there would be a lot of great talent here. The people that are organizing the bowl, the NFLPA, obviously do a great job with personnel and different people around the league. They’re always advocating for their players. It’s a wonderful opportunity.

What’s on his bucket list:

I’ll probably say traveling the world. I haven’t been to lot of places. This is my first time in California. I just want to get out and see different places. I heard that Dubai is a very nice place with wonderful hotels, I wouldn’t mind paying them a visit… that would be on the top of my list.

Favorites:

Food – Anything Italian. I can cook.

Color – Blue

Music to get hyped up for the game  

I started off with gospel, something that is inspirational. As we get closer to the game, then rap. I listen to R&B and Neo-soul to relax me.

Skills that he’s working on improving to be better on the next level:

My consistency with my hand placement as far as hitting my land marks all the time, pad level, and my overall strength.

Life lessons learned while attending college:

Be accountable for everything you do. Every decision you make always has a consequence, and realize that consequence can effect somebody so be respectful of that person that it could effect.

Favorite part of college:

The camaraderie of my locker room, the administrators, the coaches, and everyone else that was a part of that institution.

 Favorite Movie 

I gotta go with Friday. (I made him re-enact a scene) **In Craig’s dad’s voice**  “When I’m in the kitchen, you in the kitchen. . . eating up all the pig’s feet, all the collard greens. I like pig’s feet.” [laughter ensues] That’s my favorite line!

Favorite active player  

Duane Brown from the Houston Texans because we have similar measurables . . . He’s a dominant player and has been one for a long time. That’s who I pattern myself after.

Player all-time  

Ray Lewis because of his intensity and love for the game, he’s always bringing the passion, no matter what.

What he dislikes most out of society:

Everybody has to fit into a box. Everybody has to fit into a category. That nobody can just be their own person and be their own way. People are afraid to go off and do things that aren’t necessarily the norm, or aren’t necessarily accepted by everyone else. I always tell people to not be afraid of being different.

Lasting impression:

That every person that came across me, I would have had an impact on their life positively.

  

Note: I’ll say this much, this conversation with Takoby certainly impacted me in a positive way. He was very respectful towards me and his answers seemed very honest.