DraftSeason: First off, how has the offseason leading to the NFL Draft been, what has been the best part?
Blair Walsh: The offseason leading to the NFL Draft has been an awesome experience.  I am currently training in Athens and am preparing for scheduled individual workouts with multiple teams.

DraftSeason: Any feel for which teams seem more interested than other in your kicking services?
Blair Walsh: As I mentioned, I have had multiple individual workouts with NFL teams and have talked to various teams who are interested in me and what I can bring to their team.

DraftSeason: You wrapped up a solid career at Georgia, what was your greatest moment on the field during your time?
Blair Walsh: I was blessed to have a solid four year career at Georgia and have attempted over 100 field goals in the duration of my career.  Of all those field goals, I think the one that stands out most in my memory was my 37 yard game winning field goal against Arizona State in the driving rain.

DraftSeason: If you could have 1 kick back during your college career what would it be?
Blair Walsh: I think the one kick I would take back would be the kick against Michigan State in our bowl game.

DraftSeason: Best kicker in the NFL today?
Blair Walsh: In my opinion, the best kicker in the NFL today is Robbie Gould.  His consistent approach combined with his unwavering confidence makes him a deadly accurate kicker.

DraftSeason: What golf club would you compare your leg to ?
Blair Walsh: If I were to compare my leg to a golf club, I would compare it to a five iron.  A five iron posses the distance and accuracy to get the job done from anywhere on the fairway.

DraftSeason: You lead the crop of a handful of kicking prospects, what sets you apart?
Blair Walsh: I think what sets me apart from other kickers in this draft is the fact that I am a complete kicker who has the ability to do a multitude of things.   I can hit both short range and long range field goals while getting the ball up in the air quickly.  I can hit kickoffs at a very high level and can produce touchbacks.  I have been a four year starter and kicked in many high pressure situations in the best conference in college football.  I look forward to playing and competing at the next level.

DraftSeason: Finally, what is the one thing kickers get no love for?
Blair Walsh: Kickers tend to not get enough credit as athletes.  Kickers are usually former soccer players, and I think we all can agree that soccer players are pretty athletic and have to maintain a high level of conditioning in order to succeed.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO1DfIH_oqA

Moe, what are your big plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
For the months leading up the draft i’ll be out in California working out a velocity facility. Focusing on getting stronger and faster and rehabbing any and all nagging injuries from the season. My weight will be closely monitored i’ll be trying to get my body fat % down while still keeping my weight up.

What do you feel is your greatest strength and greatest weakness on the football field?
My greatest strengths on the football field I think are my awareness and ability to make calls and get the line in the proper protection schemes. I’m a smart player and play well within the system doing my job as best I can. I think one of my biggest weaknesses has been my strength I know how to use my strength but I’m working on getting much stronger especially upper body strength.

You have experience at both guard and center, what type of role do you see yourself playing on an NFL squad?
I see myself in the nfl as a center/backup guard. having the year of guard under my belt has been helpful to me. Being versatile is always and asset in the league. But I think that I’m better suited to play center at the next level.

Any regrets during your college football career?
I wouldn’t say I really have any regrets per say, I would have liked to work harder throughout my time at UConn but regardless of how hard you work you can always work harder.

You are the type of player who enjoys laying a good hit on opposing defenders, who has been the best defensive player you have ever faced?
I can’t really say who has been the best defensive player I’ve faced, there have been so many phenomenal players in my 4 years. I think that this year Derek Wolfe was probably one of the toughest guys I played against. He’s a load to move and he’s strong as well.

Do you feel the fact that you’ll be 26 in Feb hurts or helps your draft stock?
I don think it hurts my draft stock at all, last year the eagles drafted a Canadian out of Baylor Danny Watkins in the first round who was 26. I think if anything it actually helps my stock I’m more mature I know what I’m playing for I approach everyday with a serious attitude and stay out of trouble off the field.

What could we catch Moe Petrus doing on an off day?
On the seldom off days I do have, I like to eat, I’m a big foodie I like trying all different kinds of foods, especially food trucks, I’ve been limited with my pre draft diet however. I also like to play chess, I try to get a game going every chance I have.

Best part about playing for UConn?
Best part of playing for UConn for sure has been the people I’ve met along the way, from teammates to fans, to coaches all across the board I’ve met some great people and was very pleased with my decision to go to uconn.

Fleming has played a few positions during his time at Notre Dame. Has the ability to lay a big hit on opposing players. Could be seen as a situational pass rushing linebacker in the right system.

DraftSeason: What are your plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
Darius Fleming: I’m just training everyday on the different drills so that I perform at a very high level at the combine.  Focusing on speed a lot because I know some teams are concerned about my speed.

DraftSeason: What was your greatest accomplishment during your time at Notre Dame?
Darius Fleming: I really like how we came in from a 3-9 season and was able to slowly get ND back on the right track.  We didn’t win as many games as we would have liked but they are going in the right direction.

DraftSeason: You have played both defensive end and outside linebacker, where do you see yourself playing at the next level, any preferance?
Darius Fleming: I think playing both will help my draft stock a lot.  I believe teams want a guy that’s able to play both positions.  I can see myself playing a drop backer on first and second downs but also being able to rush the passer on third downs.

DraftSeason: Best overall player you have had the chance to play against during your college career?
I have played against some really good players so I don’t know if I can just pick one.  I thought sean mccoy, ringer from Michigan state, Andrew luck, and Martin from Standford  were all really good players that I played against.

DraftSeason: What do you feel you need to improve on the most before personal workouts/combine?
Darius Fleming: I think just moving in space and my change of direction are key for me at the combine and workouts.  I have also been working hard on my forty so that I can show teams that I have decent speed.

DraftSeason: Which current NFL player would you most compare yourself to?
Darius Fleming: I really admire how James Harrison plays the game.  He is a very physical player at the point and very active in his pass rush.  I really don’t let teams run the ball on me and he doesn’t either.

DraftSeason: Best part about being part of the Notre Dame family?
Darius Fleming: It’s a never ending thing and there are just so many people withn the family that I can lean on for anything I may need.

DraftSeason: What is one thing about you that many people don’t know?
Darius Fleming: I’m the youngest of 4 boys and the first to play football at the colligate level.  I didn’t actually start playing football until my freshman year of high school.   Bowling was my number one sport going into high school but my football coach convinced me to keep playing football.  Growing up I rode horses and bowled and I currently have one horse.

Allen is a four year starter at the University of Illinois. Was one of the top offensive tackles in the nation this past year. Has had a very good offseason so far impressing at the Senior Bowl. Allen should solidify himself as one of the top 2nd tier offensive tackles in 2012.

DraftSeason: Jeff, first off congrats on the combine invite. What do you feel you need to improve on the most before the big day?
Jeff Allen: The thing I feel I need to improve on the most is my technique for position specific drills.

DraftSeason: What else do you have planned so far in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
Jeff Allen: Nothing to big, I just plan on continuing to work hard to get my name on more people minds.

DraftSeason: What do you feel is your greatest strength as an offensive tackle?
Jeff Allen: I would have to say my footwork and balance in pass protection

DraftSeason: Do you feel you are a better run or pass blocking tackle?
Jeff Allen: At this point I would say I’m better in pass protection but I’m looking to become more balanced as a complete player.

DraftSeason: If you could chose, which quarterback would you be protecting in the NFL next year?
Jeff Allen: They’re a lot of great QB’s in the NFL which makes this question tough but if I chose I would say 1a. Drew Brees 1b. Aaron Rodgers 1c. Cam Newton/Jay Cutler

DraftSeason: Best defensive lineman you have had the chance to play against during your career at Illinois?
Jeff Allen: This is also a tough question, seeing that I’ve faced quiet a few of talented guys so I don’t think I can pinpoint one specific person because they all had a different type of game. I’d go with Ryan Kerrigan (Redskins)/ Brandon Graham (Eagles)/ Aldon Smith (49er’s)

DraftSeason: What is one thing offensive lineman don’t get enough credit for?
Jeff Allen: Well we don’t get much credit from the start but I think people don’t realize how smart we are.

DraftSeason: Finally, what are your plans when your playing days are over?
Jeff Allen: I plan on going back to school to study law.

DraftSeason: Marvin, what are your plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
Marvin Jones: My plan is to continue to train hard and maximize my full potential. Work on the little things within my game that will separate me from my competition.

DraftSeason: What do you feel is your greatest strength as a wide receiver?
Marvin Jones: I feel that my greatest strength is my concentration and aggressiveness when going up and getting the football. No matter who’s in the way, my focus on catching the ball doesn’t change.

DraftSeason: You often get lumped into the ‘possession’ type of receiver category, do you feel you are a guy who can stretch the field, or are you fine to be considered a possesion receiver?
Marvin Jones: I definitely feel that I am a receiver that can stretch the field and be a versatile receiver.

DraftSeason: Greatest moment to date on the football field?
Marvin Jones: My greatest moment came in my sophomore year (2009) when we played UCLA. I had one of the best games of my career, scoring twice in the first half against one of the best DB’s in that year’s class.

DraftSeason: The fact you can return punts boosts your stock, what is the best and worst thing about returning punts?
Marvin Jones: I love every moment of being a punt returner. Just being back there making game changing plays and decisions always elevates my game as a receiver.

DraftSeason: During your time at CAL, who has been the best defensive player you have had the opportunity to face?
Marvin Jones: Syd’Quan Thompson. We used to go at it every day in practice for 2 years. Going against him in practice made me better because I believe he was the best and he prepared me to match up with anyone in the conference.

DraftSeason: What are your expectations come draft day?
Marvin Jones: To just let all of my hard work and preparation push me up as high as possible.

DraftSeason: What are your plans when you wrap up your football career?
Marvin Jones: To work with inner-city minority children, teaching them ways to succeed in life through being active and educated.

DraftSeason: Jamell, what are your current plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
Jamell Fleming: I would like to become the best that I can be physically and mentally as well as become a role model for our younger generation.

DraftSeason: What would you say is your greatest strength and greatest weakness as a cornerback?
Jamell Fleming: My greatest strength would be having the physical ability to disrupt receivers in there routes also having good speed and being able to recover. My weakness that I would like to improve would be moving my foot work.

DraftSeason: What is your answer to people who say you might have a hard time in the NFL at your size?
Jamell Fleming: At my position, I don’t feel like I am undersized. I feel that I am a prototype to what a cornerback should look like.

DraftSeason: What do you feel will be the biggest difference going from college ball to the NFL?
Jamell Fleming: Facing talented receivers, game in and game out.

DraftSeason: What has been your greatest accomplishment during your time at Oklahoma?
Jamell Fleming: Being defensive MVP two years in a row.

DraftSeason: What is your number 1 goal come draft day?
Jamell Fleming: To show everybody how talented I am.

DraftSeason: Which current NFL wide receiver are you most looking forward to getting your hands on ?
Jamell Fleming: Larry Fitzgerald

DraftSeason: What are your big plans once your playing days are over?
Jamell Fleming: To continue giving back to the community and always helping others in need.

DraftSeason: Number 1 thing you are looking forward to showcasing at the East West Shrine game?
Chandler Harnish: Very excited to play in the game. Such an honor to represent my school. Want to showcase that I can make all the throws down field from different drops from under center.

DraftSeason: What do you feel is your greatest strength as a quarterback?
Chandler Harnish: Playmaker, when plays break down I can use my running ability to escape the pocket and make the critical 3rd down conversions.

DraftSeason: You will go down as possibly the best quarterback to ever wear a Huskies helmet. What do you contribute your success as a college football quarterback to?
Chandler Harnish: Have has great coaches along the way . Also, some great teammates, especially receivers who have made me look really good at times when the throws weren’t perfect.

DraftSeason: Do you feel your ability to make big plays with your legs sets you apart a little from the other quarterbacks in the upcoming 2012 NFL Draft?
Chandler Harnish: I definitely think it is a huge asset for me, however it is important to show that I can get under center and make all the necessary throws.

DraftSeason: During your college career, who has been the best player you have shared the field with?
Chandler Harnish: I would have to say jason Pierre paul. 2010 international bowl, he wreaked havoc on us all day. Phenominal athlete who was relentless all the time.

DraftSeason: What are your plans in the coming months leading up to draft day?
Chandler Harnish: I will train in barrington, Chicago suburb where I will train with Turk Schonert and Jeff christensen on technique and drops.

DraftSeason: What current or past NFL quarterback would you most compare your style of play to?
Chandler Harnish: I think I compare to some young QB’s like jake locker or christian ponder. Guys that can play under center and in the gun and can also make plays with their feet.

DraftSeason: Finally, what is your passion away from the field?
Chandler Harnish: I love playing basketball! Indiana boy through and through. It’s a religion. I also love hanging with my family and friends.

DraftSeason: What are your plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
David DeCastro: To prepare myself both physically and mentally to the best of my ability for the Combine and Pro Day.

DraftSeason: You very well could be the most NFL ready player in the entire draft, what do you feel is your greatest weakness that you need to improve on?
David DeCastro: I think that I could improve in every area. I don’t think there is any player out there who would say that they have stopped working on anything because they can’t get any better. You can always get better but specifically for me I think consistency is always important at the offensive line position. To be consistent you have to be physically and mentally prepared.

DraftSeason: You are one of the elite lineman in this years draft, what do you feel sets you apart from the competition?
David DeCastro: I wouldn’t really know since I don’t view myself in that light. I feel there are some extraordinary offensive lineman in this draft and I am honored to be mentioned with them.

DraftSeason: Best and worst part about playing on the offensive line?
David DeCastro: Best – It’s a team within a team since your play is often a product of and how you and the guy next to you plays. From communication to technique O-Lineman have to be on the same page if they want to be successful. This makes it challenging but also adds to the level of reward.
Worst – There isn’t a bad part. I love playing Offensive Line.

DraftSeason: What has been your greatest accomplishment during your time at Stanford?
David DeCastro: Being part of a class and team that turned Stanford Football around and laid a foundation that I hope to see continue in the future.

DraftSeason: Best offensive lineman to ever play in the NFL?
David DeCastro: There are a lot of them that I have watched but my favorite is Steve Wisniewski

DraftSeason: Best defensive lineman you have had the chance to play against during your college career?
David DeCastro: Stephen Paea from Oregon State

DraftSeason: What is your number 1 goal come draft day?
David DeCastro: Same as number one, to know that I’ve done everything in my power to be in the best physical and mental shape

Chase Minnifield from Virginia is one of the most complete cornerbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft. Good size and above average tackler, should be on the verge of a first round pick.

DraftSeason: You recently had your knee scoped, how is it feeling and how long before you get back to 100%?
Chase Minnifield: I feel like I’m ahead of schedule and expect to be 100% within a month.

DraftSeason: How close were you to declaring last year after your Junior year?
Chase Minnifield: I was very close to declaring last year.  I talked to former teammates, some declared early and some that stayed.  Ultimately my family and I decided it came down to if staying would improve my draft position and we believed with continued hard work it would.  I think I made a good decision.

DraftSeason: What do you feel is your greatest strenth and biggest weakness as a cornerback?
Chase Minnifield: My greatest strength is my understanding of the position. I do not believe I have any real weakness at the position.

DraftSeason: Greatest accomplishment during your college career at Virginia?
Chase Minnifield: Helping Virginia get back to a bowl game.

DraftSeason: You have had the chance to go up against some top receivers in the nation, which receiver wowed you the most during your college career?
Chase Minnifield: No one has really wowed me.  I feel my game preparation and ability allowed me to be ready for every opponent and successfully compete.

DraftSeason: What do you feel is the most underrated part of your game?
Chase Minnifield: I don’t really know.

DraftSeason: What is your greatest passion off the field?
Chase Minnifield:Family time

DraftSeason: Virginia has produced some quality corners in the past few years, many scouts see you as the best of the bunch, what is your personal goal come draft weekend?
Chase Minnifield: To be a first round pick.

Coby Fleener Interview

Coby teamed up with top prospect Andrew Luck to be one of the best quarterback/tight end combos in all of college football. Fleener has slowly made himself one of the best overall pass catching tight ends in the entire 2012 NFL Draft. Not only a leader on the field but also off the field. Has the ability and character to be an early pick come April.

DraftSeason: Coby, first off what are your plans in the coming months leading up to the NFL Draft?
Coby: My plan is to train for the NFL Combine and probably stay in school to make sure I get my degree.

DraftSeason: What part of your overall game do you feel you need to improve on the most before becoming an NFL tight end?
Coby: There are many of things I need to improve on before becoming an NFL tight end, but I think that the basics of the game are something that need to be repeated over and over again to make sure that you don’t get rusty in the off-season. Things such as footwork, hand placement, route running, catching the ball, and looking it all the way in, are all things that I am constantly working to improve on.

DraftSeason: You are at the top of the list for available tight ends in the 2012 draft, what do you feel sets you apart from the other top tight ends?
Coby: I think the people that surround me are what separates me from the other tight ends in the draft. I have been very fortunate to not only play with some of the best, most hard-working players in the country, but also have football and strength/conditioning coaches that are willing to go the extra mile in making sure that I push myself in every facet of my game.

DraftSeason: Best accomplishment on and off the field during your time at Stanford?
Coby: It was an honor, and a dream come true to be named an All-American for my work on the field, but even more important was helping Stanford Football to go from an 1-11 team, to earning berths in two consecutive BCS games and establishing the expectation of winning. My best accomplishment off the field will be graduating with a Master’s degree after this year.

DraftSeason: You became one of Andrew Lucks favorite targets, what is it like playing with one of the best college quarterbacks in the past 10 years, who made who look better?
Coby: Andrew is an amazing player, person, and friend. It is awe-inspiring how he handles himself on a daily basis given the constant media surrounding him. It would have been easy to rest on his laurels the past two seasons and just bide his time until he was drafted, but he went out every day in the off-season and at practice and proved through his hard work that he was willing to put the effort in with his teammates to get even better. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to play with Andrew. He definitely made me look better… and I’m sure he would tell you the exact opposite, because that’s just how he is.

DraftSeason: Which current NFL tight end would you most compare yourself to?
Coby: I don’t think it’s my place to compare myself to guys that are playing in the NFL. However, I do admire a lot of them for their different abilities and styles of play. I have looked up the Jim Dray of the Arizona Cardinals for a long time. His toughness on and off the field and his willingness to do the dirty work that doesn’t show up in statistics has always impressed me.

DraftSeason: Which defensive player gave you the most trouble during your college career?
Coby: This question is one of the tougher ones to answer. A couple guys that I went against on a daily basis immediately popped into my head. First, DE/OLB Chase Thomas has been a pain to block since he first lined up across from me. Because of his quick hands and understanding of the game, he is always tough to block. Second is Safety Delano Howell. Watching him punish players on other teams makes me thankful that I didn’t have to go against him every Saturday.

DraftSeason: Finally, any expectations come draft day, any goals?
Coby: My goal is to be drafted as high as possible.