William Ridley sits ready for his Pre-Draft presser, fully aware the only press representation will be from the UTENN Daily Beacon, and maybe The Onion.
Valtookan starts things off:
1. Do you happen to know Calvin Ridley?
I have Calvin's jersey hanging on my wall. We swapped jerseys after we were towelled up. Not the performance we wanted, but we learned a lot of lessons.
2. Any relation to him or any player real or NSFL?
Unfortunately no relation. He's a great player, and unfortunately no relations in the pros for comparisons. So I need to forge my own path.
3. You are my fellow linebacker. You are known for your innate power. What do you think are the 3 most important things for a LB to be able to do. How good do you feel you are at each of these?
I feel the three most important things a linebacker can do are:
Stopping the run; this is where I feel I can excel in the league. If you shut down the run you force teams into difficult third down situations.
Linebackers need to maintain a balanced approach like no other position. Supporting against the run, providing extra pressure on the quarterback, and coverage in the passing game. The difference between a big gain and a tackle for loss is a split second decision.
Playing as a cohesive unit; a linebacker and defence as a whole cannot function without playing together. I believe forming a bond and working as a team is how great defences are built.
4. Is their any LB you look up to in this league?
I think it's hard to look past the example Brice Boggs has set coming into the league. Guys like AC Hackett, and Harriff Earnton have set a fine example for younger guys coming into the league.
5. Do you have a certain team you want to play for?
I don't believe a rookie should be cherry picking teams they would like to play for. It will be a privilege to play in the NSFL, regardless of where I end up.
6. Do you wish to go to an established team, or a team which is lower-class but up and coming?
I would love to end up on a team where I can contribute, and I can add something to their locker room.
7. We have a bunch of Linebackers and we have some Run-Stuffers who just don't get the job done and flat out suck. Why should I think that you are different?
I don't see myself as a one-dimensional linebacker. Stopping the run is my strength, but I want to develop my game to a point where I can contribute on every down. I hope a team sees my potential and allow me to grow as a player.
8. Favorite colour?
It's hard to go past the Orange of my Vols.
9. 3-4 or 4-3? Which do you want to play in and where do you feel you would fit best?
I believe I fit well into either a 4-3 or 3-4. My size enables me to get into holes and plug A/B/C gaps, and I believe I can pressure the quarterback from the 3-4.
10. What is your spirit animal?
I believe I carry myself with the tenacity of a Bluetick, I know I am biased being around Smokey all these years.
11. Something the fan probably don't know about you?
I majored in media studies and I would love to work for NSFLN at the end of my career.
12. Do you know who I am?
You are the aforementioned Harriff Earnston, and rookie guide.
13. What is the best team in the NSFL in your opinion?
I think anyone would be foolish to go past the Outlaws in pure talent. Back to back Ultimus earn you that right.
GRADED
Valtookan starts things off:
1. Do you happen to know Calvin Ridley?
I have Calvin's jersey hanging on my wall. We swapped jerseys after we were towelled up. Not the performance we wanted, but we learned a lot of lessons.
2. Any relation to him or any player real or NSFL?
Unfortunately no relation. He's a great player, and unfortunately no relations in the pros for comparisons. So I need to forge my own path.
3. You are my fellow linebacker. You are known for your innate power. What do you think are the 3 most important things for a LB to be able to do. How good do you feel you are at each of these?
I feel the three most important things a linebacker can do are:
Stopping the run; this is where I feel I can excel in the league. If you shut down the run you force teams into difficult third down situations.
Linebackers need to maintain a balanced approach like no other position. Supporting against the run, providing extra pressure on the quarterback, and coverage in the passing game. The difference between a big gain and a tackle for loss is a split second decision.
Playing as a cohesive unit; a linebacker and defence as a whole cannot function without playing together. I believe forming a bond and working as a team is how great defences are built.
4. Is their any LB you look up to in this league?
I think it's hard to look past the example Brice Boggs has set coming into the league. Guys like AC Hackett, and Harriff Earnton have set a fine example for younger guys coming into the league.
5. Do you have a certain team you want to play for?
I don't believe a rookie should be cherry picking teams they would like to play for. It will be a privilege to play in the NSFL, regardless of where I end up.
6. Do you wish to go to an established team, or a team which is lower-class but up and coming?
I would love to end up on a team where I can contribute, and I can add something to their locker room.
7. We have a bunch of Linebackers and we have some Run-Stuffers who just don't get the job done and flat out suck. Why should I think that you are different?
I don't see myself as a one-dimensional linebacker. Stopping the run is my strength, but I want to develop my game to a point where I can contribute on every down. I hope a team sees my potential and allow me to grow as a player.
8. Favorite colour?
It's hard to go past the Orange of my Vols.
9. 3-4 or 4-3? Which do you want to play in and where do you feel you would fit best?
I believe I fit well into either a 4-3 or 3-4. My size enables me to get into holes and plug A/B/C gaps, and I believe I can pressure the quarterback from the 3-4.
10. What is your spirit animal?
I believe I carry myself with the tenacity of a Bluetick, I know I am biased being around Smokey all these years.
11. Something the fan probably don't know about you?
I majored in media studies and I would love to work for NSFLN at the end of my career.
12. Do you know who I am?
You are the aforementioned Harriff Earnston, and rookie guide.
13. What is the best team in the NSFL in your opinion?
I think anyone would be foolish to go past the Outlaws in pure talent. Back to back Ultimus earn you that right.
GRADED