TE prospect George Wright Jr. hasn't been catching many eyes leading up to the draft, and grades pretty consistently as a mid to late round pick. Nevertheless he's confident in his value, outside of the OL positions Wright is hands down the best blocking prospect, and he feels that in a TE class stacked with good receivers he will stand out as a player that will contribute on every page of the playbook. He has expressed his willingness to feature in 2 TE sets and behind the line as an H-back, Fullback, or pass-protection in the Shotgun.
Wright has agreed to take some questions from the press over the day in the hopes that the right answers will make him a late riser in the NSFL's inaugural draft.
EDIT: This is the compiled list of questions/answers.
1.) I think the best compliment for me would be a tall and fast Tight End that can force the LBs out of the box and open up the defense for myself and the running game.
2.) I've always wanted to be a Fullback, but because the Fullback is an underappreciated position in this league I decided to transition to Tight End to get a roster spot. Maybe I'll get a chance to play a bit of both.
3.) I tell my dentist that I floss every day but I don't think he believes me. I definitely brush, you can quote me on that.
4.) Physically I'm trying to improve my speed. Linebackers these days are so athletic and I don't think I turned any heads with my 40 time. Mentally I need to improve timing on my route running, it's a lot more complicated in the major leagues and if I want to succeed as a starter I'll have to be a productive receiver. I won't do that if I'm in the wrong position when the ball comes my way.
5.) This is my first sim league, I'm excited to see where it will take all of us and if the community can grow and maintain itself. It's hard to predict whether interest and activity will be maintained in the long run.
1.) I couldn't say just yet. I'd like to play for a team with a stud RB and a mindset to physically dominate the game on both sides. Give the opposing defense some fast receivers and a bruising run game to have nightmares about, and let the opposing QB spend more time worrying about getting sacked than finding his open man. I can tell you I like the Otters jerseys the best but any color looks good when you win the championship.
2.) I've been impressed with the fire that both Tiernan and O'Connell have shown so far, those are two guys that will fight to the end to be the best. I also like the look of Vince Draxel who had a nice day at the All-American Bowl and Andrew Kreklow who showed off every skill in the book.
3.) I get a sense of pride coming as far as I have, and making the NSFL draft. I've played football my whole life but I never thought I'd really get to make a career out of it, so I'm determined to make the best one I can. On the field nothing makes me happier than making a big hole for an RB to run through or slamming through the defense for a touchdown. The crowd loves it when the big guys get their day.
4.) I think if I were the right size I would play Safety. I'd like to get a look at the full offense and pick them apart before finally making that highlight interception. I guess I'd make a better linebacker with my belly the way it is.
5.) I don't get a lot of downtime, I try to stay in shape and work part-time to pay the bills. When I have the opportunity I love fishing and going to parties with my friends. I won't fail a drug test though, don't worry.
I won't be able to answer all of these questions right now because I have to go to work soon, but I'll get as many as I can and try to do the rest when I get home. Thanks for all the questions!
1.) I'll have to find the endzone first. I'm a master of the worm but I haven't tried it in pads so it may be more than I can handle.
2.) I think I've got the Wright stuff to succeed in this league, any player that earns a nickname with the fans is doing a good job so I hope to hear that called out in the stands.
3.) When the Olympics come around I always make sure to catch that thing where you ski and shoot. I would be dead last in anything that involves skiing but I do enjoy target shooting.
4.) I don't need much help do I? I try not to hunt down more news than what I already deal with in the league, I will listen to ESPN radio when I'm driving to catch up on anything I've missed.
5.) I'd like to play in a far away market like China or India. I think it would be great to showcase the true American past time and help it become popular worldwide. We've already seen some foreign players choose to come to our league and I hope that number grows in the future.
1.) I'm an avid birdwatcher, but don't tell the ladies that. I would say my favorite is probably the peregrine falcon.
2.) Swimming of course! You can lay around anywhere but you should never squander a good body of water when you get the chance to cool off.
3.) I'd like to be with a top OL prospect like Bender Rodriguez ( :lol: ) or Ben Longshaw. The more help you have up front the better the whole team will be, and it will open me up to make some of my own plays.
4.) My dad made sure I played football as early as possible, I was born when he was fresh out of college and I think he always wanted me to relive that dream. I must not have been 5 or 6 when I first hit the endzone.
5.) Even younger than that but I doubt I remember. My parents took me to Canada to watch a CSFL game when I was just two years old.
1.) I think you couldn't ask for a better teammate than Safety Mayran Jackson. He'll probably turn more heads at the draft than I will, whatever team he ends up on will be very lucky and hopefully I won't have to run him over come game time. But I will if I have to.
2.) Alistair Amir out of Illinois might be the best I had to see on a regular basis. When a guy pushes through your block you can at least pat him on the back and let him know next time his ass will be on the ground. But when a DE like Amir runs right around you it's very frustrating. In those situation you have to throw them off balance and let the Tackle take care of the rest.
3.) Working I suppose, I might go back to get an Education degree so I could teach high school.
4.) I think Fullback John Kuhn is a great inspiration to a player like me. He has made a long career and become a fan favorite out of doing what I do and I hope to match that.
5.) It depends on if I've eaten recently or not. Generally yes but there are some that are too much for me. I go to amusement parks to have fun, not have my insides turned into pulp.
I'll have to answer the remaining questions later, it's back to work in the cheese and brats factory for me.
1.) Absolutely, I don't know what good it would do for the offense except scare that poor Cornerback. I'm not exactly going to burn anyone down the sidelines but if the coach has a play in mind I will do my best to execute it.
2.) If I had to pick, I think it would be giving the QB a big target over the middle. Some WRs definitely do this as well but a good TE who can make reliable catches will be a safety valve for his QB on critical downs and also a key target in the red zone.
3.) I think I will be in the 10-13 round range. Teams will look to fill out key positions first, but there's only one player like me in the draft so a GM looking to build a run heavy team will not want to miss the opportunity. You can wait late and still get a solid receiving TE or WR but once I'm picked there will not be a fallback option.
4.) I sure do, I just don't believe it's wise to act on it at first sight. You need to put your heart and your mind into it or you'll miss your shot.
5.) I do believe in myself, I don't think many expect me to be an elite player in this league but I can do what I do very well and I plan to make a case for myself every game.
1.) I think Kellen Winslow, others may have eclipsed his feats since he played but he brought the position into the modern era and showed that a Tight End could be a nightmare. In this class, either Rick Maddox or even myself, I guess it depends on what a GM is looking for.
2.) I only plan on jamming one down the defense's throat, I guess I'd prefer to keep myself out of trouble with the media if I can.
3.) I wouldn't say integral so much as unavoidable. I try to keep it tame but you know later in the season when you're focusing on playoffs they can get pretty out of control.
4.) I keep my hair short, Wisconsin winters are a bit too cold to want to go completely bald, plus my head would look like a toe.
5.) Absolutely not, I plan on winning Survivor and riding off into the sunset.
1.) I don't think I would put Tight End at the top of the list in this class. There is a lot of solid depth, I think GMs may wait until later rounds and still find a quality guy. But I feel like other positions have several elite players that you will see being called in the first couple of rounds.
2.) I think it's excellent, I may not be dancing around the field but I can truck and I have a good wingspan to throw the stiff arm. I think coaches will be pleased with my power running ability and my ability to make yards after the catch. Those are good traits to have in short yardage situations.
3.) You can have a technique in college that you think is great, and the moment you get to training camp you have three or four guys telling you it's all wrong. I try to stay low and get my hands up high to get good leverage, of course you have to watch out for the facemask. I'm not worried about my blocking ability but I'm always trying to improve it, my pass blocking especially as I'd like to be featured in max protect formations as well.
4.) The lemon-lime one is pretty disgusting but in a good way.
5.) I always played as the little mushroom guy, but to be honest I had an Xbox so didn't play Mario Kart a lot unless it was with friends.
1.) I used to play Fullback and Halfback but I hit 6'3" pretty late in my teens, when I went to Iowa they asked me if I could play TE as well and I said I could play anything they wanted me to. It's stuck since then!
2.) When I do my morning work-outs I like to listen to really old rock and roll, from the 50s. It's not a good way to get amped up for a game but it helps me enjoy having to be up so early.
3.) If the food still looks good I'd probably just go for it. I'm not too picky and sometimes it's fate to try something you weren't expecting. If it looked bad I would ask them to try again.
4.) I've been good at it as long as I can remember, I can't really think of why I've tried so hard and come this far, it's just what I do. That's probably a question I'll have to continue to ask myself as my career progresses.
5.) I'd like to get through my rookie contract before I decide what my long term goals are. A long career is much better for the wallet and I think I can be successful.
Word Count: 2177
Wright has agreed to take some questions from the press over the day in the hopes that the right answers will make him a late riser in the NSFL's inaugural draft.
EDIT: This is the compiled list of questions/answers.
(05-30-2017, 05:59 AM)SimmerDownBruhh Wrote:What archetype TE do you think will best compliment your build in a 2TE set? Balanced? Possession? V-Threat?
What helped you decide this build/position was the best for you?
Do you floss everyday?
What do you feel are some things, both physically and mentally, that you need to work on?
Is this your first sim league? If not, what is your experience in the sim leagues?
1.) I think the best compliment for me would be a tall and fast Tight End that can force the LBs out of the box and open up the defense for myself and the running game.
2.) I've always wanted to be a Fullback, but because the Fullback is an underappreciated position in this league I decided to transition to Tight End to get a roster spot. Maybe I'll get a chance to play a bit of both.
3.) I tell my dentist that I floss every day but I don't think he believes me. I definitely brush, you can quote me on that.
4.) Physically I'm trying to improve my speed. Linebackers these days are so athletic and I don't think I turned any heads with my 40 time. Mentally I need to improve timing on my route running, it's a lot more complicated in the major leagues and if I want to succeed as a starter I'll have to be a productive receiver. I won't do that if I'm in the wrong position when the ball comes my way.
5.) This is my first sim league, I'm excited to see where it will take all of us and if the community can grow and maintain itself. It's hard to predict whether interest and activity will be maintained in the long run.
Ltsmashie Wrote:Hi George,
If you could chose, what team would you play for and why?
Are there any players involved in the draft process who have particularly impressed you?
What makes you tick as a player?
If you had to play on defense, where would you play and why?
What do you do on off days?
1.) I couldn't say just yet. I'd like to play for a team with a stud RB and a mindset to physically dominate the game on both sides. Give the opposing defense some fast receivers and a bruising run game to have nightmares about, and let the opposing QB spend more time worrying about getting sacked than finding his open man. I can tell you I like the Otters jerseys the best but any color looks good when you win the championship.
2.) I've been impressed with the fire that both Tiernan and O'Connell have shown so far, those are two guys that will fight to the end to be the best. I also like the look of Vince Draxel who had a nice day at the All-American Bowl and Andrew Kreklow who showed off every skill in the book.
3.) I get a sense of pride coming as far as I have, and making the NSFL draft. I've played football my whole life but I never thought I'd really get to make a career out of it, so I'm determined to make the best one I can. On the field nothing makes me happier than making a big hole for an RB to run through or slamming through the defense for a touchdown. The crowd loves it when the big guys get their day.
4.) I think if I were the right size I would play Safety. I'd like to get a look at the full offense and pick them apart before finally making that highlight interception. I guess I'd make a better linebacker with my belly the way it is.
5.) I don't get a lot of downtime, I try to stay in shape and work part-time to pay the bills. When I have the opportunity I love fishing and going to parties with my friends. I won't fail a drug test though, don't worry.
I won't be able to answer all of these questions right now because I have to go to work soon, but I'll get as many as I can and try to do the rest when I get home. Thanks for all the questions!
(05-30-2017, 05:27 PM)Kendrick Wrote:1. Have any TD celebrations ready?
2. Can we call you the "Wright Touch" if you succeed?
3. Do you enjoy curling or any other weird sports?
4. Favourite place to catch up on sports news?
5. If you had one spot you could play internationally, where would it be?
1.) I'll have to find the endzone first. I'm a master of the worm but I haven't tried it in pads so it may be more than I can handle.
2.) I think I've got the Wright stuff to succeed in this league, any player that earns a nickname with the fans is doing a good job so I hope to hear that called out in the stands.
3.) When the Olympics come around I always make sure to catch that thing where you ski and shoot. I would be dead last in anything that involves skiing but I do enjoy target shooting.
4.) I don't need much help do I? I try not to hunt down more news than what I already deal with in the league, I will listen to ESPN radio when I'm driving to catch up on anything I've missed.
5.) I'd like to play in a far away market like China or India. I think it would be great to showcase the true American past time and help it become popular worldwide. We've already seen some foreign players choose to come to our league and I hope that number grows in the future.
Grapehead Wrote:What's your favourite animal?
Would you rather go swimming or lay on the beach?
Who would you be most excited to play with?
When did you first score?
Where did you see your first football game?
1.) I'm an avid birdwatcher, but don't tell the ladies that. I would say my favorite is probably the peregrine falcon.
2.) Swimming of course! You can lay around anywhere but you should never squander a good body of water when you get the chance to cool off.
3.) I'd like to be with a top OL prospect like Bender Rodriguez ( :lol: ) or Ben Longshaw. The more help you have up front the better the whole team will be, and it will open me up to make some of my own plays.
4.) My dad made sure I played football as early as possible, I was born when he was fresh out of college and I think he always wanted me to relive that dream. I must not have been 5 or 6 when I first hit the endzone.
5.) Even younger than that but I doubt I remember. My parents took me to Canada to watch a CSFL game when I was just two years old.
WinstonKodogo Wrote:1. Best player you've played with?
2. Best player you've played against?
3. If you weren't playing football what would you be doing?
4. Who's your biggest inspiration?
5. Are you a fan of rollercoaster?
1.) I think you couldn't ask for a better teammate than Safety Mayran Jackson. He'll probably turn more heads at the draft than I will, whatever team he ends up on will be very lucky and hopefully I won't have to run him over come game time. But I will if I have to.
2.) Alistair Amir out of Illinois might be the best I had to see on a regular basis. When a guy pushes through your block you can at least pat him on the back and let him know next time his ass will be on the ground. But when a DE like Amir runs right around you it's very frustrating. In those situation you have to throw them off balance and let the Tackle take care of the rest.
3.) Working I suppose, I might go back to get an Education degree so I could teach high school.
4.) I think Fullback John Kuhn is a great inspiration to a player like me. He has made a long career and become a fan favorite out of doing what I do and I hope to match that.
5.) It depends on if I've eaten recently or not. Generally yes but there are some that are too much for me. I go to amusement parks to have fun, not have my insides turned into pulp.
I'll have to answer the remaining questions later, it's back to work in the cheese and brats factory for me.
(05-30-2017, 09:46 PM)youngcricket Wrote:1) Would you be willing to line up in the slot or split out?
2) What do you think a TE's most important function is?
3) Where do you envision yourself going in the draft?
4) Do you believe in love at first sight?
5) Do you believe in yourself?
1.) Absolutely, I don't know what good it would do for the offense except scare that poor Cornerback. I'm not exactly going to burn anyone down the sidelines but if the coach has a play in mind I will do my best to execute it.
2.) If I had to pick, I think it would be giving the QB a big target over the middle. Some WRs definitely do this as well but a good TE who can make reliable catches will be a safety valve for his QB on critical downs and also a key target in the red zone.
3.) I think I will be in the 10-13 round range. Teams will look to fill out key positions first, but there's only one player like me in the draft so a GM looking to build a run heavy team will not want to miss the opportunity. You can wait late and still get a solid receiving TE or WR but once I'm picked there will not be a fallback option.
4.) I sure do, I just don't believe it's wise to act on it at first sight. You need to put your heart and your mind into it or you'll miss your shot.
5.) I do believe in myself, I don't think many expect me to be an elite player in this league but I can do what I do very well and I plan to make a case for myself every game.
(05-30-2017, 10:58 PM)Bzerkap Wrote:1. Who do you consider the pinnacle at your position?
2. As former TE/H-Back Chris Cooley once did, will you ever take a picture of your member and playbook at the same time?
3. Is a beard integral to your position and playing style?
4. If not a beard will you shave everything and go completely bald?
5. Once your playing career is over, will Dancing With The Stars be on your radar?
1.) I think Kellen Winslow, others may have eclipsed his feats since he played but he brought the position into the modern era and showed that a Tight End could be a nightmare. In this class, either Rick Maddox or even myself, I guess it depends on what a GM is looking for.
2.) I only plan on jamming one down the defense's throat, I guess I'd prefer to keep myself out of trouble with the media if I can.
3.) I wouldn't say integral so much as unavoidable. I try to keep it tame but you know later in the season when you're focusing on playoffs they can get pretty out of control.
4.) I keep my hair short, Wisconsin winters are a bit too cold to want to go completely bald, plus my head would look like a toe.
5.) Absolutely not, I plan on winning Survivor and riding off into the sunset.
Quote:1. Will you keep up the status quo of TE's being the overall best looking position?
2. How good is your stiff arm?
3. Do you have a technique down for your blocking or are you still trying to perfect it?
4. Favorite Gatorade flavor?
5. What's your go-to Mario Kart character?
1.) I don't think I would put Tight End at the top of the list in this class. There is a lot of solid depth, I think GMs may wait until later rounds and still find a quality guy. But I feel like other positions have several elite players that you will see being called in the first couple of rounds.
2.) I think it's excellent, I may not be dancing around the field but I can truck and I have a good wingspan to throw the stiff arm. I think coaches will be pleased with my power running ability and my ability to make yards after the catch. Those are good traits to have in short yardage situations.
3.) You can have a technique in college that you think is great, and the moment you get to training camp you have three or four guys telling you it's all wrong. I try to stay low and get my hands up high to get good leverage, of course you have to watch out for the facemask. I'm not worried about my blocking ability but I'm always trying to improve it, my pass blocking especially as I'd like to be featured in max protect formations as well.
4.) The lemon-lime one is pretty disgusting but in a good way.
5.) I always played as the little mushroom guy, but to be honest I had an Xbox so didn't play Mario Kart a lot unless it was with friends.
Quote:TE was the first position I played before shifting to defensive end/line backer, is there a reason you chose this position?
What's your guilty pleasure music choice?
If a restaurant brings you the wrong food, what do you do? How do you react?
What inspires you to play football?
Do you think you'll be able to stick in this league for the long haul? What's your ideal career length?
1.) I used to play Fullback and Halfback but I hit 6'3" pretty late in my teens, when I went to Iowa they asked me if I could play TE as well and I said I could play anything they wanted me to. It's stuck since then!
2.) When I do my morning work-outs I like to listen to really old rock and roll, from the 50s. It's not a good way to get amped up for a game but it helps me enjoy having to be up so early.
3.) If the food still looks good I'd probably just go for it. I'm not too picky and sometimes it's fate to try something you weren't expecting. If it looked bad I would ask them to try again.
4.) I've been good at it as long as I can remember, I can't really think of why I've tried so hard and come this far, it's just what I do. That's probably a question I'll have to continue to ask myself as my career progresses.
5.) I'd like to get through my rookie contract before I decide what my long term goals are. A long career is much better for the wallet and I think I can be successful.
Word Count: 2177