(60% @g2019 | 40% @"Gbeck765")
Sal Ami -
Welcome everyone to part 2 of my rookie series with the Norfolk Seawolves. Today I am interviewing none other than kicking legend turned linebacker Sconnie Mckicks. Sconnie, welcome aboard! I could not be more excited to have you on for an interview today. I want to start with your illustrious kicking career in college. Walk me through your time in college and what it was like to be the first kicker to ever win the Heisman trophy.
Sconnie Mckicks —
First off, thanks so much for having me, gbeck! Wisconsin was always goal #1 for me as a kid. I grew up a big fan of all the university's athletics, so when I was being recruited in HS, it was a no-brainer. College was great! A lot of fun, a lot of success, and a lot of learning more about this beautiful sport. I was just thrilled to be able to help my team achieve success and finally bring another National Championship back to Madison. The Heisman thing caught me by surprise; obviously, a kicker had never won it before, so it wasn't even really on my radar! To be mentioned in the same breath as some of the greats was an incredible experience.
Sal Ami -
The Wisconsin football program has had some huge names come through the halls. I think none have shined brighter than you to this point. It became must see tv every time a fourth down occurred. I heard stories that I do not know if true, but that you once kicked a 70 yard field goal. Can you tell me if there is any accuracy to this or if it is just another myth that is out there?
Sconnie Mckicks —
(laughs) You know, I'll be honest with you. There are a lot of things that people say and stories that go around, so it's only reasonable that people might not have their facts straight. The media and friends of mine especially...they get excited and sometimes distort facts. So let me set the record straight here...(pause)...it was actually 72 yards.
Sal Ami—
Goodness gracious, your legend continues to do nothing but grow! You heard it here first folks, Sconnie McKicks kicked a 72 yard missile of a field goal. That is one of the many reasons I am glad you were selected by us and have now joined our fleet. Having someone capable of hitting 70+ bombs if needed is always a threat. That all actually adds to your story though. After such a success as a kicker and with your kicking leg basically being a lethal weapon, you have now switched over to the defensive side of the ball. No longer will we see balls breaking the sound barrier as they come off your foot. Instead we will see you launching yourself at ball carriers. Take me through your thoughts on this position change, and if it ever crossed your mind before to change positions.
Sconnie Mckicks —
You know, I've always been an all-around athlete. I was the Gatorade State Player of the Year in soccer in high school, so I definitely have always had skills beyond kicking the ball. While I am definitely confident in my abilities, I am also a team player and a leader. When GMs approached me through the scouting process about changing positions, I said that I would do whatever it takes to help the team win. After being selected by Norfolk, Negs had a chat with me about switching to linebacker, and I agreed immediately. It's a chance to do some work on the other side of the ball and hit some folks, and I'm extremely excited to get started in my new position! Relatedly (sorry for the shameless plug), I do plan on a name change. Sconnie McKicks isn't too fitting for a linebacker, so we'll make a change there. If you want to be one of the first to hear my new persona, make sure you tune in to my upcoming DFSL Post-Draft Review podcast, which should be published by tomorrow .
Sal Ami —
A name change is always exciting. I was wondering if a change would be made or not. I will definitely be tuning in to see your new name reveal. You talked about being a team player and a leader, and I think that is what helped make you a top pick in the recent draft. But before getting into the draft, lets talk about some scouting. What was that process like for you? Did most teams reach out?
Sconnie Mckicks —
Scouting was a ton of fun. I got to meet a ton of great people as a newbie to the league, so that was great! I was also able to learn more about the league itself, as well as the teams. I loved being invited into the locker rooms of some of those different teams and getting a feel for what their culture was like. Personally, I was looking for an active, fun, diverse locker room, and so I was immediately drawn to Norfolk. I also wanted a team who I felt would allow me to be part of team management or war room staff sooner, rather than later. I am someone who definitely wants to be involved in scouting and (potentially) decision-making for a team in the future. 7 of the 8 teams reached out. Nobody from Portland reached out to me...so I'll be using that as a little bit of extra motivation when we play them this season.
Sal Ami —
I love the name drop with throwing Portland out there. I have a feeling that they are going to grow to regret that decision. For me both being scouted and now doing some of the scouting has been my favorite experience since I joined this league. I have to admit, I think Norfolk is the perfect spot for you. Negs hit the ground running as general manager and has been a great leader for us. From knowing you through our previous conversations, I would not be surprised at all if you were a General manager one day! I was extra happy when we picked you as you were (I believe) the first person that I actually ever scouted! Lets talk draft now. This was one of the most anticipated days for me. Did you have any idea you were going to go this high? Did you have a short list of teams that you thought you may end up on?
For reference to anyone who didn't know, Sconnie was picked at 2nd overall
Sconnie Mckicks —
Thank you so much for the kind words. You were actually the first person to scout me, so that was very special! I was a bit anxious heading into the draft. I can say now that I had two teams at the top that I really wanted to play for. My top team was Norfolk, but if not, I was also very interested in London. After that, there were a number of teams I would have been cool playing for, I just hadn't seen as much personality in their locker rooms or connected quite as much with their scout or GM who reached out. It sounded like the interest, especially with Norfolk and London, was mutual, but draft day is always crazy and you never know what might happen. At one point, I did tell Negs I was gunning for the #2 overall pick once I heard Norfolk had it; on the other hand, when I reflected on the draft process, I realized that I hadn't taken recreates into account. I would not have been surprised if a good number of proven, veteran users had gone ahead of me, but I thought I definitely held my own in relation to new users like myself. Long story short, I had settled on 2nd or 3rd round. When my name was called at #2 and (more importantly) to Norfolk, I literally jumped out of my chair and gave a huge Tiger Woods Masters-esque fist pump. My wife was sitting next to me watching, and said that she got goosebumps when my name was called. From there, the draft only got better, as I was able to watch Norfolk make great pick after great pick, bringing in quality players and even better people into the team...so it was an overall amazing night that I will never forget!
Sal Ami —
Well I am pumped that we were able to steal you away from London. This was the first draft that I have scouted for, but I would guess it is a little unusual for someone to join late and make the impact you did prior to the draft. Your draft experience is very similar to my own with the ISFL Draft. I thought 2nd or so round. Big difference was my wife looked at me like I was crazy when I got excited about being drafted. She was much more understanding and excited during the ISFL. It is always fun to run scenarios in your head on how the draft may end up. I did not know the round but you are definitely one of the players I hoped we would be able to grab. I am a big Chicago Bears fan in real life, and have enjoyed the mostly solid defenses the Bears have always had. At the center of the defense, the back bone of that side of the ball has always been our linebackers. So carrying that thought process over into the Developmental Football League (DSFL), how do you feel about coming in as a rookie and being a leader on that side of the ball?
Sconnie Mckicks
First of all, my condolences for having to follow the Bears all the time...lol. On to your question, I feel so excited and humbled to be looked at as a leader on our defense. I am absolutely ready for the challenge, and I know we will only get stronger as a unit as the season goes on. I think the most important part of the growth of our defense will be the meshing of personalities and the chemistry we create, and if our locker room is any indication, that won't be an issue!
Sal Ami —
Yeah it really sucks being a Chicago Bears fan. I try not to bring it up too much for that very reason lol. I know neither of us can wait for the season to start. Do you have any predictions or feelings on how things are going to turn out for you and our beloved Norfolk Seawolves? A possible Defensive Player of the Year?
Sconnie McKicks —
I think this team has a lot of heart and will fight hard to get into the playoffs. From there, as we all know, anything can happen! As nice as personal awards are, I'm more focused on the team finding success. If I'm going the right things on and off the field and continuing to grow as a player, the awards will come, whether it's this season or in the future.
Sal Ami —
Well that sounds great! We all look forward to your exciting career on the gridiron! Only time will tell how things unfold. As we begin to close this interview, is there anything you wanted to say to the other teams out there? Or maybe something you wanted the fans to hear straight from you?
Sconnie McKicks -
To the fans, media, and other teams, on behalf of myself and the rest of the squad, we promise to be a hard-working and exciting group of players and we are going to look to make big plays on both sides of the ball. Don't sleep on the Wolves! Thanks, again for having me!
Sal Ami —
They say Norfolk has the best the best folk and with people like you on there I'd say they're right. I look forward to watching how your rookie year plays out. Good luck with everything and thanks for doing this interview with me!
Sconnie Mckicks —
Thanks for having me man!
2011 Words
Sal Ami -
Welcome everyone to part 2 of my rookie series with the Norfolk Seawolves. Today I am interviewing none other than kicking legend turned linebacker Sconnie Mckicks. Sconnie, welcome aboard! I could not be more excited to have you on for an interview today. I want to start with your illustrious kicking career in college. Walk me through your time in college and what it was like to be the first kicker to ever win the Heisman trophy.
Sconnie Mckicks —
First off, thanks so much for having me, gbeck! Wisconsin was always goal #1 for me as a kid. I grew up a big fan of all the university's athletics, so when I was being recruited in HS, it was a no-brainer. College was great! A lot of fun, a lot of success, and a lot of learning more about this beautiful sport. I was just thrilled to be able to help my team achieve success and finally bring another National Championship back to Madison. The Heisman thing caught me by surprise; obviously, a kicker had never won it before, so it wasn't even really on my radar! To be mentioned in the same breath as some of the greats was an incredible experience.
Sal Ami -
The Wisconsin football program has had some huge names come through the halls. I think none have shined brighter than you to this point. It became must see tv every time a fourth down occurred. I heard stories that I do not know if true, but that you once kicked a 70 yard field goal. Can you tell me if there is any accuracy to this or if it is just another myth that is out there?
Sconnie Mckicks —
(laughs) You know, I'll be honest with you. There are a lot of things that people say and stories that go around, so it's only reasonable that people might not have their facts straight. The media and friends of mine especially...they get excited and sometimes distort facts. So let me set the record straight here...(pause)...it was actually 72 yards.
Sal Ami—
Goodness gracious, your legend continues to do nothing but grow! You heard it here first folks, Sconnie McKicks kicked a 72 yard missile of a field goal. That is one of the many reasons I am glad you were selected by us and have now joined our fleet. Having someone capable of hitting 70+ bombs if needed is always a threat. That all actually adds to your story though. After such a success as a kicker and with your kicking leg basically being a lethal weapon, you have now switched over to the defensive side of the ball. No longer will we see balls breaking the sound barrier as they come off your foot. Instead we will see you launching yourself at ball carriers. Take me through your thoughts on this position change, and if it ever crossed your mind before to change positions.
Sconnie Mckicks —
You know, I've always been an all-around athlete. I was the Gatorade State Player of the Year in soccer in high school, so I definitely have always had skills beyond kicking the ball. While I am definitely confident in my abilities, I am also a team player and a leader. When GMs approached me through the scouting process about changing positions, I said that I would do whatever it takes to help the team win. After being selected by Norfolk, Negs had a chat with me about switching to linebacker, and I agreed immediately. It's a chance to do some work on the other side of the ball and hit some folks, and I'm extremely excited to get started in my new position! Relatedly (sorry for the shameless plug), I do plan on a name change. Sconnie McKicks isn't too fitting for a linebacker, so we'll make a change there. If you want to be one of the first to hear my new persona, make sure you tune in to my upcoming DFSL Post-Draft Review podcast, which should be published by tomorrow .
Sal Ami —
A name change is always exciting. I was wondering if a change would be made or not. I will definitely be tuning in to see your new name reveal. You talked about being a team player and a leader, and I think that is what helped make you a top pick in the recent draft. But before getting into the draft, lets talk about some scouting. What was that process like for you? Did most teams reach out?
Sconnie Mckicks —
Scouting was a ton of fun. I got to meet a ton of great people as a newbie to the league, so that was great! I was also able to learn more about the league itself, as well as the teams. I loved being invited into the locker rooms of some of those different teams and getting a feel for what their culture was like. Personally, I was looking for an active, fun, diverse locker room, and so I was immediately drawn to Norfolk. I also wanted a team who I felt would allow me to be part of team management or war room staff sooner, rather than later. I am someone who definitely wants to be involved in scouting and (potentially) decision-making for a team in the future. 7 of the 8 teams reached out. Nobody from Portland reached out to me...so I'll be using that as a little bit of extra motivation when we play them this season.
Sal Ami —
I love the name drop with throwing Portland out there. I have a feeling that they are going to grow to regret that decision. For me both being scouted and now doing some of the scouting has been my favorite experience since I joined this league. I have to admit, I think Norfolk is the perfect spot for you. Negs hit the ground running as general manager and has been a great leader for us. From knowing you through our previous conversations, I would not be surprised at all if you were a General manager one day! I was extra happy when we picked you as you were (I believe) the first person that I actually ever scouted! Lets talk draft now. This was one of the most anticipated days for me. Did you have any idea you were going to go this high? Did you have a short list of teams that you thought you may end up on?
For reference to anyone who didn't know, Sconnie was picked at 2nd overall
Sconnie Mckicks —
Thank you so much for the kind words. You were actually the first person to scout me, so that was very special! I was a bit anxious heading into the draft. I can say now that I had two teams at the top that I really wanted to play for. My top team was Norfolk, but if not, I was also very interested in London. After that, there were a number of teams I would have been cool playing for, I just hadn't seen as much personality in their locker rooms or connected quite as much with their scout or GM who reached out. It sounded like the interest, especially with Norfolk and London, was mutual, but draft day is always crazy and you never know what might happen. At one point, I did tell Negs I was gunning for the #2 overall pick once I heard Norfolk had it; on the other hand, when I reflected on the draft process, I realized that I hadn't taken recreates into account. I would not have been surprised if a good number of proven, veteran users had gone ahead of me, but I thought I definitely held my own in relation to new users like myself. Long story short, I had settled on 2nd or 3rd round. When my name was called at #2 and (more importantly) to Norfolk, I literally jumped out of my chair and gave a huge Tiger Woods Masters-esque fist pump. My wife was sitting next to me watching, and said that she got goosebumps when my name was called. From there, the draft only got better, as I was able to watch Norfolk make great pick after great pick, bringing in quality players and even better people into the team...so it was an overall amazing night that I will never forget!
Sal Ami —
Well I am pumped that we were able to steal you away from London. This was the first draft that I have scouted for, but I would guess it is a little unusual for someone to join late and make the impact you did prior to the draft. Your draft experience is very similar to my own with the ISFL Draft. I thought 2nd or so round. Big difference was my wife looked at me like I was crazy when I got excited about being drafted. She was much more understanding and excited during the ISFL. It is always fun to run scenarios in your head on how the draft may end up. I did not know the round but you are definitely one of the players I hoped we would be able to grab. I am a big Chicago Bears fan in real life, and have enjoyed the mostly solid defenses the Bears have always had. At the center of the defense, the back bone of that side of the ball has always been our linebackers. So carrying that thought process over into the Developmental Football League (DSFL), how do you feel about coming in as a rookie and being a leader on that side of the ball?
Sconnie Mckicks
First of all, my condolences for having to follow the Bears all the time...lol. On to your question, I feel so excited and humbled to be looked at as a leader on our defense. I am absolutely ready for the challenge, and I know we will only get stronger as a unit as the season goes on. I think the most important part of the growth of our defense will be the meshing of personalities and the chemistry we create, and if our locker room is any indication, that won't be an issue!
Sal Ami —
Yeah it really sucks being a Chicago Bears fan. I try not to bring it up too much for that very reason lol. I know neither of us can wait for the season to start. Do you have any predictions or feelings on how things are going to turn out for you and our beloved Norfolk Seawolves? A possible Defensive Player of the Year?
Sconnie McKicks —
I think this team has a lot of heart and will fight hard to get into the playoffs. From there, as we all know, anything can happen! As nice as personal awards are, I'm more focused on the team finding success. If I'm going the right things on and off the field and continuing to grow as a player, the awards will come, whether it's this season or in the future.
Sal Ami —
Well that sounds great! We all look forward to your exciting career on the gridiron! Only time will tell how things unfold. As we begin to close this interview, is there anything you wanted to say to the other teams out there? Or maybe something you wanted the fans to hear straight from you?
Sconnie McKicks -
To the fans, media, and other teams, on behalf of myself and the rest of the squad, we promise to be a hard-working and exciting group of players and we are going to look to make big plays on both sides of the ball. Don't sleep on the Wolves! Thanks, again for having me!
Sal Ami —
They say Norfolk has the best the best folk and with people like you on there I'd say they're right. I look forward to watching how your rookie year plays out. Good luck with everything and thanks for doing this interview with me!
Sconnie Mckicks —
Thanks for having me man!
2011 Words