[Ready for grading - 817 words]
How's everyone doing? I'm AJ Lattimer, and I'm here to answer any questions you may have for me prior to the upcoming NSFL draft. Fire away!
To be honest, I don't have a preference in team. I won't name any, but I've had some reach out to me, and every one of them brings something different to the table. Whether it be a team trying to make a quick turnaround, one going into a rebuild, or a historically successful franchise, I'll just be happy that someone took a chance on me to allow me to achieve my dream of becoming a professional football player. With the new expansion teams coming soon, I'd be very open to starting off on one of them as well. All I know is one team is going to be happy they picked me!
It's been amazing. This is a great group of guys, and I'm rooting for all of them at the next level. To be part of such a great locker room, it's something I will definitely miss. Our performance together was top notch, and winning the Ultimini was icing on the cake. I'm very happy to have been a part of the Pythons, and will always be a fan even when I am no longer with the team. Best wishes to my fellow Python draft-mates. Hiss hiss!
I have many goals for next season. For starters, I want to make a strong first impression in training camp to prove my worth. Next, for many teams, defensive tackle is a need, and I know I might get thrust into a starting role as a rookie. This is going to be a challenge, so my goal is to elevate my game and give my team the best chance to win. Aside from that, my goals are more team oriented than personal. Obviously, I want to better myself to make an impact, but I also want to make sure my contributions go towards my team's success, and if that means sacrificing statistics, I'm ok with that.
I see myself as the plug that fills the holes in the middle. What I mean by that is, if the opposing offense is running it up the gut, I want to be the guy that shuts it down. I see myself drawing a lot of blockers, which will in turn open up opportunities for my teammates. If I'd compare myself to anyone IRL it'd be Vince Wilfork. Not the flashiest on the stat sheet, but definitely a guy you need to account for if you're an offensive coordinator.
I decided on nose tackle purely based on the strength aspect. If I'm the strongest player on the field, I can overpower any offensive line and guys won't be getting away from me easily when I go to tackle them. It does hurt that I'm not as fast as most players, but I feel as a defensive tackle I wouldn't have much use for speed anyway unless I was trying to be more of an Aaron Donald type player.
I feel I'm comparable to most other d-linemen in the draft, I'd definitely put myself in the top half of the class at the very least. What really sets me apart though is I'm stronger than most d-linemen, and I can only get stronger. That strength will help me make the tackles that others wouldn't and break through the line more often.
Easily Emoji's pick at our own goal line against San Antonio. Going up against an unbeaten team that was charging against us, threatening to score and putting us back on our heels, then for that to happen? It sealed the deal, we were the first and only team to beat those guys in the regular season. That was a confidence boost for everyone that snowballed into us playing our best football and winning the Ultimini. Shoutout to Emoji, definitely made one of the most memorable plays of the year.
Yes, for sure. I know Ricardo Morris is an outstanding player that definitely deserves recognition at my position, and I had a quiet year statistically, but I contributed to a winning team and I've been bettering myself as much as possible. No matter what, I'll do what I can to be a force in the NSFL. Whatever it takes.
How's everyone doing? I'm AJ Lattimer, and I'm here to answer any questions you may have for me prior to the upcoming NSFL draft. Fire away!
Quote:What team would you most like to join?
To be honest, I don't have a preference in team. I won't name any, but I've had some reach out to me, and every one of them brings something different to the table. Whether it be a team trying to make a quick turnaround, one going into a rebuild, or a historically successful franchise, I'll just be happy that someone took a chance on me to allow me to achieve my dream of becoming a professional football player. With the new expansion teams coming soon, I'd be very open to starting off on one of them as well. All I know is one team is going to be happy they picked me!
Quote:How has your experience with the Pythons been?
It's been amazing. This is a great group of guys, and I'm rooting for all of them at the next level. To be part of such a great locker room, it's something I will definitely miss. Our performance together was top notch, and winning the Ultimini was icing on the cake. I'm very happy to have been a part of the Pythons, and will always be a fan even when I am no longer with the team. Best wishes to my fellow Python draft-mates. Hiss hiss!
Quote:What goal do you have for next season?
I have many goals for next season. For starters, I want to make a strong first impression in training camp to prove my worth. Next, for many teams, defensive tackle is a need, and I know I might get thrust into a starting role as a rookie. This is going to be a challenge, so my goal is to elevate my game and give my team the best chance to win. Aside from that, my goals are more team oriented than personal. Obviously, I want to better myself to make an impact, but I also want to make sure my contributions go towards my team's success, and if that means sacrificing statistics, I'm ok with that.
Quote:What kind of player do you see yourself as at the NSFL level?
I see myself as the plug that fills the holes in the middle. What I mean by that is, if the opposing offense is running it up the gut, I want to be the guy that shuts it down. I see myself drawing a lot of blockers, which will in turn open up opportunities for my teammates. If I'd compare myself to anyone IRL it'd be Vince Wilfork. Not the flashiest on the stat sheet, but definitely a guy you need to account for if you're an offensive coordinator.
Quote:What made you go with the nose tackle archetype? Or if you want to answer more "in character", how did you end up as a nose tackle?
I decided on nose tackle purely based on the strength aspect. If I'm the strongest player on the field, I can overpower any offensive line and guys won't be getting away from me easily when I go to tackle them. It does hurt that I'm not as fast as most players, but I feel as a defensive tackle I wouldn't have much use for speed anyway unless I was trying to be more of an Aaron Donald type player.
Quote:How do you feel you compare to other defensive linemen in this draft class? What areas of your game do you think set you apart from the others?
I feel I'm comparable to most other d-linemen in the draft, I'd definitely put myself in the top half of the class at the very least. What really sets me apart though is I'm stronger than most d-linemen, and I can only get stronger. That strength will help me make the tackles that others wouldn't and break through the line more often.
Quote:What was your favorite play of the DSFL season?
Easily Emoji's pick at our own goal line against San Antonio. Going up against an unbeaten team that was charging against us, threatening to score and putting us back on our heels, then for that to happen? It sealed the deal, we were the first and only team to beat those guys in the regular season. That was a confidence boost for everyone that snowballed into us playing our best football and winning the Ultimini. Shoutout to Emoji, definitely made one of the most memorable plays of the year.
Quote:Do you see yourself as a top DT prospect? Why yes or why not?
Yes, for sure. I know Ricardo Morris is an outstanding player that definitely deserves recognition at my position, and I had a quiet year statistically, but I contributed to a winning team and I've been bettering myself as much as possible. No matter what, I'll do what I can to be a force in the NSFL. Whatever it takes.