“A Play A Day” From JetsCamp
Read the second article about my experience from JetsCamp on August 8th. I transcribed the interviews that I conducted today. They were very informative interviews, and definitely a lot of fun. The players I interviewed for this article are Jamaal Westerman, Eric Smith, John Conner, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Mark Sanchez, Scotty McKnight, OC Brian Schottenheimer, and Head Coach Rex Ryan.
Jets FS, Eric Smith Interview
Eric Smith was a member of Michigan State Spartans from 2002 through 2005. He then entered the 2006 NFL Draft, and was drafted in the 3rd round, 97th overall by the New York Jets. He has been a safety on the Jets since, playing and starting both on special teams and on defense. Eric Smith has totaled over 200 tackles in the NFL, 19 pass deflections, and 1 sack. This interview was conducted before the 2011 NFL season.
Jets Kicker, Nick Folk Interview
Nick Folk played college football at the University of Arizona. He then entered the 2007 NFL Draft and was drafted in the 6th round by the Dallas Cowboys. During his rookie season, he earned both Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition. He signed with the New York Jets after an interesting 2009 season. He has greatly improved his kicking since. This interview was done before the 2011 NFL season.
Pay It Forward by Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
Akbar Gbaja-Biamila wrote his second article for all of us. Gbaja-Biamila talks about his defensive coordinator, Wade Phillips and his linebacker coach, Greg Manusky’s impact on him and his approach to the game. AGB also wrote about the common bond of receiving gifts. Finally, he touches on the issue that we desire to make insecurities become securities. Make sure you check out our interview if you want some background information.
Jets OLB, Jamaal Westerman Interview
Jamaal Westerman played college football at Rutgers from 2005 through 2008. He was known a pass rusher and totaled 141 tackles, 45 tackles for loss, and 26 sacks throughout his time at Rutgers. He finished college third all-time with sacks. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but actually went undrafted. He signed a UDFA contract with the New York Jets. In 2011, he had 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. This interview was conducted before the 2012 NFL season.
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After the Summit by Akbar Gbaja-Biamila
Akbar Gbaja-Biamila wrote his first article for Pro Interviews. Gbaja-Biamila played collegiately, for the San Diego State Aztecs, and then professionally, for the Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and the San Diego Chargers. He is brothers with Packers great, Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila. AGB wrote about the preparation of an athlete for life after the NFL. Make sure you check out our interview if you want some background information.
Dolphins WR, Marlon Moore Interview
Marlon Moore played college football at Fresno State University. He totaled 90 receptions, 1374 yards, and 10 touchdowns throughout his college career. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed with the Dolphins and totaled 6 receptions, 128 yards, and 1 touchdown during his rookie season. Check out our interview that was conducted after the 2011 NFL season.
Former NFL QB, Gibran Hamdan Interview
Gibran Hamdan played college football at Indiana University. He entered the 2003 NFL Draft and was drafted in the 7th round. He played in NFL Europe and also was a backup for many NFL teams such as the Redskins, Seahawks, 49ers, Bills. He ended his career with the CFL. He started his own clothing line called, ‘Alial Fital’ and he talks about it in our interview conducted in March of 2011.
Jets FB, John Conner Interview
John Conner played college football at the University of Kentucky. He was considered one of the best and most complete fullbacks going into his senior season. He entered the 2010 NFL Draft, and was drafted in the 5th round by the Jets. He was the backup behind Tony Richardson during his rookie season. In 2011, he earned the starting role and is the only fullback on the NY Jets roster. This interview was conducted after the 2010 NFL season.
Retired NFL DT, Jason Ferguson Interview
Jason Ferguson played college football at the University of Georgia. He entered the 1997 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 7th round. He played for the Jets for seven years, the Cowboys for three years, and the Dolphins for two years. He was a great defensive lineman for all of the teams he played on. At the end of his career, he served as a mentor to Paul Soliai. This interview was conducted after the 2010 NFL season. He is currently no longer in the NFL. Read more
Patriots S, James Ihedigbo Interview
James Ihedigbo played college football at the University of Massachusetts. He was the Team MVP and a Team Captain during his senior year at UMass. He entered the 2007 NFL Draft, but was undrafted. He then played for the NY Jets for four years. This interview was conducted after the 2010 NFL season was over. [Update: He just recently signed with the Patriots before the 2011 season. He totaled 69 tackles this season while starting at safety.] Read more
Former Jaguars S, Donovin Darius Interview
Donovin Darius played college football at Syracuse University. He earned the title, Big East Defensive Player of the Year as his senior year. He entered the 1998 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 1st round. He played for the Jaguars for eight years from 1998 to 2006. He finished his career with 620 tackles, 2 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, and 14 interceptions. Check out our interview that was conducted after the 2010 NFL season was over. Read more
Retired Jets and Dolphins QB, Chad Pennington Interview
Chad Pennington played college football at Marshall. He entered the 2000 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 1st round by the NY Jets. He played for the Jets for eight years from 2000 to 2007, and the Dolphins for three years from 2008-2010. He earned Comeback Player of the Year award twice in his career. He retired as the quarterback with the highest completion percentage in NFL History. Read more
Former Patriots WR, Cedric Jones Interview
Cedric Jones played college football at Duke University. He entered the 1982 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 3rd round by the New England Patriots. He was a huge role player and possession wide receiver for the Patriots. He played in Super Bowl XX, but lost. Throughout his NFL career, he had 191 receptions, 2703 yards, and 16 touchdowns. This was a great interview! Make sure you give a read it a listen. Read more
Retired Pro Bowl NFL fullback, Lorenzo Neal Interview
Lorenzo Neal played college football at Fresno State University. He entered the 1993 NFL Draft and was selected in the 4th round as a running back by the New Orleans Saints. He got injured in his career, so he made the switch to fullback. He was the lead blocker for great running backs like Corey Dillon, Eddie George, and LaDainian Tomlinson. He made the Pro Bowl four times in his career, and was the lead blocker for 11 straight 1,000 yard running backs. Check out our interview.
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