Rams Tackle, Joe Barksdale Interview
In the 2011 NFL Draft, LSU offensive tackle, Joe Barksdale was selected in the third round, 92nd overall by the Oakland Raiders. Joe Barskdale attended Louisiana State University from 2007 through 2010. He was second team all SEC during his senior season. He entered the 2011 NFL Draft and afterwards, he was picked up by the Raiders. He earned plenty of playing experience in his first year, however in his second year, he ended up signing with the St. Louis Rams. Check out our exclusive interview.
The University of Miami Pro Day, Interviews Included
Back in the day, the University of Miami students would not take part in the NFL Combine. They would tell scouts to come watch them run drills in their backyard, at their school’s Pro Day. The U had a swagger about them. Today, with Head Coach Al Golden, the University of Miami is continuing to develop and mature football players down in Coral Gables. I attended my first ever Pro Day, and I was excited for the opportunity to talk to future stars in this league.
Lions DE and Sack Machine, Cliff Avril Interview
Cliff Avril attended Purdue University and played in games all four years. During his senior season at Purdue, he had 40 tackles, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass deflections, and one interception returned for 43 yards and a TD. He entered the 2008 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 3rd round, 92nd overall by the Detroit Lions. Since he’s been in the NFL, he’s tallied 30 sacks, 12 pass deflections, and 14 forced fumbles. He recently received the team’s franchise tag. There are two interviews. One was recently updated.
GameOn, an hour-long IMPROV session with LB Luke Kuechly, QB Ryan Tannehill, and others
I participated in an hour-long improv session with J.J. McDermott, A.J. Love, Luke Kuechly, Ryan Tannehill, and Chris Manno. Our host was Steve Shenbaum of GameOn Nation. Check out the interviews that were conducted before the 2012 NFL Draft. There are interviews with NFL Draft Prospects Luke Kuechly and A.J. Love. In addition to that, there is an interview with former Hofstra wide receiver, and current free agent wide receiver, Chris Manno.
Saints DB, Cord Parks Interview
Cord Parks played college football at Northeastern University. He totaled 171 tackles and 12 pass deflections throughout his collegiate carer. He also participated and ran track at Northeastern too. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed with the St. Louis Rams. He has been a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings also. In the end of 2011, he signed with the New Orleans Saints.
Free Agent DB, Reggie Jones Interview
Reggie Jones played college football at Idaho and Portland State. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He signed a free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints. He was placed on IR after getting injured in camp. In 2010, he signed with the Redskins and was on the team for preseason. In 2011, he signed with the Vikings Practice Squad, and recently signed a future/reserve contract. This interview was conducted actually before the 2011 NFL season.
Broncos WR, Quan Cosby Interview
Quan Cosby grew up playing both baseball and football. After high school, he decided to pursue his dreams playing baseball and played for the Anaheim Angels from 2001 through 2005. He then went bak to college to pursue his love for football and went to the University of Texas from 2005 through 2008. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but didn’t get drafted. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, and he’s been primarily used as a kick returner and punt returner in the NFL. This interview was conducted the week before he got cut by the Denver Broncos. He ended up signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Panthers WR, Armanti Edwards Interview
Armanti Edwards was the QB of Appalachian St. Mountaineers from 2006 through 2008. He had some great statistics during his time at App State. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft and was considered one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks coming into the league. He was drafted in the 3rd round, 78th overall by the Carolina Panthers. He threw his first completed pass this past season. This interview was conducted in the middle of the 2011 NFL season.
Dolphins DB, Nate Ness Interview
Nate Ness first played Junior College football at El Camino College where he recorded 19 interceptions and 8 touchdowns. He then, went on to play college football for the University of Arizona during 2007 and 2008. He totaled 97 tackles and 7 interceptions while he was at Arizona. He entered the 2009 NFL Draft, but went undrafted. He has been a member of numerous teams from the Browns to the Seahawks to the Jets and now, he’s on the Miami Dolphins roster. This interview was conducted during the 2011 NFL preseason. Read more 
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.
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.
Hall of Fame Tight End, Current Ravens General Manager, Ozzie Newsome Interview
Ozzie Newsome played college football at the University of Alabama. He is often considered the greatest tight end in school history. He entered the 1978 NFL Draft, and was drafted 23rd overall by the Cleveland Browns. He was one of the best tight ends to ever play the game and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of ’99. He has been the General Manager of the Ravens since 1996, and he is often referred to as one of the best GMs in the NFL.
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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
Retired Jaguars TE, George Wrighster Interview
George Wrighster played college football for the University of Oregon. He then entered the 2003 NFL Draft, and was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 4th round, 103rd overall. He was a member of the Jaguars from 2003 through 2008. He was known for occasionally getting open, but also for his above-average blocking skills. This interview was conducted in the 2010 NFL season and this was when he was a member of the UFL, Las Vegas Locomotives. Read more
Falcons S, Erik Coleman Interview
Erik Coleman played college football at Washington State. He entered the 2004 NFL Draft, and was selected in the 5th round by the New York Jets. He was very productive during his first three years in the league before suffering an injury. He compiled over 300 tackles in his first three years and also had 17 PBUs, and 7 interceptions. He became a member of the Falcons before the 2008 season, and was very productive. This interview was conducted during the 2010 NFL season. [UPDATE: Since the interview, he has become a member of the Detroit Lions.] Read more
