Recently I was able to conduct an interview with Notre Dame linebacker, Anthony Denman. Denman, who played ILB in college may be making the move to weakside linebacker in the NFL. At 6'1, 235 and running a sub 4.6/40, Denman has been gaining momentum in recent weeks. He's got the leadership qualities that are essential to play at the next level. Because of his versatility, Anthony holds good value from teh third round on. Below is some info on Anthony, followed by our interview. |
Name: Anthony Denman
School: Notre Dame
Position: LB
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 235
40 Time: 4.58
Draft Status: 4th-5th round projection
My View: Anthony is a very nice, well-mannered, grounded young man. He's been underrated his entire career and now he's looking to rise up again. He's got a great motor and he's a sure tackler, which are needs as a LB. He's got good size/speed combo and he's a very intense player. He was voted captain and team MVP by his teammates, so he gets respect from his peers. He's a proven winner and a proven leader. Look for him to be selected between the 4th and 5th rounds.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?
A.D.: They'll be getting a leader and a winner. Someone who people respect on and off of the field. I'm a role model for the younger people to look up to because I live by morals and that says alot about who I am.
Q: What have you heard about your draft status?
A.D.: I've heard I'll probably be drafted around the 4th round.
Q: What are your plans after your football career is over?
A.D.: I want to be able to give back to the community. I think it's very important that the children have someone to look up to and I want to be that person.
Q: What are your three playing strengths?
A.D.: I'd have to say my speed, my leadership qualities, and my awareness of what's going on around me.
Q: Are there any weaknesses in your game?
A.D.: I don't think I have one glaring weakness. I think there's always room for improvement, so I'm just looking to learn as much as I can so I can become a good NFL LB.
Q: Do you think you're mentally ready for the NFL?
A.D.: Yes I do. I'm a very strong person mentally. I've always been able to handle everything that comes my way and the NFL will be no different. I'll have to adjust to the speed and things like that, but I'm ready mentally.
Q: What about physically ready?
A.D.: I believe I am. I see guys I played with and played against go to the NFL and do well and I feel I'm just as good, if not better than they are. I've always been able to show people that I'm for real once I got a legit shot and I think the same thing will apply at the next level.
Q: Who has made the biggest influence on you as a person?
A.D.: My family has made the biggest influence on me. My mother, grandma, and my uncle have molded me into the man I am today.
Q: How do you feel you compare with the other top LB's in the draft?
A.D.: I think my skill level are right up there with those guys. I feel that playing at Notre Dame, I was able to go up against better competition. I've always been underrated from the time I came here. I came to Notre Dame from a small town in Texas and I was lucky to be blessed with a family who has supported me my entire life. I've never had any major injuries and I've never missed a game. I just don't see what those guys have on me.
Q: Do you feel you've been overlooked in any way?
A.D.: I think I have been, but it will all work out. Again, I've seen the other LB's play and I don't see what makes them better than me.
Q: What was the combine like for you?
A.D.: It was a good experience. I heard it was wild, but I didn't think it was as wild and crazy as it was. The physicals were so intense. There was like 5 rooms and 2 doctors in each room poking and pulling you. It was crazy, but I was able to talk to coaches and scouts and that was very helpful.
Q: What are your goals for your rookie season?
A.D.: I just want to come in and learn a system and be able to contribute in any way possible. I played alot of special teams at Notre Dame, so I wouldn't mind that at all. I think in my first year, special teams will be my bread and butter.
Q: What teams have expressed the most interest in you?
A.D.: Washington and Jacksonville have appeared to be interested, but I heard that it's always a team you haven't even heard from that selects you, so I'm just waiting to see what happens.
Q: Is there an NFL team that you'd really like to play for?
A.D.: Not really. I liked the Cowboys as a kid, but I just want to play football. I don't care where I go.
M.G.: Thanks for your time Anthony! It was a pleasure talking with you.
A.D.: Thanks for the opportunity Matt! |
