Recently I was able to conduct an interview with Eastern Kentucky WR, Alex Bannister. Bannister is an All-Conference receiver who became known nationally when he exploded onto the scene at the Blue-Gray game. He also had a pretty solid showing at the Senior Bowl and at the Combine. At 6'5", 201, and running a 4.35/40, it's obvious why people think he's the next coming of Randy Moss. Below is some info on Alex, followed by our interview.
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Name: Alex Bannister
School: Eastern Kentucky
Position: WR
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 201
40 Time: 4.35
Draft Status: 3rd round projection
My View: Alex is a very confident young man who has been blessed with tremendous size and speed. He's got the big play ability and break away speed teams love. He's a very intelligent kid who knows how to play the position. He's also willing to block downfield, which is VERY impressive for a WR coming into the NFL. He's got the ability to become a solid NFL WR, but he does need to work on his route running and get stronger in his upper body. It looks like he'll play immediately, but he needs to add some weight before he can be a dominate NFL receiver.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?
A.B.: They'll be getting a very quiet, laid back guy who just likes to win. I'm a very reliable, responsible, and relaxed guy. I'll give the team 100% every game and lay it all on the line game after game.
Q: What have you heard about your draft status?
A.B.: I've heard I could go as high as the 2nd round, so it looks like I'll go anywhere from there to the 3rd round.
Q: What are your plans after your football career is over?
A.B.: I want to run the 100m and 200m in the Olympics. I workout with Cincinnati's track team and I smoke everyone there. I think I can make the Olympic team, but after football is over.
Q: What are your three playing strengths?
A.B.: My speed is obviously my biggest assett, followed by my determination to become the best and my downfield blocking. I may be a slender guy, but I can block well.
Q: Do you have any weaknesses that you're looking to improve on?
A.B.: I think I need to improve my route running some. I'd also like to get stronger in my upper body so I can get off of the bump and run.
Q: Are you mentally ready for the NFL?
A.B.: Yes. I know I am. I think I can dominate at the next level. I just have too hit a comfort zone and after that, it's on.
Q: Do you think you're physically ready as well?
A.B.: Yeah. I think so. I'm alot stronger than people give me credit for. They think because I'm slim that I can't be physical, but I'm a very physical receiver. I want to dominate this game in every aspect and I think if I can keep a level head, I will.
Q: What are you doing to stay focused?
A.B.: I just realize that God put me in this position and that as long as I have him, I'll be ready to take on anything. The devil always has ways of bringing you down, like women and money. You just need to have God in your heart.
Q: Obviously you've heard the comparisons between you and Randy Moss. How do you feel about your game compared to his?
A.B.: I think we're two different receivers. Randy just runs down field, jumps in a crowd and gets the ball. You rarely see him go over the middle. I'm a complete receiver. I can do slants, go over the middle, go deep, and block. Moss is a great receiver, I just think I bring the whole package.
Q: Do you feel you've been overlooked?
A.B.: Definitely! Before my senior year at EKU, I ran a 4.22/40 and nobody believed a guy from that division could do that. I've heard it all man. People always talk about the level of competition, but yet every year the lower level schools put players into the NFL. It's a joke. I ran a sub 4.4/40 on a slow track at Indy and still I get no credit for my speed. Whoever drafts me will get a player. I'll just take them for a ride.
Q: What was the combine like for you?
A.B.: It was fun. I just looked at the combine as a job interview. It was a great experience for me. I was able to met with coaches and talk to alot of other receivers.
Q: What players, if any, did you want to see in person?
A.B.: I wanted to see guys like Moss and Minnis. I wanted to see what those bigger school guys had on me. I wasn't impressed with anyone. I think they're all good receivers, but nobody impresses me. I have never had a WR coach in my life. Once I get that coaching, I can polish my game and dominate.
Q: Can you make an immediate impact in the NFL?
A.B.: Yes. I just think it's all about finding that comfort zone. It's a new atmosphere, but I'll be fine. I want to be known as a great player on the field and a great person off the field.
Q: What teams have showed the most interest in you thus far?
A.B.: The Broncos, Saints, Jets, Falcons, and Cowboys have all appeared to be very interested.
Q: What was your favorite team growing up?
A.B.: I loved the Patriots. The uniforms were cool. I liked the guy on the helmet in the 3 point stance. I'm also a fan of underdogs.
Q: Would you want to play for the Pats now?
A.B.: Yes indeed. I'd love to play for them.
M.G.: Thanks for your time Alex! It was fun. Good Luck!
A.B.: Thanks Matt! Have a good one.
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