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Recently I was able to conduct an interview with Georgia's standout defensive tackle, Marcus Stroud. Stroud, who many figure to be a mid 1st round selection, wowed scouts again recently at his Pro Day workout. At 6'6", 317lbs., Marcus ran 40's that ranged from 4.91-5.00 and had a 33" vertical jump. The All-SEC performer has top 10 talent and in my opinion, he may be the best DT in this draft. He's got unlimited potential and that's what the NFL brass are raving about. This kid is the REAL DEAL. Below is some info on Marcus, followed by our interview.

Name: Marcus Stroud

School: Georgia

Position: DT

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 317

40 Time: 4.95

Draft Status: Mid 1st round projection

My View: Marcus was a fabulous young man to speak with. He's just as great off the field as he is on it. The one thing that stands out about Marcus is his athletecism for such a big man. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we hear his name called within the first 10 selections of April's draft. Five years from now, we may be talking about Marcus as the next great DT to play in the NFL. He's got so much talent that has yet to be realized and that thought alone is scary. He should be able to step in immediately and make noise as a rookie.


INTERVIEW:

Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?

M.S.: They'll get a very competitive player who knows how to win games. I'm a very coachable player who is always looking to get better. I think I possess the qualities that NFL teams are looking for.

Q: What have you heard on your draft status?

M.S.: I guess it's almost certain that I'll be a first rounder, but you never know what will happen on draft day. I've seen things that have me has high as the 2nd pick of the draft. I'd say anywhere from the 2nd pick to the 20th pick.

Q: What are your plans after your football career is over?

M.S.: I hope to be financially stable enough to just be able to relax and take some time off. However, I do plan on going back to school and get my Master's Degree in Sports Management. My goal is to become one of the few black Athletic Directors in the country.

Q: What are your three playing strengths?

M.S.: I'd have to say my three strengths are my power and strength, my ability to run to the ball, and I think I use my hands very well.

Q: Do you have any weaknesses that you're looking to improve on?

M.S.: I'd like to improve on getting my pad level lower. It's all about leverage at my position.


Q: Are you physically ready for the NFL?

M.S.: Yes I am. God has blessed me with the size and ability to play DT and play it at a high level. I think I can handle what the NFL dishes out.

Q: Are you mentally ready as well?

M.S.: I believe I am. I've alway been a very mentally strong person. I was able to graduate in four years and I plan on getting my Master's, so I'm a very intelligent person as well.

Q: What have you been doing to stay focused?

M.S.: I workout everyday with Chip Smith at Competitive Edge on getting bigger and stronger, but keeping my speed and quickness. I just try and take everything in stride and not make a big deal over this. I'm just blessed to be in this position.

Q: In playing in the same division as Gerard Warren and getting to see him in person, how do you feel you guys compare to each other?

M.S.: I think it's hard to compare us. He does some things better than I do, just like I do things better than he does. I just think we're both good players who are very lucky to be mentioned as the top DT's in the draft.

Q: With Richard Seymour receiving alot of the publicity earlier in the year, would it mean something to you if you were drafted ahead of him?

M.S.: Richard's a great player. I'm just happy we're both in this position, especially since we were teammates at a good program. I think the fact that the two of us are so highly regarded, it's a tribute to the Georgia football program. I just wish him the best.

Q: What was the combine like for you?

M.S.: It was a good experience. It was draining because we didn't get much sleep at all because of the interviews and things, but I felt I performed well. I heard that it was a meat market and that is the truth. It's wild.

Q: What are some goals that you have for your rookie season?

M.S.: I want to be the best that I can be. I know I'll need to adjust to some things, but my goals are to get 50 tackles and 6 sacks. I feel those are reasonable numbers for me to get.

Q: What are your career goals?

M.S.: I want to be known as a good player. I want people to mention me as one of the most hard nosed, competitive players in the game. Winning a Super Bowl would be great and so would getting selected to the Pro Bowl. These are my goals.

Q: What were the results from your Pro Day workout?

M.S.: I ran a 4.91-5.00/40. I had a 33" vertical jump, a 9'2" broad jump, and ran the short shuttle in a 4.4.

Q: What teams have shown the most interest in you so far?

M.S.: I think everyone is interested in me right now. It's hard to say who is the most interested.

Q: Is their a team that you've always wanted to play for?

M.S.: Not really. My dream was to play in the NFL. I didn't care who I played for. Just to be in this position is a dream for me.


M.G.: Marcus, it was a pleasure talking with you! Good Luck!!!

M.S.: Thanks Matt! I appreciate it.