Recently I was able to conduct an interview with Nebraska RB, Correll Buckhalter. Buckhalter, who split time with Dan Alexander, has become one of the fast risers on many draft boards. He's got good size at 5'11", 226-pounds, and he ran a solid, but not spectacular 4.56 at the combine. He's got potential to be a solid NFL RB, but he must become a more physical inside runner. Below is some info on Correll, followed by our interview.
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Name: Correll Buckhalter
School: Nebraska
Position: RB
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 226
40 Time: 4.50
Draft Status: 4th round projection
My View: Correll has been a very productive back at Nebraska despite sharing the duties with Dan Alexander. In 2000, Buckhalter ran for 750 yards and 7 TD's. He's also got a nose for the endzone(27 Career TD's). He's a big, physical back who's fast enough to bounce outside and turn the corner. He's got the ability to be a solid NFL back. I look for Correll to be gone sometime in round 4, maybe the early stages of round 5, but he'll be able to help a team's running game.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?
C.B.: I'm just a laid back guy whose got a great personality and I get along with everyone. When I'm on the football field, I'm a very hard worker and a winner. I'm also a very emotional player at times.
Q: What have you heard about your draft status?
C.B.: I haven't heard too much. I try to stay away from all of that stuff.
Q: What are your plans for after your football career is over?
C.B.: I'd like to open a youth foundation for kids in need. It'll be a good way to get the bad kids off of the street and show them that living the right way is always cooler than being bad.
Q: What are your three playing strengths?
C.B.: I'd have to say my receiving skills, my ability to run outside, and I'm able to break tackles.
Q: Do you have an weaknesses in your game that you'd like to improve on?
C.B.: I'd like to get stronger in my upper body and I'd also like to become a better inside runner.
Q: Are you physically ready for the NFL?
C.B.: I thought I was ready a year ago, but I wanted to come back and improve my draft status. I think I've done that. I think my body is ready for the next level. I've trained hard and I come from a great program.
Q: Are you mentally ready as well?
C.B.: Yes. I've always been a mentally tough guy. I think I'll be able to pick up the systems quick. I plan on taking in alot from the veteran players though.
Q: What are you doing stay focused as the draft nears?
C.B.: I just workout and hang with my teammates. I don't really think about it. When April 21st and 22nd comes around, I'll just let the Lord take care of everything.
Q: How do you feel you rank among the higher rated RB's in this draft?
C.B.: I feel my game is alot different than there's. Deuce does it all. He's in a class by himself. I think my physical abilities and natural running skills are more complete than any other back ranked ahead of me.
Q: Is there a RB in the NFL that you model your game after?
C.B.: I love to watch Fred Taylor from the Jaguars. H has the ability to do it all. I think I have a similar style of game, but I'd like to become more of a Fred Taylor type of back in the NFL.
Q: What was your experience at the combine like?
C.B.: It was a good experience. The atmosphere was like a meat market though. I may have gotten four hours of sleep a night. With all of the physicals, interviews, and tests, it was draining, but it was well worth it.
Q: Do you have some goals for your rookie season?
C.B.: I'd like to contribute wherever I'm needed. If I just play on special teams, I'm cool with that. I just want to get on the field.
Q: What are your career goals?
C.B.: I want to win a Super Bowl ring. The Pro Bowl would be nice too, but I want a ring.
Q: What teams have expressed the most interest in you thus far?
C.B.: The Saints, 49ers, Jets, Bears, Chargers, Dolphis, Bucs, and Falcons have been interested, but that doesn't mean they'll draft me.
M.G.: Thanks for your time Correll! Good Luck in the future!!!
C.B.: Thanks for the opportunity Matt! I appreciate it.
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