Sporting News staff reports
The St. Petersburg Times reports Rays prospects Sean Rodriguez, Reid Brignac and Matt Joyce are battling for two roster spots and one position—the position Ben Zobrist does not play.
In an oddity, Zobrist’s position won’t be determined by his play this spring. It will depend on what Rodriguez and Brignac show at second base or what Joyce does in right field. Zobrist can play either position, and play both equally well. So he’ll bide his time to see which of the three youngsters might emerge as a starter.
"For the most part, Joyce, Rodriguez and Brignac are competing for meaningful at-bats," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman told the newspaper. "Then the other two are probably competing for a spot on the team, and then the one will probably be in (triple-A) Durham."
Rays manager Joe Maddon says the final decision will be hard. "Maybe the toughest we’ve ever had to make," he said, "because we feel like they are all big league players right now."
Sporting News staff reports
The St. Petersburg Times reports Rays prospects Sean Rodriguez, Reid Brignac and Matt Joyce are battling for two roster spots and one position—the position Ben Zobrist does not play.
In an oddity, Zobrist’s position won’t be determined by his play this spring. It will depend on what Rodriguez and Brignac show at second base or what Joyce does in right field. Zobrist can play either position, and play both equally well. So he’ll bide his time to see which of the three youngsters might emerge as a starter.
"For the most part, Joyce, Rodriguez and Brignac are competing for meaningful at-bats," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman told the newspaper. "Then the other two are probably competing for a spot on the team, and then the one will probably be in (triple-A) Durham."
Rays manager Joe Maddon says the final decision will be hard. "Maybe the toughest we’ve ever had to make," he said, "because we feel like they are all big league players right now."
Sporting News staff reports
Cincinnati hitters got their second close-up-and-personal look at Cuban lefthander Aroldis Chapman and came away impressed—just like after the first time the youngster threw to live hitters in his first major league training camp.
"When you see a guy like that your first couple of days, it gets a little easier from there," infielder Drew Sutton told MLB.com. "The ball just comes out of his hand different. It gets about halfway and just jumps at you. His changeup had really good spin. You couldn’t pick it up that well. Even his slider, it took a little time to pick up the spin."
Sutton was one of four hitters to face the talented 22-year-old, who threw 30 pitches in his session. Nobody made solid contact. Juan Francisco flailed at two fastballs before going down swinging at a nasty slider. Todd Frazier took a weak swing at a good changeup.
"His fastball is heavy. It’s got a lot of velocity," Frazier told MLB.com. "It makes the changeup that much better. He looked really good out there for sure. He can throw, definitely.
"I wanted to get a chance to face him. It was actually fun just to see what he’s all about. He has the stuff. He’s proven it to me right now."
The Reds have said all along they won’t rush Chapman, but the temptation might be there if he continues his early showing.
Sporting News staff reports
Cincinnati hitters got their second close-up-and-personal look at Cuban lefthander Aroldis Chapman and came away impressed—just like after the first time the youngster threw to live hitters in his first major league training camp.
"When you see a guy like that your first couple of days, it gets a little easier from there," infielder Drew Sutton told MLB.com. "The ball just comes out of his hand different. It gets about halfway and just jumps at you. His changeup had really good spin. You couldn’t pick it up that well. Even his slider, it took a little time to pick up the spin."
Sutton was one of four hitters to face the talented 22-year-old, who threw 30 pitches in his session. Nobody made solid contact. Juan Francisco flailed at two fastballs before going down swinging at a nasty slider. Todd Frazier took a weak swing at a good changeup.
"His fastball is heavy. It’s got a lot of velocity," Frazier told MLB.com. "It makes the changeup that much better. He looked really good out there for sure. He can throw, definitely.
"I wanted to get a chance to face him. It was actually fun just to see what he’s all about. He has the stuff. He’s proven it to me right now."
The Reds have said all along they won’t rush Chapman, but the temptation might be there if he continues his early showing.
INDIANAPOLIS—Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame still hopes to be a top-10 pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and the top quarterback selected, despite not throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine because of recent toe surgery. Sporting News’ Clifton Brown and other reporters spoke with Clausen at the Combine.
Q: Can you describe the right toe injury you played with last season?
A: I hurt it in the third game of the season against Michigan State. I tore two ligaments in that game, and I played the rest of the season taking painkillers.
Q: How much do you think you matured in college?
A: I’ve grown tremendously. There have been some ups and downs, a lot of lessons I’ve learned.
Q: Are you ready to lead an NFL team?
A: I think I’m ready. That’s one of the reasons I went to Notre Dame—to best replicate what it was going to be like playing big-time football in the NFL as a rookie. I struggled my first year, got a little better my second year and made a drastic change my junior year in college.
Q: Are you on schedule to work out for NFL coaches, scouts and general managers April 9?
A: Yeah, that’s what I’m shooting for, and that’s when the doctor said I’ll be ready.
Q: Will you be able to fully work out at that point?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you react to people who doubt your abilities as a leader?
A: To be honest, some of the people that say those things just don’t know me as a person. That’s why I was so excited to come here, talk to all the coaches and the GMs and owners—so they get a feel for me as a person. Being at Notre Dame, the quarterback and the head coach get all the credit when things go right and a lot of blame when things go wrong. It’s a tough situation being in a fishbowl at Notre Dame.
Q: Do you feel capable of being the No. 1 overall pick, and is that a goal?
A: If that’s the team that wants to pick me. I just want to go somewhere where they want me. I’m about trying to make my team better.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS—Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame still hopes to be a top-10 pick in the 2010 NFL draft, and the top quarterback selected, despite not throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine because of recent toe surgery. Sporting News’ Clifton Brown and other reporters spoke with Clausen at the Combine.
Q: Can you describe the right toe injury you played with last season?
A: I hurt it in the third game of the season against Michigan State. I tore two ligaments in that game, and I played the rest of the season taking painkillers.
Q: How much do you think you matured in college?
A: I’ve grown tremendously. There have been some ups and downs, a lot of lessons I’ve learned.
Q: Are you ready to lead an NFL team?
A: I think I’m ready. That’s one of the reasons I went to Notre Dame—to best replicate what it was going to be like playing big-time football in the NFL as a rookie. I struggled my first year, got a little better my second year and made a drastic change my junior year in college.
Q: Are you on schedule to work out for NFL coaches, scouts and general managers April 9?
A: Yeah, that’s what I’m shooting for, and that’s when the doctor said I’ll be ready.
Q: Will you be able to fully work out at that point?
A: Yes.
Q: How do you react to people who doubt your abilities as a leader?
A: To be honest, some of the people that say those things just don’t know me as a person. That’s why I was so excited to come here, talk to all the coaches and the GMs and owners—so they get a feel for me as a person. Being at Notre Dame, the quarterback and the head coach get all the credit when things go right and a lot of blame when things go wrong. It’s a tough situation being in a fishbowl at Notre Dame.
Q: Do you feel capable of being the No. 1 overall pick, and is that a goal?
A: If that’s the team that wants to pick me. I just want to go somewhere where they want me. I’m about trying to make my team better.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy is lobbying general manager Ken Williams to acquire Peavy’s former teammate Adrian Gonzalez, CBS Sports reports.
"I want Adrian to be my teammate over here," Peavy is quoted as saying.
According to the CBS report, Williams doesn’t need much convincing.
"That’s really what we need, a big left-handed hitter," according to one unnamed club source. "They’re saying Kenny would give anything to get him, maybe even (second baseman Gordon) Beckham."
The Padres have made Gonzalez available for some time. The likelihoood of a trade seemed to increase last week when Gonzalez said he wouldn’t take a hometown discount to stay in San Diego. He has one year, at $4.5 million, plus a $5.5 million club option for 2011 remaining on his contract.
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy is lobbying general manager Ken Williams to acquire Peavy’s former teammate Adrian Gonzalez, CBS Sports reports.
"I want Adrian to be my teammate over here," Peavy is quoted as saying.
According to the CBS report, Williams doesn’t need much convincing.
"That’s really what we need, a big left-handed hitter," according to one unnamed club source. "They’re saying Kenny would give anything to get him, maybe even (second baseman Gordon) Beckham."
The Padres have made Gonzalez available for some time. The likelihoood of a trade seemed to increase last week when Gonzalez said he wouldn’t take a hometown discount to stay in San Diego. He has one year, at $4.5 million, plus a $5.5 million club option for 2011 remaining on his contract.
Sporting News staff reports
The Prince Fielder contract talks will include the highest level of Brewers management. Owner Mark Attanasio tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he will be involved in trying to sign the slugging first baseman to a long-term contract.
Attanasio adds that there will be no deadlines to get a Fielder deal done. "We have to take it one step at a time," he tells the Journal-Sentinel.
The Journal-Sentinel also reports Attanasio met with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin on Saturday to discuss the "process" of talks.
Fielder, 25, can become a free agent after the 2011 season. He will make $11 million this season.
Sporting News staff reports
The Prince Fielder contract talks will include the highest level of Brewers management. Owner Mark Attanasio tells the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that he will be involved in trying to sign the slugging first baseman to a long-term contract.
Attanasio adds that there will be no deadlines to get a Fielder deal done. "We have to take it one step at a time," he tells the Journal-Sentinel.
The Journal-Sentinel also reports Attanasio met with Brewers general manager Doug Melvin on Saturday to discuss the "process" of talks.
Fielder, 25, can become a free agent after the 2011 season. He will make $11 million this season.
INDIANAPOLIS — Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a look at some of the players most affected by what happened on the scales.
With a bullet: Expect Bruce Campbell to rocket up some boards.
• Maryland OT Bruce Campbell has been the early star of the Combine. He was impressive at Friday’s weigh-in, then stunned scouts on Saturday. Campbell ran the 40 in 4.85 seconds, and in position drills he looked like the elite athlete he is built to be.
• Oklahoma’s Trent Williams, one of the top-rated tackles entering the Combine, showed elite quickness in the kick-slide drills and ran a 4.88 40, putting to rest any questions that he isn’t athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL.
• While some still list Indiana OL Rodger Saffold at guard, he was the most impressive left tackle during the postseason all-star games. He continued to improve his stock Saturday, showing great quickness and agility in position drills.
• Pitt TE Dorin Dickerson ran a blazing 40 (unofficially 4.40 seconds) and produced a 43-inch vertical jump, both of which will likely improve his stock. When we evaluated him on film and at the Senior Bowl, however, he looked to be more of a straight-line athlete who does not show the fluidity in his hips, even as a tight end, to consistently gain separation against NFL linebackers.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Combine Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — Russ Lande and his team of former NFL scouts take a look at some of the players most affected by what happened on the scales.
With a bullet: Expect Bruce Campbell to rocket up some boards.
• Maryland OT Bruce Campbell has been the early star of the Combine. He was impressive at Friday’s weigh-in, then stunned scouts on Saturday. Campbell ran the 40 in 4.85 seconds, and in position drills he looked like the elite athlete he is built to be.
• Oklahoma’s Trent Williams, one of the top-rated tackles entering the Combine, showed elite quickness in the kick-slide drills and ran a 4.88 40, putting to rest any questions that he isn’t athletic enough to play left tackle in the NFL.
• While some still list Indiana OL Rodger Saffold at guard, he was the most impressive left tackle during the postseason all-star games. He continued to improve his stock Saturday, showing great quickness and agility in position drills.
• Pitt TE Dorin Dickerson ran a blazing 40 (unofficially 4.40 seconds) and produced a 43-inch vertical jump, both of which will likely improve his stock. When we evaluated him on film and at the Senior Bowl, however, he looked to be more of a straight-line athlete who does not show the fluidity in his hips, even as a tight end, to consistently gain separation against NFL linebackers.
For information and analysis on these and many other players, see the latest Combine Dish in SN’s Pro Football War Room.
For more than 640 player scouting reports from Lande and his team of former NFL scouts — plus updated Mock Draft, Super 99 rankings and more — go to warroom.sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — As Terrence Cody’s weight goes down, his draft stock may go up.
Cody weighed in at 354 pounds Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine‹16 pounds less than the flabby 370 he weighed in January at the Senior Bowl. It was also 11 pounds lighter than Cody’s listed playing weight (365) last season at Alabama.
Less is more: A slimmer Terrence Cody shows he’s focused on improving his draft stock.
By getting in better shape, Cody gave a clear indication that he is taking the stiff draft competition at defensive tackle seriously. Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy could be the first two players selected, and at least four other defensive tackles — Cody, UCLA’s Brian Price, Tennessee’s Dan Williams and Penn State’s Jared Odrick — could go in the first round.
"Teams have come to this draft looking at all of us," Odrick said Saturday. "If you want to stand out, this is a chance to kind of separate yourself."
Premier defensive tackles are valuable commodities, which was proved recently when three defensive tackles were giving the franchise tag — Vince Wilfork (Patriots), Aubrayo Franklin (49ers) and Ryan Pickett (Packers). Another, the Steelers’ Casey Hampton, was given a new contract this week.
"Defensive tackles get franchised because they are hard to find," Browns general manager Tom Heckert said. "Especially a nose tackle in the 3-4. That’s why they get tagged. There aren’t many who are going to hit free agency. So if you need one, you’ve got to get one in the draft."
Suh and McCoy are waging a battle to be selected first — one that may last right up until the first round is selected on April 22. There is a chance that the Rams could opt for quarterback Sam Bradford with the No. 1 pick, but most scouts believe they can’t go wrong by picking Suh or McCoy.
Asked if Suh and McCoy were as good as advertised, Heckert simply smiled and said, "Yeah."
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo will play a major role in deciding which player is drafted No. 1. But Spagnuolo wasn’t forthcoming on Saturday when asked to expound on differences between Suh and McCoy.
"They’re both great players," Spagnuolo said. "They’re going to be playing well in our league for a long time."
Here are the other defensive tackles who could be first round-worthy:
Price. His quickness off the ball and effectiveness against the run could make him the third defensive tackle selected, somewhere between picks 20 and 25.
Willliams. Another run-stuffer, he could go somewhere in the 20’s and make an immediate impact.
Cody. His weight loss makes him more appealing to teams that need to shore up their run defense.
"Cody fits the mold of a 3-4 nose tackle, a big run-stuffing guy," Heckert said. "If somebody needs a nose tackle, they’ll be looking at him. I was impressed he even played in the Senior Bowl. Some of those top guys don’t play in those games. But he did."
Odrick. He is confident his body of work at Penn State makes him ready for the NFL. Odrick thought about entering the 2009 draft but decided he needed another year in college.
"I’m a better player now," Odrick said. "I know more about the game and more about myself. It was a good decision to stay. Now I’m more ready for this entire process."
Odrick said he was looking forward to all of his interviews, along with his Monday workout. With so many defensive tackles hoping to be drafted in Round 1, Odrick believes the more scrutiny, the better.
"We’re here to show teams what we can do, but let’s face it, we’re competing," Odrick said. "It’s a deep position this year. Teams are going to be watching us closely."
This story appears in Feb. 28’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
INDIANAPOLIS — As Terrence Cody’s weight goes down, his draft stock may go up.
Cody weighed in at 354 pounds Saturday at the NFL Scouting Combine‹16 pounds less than the flabby 370 he weighed in January at the Senior Bowl. It was also 11 pounds lighter than Cody’s listed playing weight (365) last season at Alabama.
Less is more: A slimmer Terrence Cody shows he’s focused on improving his draft stock.
By getting in better shape, Cody gave a clear indication that he is taking the stiff draft competition at defensive tackle seriously. Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy could be the first two players selected, and at least four other defensive tackles — Cody, UCLA’s Brian Price, Tennessee’s Dan Williams and Penn State’s Jared Odrick — could go in the first round.
"Teams have come to this draft looking at all of us," Odrick said Saturday. "If you want to stand out, this is a chance to kind of separate yourself."
Premier defensive tackles are valuable commodities, which was proved recently when three defensive tackles were giving the franchise tag — Vince Wilfork (Patriots), Aubrayo Franklin (49ers) and Ryan Pickett (Packers). Another, the Steelers’ Casey Hampton, was given a new contract this week.
"Defensive tackles get franchised because they are hard to find," Browns general manager Tom Heckert said. "Especially a nose tackle in the 3-4. That’s why they get tagged. There aren’t many who are going to hit free agency. So if you need one, you’ve got to get one in the draft."
Suh and McCoy are waging a battle to be selected first — one that may last right up until the first round is selected on April 22. There is a chance that the Rams could opt for quarterback Sam Bradford with the No. 1 pick, but most scouts believe they can’t go wrong by picking Suh or McCoy.
Asked if Suh and McCoy were as good as advertised, Heckert simply smiled and said, "Yeah."
Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo will play a major role in deciding which player is drafted No. 1. But Spagnuolo wasn’t forthcoming on Saturday when asked to expound on differences between Suh and McCoy.
"They’re both great players," Spagnuolo said. "They’re going to be playing well in our league for a long time."
Here are the other defensive tackles who could be first round-worthy:
Price. His quickness off the ball and effectiveness against the run could make him the third defensive tackle selected, somewhere between picks 20 and 25.
Willliams. Another run-stuffer, he could go somewhere in the 20’s and make an immediate impact.
Cody. His weight loss makes him more appealing to teams that need to shore up their run defense.
"Cody fits the mold of a 3-4 nose tackle, a big run-stuffing guy," Heckert said. "If somebody needs a nose tackle, they’ll be looking at him. I was impressed he even played in the Senior Bowl. Some of those top guys don’t play in those games. But he did."
Odrick. He is confident his body of work at Penn State makes him ready for the NFL. Odrick thought about entering the 2009 draft but decided he needed another year in college.
"I’m a better player now," Odrick said. "I know more about the game and more about myself. It was a good decision to stay. Now I’m more ready for this entire process."
Odrick said he was looking forward to all of his interviews, along with his Monday workout. With so many defensive tackles hoping to be drafted in Round 1, Odrick believes the more scrutiny, the better.
"We’re here to show teams what we can do, but let’s face it, we’re competing," Odrick said. "It’s a deep position this year. Teams are going to be watching us closely."
This story appears in Feb. 28’s edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
Clifton Brown covers the NFL for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
The Plain Dealer of Cleveland reported Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore will drop from the leadoff spot to second in the batting order this season.
Taking his place atop the order will be shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who compiled a .340 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot while filling in for an injured Sizemore last year.
Sizemore has a career .369 OBP batting leadoff, but turned in a .340 mark in the role in 2009.
The newspaper also noted that Matt LaPorta again is a player without a set position. That is because recently signed Russell Branyan is expected to start at first base. As a rookie in 2009, LaPorta played first base, left field, right field and DH.
The Plain Dealer of Cleveland reported Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore will drop from the leadoff spot to second in the batting order this season.
Taking his place atop the order will be shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who compiled a .340 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot while filling in for an injured Sizemore last year.
Sizemore has a career .369 OBP batting leadoff, but turned in a .340 mark in the role in 2009.
The newspaper also noted that Matt LaPorta again is a player without a set position. That is because recently signed Russell Branyan is expected to start at first base. As a rookie in 2009, LaPorta played first base, left field, right field and DH.
Sporting News staff reports
Free-agent outfielder Jermaine Dye told the Chicago Sun-Times that he is shocked that he still is looking for work in late February.
Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP, said he has received some offers, but none to his liking.
"Teams want me as a backup player, and that’s something I’m not ready to do," Dye told the newspaper. "I feel undervalued, basically. I don’t think I have to go out there and prove anything to anyone. My numbers the last five or six years show I can help someone."
Teams could be concerned about Dye’s second-half slump last season; he hit .179 with seven homers and 26 RBIs after hitting .302 with 20 homers and 55 RBIs before the break.
The 36-year-old also shot down recent rumors that he was considering retirement.
The newspaper noted Dye has more homers than any American League outfielder in the past five years and ranks second in RBIs over that span.
Sporting News staff reports
Free-agent outfielder Jermaine Dye told the Chicago Sun-Times that he is shocked that he still is looking for work in late February.
Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP, said he has received some offers, but none to his liking.
"Teams want me as a backup player, and that’s something I’m not ready to do," Dye told the newspaper. "I feel undervalued, basically. I don’t think I have to go out there and prove anything to anyone. My numbers the last five or six years show I can help someone."
Teams could be concerned about Dye’s second-half slump last season; he hit .179 with seven homers and 26 RBIs after hitting .302 with 20 homers and 55 RBIs before the break.
The 36-year-old also shot down recent rumors that he was considering retirement.
The newspaper noted Dye has more homers than any American League outfielder in the past five years and ranks second in RBIs over that span.
Sam Bradford could be the first quarterback taken in the NFL draft. He could even be the No. 1 pick — if the Rams believe his throwing shoulder is healthy and that he is good enough and durable enough to be their franchise QB.
Bradford spoke with Sporting News’ Clifton Brown and other reporters Saturday at the Combine in Indianapolis.
Q: What exactly was done to your throwing shoulder after you injured it last season?
A: It was a reconstruction of the AC joint. It was a grade 2 separation. From what I heard from the doctors, for my long-term health, if I wanted to continue playing football and get stronger in the weight room, I needed to have the surgery.
Q: You are not throwing at the Combine. How important will it be to throw well at your pro day (March 25)?
A: It’s extremely important. It will be the first time I’ve done this stuff (for) pro scouts since I got injured. I think everyone is really anxious to see my arm and how it works out. I’m going to put on a great show.
Q: How much weight have added since the season ended?
A: About 12 pounds. Yesterday, I was 6-foot-4, 236.
Q: Do you think it is important that you bulked up?
A: Definitely. Coming back from an injury, I wanted to get in the weight room, put some weight on. There were some questions about my weight last year. People thought I was too small to come out. I won’t have to answer any of those questions this year.
Q: How much are you throwing right now?
A: Every other day. When I get back from the Combine, I’m hoping to finish my rehab and throw every day. I’d say it’s close to 85 percent right now.
Q: Do you think you can be an effective quarterback playing under center in the NFL after not doing it that much at Oklahoma?
A: People have this misconception that if you play in the spread, if you play in the shotgun, you don’t know how to take a drop. It just shortens your drop. At Oklahoma, our coach made us take snaps under center. I’ve very comfortable with throwing under center.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Sam Bradford could be the first quarterback taken in the NFL draft. He could even be the No. 1 pick — if the Rams believe his throwing shoulder is healthy and that he is good enough and durable enough to be their franchise QB.
Bradford spoke with Sporting News’ Clifton Brown and other reporters Saturday at the Combine in Indianapolis.
Q: What exactly was done to your throwing shoulder after you injured it last season?
A: It was a reconstruction of the AC joint. It was a grade 2 separation. From what I heard from the doctors, for my long-term health, if I wanted to continue playing football and get stronger in the weight room, I needed to have the surgery.
Q: You are not throwing at the Combine. How important will it be to throw well at your pro day (March 25)?
A: It’s extremely important. It will be the first time I’ve done this stuff (for) pro scouts since I got injured. I think everyone is really anxious to see my arm and how it works out. I’m going to put on a great show.
Q: How much weight have added since the season ended?
A: About 12 pounds. Yesterday, I was 6-foot-4, 236.
Q: Do you think it is important that you bulked up?
A: Definitely. Coming back from an injury, I wanted to get in the weight room, put some weight on. There were some questions about my weight last year. People thought I was too small to come out. I won’t have to answer any of those questions this year.
Q: How much are you throwing right now?
A: Every other day. When I get back from the Combine, I’m hoping to finish my rehab and throw every day. I’d say it’s close to 85 percent right now.
Q: Do you think you can be an effective quarterback playing under center in the NFL after not doing it that much at Oklahoma?
A: People have this misconception that if you play in the spread, if you play in the shotgun, you don’t know how to take a drop. It just shortens your drop. At Oklahoma, our coach made us take snaps under center. I’ve very comfortable with throwing under center.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
