Georgia Tech RB Jonathan Dwyer 2009 College Football Interview with 2010 NFL Draft Quotes

Jonathan Dwyer, junior tailback at Georgia Tech, could be competing in his final collegiate game this evening when he and his Yellow Jacket teammates take on Iowa in the Orange Bowl.

Targeted as no later than a second-round pick by the pundits, Dwyer will decide after the bowl game if he will forgo his senior season and enter the 2010 NFL Draft.

Last week, Dwyer answered some quick questions via email which follow below:

FRD: My first question is about the ACC championship, what was it like to get to play for the championship and on top of that have such an impact like you did even scoring the game winning TD?

Dwyer: It was a memorable game that I will never forget. It was probably the best ACC championship in history with talented players on each side. Scoring the game winning touchdown I couldn't have done without my offensive line and Anthony Allen for a key block to spring me loose.

FRD: Coming out of high school, did you imagine you would be playing in this type of old school offense with the triple threat that you guys have? Or would you have gone to a school where you are the dominate runner?

Dwyer: No I had no idea that I would be running the triple option. I think the triple threat helps everyone out because the defense can't just key on one guy. It would be cool to be the main guy, but like I said I enjoy being a part of the best backfield in the country.

FRD: What are your thoughts going into the Orange Bowl with Iowa? Pat Angerer is a stud at LB how do you feel about this match up?

Dwyer: It's going to be a big game. Iowa is very good on defense and got a great LB and DE. I think its going to be a fun match up and game to be a part of.

FRD: How has your schedule been with such a break between games? How are you staying in game mode?

Dwyer: There is no reason not to stay in game mode. This is the biggest game of my college career. I know my teammates are ready and we better show up to play a good team like Iowa.

FRD: You've recently said you were going to submit your paperwork to see where you are in the NFL radar, have you put any more thought into entering the draft?

Dwyer: Yes there has been thought but no decision yet. I have to talk more with coach Johnson, my parents and my high school coaches Derek Cook, Irv Sigler and Richard Norman.

FRD: Has coach Johnson addressed entering the draft with you and given you his thoughts/advice?

Dwyer: Yes he has. He wants the best for us and he is giving us the most info he can get.

Nick Chesney contributed to this Q and A.

This interview is also online at the NBC Sports website College Football Talk and can be found via the link -- A conversation with... Jonathan Dwyer

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Indiana Hoosiers LB Matt Mayberry 2009 College Football Interview with 2010 NFL Draft Quotes

For the Indiana Hoosiers, the 2009 season ended against bitter in-state rival Purdue University. The Old Oaken Bucket, the trophy prized by both schools in their rivalry match-up, remained with the Boilermakers after the Hoosiers fell 38-21.

Against Purdue, senior Matt Mayberry concluded his career with one of his most outstanding games. The Hoosier linebacker finished with nine tackles and two sacks. Still, the loss in his final game capped a season of disappointment.

"We did not execute," Mayberry said during a phone interview this month, "we were never fully satisfied."

The Hoosiers struggled to find their form this season and ended with seven losses in the final eight games. "The results were not quite what we were looking for," Mayberry said.

Mayberry finished as one of the most accomplished linebackers ever to play at Indiana. Blessed with top-level speed for the position, he ended his senior campaign with 108 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

"I have good speed for a linebacker," Mayberry said. "The coaching staff utilized my abilities to get after the quarterback."

Adding in his senior totals, the linebacker ended his IU career with 251 tackles.

Much of his success was due to his summer regimen working out with Kevin Kasper. The former NFL wide receiver/returner is known for his speed training and Mayberry looked to Kasper to maximize his potential.

"Kevin knows his training. It was a privilege to work with him. He took me under his wing." Mayberry added, "He is a NFL veteran, so when he says something, you listen."

The Hoosier completed a battery of exercises including several focused on making him more explosive, a trait that is vital for linebackers looking to make the transition to the pro game.

And the pro game is indeed where Mayberry intends to end up, like his mentor Kasper. Mayberry is beginning to analyze his choices for where he will train prior to the 2010 NFL Draft.

"Nothing is finalized, but there are a lot of great facilities across the country."

With his sideline-to-sideline speed, Mayberry should be satisfied come April where he is projected to be selected at the NFL Draft.

This interview is also online at the NBC Sports website College Football Talk and can be found via the link -- A conversation with... Matt Mayberry

Photo Credit: Indiana Athletics

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Purdue Boilermakers QB Joey Elliott 2009 College Football Interview with 2010 NFL Draft Quotes

Statistically speaking, Joey Elliott's 2009 season ended on a high note. The Purdue University quarterback led the Boilermakers to four wins in his final six contests; he finished first in the Big Ten Conference in passing with 252.2 yards per game; and the redshirt senior tossed 22 touchdowns.

In his final three games, Elliott passed for 945 yards and connected on eight of his 22 touchdowns. Plus, the quarterback become only the fourth player in the history of the program to throw for 3,000+ yards in his first season as a starter. Included on this list are current NFL superstar Drew Brees and the Indianapolis Colts backup Curtis Painter, the quarterback who played in front of Elliott for three seasons.

More important than stats, Elliott quarterbacked the Boilermakers to several historic victories. Big Ten Conference wins came against a top-ten opponent (Ohio State Buckeyes) and on the road (Michigan Wolverines). The win at the Big House, Michigan's stadium, was the first for the Boilermakers since 1966. One has to go back to 2000 to find the last time Purdue defeated both Ohio State and Michigan in the same season.

The win against then No. 7 Ohio State snapped an early-season losing streak, including devastating losses at Pac-10 champion Oregon and at home to Norte Dame, that left the football team reeling.

"I wish the ball would have bounced our way during the 2009 season," Elliott said. "We were really close to being a surprise team during 2009."

Against the Buckeyes, Elliott threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns. Perhaps the game's most crucial play came when Elliott focused in on Keith Smith and connected with the wide receiver down the middle of the field just prior to halftime.

"It was a huge play," Elliott said. "The catch allowed us to get 3 points and take the lead."

Kicker Carson Wiggs hit from 55 yards out to give the Boilermakers a 9-7 advantage. Elliott and his teammates then staved off an Ohio State rally in the second half for a 26-18 victory.

"Beating Ohio State was huge because after so many close losses we needed a win," the quarterback said. "The celebration was like a rock was lifting off our backs."

Elliott’s collegiate career ended at Indiana as Purdue retained the Old Oaken Bucket, a trophy prized by both schools, with a 38-21 win against their in-state rival. The quarterback completed the afternoon match-up against the Hoosiers with four touchdown passes.

"The Bucket game is a rivalry that dates way back," Elliott said. "Growing up in Indiana I knew all about it. The records are thrown out the window and you are playing for PRIDE."

Up next, Elliott hopes to make an impression with a NFL team in 2010.

"Every college kid wants to fill the shoes of a NFL player," Elliott said. "I will do anything and everything to make that dream come true."

He should land in an NFL camp this spring as he looks to join the list of Purdue quarterbacks who have played at the professional level.

This interview is also online at the NBC Sports website College Football Talk and can be found via the link -- A conversation with... Joey Elliott

Photo Credit: Purdue Athletics

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Notre Dame WR Golden Tate profile prior to 2010 NFL Draft

Former Notre Dame wide receiver Golden Tate looks back through his collegiate career and pinpoints his first receiving touchdown as his most memorable play.

Interesting, considering that in 2009, Tate performed at an exceptional level, adding numerous memorable plays to his game film. At the conclusion of his Notre Dame career, however, the wide receiver reflects on that first touchdown in 2007, a 25-yard pass from Evan Sharpley against the Purdue Boilermakers.

"My first touchdown at Notre Dame is my signature moment," said Tate. "The coach had confidence in me and put me in. That is where it all started."

Tate was recently named the 2009 Biletnikoff award winner. The award is given to the nation's top collegiate receiver. "It's a great award, to be listed with those receivers," Tate said.

Now that he has announced his intention to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft, preparations for playing at the professional level are up next.

"I will start interviewing with agencies soon," Tate said. "After that, I’ll set up with a training facility to get ready for the next level. I want to work on my speed and get faster."

The two-sport athlete at Notre Dame agrees that playing on the Irish baseball team aided in honing his receiving skills. "Baseball helped me a lot," Tate said, "I learned to catch the ball at the highest point. It’s been a big help."

Golden Tate achieved at the highest level at Notre Dame and is ready to begin a new chapter in the NFL. "I am excited," Tate said. "I want to do well at the next level."

This interview is also online at the NBC Sports website College Football Talk and can be found via the link -- A conversation with... Golden Tate

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