#Jaylen Waddle on Giants, ankle injury

With the NFL draft approaching next month, Post columnist Steve Serby caught up with Alabama receiver Jaylen Waddle for some Q&A.

Q: I’m an NFL GM: Tell me why I should draft Jaylen Waddle.

A: I think I’m just different, I’m versatile, you can put me anywhere — outside, inside, special teams, punt returner, kick returner. And if it’s a play that could be made, I believe I can make it. Every team needs a guy like that. That’s what makes me, me, and that’s what makes me different.

Q: What are your career goals?

A: I want to have a legendary career. I want people to remember me as just electric and just something that they’ve never seen before, a guy that could make any play, and make a lot of plays in a lot of different ways.

Q: How many times have you been to New York?

A: I went once.

Q: How long ago was that?

A: That was like when I was like in middle school.

Q: What was the purpose of the trip?

A: We had a basketball tournament out there.

Q: How would you feel about playing on the big New York stage?

A: It would be great. … I think anywhere I land, it’ll be great. I think it would be fun.

Q: You like the spotlight?

A: Definitely. I don’t really believe in, like, pressure, or anything like that. But I think it’s a nice place to play.

Q: What do you know about the New York Giants?

A: Besides the regular, my sister was a Giants fan when we were growing up.

Q: Why was your sister a Giants fan growing up in Houston?

A: She liked Eli Manning.

Q: What did you think of Eli?

A: I was definitely a fan of Eli, too.

Q: How much do you enjoy the return game?

A: I enjoy it a lot. You bring a spark any type of a way to the team.

Q: How is your ankle?

A: Everything’s going good, my training’s going well.

Q: Describe your emotions when you fractured your ankle in October, and what was your low point emotionally while you couldn’t play?

A: Just really disappointed. I wanted to be there for my teammates.

Q: What was your reaction when NFL players and others urged you not to play anymore and risk further injury?

A: I didn’t hear all that until days later. That was part of my decision-making process.

Q: How did Hurricane Harvey affect you and your family?

A: Lucky for us, Harvey didn’t hit our area too hard. It was really devastating for so many people around us. A few family members had to vacate their houses but nothing major.

Q: How was your family affected by the winter storm? Did they lose power?

A: My mom lost power for a few hours. My dad lost power for a few days. We were very fortunate in that situation too.

Q: Describe your on-field mentality.

A: Determined … physical.

Q: Aren’t you a little bit small to be physical?

A: Nah, not at all. You learn fast at Alabama you’re gonna be physical.

Q: What drives you?

A: Just want to be better than the guy I’m lined up against.

Q: If you could test your skills against any cornerback in NFL history, who would it be?

A: It’s gonna have to be Deion [Sanders], of course.

Q: If you could pick the brain of any receiver in NFL history, who would it be?

A: Jerry Rice.

Q: Who are wide receivers you’ve liked watching?

A: Of course I watched my Alabama family tree with Julio [Jones] Calvin [Ridley], Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs. I also like Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp, guys kind of built like me.

Q: What impresses you about Tyreek Hill?

A: Definitely his play speed, but I see more than just him playing fast. He’s very like physical and he’s more than just running around and just getting open.

Q: Are defenders surprised at how fast you play?

A: It’s pretty much expected, but I think they’ll be a little surprised.

Q: Who was your boyhood idol?

A: Chad Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson.

Q: Why Chad Johnson?

A: He was just different … personality.

Q: How does his personality compare to yours?

A: Very different (laugh). I guess that’s why he stood out to me, I guess.

Q: Who are athletes in other sports you admire?

A: I’m a LeBron [James] fanatic. LeBron’s my guy. I’m a big basketball guy.

Q: Were you a point guard in high school?

A: Yes sir, you know it!

Q: Who did you pattern your game after?

A: My favorite player of all time is Allen Iverson.

Q: Coach Nick Saban wouldn’t let you play basketball, I guess.

A: Nah, he was being selfish, he wanted me all to himself.

Q: What do you think about the Nets with Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant?

A: I think it’s a little unfair, but my Lakers are gonna get to ’em, for sure. I don’t know about my Rockets, but my Lakers, I got faith in ’em.

Q: Are you hopeful that Deshaun Watson and the Texans can patch things up?

A: I’m hopeful that they do. I think they will.

Q: Describe Coach Saban.

A: Definitely like old school, kind of like grandparent kind of vibe … real like my way-or-the-highway (chuckle) type of deal. He’s got a little sense of humor to him once in a while. But very structured and discipline-based.

Q: What makes him a Hall of Fame coach?

A: Really like never satisfied.

Q: What is the best play you made at Alabama?

A: Probably when we played Georgia. It was third down and we were down by a touchdown in the [2018] SEC Championship, the play breaks down, and it’s a scramble into the sideline, and then toe tap, and I’m gonna say the next play we end up scoring.

Q: How many positions did you play in high school?

A: I played running back, receiver, cornerback, I played quarterback one day. Our quarterback had a concussion, so he was out for a game, so we were pretty much in like Wildcat.

Q: Did you throw a touchdown pass?

A: I did! I threw two, to be exact.

Q: You also liked playing defense, right?

A: Yes. I’m a real natural-like corner by heart. That’s another thing Coach Saban didn’t want to let me do.

Q: Describe Alabama quarterback Mac Jones.

A: He handled everything like a pro. Natural leader.

Q: Give me an example of his leadership and what is he like in the huddle?

A: He was a lead-by-example type of guy. Gave us whatever we needed. Never complained about anything we were doing. Level headed and confident.

Q: Running back Najee Harris?

A: Kind of the same, real hard worker, real professional, great teammate. He’s just self-driven and never really satisfied.

Q: Cornerback Patrick Surtain II?

A: He has long arms, good feet, and I think that’s gonna translate well when he goes to the NFL.

Q: How are you and DeVonta Smith different style-wise as receivers?

A: I’m versatile, inside/outside kind of player. Make plays in space and make people miss. He has a different body type. He’s more of an outside receiver, but a great talent.

Q: Any corners you’re looking forward to going up against in the NFL?

A: Defintely Patrick Surtain.

Q: Three dinner guests?

A: LeBron, Jerry Rice, Barack Obama.

Q: Favorite movie?

A: “Remember the Titans.”

Q: Favorite actor?

A: Johnny Depp.

Q: Favorite actress?

A: Zoe Saldana.

Q: Favorite entertainer?

A: Lil Wayne.

Q: Favorite meal?

A: Hot wings.

Q: What kind of impact do you think you can make as a rookie?

A: I think I can bring something different to the team as far as playmaking ability … take the top off … a guy that you can put anywhere and can look forward to making some type of plays.