#Jaylen Waddle on Giants, ankle injury
“#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.
If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on Google News too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.
For forums sites go to Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com
If you want to read more News articles, you can visit our News category.