Falcons DE Jamaal Anderson - Saturday, April 28, 2007
Q: Can you talk about being selected number eight by the Atlanta Falcons and did you have any inkling this could happen?
Anderson: I knew there was a possibility, but I still was not sure where I was going to end up. I really didn't have any idea. I was just anticipating my name being called. I didn't think I was going to get a phone call because they called my land line instead of my cell phone. That was a surprise for me. I asked Mr. Blank and Coach Petrino several times, ‘are you really picking me?' I had to make sure it was really happening. I could hardly speak until I heard my name called. It was a great feeling.
Q: Who called you?
Anderson: Coach Petrino called me.
Q: Did you speak to them at the combine or any other time?
Anderson: I think the only time I spoke with them was when I was at the combine. They called me about two days ago to make sure I was going to be using this number on draft day.
Q: Have they told you they want you to come in here and play the left end spot and really be their guy?
Anderson: Yes. I know there are high expectations being a top 10 pick so I am going to get in there and work hard. I am about to head that way right now.
Q: How tough was the conversion from wide receiver to defensive end?
Anderson: The main thing was putting on weight and strength. It was really my first time getting in the weight room because I was a three sport athlete in high school. I never really had time to be in the weight room because I was always in season. I had a great coach in Tracy Rocker and our defensive coordinator Reggie Herring put together a wonderful game plan for me. They definitely got me to where I am at.
Q: How would you grade your ability to stop the run and what was the difference in playing the run on the right side compared to the left side?
Anderson: Being able to engage and come off the line. I really worked on my first two steps and engaging with the tackle. Our scheme had me coming at an angle at the tackle and I feel that really helped me out.
Q: What is your strongest attribute?
Anderson: I feel that my main strength is that I am a pretty balanced player. I have been able to make plays against the run and the pass. I don't think I focus in on just one thing. Last year, I was first in sacks and second in tackles for loss so that goes to show that it was not just the pass I was stopping, but also the run.
Q: Did you have any reservations about not sticking around for your senior year?
Anderson: That was on my mind all year. I had the intention of staying and not listening to all the talk that was going on. After the Tennessee game, I felt like I had a break out game and things just started to sky rocket after that. After the Bowl game, I talked with my parent for a few days and talked to a few people inside the NFL and they told me what teams in the NFL were looking for. I turned my tape in and got a second round grade, so I felt I could turn that into a first round pick. I told (University of Arkansas head coach) Houston Nutt that and he asked me, ‘are you sure you can be a first round pick?' I told him yes, I was positive. He told me to just represent the University and show everyone what the program is all about.
Q: What made you think you could be a top pick when you play the left end and the right end spot gets most of the sacks?
Anderson: I love playing both end positions. It is really a fun position. I feel like I can play both sides, but it doesn't matter which one I do play.
Q: Who came to you with the great idea to switch from wide receiver?
Anderson: Coach Rocker is the one who made the decision. I really read about it in the paper and they really didn't tell me they wanted to play defensive end until I stepped on campus. In our first team meeting, I had to introduce myself and my position and I said ‘wide receiver/defensive end'. Everyone was saying defensive end and I was sent to the defensive meeting room and never looked back.
