Most of the Q & A's in one place

Jonathan Stewart Q&A
April 26, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with running back Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers first-round draft choice from Oregon.

On if he expected to be drafted by the Panthers: Really and truly I didn't know where I was going to end up. When I went to Carolina to get my surgery done with Dr. Anderson, I saw the players and the stadium from a distance from the hotel. I thought to myself that this would be a great opportunity to play here if it was the Lord's will, and obviously it is. I'm just real thankful right now for the opportunity.

On when his toe surgery was, where he is in his recovery and when he will be ready to play: The surgery was on March 12, and the recovery, like Dr. Anderson promised, is going well. I will be starting rehab in a week or so and I will be ready by training camp.

On how much his toe bothered him last season and how did it affect his style of running: With the toe injury it bothered me through the last part of last season. I injured it in the Arizona game, the same game that Dennis Dixon got hurt in. I had to play through it. It is like there are sharp, excruciating pains in your toe every time you plant and run, and being a running back you need that. But I found a way around it to fit my running style. I wasn't able to make the cuts that I can make but I did what I could to make the best out of my running game. I just tried to fight through the pain.

On what was done during the surgery: He went in and reconstructed my ligament. I don't know the exact medical terms for it. He just made sure that my toe was back in line.

On if he thought the toe surgery would affect his draft status: At first I was but as I went around to the team visits the teams knew my situation. A lot of people were saying things about my toe, but really I was just giving it all to God and really trying to not think about it at all.

On his running style: My style of running is just all of the things that a great back has. I'm an explosive, powerful runner. I run north and south but mostly more north. I just try to make the best out of every opportunity when I get the ball, whether it is going around a defender or going through a defender. You have to do what it takes.

On if what he knows about Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams: I watched DeAngelo Williams when he was at Memphis. He was another great back, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to go and learn the ropes from him and to contribute to this team. He's a great back, and I want to be a great back as well. I know there are some veterans on the squad and I'm just ready to get this thing rolling and be a part of this offense.

On his reaction to Carolina selecting tackle Jeff Otah: My reaction was, "Oh yeah, they really want to run the ball now!" That's a big guy right there. The Carolina Panthers have a plan. Running the ball is something that you have to do in this League, and they are definitely getting that instilled in their offense.

On if he has spent much time in the South other than when he had his surgery: That was my first time in Carolina. All my family is from Georgia around Macon and Atlanta. So I am familiar with Georgia but not anywhere else in the South.

On meeting with personnel from the Panthers prior to the draft and his impressions: It was at the combine, and they came down to visit me in Eugene as well. It was Marty (Hurney), and I talked to Coach Fox at the combine, so I thought they were really interested in me. During this whole experience I was just taking it for what it was. Teams were interested, and I'm just glad the Carolina Panthers came along and had faith in my health and that I am going to be a good player for them.

On if he thinks he will be a good fit for the Panthers offense: I feel when it comes to running the ball I can do that. Pass blocking is going to be something that I can do at the next level, but I know that it is going to be much different from the collegiate level.

On what running backs, current and former, he admires: Walter Payton, just his determination when he runs, and on every run that you see on his highlight there is that extra effort. "I am never going to be tackled," and that's the type of mantra that every running back should have or to punish the defender. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders and a new age running back would be LaDainian Tomlinson.

On being used as a kick returner after doing so successfully in college: I hope so. Returning kicks is another offensive possession. It's an opportunity to get the game rolling for the offense.

On if he can be an impact player like running back Adrian Peterson was a rookie last year: Of course. I don't feel that anyone should have lower standards than being the best you can be. Adrian Peterson did that and above. He also set the tone for running backs coming into the League. I want to contribute to my team anyway possible and do what I can.

 

Jeff Otah Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with tackle Jeff Otah, the Panthers first-round draft choice from Pittsburgh.

On how it feels to hold up his first NFL jersey: It feels really good, especially because it's a Panthers jersey because that is where I envisioned myself going. I was happy everything worked out well.

On Carolina trading with Philadelphia to get an additional first-round pick to draft him: Actually, after they picked Jonathan (Stewart) I thought I wasn't coming here. But I got a call from a guy who said, "How would you like to be a Panther?" I was thinking that the Eagles were picking now, so it must be a prank call. Then I talked to Coach Fox and I remembered his voice, so it was definitely a good feeling knowing that I was coming here.

On being so highly regarded by the Panthers: It feels good to know that they think highly of me and they want me here. I am just ready to start going to work and filling in some holes that they might need. I just want to work hard and find where I can fit in.

On if he knew what Carolina traded in order to draft him: I didn't really know until my agent told me last night. It is a good thing, but either way my goal was to come in and work hard no matter where I was picked.

On his high school football experience: I played defense in high school. I played two years, my freshman and sophomore year. I didn't play my junior year and I broke my hand my senior year, so I missed most of the season. My offensive line year started in junior college.

On if he envisioned himself coming to Carolina: When I met with Coach Fox and the offensive line coach when they came to my pro day, I felt real comfortable. I felt like this is somewhere I could be and that is just how I saw it happening.

On playing for Dave Wannstedt at the University of Pittsburgh: He just told me to be a man, and it's a job now. Everyone playing is a grown man and you have to take care of your family. That is how he treated me when I was there, like a man. He let you make your own decisions, and if you couldn't abide by that then you wouldn't be playing.

On his thoughts after the Panthers picked running back Jonathan Stewart in the first round: When they picked him it wasn't a disappointment. I didn't get a phone call so I knew it wasn't going to be me. So I just waited to see who was next. But when they traded up for me it was a good feeling.

On if he is familiar Stewart and the way he plays: I met him once in Arizona. I met him for about five minutes. I don't know too much about him but I've seen him play and he is a great player. But as far as personality, I don't know about that.

On if Stewart's style and size a good fit for him: He seems like he is a hard runner who will play all four quarters and he is ready to win.

On what he does best and what needs improvement: I feel like I can run and pass block really good. I just have to work on my technique.

On if he prefers run blocking or pass blocking: I like to run block but I also like to pass block.

On starting in junior college and making it to the NFL: As far as football, I always wanted to play in the NFL. That was my goal and that is what I worked hard for. It means a lot to me. I love playing football, and that is what I want to do as my career. So I definitely expected to play in the League.

On when he started to grow: When I was in my sophomore year in high school, I hit 6'5".

On being born in Nigeria and his early childhood: I was born in Nigeria and I lived there until I was seven. Then I moved to New York. I lived in the Bronx until I was 13. Then I moved to Delaware.

On why his family moved: We moved for a better life and better opportunities.

On the difference in the talent level between junior college and college and if he expects there to be a similar difference between college and pro: In junior college some guys were pretty good. It depends on who you were playing. I played a couple of Division I players in junior college that went on to play at big schools. Every week you play against good talent in Division I. In the NFL, the best guy you went against in college you have to play him every day in practice and in games.

On if he is more comfortable on one side of the ball than the other (left or right tackle): I played left tackle at Pittsburgh for two years and I played right tackle my first year in junior college, so it doesn't really matter because I can play both. I played guard in junior college, too. It doesn't matter to me.

On if the Panthers talked to him about what position he will play: No.

On his mean streak: I just play to the whistle and try to dominate a guy the whole game.

On his goals as a rookie: My goal is just to play. I don't know that they would have drafted or traded for me this high for me to not play. My goal is just to get in here and work hard and listen to coach and do what he says so I can get out on the field.

On the Panthers getting bigger and stronger up front and being a powerful football team: I haven't really talked to coach too much about that. They just want me to come up here and play hard and work hard.

On what he took away from the conversation with John Fox at Pittsburgh's Pro Day: It was good knowing that he came up there and brought everybody and knowing that he was interested. I've always wanted to play in North Carolina, so everything kind of worked out well.

On what part of his game need the most improvement: I'd say my technique and staying low when I run block.

On if he has any trouble maintaining his weight: No, I played at 329 pounds both years at Pitt. Coach Wannstedt didn't want me playing over 330. I move well.

On if dreamed of playing the NFL when he lived in Nigeria: Football was something that I liked in high school. During my senior year, I really started to like the game more and started to see myself taking it to the next level and then the next level after that.

On if he followed the NFL a lot in college: I probably watched a game every Sunday.

On his favorite tackle: Jonathan Ogden, Walter Jones and Jamaal Brown.

On the biggest change he noticed upon moving to the United States from Nigeria: The weather. It's cold here.

On where he lived in Nigeria: Llegis.

On if any of his family still lives in Nigeria: My grandma is back there. I have a lot of aunts and uncles back there.

On if he had any sports heroes in Nigeria: No. In Nigeria everyone pretty much plays soccer.

On if he played soccer: Yeah, I played.

On if it was tough making the transition to football after mostly playing basketball in high school: No, it wasn't too hard. It was actually kind of easy to go to the offensive line. It was more of a need to work on technique.

On if he was a good basketball player: I was a decent player.

On his meeting with Panthers Owner/Founder Jerry Richardson: He's a really good owner. He talks to you like a man and lets you know the deal. The things he said I pretty much believe in. So I can see us having a good relationship.

On what Mr. Richardson told him: Just as far as character issues and how you act around people and things you say. That's the stuff that's a necessity to me anyway. It wasn't anything that I had to go out of my way to understand.

On why he likes playing offensive line better than defensive line: I like blocking more because you know who you are going to hit. On defense you don't know because you might get shook. On offense you just have that one guy to block so you have to go get him and get the hit every time.

 

Charles Godfrey Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with cornerback Charles Godfrey, the Panthers third-round draft choice from Iowa.

On being projected to play free safety in the NFL: I've had a meeting with a lot of teams, and they asked me about playing free safety or corner and possibly playing some nickel, also. That was one thing about my value coming in was being able to play more than one position in the secondary. It doesn't matter whether I play corner or safety. Anywhere I can be on the field and make plays would be good for me.

On what position he will play for the Panthers: I talked to them but I really don't know what they want me to play. Whatever it is, I am going to come in and work hard. It doesn't matter.

On playing special teams: That is one thing about Iowa, we take a lot of pride in special teams. I started playing my freshman year. They tried to take me out a little my senior year, because I was starting at cornerback, but I told them no. I trained and I've been training all year to handle that load. I played all four years, and it was great. I'm looking forward to being able to play special teams right away also.

On what he likes about playing special teams: It's a chance for me to get in there and play. It is one thing that I enjoy about this game, to get on the field and contribute and help my team to go and win the game.

On his playing style in the secondary: I would say physical, fast and consistent. That is one thing you want to do when you're playing corner is to stay consistent. You are going to get a couple big plays on you but you have to minimize those plays. A lot of things the corners in the League do is try to minimize the big plays. I want to try and stop receivers from having those big plays on me by staying consistent. That was one thing I said going into my senior year. I said no one was going to score on me and when the ball is in the air, it's my ball. I had five picks and no touchdowns scored against me. That is one thing I really focus on is being consistent.

On the difficulty of moving from safety to cornerback as a sophomore: The move happened my sophomore year. I talked to my coach, and he asked to move from safety to corner. He said, “You can play any coverage that we play. I've been watching you, and you are good at bump and run and playing off. You can play any coverage. We need a big, solid fast corner to hold these big receivers.” I told him that it didn't matter to me and I would do whatever it takes to help this team win. It was kind of a learning experience for me, to get a feel for it, and my senior year I just took off with it.

On what he knows about the Panthers: Not much. It is just good to be in the NFL. That has always been a dream I've had, and it's always been a dream for the people who have surrounded me like my college teammates and my brother, who played at Kansas State. That was one of his dreams, and now he is living it through me. That is the big thing, not only making it to the NFL, but contributing when I get there.

 

Dan Connor Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with linebacker Dan Connor, the Panthers third-round draft choice from Penn State.

On if he was surprised at being picked by the Panthers: A little bit. I talked to the coaches down at the Senior Bowl and I think I had a meeting at the combine with them. But I was a little shocked.

On what position he expects to play for Carolina: I'm not sure yet. I expect to talk to them a little bit later today and get more information. I'm able to play a couple of different positions at linebacker, so wherever they would need me I think I could plug in.

On which of the three linebacker spots he plays best: This past year I played middle, but the three years before at Penn State I played weakside. So it all depends. With (Jon) Beason there, I could add depth behind him or at the weakside. It really would be up to the coaches, and I'm open to anything.

On being selected in the third round after being projected to be drafted in the first or second round: I didn't expect it. But I'm still excited to be on the team right now and have mini-camp coming up. I don't think it's the worst thing in the world. I'm more excited about this being the start of a long NFL career.

On if he has talked to Panthers linebacker Tim Shaw, who played with him at Penn State: I haven't talked to Tim in a little while. I've thought about giving him a call and getting the inside information on everything. I got to talk to Jon Beason just a few minutes ago through my agent, and he seems like an unbelievable guy that's willing to help me out. It seems like a really great place, great coaching and great fans. I'm looking forward to getting in there and meeting the guys and getting a shot to play.

On if this was a value pick by Carolina because the team already has depth at linebacker: There's a ton of talent there and it's going to be great to be able to learn under a bunch of great linebackers. There are some guys with a lot of experience. I'm just looking forward to that and taking it all in and learning from these guys who prove themselves every week on Sundays.

On following in the tradition of a number of great linebackers from Penn State: There's a ton of tradition there as a Penn State linebacker. With names like LaVar Arrington, Shane Conner, Andre Collins and Jack Hammer, the list goes on. To get to play with the same jersey under the same coach is unbelievable. You get in that mentality and play blue-collar like they did back in the 1970's and 1960's when Coach Paterno started.

 

Gary Barnidge Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with tight end Gary Barnidge, the Panthers fifth-round draft choice from Louisville.

On what he knows about the Panthers and how he sees himself fitting in: I actually watched them a lot. I know when they came in with Jacksonville I actually liked the Panthers more than Jacksonville, even though Jacksonville is my home. I don't know what it was but I just really liked the Panthers. I followed them the last couple of years and I feel like I can came in and help stretch the field as a tight end and also be a little H-back blocker.

On if he had a sense that the Panthers wanted to draft him: Yes sir. Through me and my agent, I heard a little bit from them, because they worked me out on my pro day. The tight end coach (Dave Magazu) came and worked me out. Then they said they were really interested in me but they didn't know when they were going to pick a tight end. So it was pretty much a waiting game.

On his strengths: I feel like I can stretch the field against safeties and linebackers. I also feel like I am a good blocker.

On if he fits the Panthers power-style offense: Yes sir. Right now, I weigh about 247, which is about 10-12 pounds more than I played at in my senior year of college. I think it is going to help me be a better blocker. I've just got to get stronger and I'll be fine.

On if he thinks he can get his weight up to 255-260 pounds: Yes sir. I feel like anywhere between 252-255 would be great for me be maintain my speed and still be able to block and run well with that frame.

On trying to gain weight instead of lose weight: A lot of people always say that. They are trying to lose weight, and I am trying to gain weight. It's tough though.

On his diet: I just follow a strict diet. I don't eat bread and I don't eat a lot of sugars. I eat a lot of protein. So when I get a sandwich, I just roll up the meat and cheese with no bread. I also take beef liver pills to maintain my weight.

On if he has followed the Panthers the last couple of years: Yes sir. They have been really good. They are progressing. They went to the playoffs a couple of years ago and just barely missed it this year. They had a little problem with injuries this year, which is a little set back, but I think they will be good this year.

On if he can help free up other receivers: I think I can. I can stretch the field against linebackers, which I think is a mismatch. I can line up at tight end or I can split out if they ask me because I've done both of them in college.

On being able to play special teams: All my tackles came on punt team. I led my team in tackles my junior year and I caused two fumbles on punt team. So I've done pretty well in that. But I'm also a long snapper, too, so that will help me in the long run.

On if it was unusual watch the Panthers after growing up around Jaguars fans: It is a little different. But when they first came in, my dad and I made a bet between Jacksonville and Carolina in their first game between each other. I ended up winning, because Carolina won. It was real nice. I don't have a problem with it because I was never that big of a Jacksonville fan, so it was never that big of a deal.

On what he won in the bet with his dad: He just gave me an extra $20 allowance.

 

Nick Hayden Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with defensive tackle Nick Hayden, the Panthers sixth-round draft choice from Wisconsin.

On being drafted: I was waiting all day for my name to be called and am now excited that it's actually been done. It's been great and I'm definitely excited to be a Carolina Panther.

On what he can bring to the Panthers: I can bring a lot of experience. I have started a lot of games in my career. I know what needs to be done and I'm ready to work hard and give everything I've got to the team and trying to do all I can do.

On his strengths: Some of my strengths is definitely my strength overall. I benched 34 reps at the combine. Technique-wise, I have a lot going for me. I can take on certain blocks that a lot of players don't know about and I know how to handle them and react to them. I'm a smart player overall. I watch a lot of game film to get ready for each game. I'm a hard worker and am ready to come in and work my butt off and be the best I can be.

On if he can add depth and help the Panthers defensive line pretty quickly: I hope so. I hope that's why they brought me in, just to help them out, and that's what I'm going to bring. If they need my help right away, I'm willing to do what it takes to be one of the great dominant players out there at defensive tackle or tackle, or wherever they want me.

 

Hilee Taylor Q&A
April 27, 2008
Panthers.com
Printer friendlyEmail this storyIncrease font sizeDecrease font sizePrevious ArticlesRSS


Q&A with defensive end Hilee Taylor, the Panthers seventh-round draft choice from North Carolina.

On being drafted by the Panthers and playing in his home state: I'm really happy. This is really the place I want to be. The hometown and the fans are real good, so I'm just happy to be a Panther.

On playing on 4-3 defense in the NFL after playing in a 3-4 defense in college: First of all, I have to learn the linebacker position. So I guess while I'm learning the linebacker position, I'll be a pass rusher specialist and try to get to the quarterback.

On if the Panthers plan to use him at linebacker or defensive end: Honestly, I don't know at this point. They just want me to get after the quarterback.

On if he is looking forward to playing with Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers: It's like a dream come true. To have somebody that's so talented and such a good player to mentor me, it's truly an honor. I'm blessed to be able to play next to him along with the other great players on the Panthers.

On if he is scared about going to the NFL and possibly having to learn how to play linebacker after playing defensive end in college: Not really scared. Football is something I have been playing for a while. The physical part I think I have, but the only thing is the mental part. You've got to get in and learn the plays and have a good mini-camp. I want to learn so I think I'll be alright.

On how things have changed at North Carolina since Butch Davis became head coach: He just wants us to go out there and play like we are in the backyard. Have fun and don't look at football like its stressful or I'm mad that I have to practice today. Just have fun. Just like in the backyard. Don't be scared to make mistakes and just do what you have been doing.

On if he knows Julius Peppers: No, I've never met him but I'm happy to get a chance to meet him in a couple weeks.

On if he thought he would be drafted as a defensive end or linebacker: Well, it's either going to be at defensive end or linebacker. It's what I heard going into this weekend.