A long first day filled with early alarms, long layovers, and airport food was finally capped off with a Phil Savage press conference in downtown Mobile, Alabama as he prepared everyone for the week of football action to come. He stressed the importance of three different topics as it relates to what coaches have been mentoring players on when preparing for the week which was practice, community service, and the senior bowl game it self. That message conveyed could be broken down by saying; give 100 percent during practices, showcase your off the field dedication during Thursdays community service day, and separate yourself from your peers on game day.
After listening to future NFL stars like Fresno State's Derek Carr, Northern Illinois' Jimmie Ward, and Alabama's Adrian Hubbord I left with plenty of highlights to share, along with notes from throughout the day.
Derek Carr is No Liar
Derek Carr fielded questions like a savvy veteran who had been playing the media game for over a decade. From the moment Derek stepped up to the podium he pulled out his ammo and started firing shots before shots could be fired at him first. When asked what he's looking forward to proving the most during the week Carr quickly responded with " I'm here to show everyone I can play under center, I've been doing it since I was three years old, and I know thats a big lingering question for a lot of people."
Derek, the younger brother of former first overall pick David also stressed how much he loves to compete and his constant thriving to be leader. " I just wana compete this week no matter what I'm doing, and no matter where I get drafted I'm going to be a leader from day one loving everyone on the field and in the locker room." He later went on to explain why he plays the game with such a passion stating, " I hope to go win a Super Bowl, thats why I play the game."
But Derek's most impressive answer came when someone asked him about a part of his game that he would like to improve. His answer was simple and humble, " Everything." He got more in depth later saying, "my feet, eyes in the pocket and huddle presence. I'l never be perfect and I will never tell anyone that I am. I'm not a liar and I'm not hear to lie to anyone. Whatever team gets me knows exactly what there getting."
After hearing Carr speak in person it's clear whoever drafts him will be getting one of the most mentally prepared students of the game as he was the first player to commit to the Senior Bowl back in November. Afterwards he immediately called Phil Savage and other coaches about what wide receivers he would be throwing to so he could get an early start on finding their tendencies and habits.
Audio here
Sunday Notes
- While walking around the hotel lobby watching players come and go the three biggest players to the naked eye in order were Miami offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, Minnesota defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman, and Baylor guard Cyril Richardson. All looked like monsters when talking to NFL scouts and even next to their fellow players, but its worth noting Tennessee defensive tackle Daniel McCullers was not spotted and should be the biggest of them all come weigh in on Monday.
- Derek Carr was seen talking to Raiders personnel heavily throughout the day.
- The most heavily represented teams on Sunday were the Texans, Raiders, Jaguars, and Bears.
- 311 pound Ra'Shede Hageman told me the rumors about his ability to complete a 360 degree dunk were false, but later went on to say he can throw down a "Windmill Jam" with authority.
- Players and and NFL personnel of all kinds huddled around the lobby flat screen as they payed close attention to the Patriots-Broncos game throughout the day. Judging by the "oohs" and "aahs" the Broncos were the fan favorite by a large margin.
Follow Luke Inman on Twitter @luke_spinman