Player Interview: Josh Vaughan

Josh Vaughan is a very productive and versatile RB from last year's FCS champions Richmond Spiders. He patiently waited behind current Arizona Cardinal Tim Hightower for 3 years and it paid off in the end. He's a similar type of player, being around the same size and running with the same hard nosed style. He has a very good chance to get picked up on day 2 of the draft.

Career Highlights:

79-yd TD reception vs. Maine (2005)

91 carries; 569 yds; 5 TD (2006)

109 carries; 723 yds; 9 TD (2007)

132 yds and 2 TD vs. William & Mary (2007)

Game-Winning TD in 5-OT game @ Delaware (2007)

354 carries; 1,884 yds; 20 TD (2008)

240 yards; 2 TD @ Hofstra (2008)

133 yards; 3 TD vs. Appalachian St in FCS Quarterfinals (2008)

162 yards; TD vs. Montana in FCS Championship (2008)

1st team All-CAA (2008)

"I’m a big back who has good speed, agility, and versatility"

              -Josh Vaughan

JP: What is your current height/weight, 40 time and 225 bench reps?

JV: 6 feet, 230 and 40 probably 4.6ish range right now. I can get 25 reps.


JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

JV: Right now I’m just training down in Florida, just getting away from all the distractions back home so I can just be focused on bettering myself for my Pro Day.


JP: Are there any players in the NFL you would compare yourself to, or model your game after?

JV: Not off the top of my head, I liked how Fred Taylor runs, and Frank Gore. They’re pretty versatile and I like their running style.


JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

JV: My ability to break tackles, I’m smart, like I know what’s going on on the field, and versatility I believe, being able to run and catch and block.


JP: What area of your game do you think could use the most improvement?

JV: Pass Pro.


JP: Are you happy you waited it out at Richmond behind Tim Hightower?

JV: I believe so, everything happens for a reason. Tim helped pave the way for a guy like me, the 1-AA guys.


JP: Who is the best defensive player you’ve ever faced?

JV: Clint Sintim, he’s a first or second round pick this year in the draft.


JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a shot of playing at the next level?

JV: Lawrence Sidbury, Sherman Logan, hopefully all the guys that graduate this year have a shot. All of us started and contributed to our team’s success a lot, so any of us that left school this year should get a chance.


JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

JV: Probably us winning the national championship this year.


JP: What’s your favorite NFL team?

JV: The Redskins.


JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

JV: Just basically relax, I’m kind of a video game guy, so you know, play video games, and just sleep really.


JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

JV: Because I’m a big back who has good speed, agility, and versatility. You have a person who’s going to work hard and do anything to get on the field and contribute.

Player Interview: Ben Owens

Ben Owens is a productive, athletic, and versatile linebacker from Arkansas State. He was a highly sought after recruit coming out of high school as a threat on both sides of the ball (he also played RB). He could be a high riser as draft day gets closer, and expects to really impress on his pro day on March 31st.


Ben Owens' Career Highlights:
6th-best recruit in Arkansas by SuperPrep ('05)
Special Teams Standout ('05)
34 tackles; 2 sacks; 1 interception as reserve MLB ('06)
1st Career interception vs. Auburn ('06)
96 tackles; 3 TFL ('07)
Honorable Mention All-Sun Belt Conference ('07)
Named to Nagurski & Butkus Award Watch Lists ('08)
Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week ('08)
-vs. Texas A&M, 7 tackles; 1 sack; 1 int; 1 fr
87 tackles; 5 TFL; 2 sacks; 2 interceptions ('08)
2nd Team All-Sun Belt Conference ('08)

"I have tremendous upside and a great attitude"
-Ben Owens



JP: What is your current height/weight, and 40 time?

Owens: 6'2" 240, 4.5.


JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

Owens: I'm training at the All Star Sports facility in Deland, Florida. There were many players here from different parts of the south and the east coast. Some of the schools were: Miami, Florida State, Florida, UCF, UAB, Georgia, Colorado, Lehigh, Boston College, UMass, Hampton, LSU, Iowa State, Concordia, Iona, Delaware State. I'm working on my strength, my acceleration and speed, and my hip flexion. Those are some of the areas I have focused on.


JP: Who is the best RB you've ever played against?

Owens: When we played Texas in 2007, Jamaal Charles.


JP: Are there any players in the NFL you model your game after, or would compare yourself to?

Owens: Patrick Willis, his game is built around his speed and athleticism. He uses those attributes to get him to the ball quicker.


JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

Owens: My intelligence, my speed and athletic ability, my versatility, my willingness to learn, and my attitude.


JP: What are some areas you think you could improve in your game?

Owens: Being more physical ALL the time, playing more consistent.


JP: What kind of experience do you have on special teams, and how do you think you could help a team in that role?

Owens: I have 4 years of experience on special teams. I started on them ever since I was a true freshman. The last two seasons I started on Punt and Kickoff. I love to play them.


JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

Owens: Winning the conference title. Coming back in the second half from 22 point deficit to beat Memphis, our rival.


JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

Owens: Because I'm a hard worker. I take care of my business on and off the field. I feel I have tremendous upside and a great attitude. Also, I learn quickly and I love getting better.


JP: Thanks for your time

Player Interview: Antonio Appleby

Antonio Appleby is a big inside linebacker that has a nose for the ball. Part of the reason he's so appealing to NFL teams right now is the growing popularity of the 3-4 defense. He was a starting ILB for 3 years at Virginia. With him, you get a big, run stuffing ILB who also has enough speed to possibly play on the outside. I listed him as a 4-star performer in this year's Texas vs. the Nation Game and he had a key fumble recovery playing MLB in a 4-3. I expect him to be taken on the 2nd day of the draft. Talking to him you really get the feeling he's an intelligent guy who will do everything he can to reach his great potential.

"I’m a player but I know I stand for more than that"

-Antonio Appleby

Some of his career highlights:

6th-Best recruit in VA by SuperPrep & Scout ('05)

2 starts, led true freshmen in tackles ('05)

10 tackles in Music City Bowl ('05)

Started all 12 games at ILB ('06)

Second on team with 68 tackles ('06)

Started all 13 games at ILB ('07)

60 tackles, 6 TFL, 2 sacks ('07)

Started 11/12 games at ILB ('08)

Career high 72 tackles, 7.5 TFL ('08)

JP: What is your current height/weight?

AA: I’m 6’3” and 245. I should bench in the 20’s.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

AA: Right now I’m training in Orlando with Tom Shaw at the Wide World of Sports, just doing speed and conditioning drills.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you would compare yourself to, or model your game after?

AA: I don’t really model my game after anyone. The person I would relate most to would be James Farrior of the Steelers. We play the same position and in the same defense. I see a lot of my game correlating to how he plays.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

AA: Running the defense, communicating, and getting everybody on the same page. Stopping the run, doing what needs to be done as a Middle Linebacker.

JP: What area of your game do you think could use the most improvement?

AA: I’m working on just making more plays in the passing game, working on my drops, man to man coverage, anything correlating to the passing game.

JP: Would you feel comfortable as an MLB in a 4-3 defense, or would you rather stay as an ILB in a 3-4?

AA: With me I really feel comfortable in either defense. I got a little bit of experience with that at the Texas vs. Nation game in El Paso in January. I’m basically versed in the 3-4 but I feel like I could probably play MLB or WLB in a 4-3, football is football.

JP: Who is the best RB you’ve ever gone against?

AA: I get asked that question a lot, and it’s kind of hard for me to say because I’ve faced so many great running backs. If I had to pick an overall best player I’ve played against it would be Calvin Johnson. He was super gifted, made incredible plays and he was a gamer.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a shot of playing at the next level?

AA: This year we have a long list of guys. Eugene Monroe, Clint Sintim, Kevin Ogletree, John Phillips, Cedric Peerman. Athletically Chris Cook, hopefully Jameel Sewell will get a chance, Will Barker. There’s a long list and we have a pretty good amount of players.

JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

AA: My freshman year we played Florida St. We beat them and they were ranked 3 or 4 in the nation. It was a great experience I’ll never forget. The power went out for a little while; it was just a freak game.

JP: What’s your favorite NFL team?

AA: I don’t really have a favorite NFL team; I just like watching great defenses. The Ravens, the Steelers, Titans, just watching great defenses take over a quarter of a game and just dominate. I’m really more of a fan of great defenses that just dominate.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

AA: We as football players work so hard in my free time, I just kick back and relax, watch TV, do a little reading, video games, anything to get my mind off the grind.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25^th/26^th?

AA: I feel as though I bring a certain level of professionalism to any organization that picks me up. I’m a player but I know I stand for more than that. I represent my family, the organization, the city, and myself. They know they have a man that takes his job seriously, and a person who is not looked upon as just a football player, I’m looked at as a role model and a leader in the community. It’s more than just football.

JP: Thanks for your time.

AA: Thank you

Player Interview: Mike Butler

Mike Butler is a versatile, strong interior OL (he can play RG, LG, and C) that is not getting the kind of attention that a guy with his talent should. He's a tough, smart player and an extremely hard worker. He will work out at Hofstra's Pro Day.

Career Highlights:

JuCo standout ('05-'06)

All MAAC (2007)

No sacks allowed (2008)

Held John Faletoese to 0 tackles/0 sacks (2008)

Iona's Kevin Fales Most Valuable Lineman (2008)

East Coast Bowl Nominee (2008)

"I pride myself on trying to win every rep of every play of every game"   

-Mike Butler

JP: What is your current height/weight, 40 time, and 225 bench reps? 

MB: I am 6' 2, 303 lbs. I run a 4.96 forty time. My 225lb bench press rep max is 37 times.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for your Pro Day?

MB: I have been training at All Star Sports Training down in Paisley Florida. There are about 20 guys here training for the combine and individual pro days. In addition there are also some guys here training that have been playing in the NFL and are currently in the process of hooking on with different teams.

JP: Who is the best DL you've ever faced?

MB: The best Defensive Lineman I have ever faced would have to be John Faletoese from Cal-Davis. He had great speed off the ball and was a very technically sound player.

JP: What NFL player would you compare yourself to?

MB: I would compare myself to Chris Snee from the Giants. I think we are similar in size and the way we play. Hes a great player who always does whatever he has to, to get the job done.

JP: What do you feel are your strengths as a player?

MB: In my opinion my strengths as a player are that I am a strong, aggressive player who is always fighting to win. I pride myself on trying to win every rep of every play of every game. I feel I am a hard nosed player who will do whatever it takes to get the job done and my motor is always running.

JP: What areas in your game do you think you could improve?

MB: Every football player always has room to improve no matter what level they are playing. I feel that an area I could use improvement is, depending more on my technique as a lineman rather then my strength.

JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a chance to play at the next level?

MB: A player that i think has a chance of playing professional ball is Wide receiver Tim Mastrino. I think he was one of, if not the best wide receiver in division 1-AA (FCS) football. You can always depend on him to catch the ball and make a play. If I am blocking and I see the pass is thrown to Tim I know I need to get ready to go down field and make a block.

JP: What's your favorite NFL team?

MB: My favorite team in the NFL is the New York Giants. Growing up in my house my father raised us Giant fans.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

MB: In my spare time off I really just like spending time with my family and friends.

JP: Do you have any plans after football?

MB: I'm not quite sure what I plan on doing after football yet, I love the game so much and am not trying to look past playing it yet. However I would love to open up some kind of training facility of my own and be some kind of strength coach or trainer, because that is something I have a great interest in.

JP: What are some goals you have set for yourself in the near future?

MB: I am taking this all one step at a time. My first goal I have to conquer is to kill my pro day. After that the pieces will fall in place. I am willing to do whatever it takes to play for an NFL team.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

MB: Because I am a coachable offensive lineman who will do whatever I have to. I will never half ass anything and will bring my best effort day in and day out.

JP: Thanks for your time, good luck.

MB: Thank you very much for the opportunity!

Player Interview: John Halman

John Halman is a wide receiver from Concordia College, an NAIA school in Selma, Alabama. He lit up the competition last year, and really stepped up his play in big games. In two games against FCS Schools in 2008 (UT-Martin and Texas Southern), John had 6 receptions for 232 yards (38.7 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns. He is an early entrant into the 2009 NFL Draft, and will be working out at the Troy University Pro Day on March 5th. John Halman is a guy we should definitely keep an eye on in the future. Below are some of his 2008 season highlights:

225+ receiving yards vs. Edward G. Waters College

2 rec; 123 yards; 2 TD vs. Texas Southern

4 rec; 109 yards; 1 TD (83-yards) vs. UT-Martin

47 & 33-yard TD receptions vs. Bethel

900+ receiving yards (10 games)

40+ receptions

Handled kicking duties all season

"I don't compare myself to anybody, I want to be compared as John Halman only"

-John Halman

JP: What is your current height/weight, 40 time, and any other measurables like bench, shuttle, 3 cone, vert, etc?

JH: My current height is 6'2" my weight is 217. 40 time is a 4.44, short shuttle is a 4.1, 3 cone is a 6.9, and 225 reps is 13.

JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

JH: I am training at All Star Sports Training in Paisley,FL.

JP: What made you decide to enter the draft early?

JH: The main reasons were because of my age and I had a very good season.

JP: Are there any players in the NFL you try to model your game after, and who would you compare yourself to?

JH: I try to model my game after Jerry Rice because I think he was a complete player. I don't compare myself to anybody, I want to be compared as John Halman only.

JP:What do you feel like your strengths are as a player?

JH: My strengths as a player would have to be my size, speed, hands, and just the drive to become a better player.

JP: What areas do you think you need to improve?

JH: I think everyone has room for improvement. I also think that every reciever can improve on blocking, so I would say blocking.

JP: Which one of your teammates do you think has a shot at playing somewhere on the next level? 

My quarterback!! Ken Johnson, In my eyes the best QB in college football hands down. Great athlete! Whatever team gives him a shot is going to get a complete QB.

JP: What kind of experience do you have on special teams, and do you think you could help a team in that role?

JH: Most of my special teams experience would be kicking. Kickoff and field goals mainly. I also did punt attack and kickoff return. I think I could definitely help out a team in all these fields.

JP: What's your favorite NFL team?

JH: The team that selects me is my favorite team. However, I grew up a fan of the Cleveland Browns. My mom and dad are from Ohio, and I have a lot of family in Ohio.

JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

JH: In my free time I love to chill out and be with family and friends.


JP: Are there any other sports you have played?

JH: In high school I played soccer, baseball, and ran track.

JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?
 

JH: A team should select me because they will get a player who could play a significant role in making their franchise better. Also, they will have a player who is completely and totally dedicated, getting better, and helping the Team win!

JP: If the NFL for some reason doesn't work out, would you want to play in the CFL or any other professional football leagues?

JH: I wouldn't mind playing in another league at all I just want to play football. The NFL is what I want most though because it is the pinnacle of football.

JP: Thanks for your time, and good luck with everything.

JH: Thank you for the opportunity! What you're doing is a great thing for all athletes.

2008 Highlights (Turn the sound down before you play it, and go to YouTube to watch in High Definition)

Player Interview: Dre'Mail Hardin

I recently had the chance to interview Dre’Mail Hardin, a talented prospect from Stillman College, a Division II school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He transferred there from Mississippi State after his freshman season and has had an extremely productive career, notching 16 interceptions in 32 games. Just talking to him you get the feeling he’s going to be something special at the next level.

"I have the goal of trying to be the best to ever play the game"

-Dre'Mail Hardin

Some awards Hardin has won:
First Team All SIAC (2008)

Honorable Mention All-American (2008)
First-Team Preseason All-SIAC (2008)
First-Team All-SIAC (2007)

SIAC Player of the Year Finalist (2007)

D2Football.com All-America (2007)


JP: What is your current height/weight/40 time?

DH: My height, weight is 6’ ¾” 206; I ran a 4.6 at my pro day last year, and I recently benched 225 19 or 20 times. I’m going to work out March 8th at the Alabama pro day with Sammie Lee Hill.


JP: How are you getting physically prepared for the draft?

DH: I’m training at Velocity Sports in Memphis, TN with Rob Weatherly. I’m working out with Phillip from Memphis, Rob, he played in the AFL, Jeremy LeSueur out of Michigan, he was a 3rd rounder a couple years back, and a LB from Miami, he’s been out a year.


JP: Are there any players in the NFL you would compare yourself to?

DH: Brian Dawkins. I love the way Ed Reed plays but I play more like Brian Dawkins.


JP: What are your strengths as a player?

DH: Being physical, hitting, tackling, good angles, I like to think of myself as a ballhawk.


JP: What areas do you think you could improve?

DH: Being on an island. Sometimes I played a little corner at Stillman. Right now I’m working on playing 10 yards back, out of the box. In college I did a lot of tackling.


JP: Who is the best WR you’ve ever faced?

DH: It has to be Jacoby Jones, or Chad Jackson, who played at Hoover when I was in high school.


JP: Who are some of your teammates that you think have a shot at playing in the NFL?

DH: Quinn Porter he’s been a TB, he’ll probably be more like a WR or H-Back in the league. Darren Mack, he’s a linebacker. Oliver Wells, a DB, he’s pretty good. He’s coming along. He played as a true freshman last year.


JP: What kind of experience do you have on special teams, and do you think you could help a team in that role?

DH: Definitely, I blocked 6 or 7 kicks last year; I think I played a big role on special teams. I definitely could help a team there and I love playing special teams. A lot of people have a tendency to take those off but I loved those. I played on every special team in college.


JP: What is the greatest moment of your athletic career?

DH: It would probably have to be HS when we beat County High 17-0, it was our archrival and they had Le’Ron McClain. I had some good times at Stillman. I returned a 102-yard interception against Miles College my Junior Year. We played Lane in St. Louis and I had 2 interceptions and double-digit tackles, I returned a blocked FG for 100 yards and at the end of the game I had a game saving interception. High school was probably the best one though because I played both ways, I played WR and TB. I returned a kick for 40 or 50 yards against County High. In college I didn’t play any offense.


JP: What’s your favorite NFL team?

DH: Oakland Raiders, they always had some of my favorite players. I kind of picked that up from my dad when I was little. They had Rod & Charles Woodson. I loved the players. They were the original bad boys, I loved the way they played the game, and they were nasty with it.


JP: What do you like to do in your free time?

DH: I have a little girl now so I love playing with her; I play a lot of poker and house games, play on the Internet sometimes. And I do a lot of bowling; I bowl 3 times a week, and Xbox 360. My tag is Mel18free, because that’s my nickname and my position.


JP: Do you have any plans after football?

DH: Well I’m in the middle of trying to own my own recreation center. I want to own one and maybe run that after football. I want to own a couple apartment complexes but mainly it would be my recreation center for kids.


JP: Why should a team take you on April 25th/26th?

DH: I think my biggest thing is physical ability. I don’t have the goal of making it to the NFL, I have the goal of making it to the Pro Bowl. I have the goal of trying to be the best to ever play the game. My play is going to determine how much I love the game. I’ll be loyal to the team, I love X’s and O’s and studying. It’s also how much of a person I am off the field. I could help in multiple ways. I’m loyal, determined, and a hard worker.


Dre'Mail Hardin's Official Website


2007 Highlights


2008 Highlights