Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Luke and Rocco's 1st Round Mock Draft
Luke Nicholson and Rocco Cremonese alternate draft slots to bring you their first mock draft of 2008. Rocco drafted for the odd slotted teams, while Luke selected for the even slotted teams. This mock is the preview for the duo's later mock draft, loaded with commentary and alternate selections, which will hit FFLiveWire closer to draft day. Until then, feel free to offer your thoughts, constructive criticism, and critiques.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Matthew Mulligan
Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Matthew Mulligan: My biggest role model would by my parents. They have guided me and taken care of me my entire life.
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Matthew Mulligan: My greatest football moment to date is playing in the Texas vs. the Nation game in El Paso, Texas. I met a lot of cool guys and got to play against a lot of the top competition in the country.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a situation in your past where you overcame adversity? How did you do it and how has it made you a better person?
Matthew Mulligan: The biggest adversity for me is overcoming not playing football until I was a sophomore in college, which was at a D3 school, and then transferring to a D1 school and having to learn how to play the game at a really high level.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Matthew Mulligan: I didn't play football in high school, so I played soccer and basketball. I feel like soccer helped me with my feet, being able to move well and basketball helped me with catching. I just think about going up for a rebound every time the ball is thrown to me.
Luke Nicholson: What led to your decision to transfer from Husson College to Maine before the 2005 season?
Matthew Mulligan: Like I said earlier, I transferred from Husson to Maine because I wanted to challenge myself more after playing a year of D3 football.
Luke Nicholson: Under what word would your picture be found in the dictionary?
Matthew Mulligan: Nasty, because when I’m on the field I have a nasty mentality when blocking and when I catch the ball I just look to run someone over.
Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Matthew Mulligan: The best player I've ever faced would be in practice almost everyday my junior year. Mike DeVito. He plays for the Jets now.
Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?
Matthew Mulligan: The super power I would like to have would be super human strength like the Hulk.
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?
Matthew Mulligan: There isn't just one thing to make me a better player I always have something to get better at, but if I had to chose one it would running smoother routes.
Luke Nicholson: What’s your favorite way to relax?
Matthew Mulligan: My favorite way to relax is going to my parents’ house in Enfield, Maine and just riding the four-wheelers, fishing or hunting.
Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?
Matthew Mulligan: My game most resembles Kyle Brady, former tightened of the Patriots.
Luke Nicholson: When is your Pro Day and what are you doing to prepare for your it?
Matthew Mulligan: My Pro Day is on March 19th and I am preparing for it by training with Dave Cusano on the running aspect and doing the lifting on my own.
Luke Nicholson: Which teams have expressed interest in you at this point?
Matthew Mulligan: There are a lot of teams that have expressed interest in me up until this point. I just have to do my best on Pro Day and not disappoint.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Matthew Mulligan: I would say I’m a dog because I don't back down from anyone.
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other tight ends in this draft?
Matthew Mulligan: NFL teams should select me over other tight ends because I will always work hard I will never give up, I’m a solid blocker with good hands and if they tell me to do something you can bet I am going to do it to the best of my ability and stop until I do it perfectly.
Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?
Matthew Mulligan: My plans are to just get to a camp and give it 100 percent, do anything to make it on a team and hopefully stay for many years.
Luke Nicholson: If you could catch a pass from any NFL quarterback, who would you choose? Why?
Matthew Mulligan: I would like to catch a pass from Tony Romo, because he knows how important the tight end position is and he takes care of us.
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Matthew Mulligan's hands are softer than…
Matthew Mulligan: rabbit fur.
Luke Nicholson: Thank you for your time, Matthew. The staff at FFLiveWire wishes you the best of luck in all of your NFL endeavors.
FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Justin Beaver
Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Justin Beaver: My grandparents are my biggest role models because they have been through so much, and worked so hard for what they have. It has been an honor to be partially raised by such amazing people.
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Justin Beaver: There are so many to chose from, but if I had to choose one, it would be winning the national title in 07’ after being there and losing in 05’ and 06’.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a situation in your past where you overcame adversity? How did you do it and how has it made you a better person?
Justin Beaver: There have been many situations where I have overcome adversity. Losing my father right before the start of my senior year of high school was the most difficult time of my life. Waking up at 3 in the morning to hear those words that somebody I loved has died will never leave my memory. In my opinion most people that lost their father and had no idea where there mother was would have taken a dive for the worst. I looked at the situation as a challenge, knowing I would never be faced with a more difficult situation, and if I could find a way to bounce back from the death of my father, other life’s obstacles would come easy. I surrounded myself with amazing friends, and a very supportive family and decided to live my life to honor my father and make his dreams for me come true. Working through such adversity at a young age allowed me to develop a never give up attitude. It has also helped me understand how short life can be and to live each day to its fullest. Most importantly the dramatic experience has allowed me to be a role model and help other people understand the importance of life.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Justin Beaver: All the sports I played in high school were to get better for football. I played basketball and ran track to increase my speed and quickness. After practice each day I also took time to lift weights 3 nights a week. Being a three sport athlete has helped me gain speed, agility, how to lead a team, and most importantly how to react to pressure situations. I’m very thankful to have had such a great football coach to push me into playing other sports besides football.
Luke Nicholson: Under what word would your picture be found in the dictionary?
Justin Beaver: Humble
Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Justin Beaver: Besides the great players on my own team, I would have to say a linebacker from Mary Hardin-Baylor named Jerrell Freeman.
Luke Nicholson: How has playing with Danny Jones helped your development and do you see a future in the NFL for your teammate?
Justin Beaver: Danny helped my development as a football player before the season even started. When he moved here from California we ended up living right next to each other, so I had the chance to run routes during the summer out of the backfield and out of the slot. I have talked to Danny many times about pursuing the NFL dream but he has decided to finish school and maybe coach 08’.
Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?
Justin Beaver: I would pick the power to heal. I hate seeing people hurt. It would be nice to have to ability to heal people’s physical and emotional pains.
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?
Justin Beaver: Being an “undersized” back I feel it’s a challenge to be a superior pass blocker. I am a perfectionist so I do different drills to become the best pass blocker I can be.
Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?
Justin Beaver: Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson
Luke Nicholson: If someone decided to make a movie about your life, what actor would play you and what would the movie be titled?
Justin Beaver: Chad Michael Murray - HEART
Luke Nicholson: Explain your thoughts on your Pro Day performance.
Justin Beaver: My Pro Day went well and it shows that hard work and dedication pays off. I’ve been asked a number of times if I was surprised to have run such great times. My answer is no, because I knew coming out of college that if I got a chance to show my speed and agility I would compare to backs at the Division 1 level. Thankfully I got one chance and that’s what I did.
Luke Nicholson: Which NFL teams attended your Pro Day and which showed interest in you particularly?
Justin Beaver: There were approximately 15 NFL teams represented at the pro day. The teams that paid particular attention to me were the Packers, Ravens, Colts and Patriots.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a specific team you hope to play for?
Justin Beaver: It’s been my dream to play on a NFL team since I can remember. I want to make a team better; I’m not picky about what team it is.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Justin Beaver: This is the best question so far. If I had to pick I would say a dog because they can be taught new things and respond well to people.
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other running backs in this draft?
Justin Beaver: Because my love for the game along with my heart and determination. It may not be impossible to find a running back that put himself through college while playing the game he loves without scholarships. But it will be impossible to find those same traits in a person who worked so hard and is ranked #1 and #3 in Division III in rushing yards in a season, along with being 11th all time in rushing yards in a career in all divisions. My pro day numbers aren’t too bad either.
Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?
Justin Beaver: I will graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater to become a physical education teacher with a minor in special education. I would love to teach at the high school or elementary level and also coach football, basketball, and track.
Luke Nicholson: If you could run behind any NFL fullback, who would you choose? Why?
Justin Beaver: There are many skilled fullbacks in the NFL but after watching Tony Richardson in his many years as a NFL fullback I have great confidence in him. He has also blocked for many great running backs such as Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Chester Taylor to name a few.
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Justin Beaver is faster than…
Justin Beaver: A high percentage of the running backs in the 2008 draft.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a better running back or kick returner? Do you believe you can excel in both roles at the NFL level?
Justin Beaver: I feel very comfortable at both running back and kick returner as well as returning punts and being a gunner on the punt team. I strongly believe I can excel at many roles. Like I have said before, it’s always my goal to outwork, which has always lead to a great performance and until hard work stops paying off I will always perform.
Luke Nicholson: Thank you for your time, Justin. The staff at FFLiveWire wishes you the best of luck in all of your NFL endeavors.
Monday, March 10, 2008
FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Taylor Mehlhaff
Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Taylor Mehlhaff: Probably both of my parents...I’ve always looked up to the both of them and wanted to be successful for them.
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Taylor Mehlhaff: When we beat Michigan at home in a night game my sophomore year. The atmosphere in our stadium was unbelievable that night and I had 3 big field goals to go along with our win.
Luke Nicholson: During your career at Wisconsin, what did your typical day during football season consist of?
Taylor Mehlhaff: Because I'm graduating in 4 years, a lot of classes in the morning. A few days a week we would have real early morning lifts. Meetings would start around 2:30pm, practice around 4:30pm, and than training table 7:30pm. You normally wouldn't get home until 8:30 every night.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Taylor Mehlhaff: I played football, hockey, baseball, and track in high school. I was always looked up to as a leader on the team. I'm a very competitive person and I like when the team needs to look to me or rely on me to get the job done. I think I developed a great work ethic by balancing all of those sports throughout H.S.
Luke Nicholson: What did you gain from your experience at the East-West Shrine Game and what did you learn from Dick Vermeil?
Taylor Mehlhaff: One of the things Coach Vermeil stressed was, "A career in the NFL is very fragile, treat it with great respect." I think the Shrine game was kind of an intro into what coaching at the next level is like. The coaches took it upon themselves to get you ready and to let you know what will be expected of yourself at the next level.
Luke Nicholson: How has playing with Ken DeBauche helped your development and do you see a future in the NFL for your teammate?
Taylor Mehlhaff: First off, Kenny and I are great friends outside of football as well. We're always there to help each other out and are the first to congratulate each other coming off the field. It's been great having him around. Our whole specialist unit was great. We had so much fun over those 4 years. I definitely think he has a future in the NFL.
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?
Taylor Mehlhaff: Because of my leg strength on kickoffs and my ability to put it into the endzone, I really haven't had to do a whole lot of directional kickoffs in my career. That is something I will need to continue to work on and improve upon.
Luke Nicholson: What are you doing to prepare for the NFL Combine?
Taylor Mehlhaff: Well now that the combine's over, I was just working out and kicking, trying to get into the best shape possible to do my best at the combine. I’m finishing up my last 12 credits of my major as well. I will graduate this May.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Taylor Mehlhaff: I have no idea. They asked us this question on one of the psychological tests.
Luke Nicholson: Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies?
Taylor Mehlhaff: I’m from South Dakota, so I grew up doing a lot of pheasant hunting. I also like being out at the lake and just relaxing in the summer.
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other kickers in this draft?
Taylor Mehlhaff: When you look at field goals, many of the top kickers are very similar field goal wise. What really separates the guys is your ability to kickoff. I really believe I have the top kickoff leg in this draft class. 36% of my KO's went for TB's this year. Being an all-around athlete, I also think I have the mental toughness over a lot of these guys. I really think I still have a lot of room to improve as well.
Luke Nicholson: Which NFL kickers do you think you could beat out for a job?
Taylor Mehlhaff: I've never seen anyone in the NFL kick in person, so I have no idea.
Luke Nicholson: How did you get into kicking?
Taylor Mehlhaff: I grew up playing soccer as a kid and just felt natural kicking a football.
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Taylor Mehlhaff’s leg is stronger than…
Taylor Mehlhaff: Taylor Mehlhaff's left leg is stronger than....his right!
Luke Nicholson: Thank you for your time, Taylor. The staff at FFLiveWire wishes you the best of luck in all of your NFL endeavors.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Jake Allen
Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Jake Allen: My biggest role model is Maurice Glover. He's from my neighborhood. He showed by how a man can make it through trials and tribulations and turn your whole life around by just only having faith in God!
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Jake Allen: My greatest football moment to date is the game I broke the most receiving yards record and they announced it and the crowd cheered.
Luke Nicholson: During your career at Mississippi College, what did your typical day during football season consist of?
Jake Allen: My typical day during football season was class, sleep, hard practices, and talk to people about the good things that is happening at MC.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Jake Allen: In high school I played football and basketball, tennis, and baseball. These sports kept me active and out of trouble.
Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Jake Allen: The best player that I faced in my football career was Jerrell Freeman from Mary-Hardin Baylor. He was one the fastest linebackers I had to face.
Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?
Jake Allen: One super power I wish I could have would be the power of life because there are a few people I wish could be able to see me advance in life, particular my Uncle Marvin Lee (Big Hoop).
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?
Jake Allen: One thing I need to work on to succeed on the NFL level is to increase my acceleration.
Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?
Jake Allen: The NFL player I think my game resembles is Plaxico Burress for the NY Giants because I think we are both big targets and make things happen on the field.
Luke Nicholson: If someone decided to make a movie about your life, what actor would play you and what would the movie be titled?
Jake Allen: One actor that I think that would play my role in a movie would be Chris Tucker. I think the movie would be titled "Never Give Up on Your Dreams."
Luke Nicholson: What are you doing to prepare for your Pro Day?
Jake Allen: To prepare myself for Pro Day, I work out at with Velocity Sports and do a little bit of training on my own.
Luke Nicholson: Which teams have expressed interest in you at this point?
Jake Allen: Green Bay Packers, Cleveland Browns, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys have showed interest in me.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a specific team you hope to play for?
Jake Allen: I would play for any team, but if I had to choose it would be a team down south just so I can be closer to home.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Jake Allen: I'm a dog because I’m always the cat!!! I'm always holding it down for my territory!!
Luke Nicholson: Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies?
Jake Allen: Outside of football my hobbies are recording in the studio, shopping for L.R.G. and spending time with my little boy. He is what keeps me going sometimes.
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other wide receivers in this draft?
Jake Allen: I feel that other teams should select me over other wide receivers in this draft because of my love for the game and why and how I play. I am a team player who never thought it was all about me. I am a dependable player and a dependable person.
Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?
Jake Allen: My plans for my career after football would be to start my own youth camp, record label, etc.
Luke Nicholson: If you could catch a pass from any NFL quarterback, who would you choose? Why?
Jake Allen: If I could choose any quarterback to catch a pass from that's a NFL player, it would be Brett Favre because they say he throws the hardest pass and I want to catch one to see just how hard it is.
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Jake Allen's hands are softer than…
Jake Allen: Jake Allen’s are softer than a baby's bottom when first born!!
Luke Nicholson: Thank you for your time, Jake. The staff at FFLiveWire wishes you the best of luck in all of your NFL endeavors.
Jake Allen: Thank you!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Mark Nicolet
Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Mark Nicolet: My parents. My mom and dad are my rocks, always supporting and challenging me. They are both focused, but also have found in balance. I'm so often encouraged by their examples.
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Mark Nicolet: The journey of this past season. Establishing a confidence and rhythm for several weeks in a row.
Luke Nicholson: During your career at Hillsdale, what did your typical day during football season consist of?
Mark Nicolet: Breakfast and time in the Bible in the early morning. Class in the morning. Lunch and preparation for practice. Film study. Practice and then dinner. Hit the books before returning to film study around 9. In bed between 11 and 12.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Mark Nicolet: Baseball, Basketball, and Football. I caught in baseball and that allowed me to play quarterback, calling pitches, being aware of the batter, recognizing situations, being able to think ahead. And basketball, finding ways to lead the team because I wasn't a big time scorer.
Luke Nicholson: What did you gain from your experience at the Cactus Bowl?
Mark Nicolet: Motivation to continue to press forward. I wasn't the biggest or fastest but I felt like I prepared mentally more than anyone prior the game. Realizing how much I love the competition and want to continue playing.
Luke Nicholson: In addition to quarterback, are scouts planning to work you out at any other positions? How do you feel about the possibility of a position change?
Mark Nicolet: I'm not planning on working out at any other positions.
Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Mark Nicolet: Jon Digiorgio from Saginaw Valley State now playing for the Buffalo Bills. He had "It."
Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?
Mark Nicolet: Power of Deep and Great Memory
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to make the transition from a Division II school to the NFL level?
Mark Nicolet: Continue to work on speed in/out of the pocket. Being able to make all the throws at different angles. Understanding the in/outs of each play as I knew the Hillsdale offense.
Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?
Mark Nicolet: I would love to say a combination of Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. I love the way those guys are thinking out there. Brady's leadership in second to none and his poise. Manning understands everyone's job, he knows the defense. He knows what to do even when it goes bad.
Luke Nicholson: What are you doing to prepare for your Pro Day?
Mark Nicolet: Eastern Michigan March 6th, Central Michigan March 10th.
Luke Nicholson: Which teams have expressed interest in you at this point?
Mark Nicolet: It is very unknown. They ask questions but they never really let you know.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Mark Nicolet: Dog: Focused, Leader, Hard worker, intense
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other quarterbacks in this draft?
Mark Nicolet: Intangibles - willing to pay the price not just short term but over the long term.
Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?
Mark Nicolet: Graduate school / coaching
Luke Nicholson: If you could throw a pass to any NFL wide receiver, who would you choose? Why?
Mark Nicolet: Post to Harrison or Fade Stop to Reggie Wayne
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Mark Nicolet's arm is stronger than…
Mark Nicolet: Mark Nicolet's arm is strong, his release is high, and he is very accurate.
Luke Nicholson: Thank you for your time, Mark. The staff at FFLiveWire wishes you the best of luck in all of your NFL endeavors.
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