Monday, February 18, 2008

FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Ryan Poles

Boston College offesnive guard Ryan Poles sat down and answered some questions with FFLiveWire's Luke Nicholson about his collegiate career, professional aspirations, and his Achilles injury.






Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?


Ryan Poles: My father has a lot of knowledge in the game of football, as well as life. He gave me the quote, "You got to go thru something to be something." I live by that especially now because these minor set backs just build character, as well as make you a stronger person.


Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?


Ryan Poles: Clemson in 2006, winning at home in double over-time, pulling and having L.V. Whitworth follow me in for the game winning touchdown.



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?


Ryan Poles: Basketball helped my footwork, as well as athletic ability.


Luke Nicholson: How is you Achilles injury and are you afraid that it will cause some scouts to overlook you?


Ryan Poles: The injury is healing extremely fast and well. I'm already jogging and doing plyometrics close to full speed. I have one of the best doctors looking over my injury in Dr. Andrew out of Alabama, as well as great rehab people within the Competitive Edge Sports facility.


Luke Nicholson: What role did you play after you suffered the injury and could no longer help the team by being on the field?


Ryan Poles: I just tried to be a supporter and help scout the defensive personal for my Offensive Lineman.


Luke Nicholson: Are scouts planning to work you out at offensive tackle, as well as guard? How do you feel about the possibility of a position change?


Ryan Poles: I will play any position a team wants. Actually, when I couldn't move much because of the injury, I practiced the center position with shotgun snaps and under center snaps. All position are similar just each has a little obstacle you have to over come like being in space as a tackle, getting movement on a 350 pound DT as a guard, and punching a NG whose lined up on your snap hand as a center. I'm willing and able to play any position on the line.



Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?


Ryan Poles: B.J. Raji on my own team was the best DT I have ever faced. He's made me better. Tank Tyler of NC State is another.


Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?


Ryan Poles: Super strength, as an offensive lineman my job would be easy to move people.


Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?


Ryan Poles: Strength. I feel like I have great feet and athletic ability, but I think if I can get really strong over the next few years, I could be a dominate offensive lineman in the NFL.


Luke Nicholson: What are you doing to prepare for your Pro Day?


Ryan Poles: In Atlanta, training with Chip Smith and Robby Stewart at Competitive Edge Sports.



Luke Nicholson: Is there a specific team you hope to play for?


Ryan Poles: Any team that gives me an opportunity because that's all I need.


Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?


Ryan Poles: Most people want to say dog, but if you take time to think about this question it's definitely a cat. Quick, Smart, Independent, plus they can get mean as hell.


Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other guards in this draft?


Ryan Poles: From Boston College, proven through history to have successful offensive lineman, we are taught to be smart but to carry a nasty attitude at all times while on the field.


Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?


Ryan Poles: Coach or get into marketing.



Luke Nicholson: What is something unique about you that most people don't know?


Ryan Poles: I love to grill, as well as come up with new inventions.


Luke Nicholson: If you block for any NFL running back, who would you choose? Why?


Ryan Poles: Adrian Peterson, hardest running back I have ever seen. I respect running backs like that and it would be a pleasure to block for a running back who will eventually be the best running back of all time.


Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Ryan Poles is tougher than…


Ryan Poles: Any obstacle that comes his way.


Luke Nicholson: Thank you for your time, Ryan. The staff at FFLiveWire wishes you the best of luck in all of your NFL endeavors.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Ryan is a buddy of mine and is a total class act. The team that drafts him will be lucky to have such a quality football player with quality character.

 
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