FFLiveWire Exclusive Interview with Ervin Baldwin

Michigan State defensive end Ervin Baldwin took the time to talk to FFLiveWire's Luke Nicholson aboutis college career, his versatility, and the top notch offensive tackles he has faced.

 

 

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

Ervin Baldwin: My mother is my biggest role model. She made sacrifices for the entire family, and always made sure my sister and I had an opportunity to succeed. She taught me to work hard and always respect other people.

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

Ervin Baldwin: Picking off Brady Quinn in the 2006 Notre Dame game and returning it for a touchdown. I think it showed that I can drop back in coverage and make plays - that's important if I'm asked to pick my hand up and play some OLB.

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?

Ervin Baldwin: I played basketball all four years and started for three years at power forward. I think power forward helped me with my footwork, I had a killer drop step! I was a pretty good rebounder because of my anticipation, and I think that helps me with recognizing plays on the football field. I also played tight end and a little linebacker on my high school football team.

Luke Nicholson: Are scouts planning to work you out at outside linebacker, as well as defensive end? How do you feel about the possibility of a position change?

Ervin Baldwin: I got a lot questions about playing OLB when I was at the Texas v. Nation game. After watching me practice all week, a lot of scouts told me that I am quick enough to play outside linebacker. I feel like I am definitely quick enough to play OLB - I feel like my change of direction is good and I'm looking forward to showing what I can do at my pro day.

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

Ervin Baldwin: Jake Long - he had good size and quickness. I felt like I held my own against him though –

 

Luke Nicholson: How has playing with Ogemdi Nwagbuo helped your development and do you see a future in the NFL for your teammate?

Ervin Baldwin: We both have a really good work ethic, so it was good to have him around. I feel like he has a bright future in the league.

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

Ervin Baldwin: Super speed and quickness - I feel like I'm pretty fast and quick, but I would love to have even more.

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

Ervin Baldwin: Continue to get stronger. I've gotten much stronger even since the end of the season.

Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?

Ervin Baldwin: Osi Umenyiora

Luke Nicholson: If someone decided to make a movie about your life, what actor would play you and what would the movie be titled?

Ervin Baldwin: Jamie Foxx - and it would be call Against All Odds.

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

Ervin Baldwin: Working with Coach Robert Stephens and Coach Reggie Ball at Impact Sports in Atlanta. I'm also working with Chuck Smith at Defensive Line University.

Luke Nicholson: Which teams have expressed interest in you at this point?

Ervin Baldwin: I'm visiting the Bears next month. I've also gotten interest from the Jets, San Francisco, Eagles, Patriots, Saints, Seahawks, Rams, Chiefs, Colts and Jaguars when I was at the Texas v. Nation game.

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

Ervin Baldwin: Not really. I feel like I can contribute anywhere.

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

Ervin Baldwin: I would say a cat - Tiger. Because I'm quick and strong.

Luke Nicholson: Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies?

I'm picking up golf right now. I think I'm addicted!

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

Ervin Baldwin: I'm definitely a character guy, competitive, smart, got a great motor, I'm versatile - I played a lot of right defensive end, faced some of the best tackles in the country and was successful - I racked up 8.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss while facing tackles like Jake Long, Kirk Barton, Jeff Otah, Gosder Cherilus, Eric Vanden Heuvel and Kory Lichtenstieger. I was also strong enough to play nose tackle in our 30 defense package - I took on a lot of double teams and had sacks and tackles for loss out of that position too.

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

Ervin Baldwin: I'm interested in real estate development and youth mentoring.

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

Ervin Baldwin: I like to play chess. I like the strategy.

Luke Nicholson: If you could sack any NFL quarterback, who would you choose? Why?

Ervin Baldwin: Peyton Manning because of his quick release and he's a smart player. If I get him it means that I got there quick.

Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Ervin Baldwin hits harder than…

Ervin Baldwin: Ask Matt Ryan.

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

 

 

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