Quote:[table border=\\\'0\\\' align=\\\'center\\\' width=\\\'95%\\\' cellpadding=\\\'3\\\' cellspacing=\\\'1\\\' id=\\\'QUOTE-WRAP\\\'][tr][td]QUOTE [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\\\'QUOTE\\\'][!--QuoteEBegin--]SS: As the consensus 1oa pick how does it feel to have this much hype building around you?  Some are calling you the best prospect they have scouted in decades.
BI: I'm going to be honest with you, I don't feel that way at all. I keep seeing you guys say it, but I think I'm far from the consensus first overall. There's a lot of really talented guys in this class and there is potential and upside in every corner you look. There are guys out there who are better than me for sure. I've never once felt the hype as you put it because I don't believe it. Every team has different needs. Every team has different desires. We even have some new GMs in the league this season and they may be looking for something else entirely. I mean I don't know why they'd look anywhere but Bjørn. Crushing the tiny man wins games and Bjørn is great at crushing the tiny man. Still, you can never get a read on these things until they happen. I think there will be a lot of surprises in this draft because you can never truly guess what anyone's priorities are and those priorities can easily change on the fly in the middle of the action. For me, its all just noise right now. We'll see how it plays out on draft day.

SS: I think many will be surprised if your name is not called first, but understand the caution to embrace the hype train.
When the rosters shook out for the Prospect Bowl many thought that the Tropics had the deepest roster and were a surefire thing in the championship. Can you give some insight on what came unraveled to cause such a disappointing Prospect bowl for your squad?
BI: I absolutely loved my teammates. We had some solid guys on the roster and I enjoyed being around them. Our locker room felt good and being on the field felt good. Our defense was absolutely dominant throughout and I felt like the squad came together on that end. Then I feel like everyone on the other side tried to make it happen for us, but at the end of the day it all came down to one thing. Gimmy fucking Jaroppolo. That dude must be colorblind or something because I'm pretty sure he threw more balls to the other team in the Prospect Bowl than ours. Despite the best effort from the guys out there, its hard to compete when you have the unquestioned worst quarterback in the competition. P.S. Fuck Gimmy.

SS: Strong words about a player beloved by fans league wide.
What do you hope to accomplish in the upcoming season. Football is a team sport but you must have some personal goals set for yourself?
And do you recommend opponents this year to bring their tiny kids to the games?
BI: Honestly I've always just wanted to win. That's my goal. It may be crazy talk since I don't even know what team I'm going to, but I hope I'm going to one who can utilize my skill sets and I can help them win a title. At the end of the day, statistics are just numbers on a piece of paper. They don't really mean much in the grand scheme of things. I prefer to look at the number in the win column and actually be able to count my success in hardware. Whatever my team needs from me, I'm going to do it. Hopefully at the end of the year we'll be in the thick of the championship race. Its all I can really ask for.
And kids? I absolutely love the tiny humans! Its tiny men that should be crushed. Who would we play for if it weren't for legions of tiny humans coming up as fans? Bjørn is always happy to help the tiny humans out and give them a show. They're great. They also like to see Bjørn crush the tiny man.

SS: Last question for you Bjorn. With Norfolk holding the first overall pick, you have threatened to holdout. Is that something you plan to stick to if selected by the SeaWolves?
BI: As I've said before, I have faith in Sandwich Admiral Nylar. I was initially enamored by the GM for the Sandwich SeaWolves because he had a good head on his shoulders. The man knows whats important. I've given him my terms. If the Sandwich SeaWolves were to pick me at any point in the draft, first or not, I am sure that the Sandwich Admiral will have the tacos ready to ship to me. A holdout will not be necessary.

Quote:SS: As a running back that had a steady if unremarkable round-robin stage, you exploded in your two playoff games with what some are calling some of the best Prospect Bowl performances they have seen by a running back. Do you feel like gain an edge in big games or big moments and if so why?
MH: I think so, yeah. I think after getting a few games in on the field, I got back into my rhythm in time for the playoffs and played the best I could. That was the time to leave it all on the field, and I feel like I did exactly that.

SS: With your two iconic games, you have placed yourself squarely in the middle of most experts 1st round mocks. What do you say to your sudden rise in draft stock?
MH: It's been kind of crazy, honestly. A lot of people said to me, back when I was in high school and college, one game can change your life. I truly understand that now. I didn't really understand what that meant until those two games.

SS: With the possibility of landing on an expansion team that is finding its legs in the DSFL, what you can bring on and off the field to a new lockeroom? (last one, thank you so much for your time)
locker room
MH: I bring competitiveness and a drive to succeed, I want both myself and everyone around me to get better. Cause we're a team, right? So let's work like a team and all get better day by day, week by week.

Quote:SS: With the end of the Prospect Bowl, experts everywhere are rocketing you up their draft boards. Many are predicting you to be a top 3 pick in this draft. What do you think you displayed in the Prospect Bowl that you might not have before to have your stock rise so fast?
TB: Well you know, I got a few sacks out there but I think I impressed people by showing how hard I was working. We ran a lot of 3-4 with me at nose tackle and I was still giving everything til the end of the game when most guys my size start getting gassed. It's the work ethic, I think, that could make me stand out a bit.

SS: You motor was on display, that is for certain. What would you say to critics that question your off the field issues, namely the speculations of your recent arrest? And what would you say to a potential GM looking to draft you?
TB: Man that was a single event, I wouldn't call that "off the field issues". You know how it is, lots of guys get into a fight here and there but it don't make the news cause they ain't in my position, right? I've seen way worse plenty of times but nobody cared. I mean I didn't even spend the night in jail, I wasn't charged with anything, and the other guy and I worked it out. I think that's a positive for me, that we were able to handle that issue with no further problems. And as to what I'd say to a GM looking to draft me, if they asked me about this, I'd tell them what I just said. It's a non-issue.

SS:Experts were in agreement that you played out of position at Nose Tackle this Prospect Bowl, with most envisioning you as a prototypical 3-Tech with your elite off the ball quickness. I think we can all agree that you performed admirably at Nose Tackle. That being said were do you see your best fit at the next level?
TB: I mean if I have somebody solid next to me on defensive tackle, then the world opens up. We can run pretty much every defense on the line. If there's no solid DT at my side, I'm comfortable running a primarily 3-tech and it would probably be better than relying on a weak partner. I'm a quick guy for my size, I believe I could also shift into an edge position and put a lot of pressure on, although I might have to drop a few pounds before the season to get a bit more speed on the edge. I'm adaptable, and I'm willing to change my focus a bit to make the right fit for my team - as long as I'm able to focus on what I do best: putting pressure on the quarterback and hitting him, or at least making him fuck up when he sees me comin'.

Quote:SS: On a team loaded with defensive talent, experts are saying that you were the key to the championship. Your versatility as a linebacker allowed you to line up all over the field. Do you think you can continue this versatility in the DSFL or will you focus on one roll?
NG: I'm planning on doing what my team wants me to do cause I'm a team player but my versatility is my bread and butter so i believe I'll be real successful if I kept in a similar role.

SS: How do you think you stack up against your fellow LB prospect? What many thought to be a weak draft class ended up being one of the deepest positions available in this years draft.
NG: Alot of talent in this class for sure but I think my coverage and speed sets me apart from this draft class

SS: I don't think anyone would question that.  Many people have been wondering.....Is Net Gaines your legal name?
NG: Well my birth name is actually Nathaniel but early on I got the nickname Net. By the way dont ever call me Nathaniel cause that's a lame name

Quote:SS: As arguably the most explosive receiving threat throughout the Prospect Bowl how do you think your success will translate to the DSFL?
JW: It's high praise being labeled the most explosive threat through the PB. I think my teammate from the Cobras, Jesse Jackson, should be considered for that title instead. He can really put on the jets and kick it into high gear, and he's much faster than me at this point in our careers. Regardless, I think that having a 100 yard game in the Prospect Bowl Championship and having two 90 date=]SS: While you had a rather pedestrian FCS career, your youtube stardom has given you a shot to be drafted in the DSFL. What do you say to those that doubt your ability to succeed in this game?
ZH: I just want to say look at what I did against the other prospects in this years draft. I was the only TE to get into the endzone throughout the prospect bowl and that doesn't just happen by accident. I've shown the ability to make catches over top defenders and don't plan on slowing down any.

SS: Despite only putting up 70 yards in 9 games, it does not seem to have stopped GM's from pushing you up their draft boards. Obviously the league is enamored with your potential and athleticism, do you think you are worth a first-round flyer. And if so why?
ZH: Obviously I think I'm worth a 1st round pick, if you don't believe in your own ability no one will. I may have only had 70 yards but look at the defenses being run. The big name WRs only had to beat 1 guy on the outside. I was running slants and curls in the middle of the field around some of the best LBs in the game. I put up better number than any TE while also fighting off the stars of Ammons, Gaines, and Chico.

SS:  It seems you and Thudd Kassel have developed a friendship over the course of the prospect bowl. How did that come about and what do you think of his supposed hold out if you two are not drafted to the same team?
ZH: It all started after the championship game. We finally had time to sit back and talk. We both see eye to eye on a lot of subjects one of which being how rookies are represented, which is non existent. We brought up some fair talking points that were shot down immediately. This led us to want to show the league that the old rules won't always work if you want the game to grow and we want what's best for the game.

Quote:[table border=\\\'0\\\' align=\\\'center\\\' width=\\\'95%\\\' cellpadding=\\\'3\\\' cellspacing=\\\'1\\\' id=\\\'QUOTE-WRAP\\\'][tr][td]QUOTE [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\\\'QUOTE\\\'][!--QuoteEBegin--]SS: As a player known for making plays in space you really showed you could grind out the tough yards, gaining 508 yards on 121 carries. Is this something you wanted to focus on heading into the draft and show GM's that you aren't just a gadget back?
MT: It was definitely something on my mind. When I'm out on the field, I'm concerned with getting things done. I'm not shying away from the hard work. I want everyone to know that.

SS: On the contrary , you dazzled at Oregon with your ability to catch out of the backfield. But In the Prospect Bowl you only accumulated 5 catches. Was this a scheme issue or do you think defenders were focused on shutting that part of your game down?
MT: I would chalk it up to schemes. Our focus for the Prospect Bowl was running the ball, so catches took the backseat. I think I've already proved my worth there anyway.

SS: Last question. Even though you come from a historically rough sport and have no history of  injuries some experts are still questioning your durability at the next level. What would you say to these critics and possible GM's looking to make you their draft pick?
MT:?This kind of question baffles me every time. I think my entire athletic career thus far has been built on my resilience. That's a core part of my being. I've got what it takes to be in this sport and to last. If you're worried about my durability, you haven't been paying attention. My advice? Go watch my rugby reel another time through. This girl's tough as hell. Whoever picks me in the draft isn't just getting a running back. They're getting a warrior queen

Quote:SS: Going into the Prospect Bowl many considered you to be the #1 Running Back prospect.You did not disappoint as you dazzled fans and scouts alike with your electric running ability. How do you think you stack up against your fellow Running Back prospects?
JU:First of all, I just want to say that it's an honor to be called the #1 running back prospect as our class if full of great ones.  I so think that I have a leg up on the other RBs as I joined the league earlier then most for this draft class. This gave me the time to train and better my skills before anyone else could. When I look at the other running backs I do think that I stack up pretty well as I have the training and the build as a speed back. I think that any GM that wants someone who will always work hard and perform to the best of his ability, then I'm their guy. I can't promise that I will end up with the best stats during the season but I can and will be the best TPE earner and locker room presence.

SS: Yourself and Orien Drake formed quite the formidable  lighting and thunder duo out of the backfield.  What was it like sharing a backfield with the bruiser, and was there any part of his game you looked to learn from?
JU: It was a blast being able to share the backfield with a guy like Drake. With our different styles it kept the defense guessing what we were always going to do. The main thing that I learned from him is that sometimes you have no choice but to go right through the defense. This is made much easier with his type of strength so I do plan to build up my strength as well a little later in my career.

SS:  What are your personal expectations for yourself this upcoming Season?
JU: I want to be a team leader, wherever I end up. I want my teammates to know that they can rely on me whenever they need. I believe that through this mentally I will see the numbers and stats come naturally. I already know that I am a great player so now I need to convince the rest of the league.

Quote:SS:Considered by many to be the most punishing runner in this draft class, where did you develop your violent running style that has made you a  standout?
OD: I had a little bit of a unique training regiment. It involved me running with a keg of beer on my back. Kegs are heavy and I had a choice. I can make the keg lighter while I run but I have to drink the beer to do it.... definitely kept me on my toes... and occasionally praying to the toilet gods
No body wants to block the guy with a keg on his back.  So you just gotta keep pumping your legs until you can’t no more

SS: How was it sharing a backfield with Jake Ulter, an electric running back in his own right?
OD: It’s intimidating for sure. We have different enough styles that we compliment each other. We have exchanged some tips and trips and reviewed tape together. While we were not the most watched backfield this prospect bowl I think we helped our team get to the finals. Hopefully next year we can leave the finals as champions

SS: Moving into the next level would you like to see yourself as the main bell cow or are you still fine splitting carries with another talented back?
OD: I mean I would like as many touches as I can get. I want all the yards and the touchdowns and to make my name in the DSFL/NSFL. With that said at the end of the day it is a team game. And I will do anything I can to help my team win. So I will be happy as the bell cow or backs by committee

Quote:SS: So you had to know this question was coming...but how was it playing with the growing legend Bjorn Ironside? Does he live up to all the hype or is the media inflating his talents?
MV: Ah yes, we joked about it with the Tropics that could anyone be able to do an interview without a mention of Bjorn haha but no I dont think the media does enough to hype him, that man is huge! I would be scared to play QB if I was up against him and I'm no tiny man man myself, he will totally be wrecking the DSFL next year

SS:So back to yourself, you have a growing reputation as a ferocious hitter. Where did you learn to be so violent at the point of contact, and is it a source of pride in your game?
MV:Oh thank you, I take great pride in being able to hit well and often in games. Well growing up back in Finland and when at my moms summer cottages it would be almost a daily occurance of seeing a bear somewhere on the property and you know they are huge and usually dont take no for an answer when they are raiding the honey jars so tackling them was my best option so I would guess thats where I picked it up

SS:What style of defense do you see yourself fitting into and having the most success from a personal standpoint?
MV: I dont think there is one specific type that I would better in, I feel like I can do damage in a multitude of systems if the coach can just free me up to stuff those running backs and any pesky qb's who think they can make it out on foot

Quote:SS: Coming out of college many projected you to be an elite pass rusher, but you did not manage a sack during the Prospect Bowl.  I contest this was due to the Tropics playing from behind most games. Do you think your skills as a pass rusher can translate to the next level?
OV: Yes... plus, tpe was not factored, so, check my current updates. Speed and strength
Also,  led team and I think prospect bowl in tackles. Otto is for real

SS: What was your experience like playing with the consensus 1 overall draft pick Bjorn Ironside?
OV: No much to say... to be honest
Did not realize I was paying with him

SS:For the record you are saying that during your 7 games you didn't even notice the Scandinavian Sea Monster right in front of you? That is to say you were unimpressed?
OV: Well.... was just looking at my stats...

Quote:SS: As a standout on the Mongoose defense you were a disruptive force in opposing offences all Prospect Bowl. Are you satisfied with your performance and where would you like to see yourself improve?
FB: No I was not satisfied. In the playoffs I didn't get even a tackle. In such a close game I feel that even I could have made the difference.I see myself needing to get faster to get to the backfield sooner.

SS: How do you personally come back from such a disappointing loss and performance? What do you do to get back to form?
FB: This is a different situation then I've ever been in. The draft is what comes next. What comes then is trying to fit the team into what I do so I can do what I do. Now I got to wait on some idiot to pass on me beacuse of one bad playoff game in a pickup crew

SS: What are you personal goals for the upcoming DSFL season?
FB: My personal goal in this next season is to not be in the DSFL the season afterwords. leave a bloody path behind me to the NSFL and see who's dumb enough to get in front of me. Gona maul some poor fools. You know how you can eat raw meat? as long as you beat it down long enough. well I'm gona eat me some meat. The draft isn't about what team gets me.its gona be about what team doesn't get eaten by me.

Quote:SS: You're heading into the DSFL draft as a fairly hyped peospect. Where do you feel you deserve to be picked in this draft?
TK: Well I have heard varying reports of my draft stock, but I hope to go in the first 3 rounds. I think abilities in the run game combined with my leadership ability to get everyone lined up in the right position is something that the GM's will value.

SS: You just got to play on the prospect bowl. Are there any of your teammates or even opponents that you're hoping get drafted to the same team as you?
TK: I think I have made it well known I would love to continue playing with Zach Hall. We just understand each other on a spiritual and political level unlike any teammates I've had before.

SS: You've had a chance to look at the teams and get to know the GMs. You're anti GM sentiment is well documents, but if you had your choice, where would you want to land?
TK:On a personal level I would love to stay close to home and go play for the Marshals but I believe I am called to go play for the Luchadores and fight the Fascist GM Regime at its roots which reside with GM TomHanks