*Ben Horne Presser - Rookie Linebacker out of RPI

[iseedoug]

As a rookie, what parts of your game are you going to focus on in your first year?

As a linebacker I think you always have to focus somewhat on strength and speed. The goal at LB is to interrupt the offensive progression in some fashion, whether that is through pressuring the QB or taking out the dump off RB/TE option on a critical passing down. My current skills lean towards strength, and I would like to continue to build strength. But if the team that drafts me needs me to back into coverage more often, I will focus on my speed and agility. One maybe less common area I want to focus on in my first year is my game intelligence. Football intelligence is always an underrated attribute in professional football.

Is there a DSFL team you are wanting to be drafted by?

At the end of the day, I am going to play my heart out for the team that drafts me, but so far I have had good connections with the GM of the Portland Pythons and the GM of the Tijuana Luchadores. I think my current skills will be a nice fit on either team.

Are you married to any one system, or are you able to change your approach or move positions?

I wouldn’t say I am married to any one system, but I like a 3-4 defense where I can focus on rushing the passer and stopping the run. As I have said before, if a team needs me to move positions or fill a roll, I am willing. I am team player first and foremost.

Do you believe defense wins championships?

Is the sky blue? Of course defense wins championships.

What kind of locker room are you looking forward to in the DSFL and maybe later the NSFL?

I am looking for a locker room that is willing to work together to win championships. I think this is especially important in the DSFL, where many guys are on the team short term. If the locker room can work together to build the compatible skills and really define the unit, ya know, play “our” brand of football, we can win championships. For example, if we have a secondary that is working on the skills to play lock-down man coverage, the front 7 group can focus on the skills to rush the passer, or visa-versa.

Are you willing to change your number if a vet comes in and wants it?

I could care less about my number. If a younger guy comes in and is super set on my number I'll change it. To me, it's about the team on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.

Which DSFL team has the best mascot?

It’s hard to argue with the cleverness of the Solar Bears.

Why did you choose to become a linebacker?

I like hitting QBs and leading a defensive unit.

Can you win without elite talent?

This is a hard question. I think elite talent rarely hurts, but game intelligence and team chemistry are more important in winning than many people think. If you have a defensive unit that is balanced in the front and back, can consistently play smart, know the film, and predict what the offensive is trying, its hard lose. You still have to have athletic guys, but elite, not always.

Which is better: a balance of talent on both sides of the ball? Or elite talent on one side of the ball?

Another hard question. I am a fan of dominating one side of the ball (defense obviously), but you have to have a few key guys on both sides of the ball to keep it moving.

In 2002 was Allen Iverson slacking in practice?

We’re talkin about practice… practice. We are talking about practice... Practice… Practice.

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Ready to Be Graded

[AdamS]

Do you think your pants are haunted?

[PDXBaller]

Love seeing new media from rookies!