Having previously declined to do a media facing Q&A, do to a delayed flight, Irishman Luke "LT Smash" Tiernan - Power Running Back prospect out of Notre Dame, has just tweeted out that he is willing to answer any questions ahead of tomorrow nights NSFL draft.
Tiernan has been a highly rated RB prospect currently projected to be the second or third Running back on most draft boards. Commentators had previously suggested that Tiernan may have been advised to stay away from any press conferences due to his already high draft stock and there is sure to be many interested parties looking to gain further insight into the personality of the Irishman.
![[Image: EBb98zI.jpg]](http://i.imgur.com/EBb98zI.jpg)
*I will answer any and all questions through here*
Asked by @Raven
1. So why american football over rugby?
To be honest it isn't a case of choosing one over the other. I left Ireland to take up an academic scholarship at Notre Dame, I just felt it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
When I was seventeen a friend of mine and fellow underage rugby international suffered a career ending injury during a game, he had his whole life planned out, he was going to be a professional rugby player, play til his mid-thirties and then transfer into a media role, I mean you ask him one question about his future and he'll talk to you for an hour about all the things he'd do on the rugby pitch, how he was going to change the game with the things he would do... but then in a moment, one bad collision and he was done. Everything he had worked for, everything he had planned for, all of his dreams and goals vanished in an instant.
Even at the young age of seventeen he felt like his life was over, in the end it got too much for him as he felt he couldn't go on not being who he thought he was supposed to be and he ended his own life.
It had a profound impact on me, so I always said I'd make education as important as sport, I came to America and more or less fell into American Football, but I absolutely love it.
I think in a way it suits me a lot more than rugby did, it's a mental chess match at times.
2. You feel your high projected draft position is justified?
I don't pay much attention to projected draft position, if I get drafted first or last, it doesn't really bother me, once I'm on a squad I know that my talent and work rate will get me on the field and once I'm there, I'll be able to do the rest to keep me there.
3. Are you nervous of flying?
Not at all!
4. Whats your favorite movie?
Ooh that's a toughy, I'm into quite a lot and it depends what mood i'm in. Happy Gilmore is something I could watch again and again though!
5. What can a team expect from you in the Locker Room?
Hard work - my work ethic is something I take great personal pride in, as my old coach used to say "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
I like to lead by example in this respect, and would consider myself a leader if i'm honest. My one pet peeve is negativity and if I hear people dissing team mates I will certainly let them know that it's detrimental to the team, "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts."
Asked by Player1
1.) Where do you see yourself fitting in as a receiving target?
Honestly, with my current ability, I wouldn't see myself as much of a receiving target, check downs and screens yes, but to be frank when those QB's throw bombs downfield I have found it difficult catching the ball at times.
I do love a screen though, thoughts of me running at/through Cornerbacks have my salivating. As "Terrible" Terry Tate, the office linebacker says - "Here comes the pain train... CHOO CHOO!
2.) Would you prefer to be in a runningback committee with other players that complement your strengths, or do you want to be the feature back for a team?
Whatever has the team winning is what I care about, naturally I'm going to say the team has more of a chance of winning with me on the pitch, but if the team needs to switch things up, then so be it, I wont be throwing my toys out of the pram.
3.) Have you seen a lot of American football? Do you feel like you're ready to make the conversion over to a pro player without the amount of college and high school experience that domestic players have?
I've been watching American Football for about a decade now, naturally I'm still coming to terms with some of the nuances of the game, but luckily for me I just have to know my assignment, identify a gap or mismatch, and run through or around it.
I do certainly feel like the more I play, the better I'll get though.
4.) Are you ready for American beer?
I've drank enough in college! I guess I shouldn't be saying that so close to the draft. American beer get's a bad deal a lot of the time, Coors and Bud is mostly seen as dishwater, but honestly I think there are some great beers in the US, especially from some of the newer craft brewers that are popping up.
That said, I also enjoy a PBR!!
5.) Where do you think you'll fit in in the locker room and training camp? Do you want to be a leader or a motivator, or do you just want to keep your head down and focus on the wins?
I've kind of answered this above, in all locker rooms I've been in, I've always tended to fall into a leadership role, but I mean it's not something I seek out, it's not like I walk in and say "everybody quieten down and listen to me, I'm the leader of this team!", I'll assess the dynamic, and if something needs to be said, I'll say it.
Whatever the team needs from me is what I'll do, whether that's stand up and be the leader, or stay quiet and follow the leader.
Asked by evryday
1. Fellow Fighting Irish here, what's your fondest memory from your time there?
Hey Bro, thanks for the questions. So many amazing memories from my time in South Bend, both football related and otherwise. As some people have mentioned previously I redshirted in my first year, it allowed to experience so many things that a lot of my teammates wouldn't have been able to.
Coach Kelly kind of recognised that I didn't know exactly what it was like to be part of the Notre Dame tradition as many of the rest of the squad did - I wasn't recruited, I didn't have anyone trying to sell me on the football program or really on the school. I was there in the first instance purely for academics and the chance at a top quality education that was paid for.
As a result of this Coach Kelly told me to get involved in some of the traditions of the school, and probably one of my favourite memory is my first experience of the midnight drummers circle before the first game.
2. What NFL running back would you say you compare to?
Well the one I most get compared to is Frank Gore, a physical and violent downhill runner. It's an absolute honour for me to be mentioned in the same sentence as him as I think he is one of the greatest, and probably underappreciated in his own time.
3. What's your pre-game song of choice?
I'm not one for the big pump up music, once I'm on the field, with the noise and energy of the crowd and the inevitable adrenaline pumping through your body there is no need for it. In fact I find quite a lot of the time that the big pump up music is counter-productive. So I tend to listen to some classical or easy-listening music. "I Giorni" by Ludovico Einaudi would be a favourite of mine.
4. What about pre-game meal?
I eat what's put in front of me, I mean I didn't get this big on fresh air.
I really amn't a fussy eater but I do keep it clean, would try to keep it as natural and unprocessed as possible. Plenty of beef.
5. Why did you choose to attend Notre Dame?
I was offered a full academic scholarship to one of the best program's in my field of study, it wasn't a choice after that.
Asked by Saliva
Why O'Conell is so obsessed with you?
That's a question you'll have to ask him. I mean from what I understand he was asked a question about me in a press conference and it made him feel insecure, so he felt the need to try and belittle me in front of the media. I called him out on it and there was a bit of back and forth - well it's ongoing if you are checking his twitter - but all I will say is that I hope his on the field game is better than his twitter game, as that is weak to put it mildly.
Your reaction if you're going to be drafted last?
I'd be lying if I didn't say I would be disappointed, it's only natural. But that said, as I've said in response to a previous question, I'm not paying too much attention to the draft, once I'm on a team, I'll be putting the work in on the training ground to get me on the field and once I'm giving the opportunity to shine, I'll be grabbing it with both hands and ensuring that i'm the first name down in the RB slot come gameday.
Why Clee Hardrool is the best SS ever?
Who? Hardrool the self-promoting guy that barely saw game time in College? I mean, I've nothing against the guy, but I don't really know of anyone who thinks he is the best in this class, never mind ever.
But I wish the guy all the best, he's just out here following his dreams like the rest of us.
How it comes to a fact that you're not considered as the top 25 player? Do these clowns still think you're too slow for that?
As I said before, I'm not taking too much notice of it, of people's predictions, of where i'm drafted, all that stuff counts for nothing come game day. Once i'm on a squad come Friday morning, that's all I care about.
Why Josh Harden is so overrated?
I honestly have no idea who you are talking about
Asked by WinstonKodogo
1. Kicker Stephen Harris is also a former rugby player out Notre Dame, does the college have a recruitment campaign going on for code switchers?
I used to hang out with Stephen for when at Notre Dame, a real cool guy, can't say I wouldn't have like to have played against him on the rugby field though
As I've said, I was a walk-on, I wasn't recruited or anything like that, and I guess it makes sense for teams to look at other sports to find kickers, especially a sport like rugby.
2. With a rugby background can we expect to see more laterals from you?
Hah, good question, I mean rugby is such a different game to American Football. While field position and posession matter a lot in rugby, it's no where near as important as in American Football where turnovers often decide games. I wouldn't expect to be doing any more laterals then any other RB in the league!
3. What caused the rivalry between yourself and O'Connell to start?
As answered above, he was talking trash about me in front of some media types, I called him out about it and he hasn't apologised/admitted he was wrong or anything, if anything he is just making himself out to be foolish.
I would hardly call it a rivalry though.
4. Is Twitter drama something teams have to watch out for?
I don't consider it a big deal, I don't see it having a negative effect on how i'm going to perform, but if it came to it and whatever team I played for had any issues with it, I'd certainly cool the jets on the social media front.
The draft process can be grueling at times, sometimes you need something outside of it to give you a moment of escape. Clowns like O'Connell running his mouth, does just that.
5. Why Paul O'Connell for your avatar?
I don't know what you are talking about, but people have said that I have a doppelganger in Sean O'Brien.
Asked by Goodleftundone
1. Best memory you have from your college days?
Answered above
2. Any other sports you enjoy or played growing up?
I love near all sports! And would get involved in anything I could. I'm well known back home for my prowess on a rugby field but was also pretty good at Gaelic Football (you might have to look it up on youtube.)
Only sport I couldn't really get my head around was soccer, it can be so boring at times!That said, when it's two good teams playing well it can be great to watch
3. Who was your role model growing up and why?
Don't really thin I had a single role model, but I certainly have had plenty of positive influences in my life. As cliché as it sounds, my old man had a big effect, he was the hardest worker I've ever known, worked the fields morning, noon and night, in fact the only fights my parents tended to have was over him working too hard.
4. How would you handle a shared backfield type of situation where you're not the main guy carrying the rock?
Head down and do my job, it's not about me, it is about the team. I'd be encouraging my fellow RB's to do well, and would hope that they would encourage me in return. I'm not overly precious.
5. Favorite type of cheese?
Largely dependent on mood, can't stand anything that is sprayed or comes in a can. And as for your "American Cheeze" That stuff is just awful.
If I had to choose one type I'd go for a classic Irish Cheddar.
Asked by XDAVE2456
1. What are you looking forward to the most this season?
I'm looking forward to seeing just how good I am against the best in league. While I've a lot to improve on and a lot to work on, I know I'm talented enough to make a permanent mark on this league
2. Most nervous about this season?
I'm not nervous at all about the season, just excited!
3. Are you superstitious?
Naw, I don't believe in any superstitions, I get it that people do - I mean if you are of a nervous disposition and you can have a routine that put's you at ease then good for you, I just can't make those links.
4. Largest adjustment from Rugby to Football?
I found the start stop nature of the games quite difficult to adjust to, with rugby you're on the field for 80 minutes at a time. But I'be completely adjusted to it now.
5. How do you plan to make your mark on the NSFL?
I'm working my butt off to be the best player I can be, I know that when I've put the work in, my results will be enough to have made my mark on the NSFL.
Asked by Ballerstorm
How do you feel about playing special teams?
Whatever the team needs I'll do, I played a bit of special teams in College, so no issues whatsoever.
What is your favorite part about football?
It's a spectacle man, American's just know how to put on a show and ever game is such a big production and it's great being a part of that. In terms of the sport itself, I love the physicality, it's raw and human to be going one on one with your enemy on the field, to have to beat him either mentally or physicality to come out the victor. It's the essence of what makes sport and particularly football great.
What do you think of the league so far? Will it be a success?
At this stage I can't see any reason why it would not be a success, seems like a very active draft class, a lot of quality players and people really dedicated to making the whole thing a success. I see it going from strength to strength, and certainly an expanded league in the future.
Tell us the truth, which is your favorite team?
I'd gladly play for any team, a few are showing me a bit more love than others at the moment, but whoever wants me first i'll be wearing their jersey with pride and unlike a lot of my fellow draftees, I have no issue playing in Canada.
Where will you be on draft night?
Well usually around that time I'd be hitting the gym, a few of the boys are looking for me to take the night off and go watch it with them and wait for the call, but I don't know - I'll play it by ear, my agent did want me to get dressed up and have a camera crew over, but it's not my thing. As I've said before, I'm not holding much weight behind the draft and draft positions. That said I do have a little wager with Kieran O'Connell on who get's drafted first, so i'd rather not be on the losing side of that.
Asked by Ghostspeed
1. Coffee or Tea?
If it's a good cup of coffee vs a good cup of tea, then it's coffee all the way. None of that instant stuff though.
2. Can you do the Colin Farrell "That's Great" scene from 7 Psychopaths with your Irish accent?
I actually went to the same school as Colin Farrell for a couple of years before graduating, obviously he was long gone when I was there, but I probably have picked up a tinge of his accent.
He conveys how I feel when a holding call cancels off a TD!
If you haven't watched it you should check out "In Bruges" it's a great film, directed by the same guy who did 7 Psychopaths.
3. Ever create a 'Terry Tate Office LineBacker' in Madden?
I have to confess I have not, I usually don't go down the route of creating players in madden. I do love all of the Terry Tate ads though.
4. Are steroids legal in Ireland?
I wouldn't have thought so, I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure all the regulations are more or less the same as in the US.
5. How many blocks did it take to realize you were driving on the wrong side of the road over here?
I caught on quickly, I'm used to spending the time on the continent in France and Spain, they also drive on the "wrong" side of the road - just like the US.
Asked by Joqn
You mentioned being a walk-on at Notre Dame, what made you make the choice to go to America for university, and what made you choose Notre Dame?
As said above, I came for an academic scholarship to study at one of the best universities in the world for my field of study.
Did the Sillelagh Game against Cal have more meaning to you? For Notre Dame fans it's usually just been seen as an excuse to go play football in California.
The fans are not wrong, it was always good times after that game.
Have you felt any sense of community between the various non-American NSFL prospects? I know you have this spat with O'Connell, but RB Warin Perry and LB Alexander Selich come to mind as Europeans hoping to make it in the league.
I wouldn't think it's any different then the rest of the guys looking to play in the league, I think the cliques seem to be more within the guys who played college ball together rather than where they grew up in. But that said, I'm sure if there was another Irish guy around these parts I'd end up being pally with him - we tend to have a certain kind of sense of humour that not everybody gets.
Teams will be looking for versatility in their players - any experience returning kicks or punts at Notre Dame?
As a walk on I started training at linebacker and also as a pass rusher before moving to the other side of the ball. I was also quite friendly with our punter during the first year and would regularly stay behind to help him put in extra hours of kicking - I got pretty good at long punting.
I'm happy playing anywhere that the team needs though.
At Notre Dame were you ever called upon to be a catching option? I know you have the rugby experience, and your hands seem decent.
Truthfully I struggled at the start catching the American footballs, they come at you a lot harder than a rugby ball and it's a completely different technique to catching them versus the rugby ball where your hands are positioned to catch and pass quickly if necessary. Catching the football is something I'm putting a lot of work into and it's fairly irregular occurrence if you see me walking around without a pigskin in my hands.
In Notre Dame, I was mainly used for check down options and the occasional screen, I do love running in openfield and coming up against the defensive backs, that's my pay dirt.
Question by YoungCricket
What's your favorite alcohol?
I only drink it on special occasions but a good Irish Single grain Whiskey would be a real treat for me.
Better walk-on, you or Rudy?
I gotta give it up to him, Rudy is the man - one play, one sack, nobody has a better record than that man. Not sure if he'd fancy having me running at him though.
Favorite thing about the league so far?
Seems like a good active bunch of folk, with some entertaining articles being written. I'm enjoying it immensely.
Where do you see your player in 5 seasons?
I'd see him as being someone with one of the highest TPE's in the league, hoepfully he'll have turned into a genuine three down back, and a reason for team's to go away from a pass first mentality. I want to cause the opposition coach's headaches as to how they have to deal with me.
Do you have any post career plans?
I'll be back on the farm for sure! My old man is a big dairy farmer at home, so would gladly follow in his footsteps.
Asked by Bzerkap
1. What was the adjustment like to start running around in pads after not wearing any in rugby?
Running with pads wasn't easy but man, it had nothing on how hard it was getting used to running around with that helmet on! Early on I found it quiet difficult to see as the helmet bounced around the place, at the very start I was getting shouted at for putting one hand on my helmet to steady it while running! Then our kit guy hooked me up with a new Schutt Vengence V10 helmet and my whole world changed!
2. With the lack of offensive line talent in this draft do you think you'll be called on to assist with blocking in the passing game? Do you think you can handle that role?
It is something I've thought about a lot, at ND I really wasn't required to do all that much blocking, so probably not one of my stronger areas. I have put a bit of work in on it over the last while and more than willing to put more of a focus on it if required. Anything for the team!
3. Are you willing to assist on special teams if you don't win a starting job in camp?
Certainly, but honestly if I am drafted for a special teams or backup role, I don't see it staying that way for long.
4. What's your greatest memory at Notre Dame?
Answered above
5. How do you think Brian Kelly treats his players? Are the media accounts true?
I have nothing but respect and admiration for Coach Kelly, he get's a hard time in the rap and sure there have been moments on the sidelines, but he's an emotional guy. I think as a player group he shielded us from a lot of the negativity surrounding the team, he took a lot of the negatives on himself to his personal detriment, and certainly there are players who could have performed better over the last year or so which would have helped him out.
Tiernan has been a highly rated RB prospect currently projected to be the second or third Running back on most draft boards. Commentators had previously suggested that Tiernan may have been advised to stay away from any press conferences due to his already high draft stock and there is sure to be many interested parties looking to gain further insight into the personality of the Irishman.
*I will answer any and all questions through here*
Asked by @Raven
1. So why american football over rugby?
To be honest it isn't a case of choosing one over the other. I left Ireland to take up an academic scholarship at Notre Dame, I just felt it was an offer I couldn't refuse.
When I was seventeen a friend of mine and fellow underage rugby international suffered a career ending injury during a game, he had his whole life planned out, he was going to be a professional rugby player, play til his mid-thirties and then transfer into a media role, I mean you ask him one question about his future and he'll talk to you for an hour about all the things he'd do on the rugby pitch, how he was going to change the game with the things he would do... but then in a moment, one bad collision and he was done. Everything he had worked for, everything he had planned for, all of his dreams and goals vanished in an instant.
Even at the young age of seventeen he felt like his life was over, in the end it got too much for him as he felt he couldn't go on not being who he thought he was supposed to be and he ended his own life.
It had a profound impact on me, so I always said I'd make education as important as sport, I came to America and more or less fell into American Football, but I absolutely love it.
I think in a way it suits me a lot more than rugby did, it's a mental chess match at times.
2. You feel your high projected draft position is justified?
I don't pay much attention to projected draft position, if I get drafted first or last, it doesn't really bother me, once I'm on a squad I know that my talent and work rate will get me on the field and once I'm there, I'll be able to do the rest to keep me there.
3. Are you nervous of flying?
Not at all!
4. Whats your favorite movie?
Ooh that's a toughy, I'm into quite a lot and it depends what mood i'm in. Happy Gilmore is something I could watch again and again though!
5. What can a team expect from you in the Locker Room?
Hard work - my work ethic is something I take great personal pride in, as my old coach used to say "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
I like to lead by example in this respect, and would consider myself a leader if i'm honest. My one pet peeve is negativity and if I hear people dissing team mates I will certainly let them know that it's detrimental to the team, "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts."
Asked by Player1
1.) Where do you see yourself fitting in as a receiving target?
Honestly, with my current ability, I wouldn't see myself as much of a receiving target, check downs and screens yes, but to be frank when those QB's throw bombs downfield I have found it difficult catching the ball at times.
I do love a screen though, thoughts of me running at/through Cornerbacks have my salivating. As "Terrible" Terry Tate, the office linebacker says - "Here comes the pain train... CHOO CHOO!
2.) Would you prefer to be in a runningback committee with other players that complement your strengths, or do you want to be the feature back for a team?
Whatever has the team winning is what I care about, naturally I'm going to say the team has more of a chance of winning with me on the pitch, but if the team needs to switch things up, then so be it, I wont be throwing my toys out of the pram.
3.) Have you seen a lot of American football? Do you feel like you're ready to make the conversion over to a pro player without the amount of college and high school experience that domestic players have?
I've been watching American Football for about a decade now, naturally I'm still coming to terms with some of the nuances of the game, but luckily for me I just have to know my assignment, identify a gap or mismatch, and run through or around it.
I do certainly feel like the more I play, the better I'll get though.
4.) Are you ready for American beer?
I've drank enough in college! I guess I shouldn't be saying that so close to the draft. American beer get's a bad deal a lot of the time, Coors and Bud is mostly seen as dishwater, but honestly I think there are some great beers in the US, especially from some of the newer craft brewers that are popping up.
That said, I also enjoy a PBR!!
5.) Where do you think you'll fit in in the locker room and training camp? Do you want to be a leader or a motivator, or do you just want to keep your head down and focus on the wins?
I've kind of answered this above, in all locker rooms I've been in, I've always tended to fall into a leadership role, but I mean it's not something I seek out, it's not like I walk in and say "everybody quieten down and listen to me, I'm the leader of this team!", I'll assess the dynamic, and if something needs to be said, I'll say it.
Whatever the team needs from me is what I'll do, whether that's stand up and be the leader, or stay quiet and follow the leader.
Asked by evryday
1. Fellow Fighting Irish here, what's your fondest memory from your time there?
Hey Bro, thanks for the questions. So many amazing memories from my time in South Bend, both football related and otherwise. As some people have mentioned previously I redshirted in my first year, it allowed to experience so many things that a lot of my teammates wouldn't have been able to.
Coach Kelly kind of recognised that I didn't know exactly what it was like to be part of the Notre Dame tradition as many of the rest of the squad did - I wasn't recruited, I didn't have anyone trying to sell me on the football program or really on the school. I was there in the first instance purely for academics and the chance at a top quality education that was paid for.
As a result of this Coach Kelly told me to get involved in some of the traditions of the school, and probably one of my favourite memory is my first experience of the midnight drummers circle before the first game.
2. What NFL running back would you say you compare to?
Well the one I most get compared to is Frank Gore, a physical and violent downhill runner. It's an absolute honour for me to be mentioned in the same sentence as him as I think he is one of the greatest, and probably underappreciated in his own time.
3. What's your pre-game song of choice?
I'm not one for the big pump up music, once I'm on the field, with the noise and energy of the crowd and the inevitable adrenaline pumping through your body there is no need for it. In fact I find quite a lot of the time that the big pump up music is counter-productive. So I tend to listen to some classical or easy-listening music. "I Giorni" by Ludovico Einaudi would be a favourite of mine.
4. What about pre-game meal?
I eat what's put in front of me, I mean I didn't get this big on fresh air.
I really amn't a fussy eater but I do keep it clean, would try to keep it as natural and unprocessed as possible. Plenty of beef.
5. Why did you choose to attend Notre Dame?
I was offered a full academic scholarship to one of the best program's in my field of study, it wasn't a choice after that.
Asked by Saliva
Why O'Conell is so obsessed with you?
That's a question you'll have to ask him. I mean from what I understand he was asked a question about me in a press conference and it made him feel insecure, so he felt the need to try and belittle me in front of the media. I called him out on it and there was a bit of back and forth - well it's ongoing if you are checking his twitter - but all I will say is that I hope his on the field game is better than his twitter game, as that is weak to put it mildly.
Your reaction if you're going to be drafted last?
I'd be lying if I didn't say I would be disappointed, it's only natural. But that said, as I've said in response to a previous question, I'm not paying too much attention to the draft, once I'm on a team, I'll be putting the work in on the training ground to get me on the field and once I'm giving the opportunity to shine, I'll be grabbing it with both hands and ensuring that i'm the first name down in the RB slot come gameday.
Why Clee Hardrool is the best SS ever?
Who? Hardrool the self-promoting guy that barely saw game time in College? I mean, I've nothing against the guy, but I don't really know of anyone who thinks he is the best in this class, never mind ever.
But I wish the guy all the best, he's just out here following his dreams like the rest of us.
How it comes to a fact that you're not considered as the top 25 player? Do these clowns still think you're too slow for that?
As I said before, I'm not taking too much notice of it, of people's predictions, of where i'm drafted, all that stuff counts for nothing come game day. Once i'm on a squad come Friday morning, that's all I care about.
Why Josh Harden is so overrated?
I honestly have no idea who you are talking about
Asked by WinstonKodogo
1. Kicker Stephen Harris is also a former rugby player out Notre Dame, does the college have a recruitment campaign going on for code switchers?
I used to hang out with Stephen for when at Notre Dame, a real cool guy, can't say I wouldn't have like to have played against him on the rugby field though
As I've said, I was a walk-on, I wasn't recruited or anything like that, and I guess it makes sense for teams to look at other sports to find kickers, especially a sport like rugby.
2. With a rugby background can we expect to see more laterals from you?
Hah, good question, I mean rugby is such a different game to American Football. While field position and posession matter a lot in rugby, it's no where near as important as in American Football where turnovers often decide games. I wouldn't expect to be doing any more laterals then any other RB in the league!
3. What caused the rivalry between yourself and O'Connell to start?
As answered above, he was talking trash about me in front of some media types, I called him out about it and he hasn't apologised/admitted he was wrong or anything, if anything he is just making himself out to be foolish.
I would hardly call it a rivalry though.
4. Is Twitter drama something teams have to watch out for?
I don't consider it a big deal, I don't see it having a negative effect on how i'm going to perform, but if it came to it and whatever team I played for had any issues with it, I'd certainly cool the jets on the social media front.
The draft process can be grueling at times, sometimes you need something outside of it to give you a moment of escape. Clowns like O'Connell running his mouth, does just that.
5. Why Paul O'Connell for your avatar?
I don't know what you are talking about, but people have said that I have a doppelganger in Sean O'Brien.
Asked by Goodleftundone
1. Best memory you have from your college days?
Answered above
2. Any other sports you enjoy or played growing up?
I love near all sports! And would get involved in anything I could. I'm well known back home for my prowess on a rugby field but was also pretty good at Gaelic Football (you might have to look it up on youtube.)
Only sport I couldn't really get my head around was soccer, it can be so boring at times!That said, when it's two good teams playing well it can be great to watch
3. Who was your role model growing up and why?
Don't really thin I had a single role model, but I certainly have had plenty of positive influences in my life. As cliché as it sounds, my old man had a big effect, he was the hardest worker I've ever known, worked the fields morning, noon and night, in fact the only fights my parents tended to have was over him working too hard.
4. How would you handle a shared backfield type of situation where you're not the main guy carrying the rock?
Head down and do my job, it's not about me, it is about the team. I'd be encouraging my fellow RB's to do well, and would hope that they would encourage me in return. I'm not overly precious.
5. Favorite type of cheese?
Largely dependent on mood, can't stand anything that is sprayed or comes in a can. And as for your "American Cheeze" That stuff is just awful.
If I had to choose one type I'd go for a classic Irish Cheddar.
Asked by XDAVE2456
1. What are you looking forward to the most this season?
I'm looking forward to seeing just how good I am against the best in league. While I've a lot to improve on and a lot to work on, I know I'm talented enough to make a permanent mark on this league
2. Most nervous about this season?
I'm not nervous at all about the season, just excited!
3. Are you superstitious?
Naw, I don't believe in any superstitions, I get it that people do - I mean if you are of a nervous disposition and you can have a routine that put's you at ease then good for you, I just can't make those links.
4. Largest adjustment from Rugby to Football?
I found the start stop nature of the games quite difficult to adjust to, with rugby you're on the field for 80 minutes at a time. But I'be completely adjusted to it now.
5. How do you plan to make your mark on the NSFL?
I'm working my butt off to be the best player I can be, I know that when I've put the work in, my results will be enough to have made my mark on the NSFL.
Asked by Ballerstorm
How do you feel about playing special teams?
Whatever the team needs I'll do, I played a bit of special teams in College, so no issues whatsoever.
What is your favorite part about football?
It's a spectacle man, American's just know how to put on a show and ever game is such a big production and it's great being a part of that. In terms of the sport itself, I love the physicality, it's raw and human to be going one on one with your enemy on the field, to have to beat him either mentally or physicality to come out the victor. It's the essence of what makes sport and particularly football great.
What do you think of the league so far? Will it be a success?
At this stage I can't see any reason why it would not be a success, seems like a very active draft class, a lot of quality players and people really dedicated to making the whole thing a success. I see it going from strength to strength, and certainly an expanded league in the future.
Tell us the truth, which is your favorite team?
I'd gladly play for any team, a few are showing me a bit more love than others at the moment, but whoever wants me first i'll be wearing their jersey with pride and unlike a lot of my fellow draftees, I have no issue playing in Canada.
Where will you be on draft night?
Well usually around that time I'd be hitting the gym, a few of the boys are looking for me to take the night off and go watch it with them and wait for the call, but I don't know - I'll play it by ear, my agent did want me to get dressed up and have a camera crew over, but it's not my thing. As I've said before, I'm not holding much weight behind the draft and draft positions. That said I do have a little wager with Kieran O'Connell on who get's drafted first, so i'd rather not be on the losing side of that.
Asked by Ghostspeed
1. Coffee or Tea?
If it's a good cup of coffee vs a good cup of tea, then it's coffee all the way. None of that instant stuff though.
2. Can you do the Colin Farrell "That's Great" scene from 7 Psychopaths with your Irish accent?
I actually went to the same school as Colin Farrell for a couple of years before graduating, obviously he was long gone when I was there, but I probably have picked up a tinge of his accent.
He conveys how I feel when a holding call cancels off a TD!
If you haven't watched it you should check out "In Bruges" it's a great film, directed by the same guy who did 7 Psychopaths.
3. Ever create a 'Terry Tate Office LineBacker' in Madden?
I have to confess I have not, I usually don't go down the route of creating players in madden. I do love all of the Terry Tate ads though.
4. Are steroids legal in Ireland?
I wouldn't have thought so, I could be wrong but I'm pretty sure all the regulations are more or less the same as in the US.
5. How many blocks did it take to realize you were driving on the wrong side of the road over here?
I caught on quickly, I'm used to spending the time on the continent in France and Spain, they also drive on the "wrong" side of the road - just like the US.
Asked by Joqn
You mentioned being a walk-on at Notre Dame, what made you make the choice to go to America for university, and what made you choose Notre Dame?
As said above, I came for an academic scholarship to study at one of the best universities in the world for my field of study.
Did the Sillelagh Game against Cal have more meaning to you? For Notre Dame fans it's usually just been seen as an excuse to go play football in California.
The fans are not wrong, it was always good times after that game.
Have you felt any sense of community between the various non-American NSFL prospects? I know you have this spat with O'Connell, but RB Warin Perry and LB Alexander Selich come to mind as Europeans hoping to make it in the league.
I wouldn't think it's any different then the rest of the guys looking to play in the league, I think the cliques seem to be more within the guys who played college ball together rather than where they grew up in. But that said, I'm sure if there was another Irish guy around these parts I'd end up being pally with him - we tend to have a certain kind of sense of humour that not everybody gets.
Teams will be looking for versatility in their players - any experience returning kicks or punts at Notre Dame?
As a walk on I started training at linebacker and also as a pass rusher before moving to the other side of the ball. I was also quite friendly with our punter during the first year and would regularly stay behind to help him put in extra hours of kicking - I got pretty good at long punting.
I'm happy playing anywhere that the team needs though.
At Notre Dame were you ever called upon to be a catching option? I know you have the rugby experience, and your hands seem decent.
Truthfully I struggled at the start catching the American footballs, they come at you a lot harder than a rugby ball and it's a completely different technique to catching them versus the rugby ball where your hands are positioned to catch and pass quickly if necessary. Catching the football is something I'm putting a lot of work into and it's fairly irregular occurrence if you see me walking around without a pigskin in my hands.
In Notre Dame, I was mainly used for check down options and the occasional screen, I do love running in openfield and coming up against the defensive backs, that's my pay dirt.
Question by YoungCricket
What's your favorite alcohol?
I only drink it on special occasions but a good Irish Single grain Whiskey would be a real treat for me.
Better walk-on, you or Rudy?
I gotta give it up to him, Rudy is the man - one play, one sack, nobody has a better record than that man. Not sure if he'd fancy having me running at him though.
Favorite thing about the league so far?
Seems like a good active bunch of folk, with some entertaining articles being written. I'm enjoying it immensely.
Where do you see your player in 5 seasons?
I'd see him as being someone with one of the highest TPE's in the league, hoepfully he'll have turned into a genuine three down back, and a reason for team's to go away from a pass first mentality. I want to cause the opposition coach's headaches as to how they have to deal with me.
Do you have any post career plans?
I'll be back on the farm for sure! My old man is a big dairy farmer at home, so would gladly follow in his footsteps.
Asked by Bzerkap
1. What was the adjustment like to start running around in pads after not wearing any in rugby?
Running with pads wasn't easy but man, it had nothing on how hard it was getting used to running around with that helmet on! Early on I found it quiet difficult to see as the helmet bounced around the place, at the very start I was getting shouted at for putting one hand on my helmet to steady it while running! Then our kit guy hooked me up with a new Schutt Vengence V10 helmet and my whole world changed!
2. With the lack of offensive line talent in this draft do you think you'll be called on to assist with blocking in the passing game? Do you think you can handle that role?
It is something I've thought about a lot, at ND I really wasn't required to do all that much blocking, so probably not one of my stronger areas. I have put a bit of work in on it over the last while and more than willing to put more of a focus on it if required. Anything for the team!
3. Are you willing to assist on special teams if you don't win a starting job in camp?
Certainly, but honestly if I am drafted for a special teams or backup role, I don't see it staying that way for long.
4. What's your greatest memory at Notre Dame?
Answered above
5. How do you think Brian Kelly treats his players? Are the media accounts true?
I have nothing but respect and admiration for Coach Kelly, he get's a hard time in the rap and sure there have been moments on the sidelines, but he's an emotional guy. I think as a player group he shielded us from a lot of the negativity surrounding the team, he took a lot of the negatives on himself to his personal detriment, and certainly there are players who could have performed better over the last year or so which would have helped him out.
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