Streets of the NSFL [Article+Presser]

[Lainncli]

Jesus, just a few questions to answer. Thank you for all the interest!

What is your top destination?

What is your bottom destination (if you have one)?

2. Who's your team of choice in the NFL?

What team in the NSFL would you most like to play for?

At this point in the draft, it's all about keeping my options open. I've yet to speak directly to any coaches and I'm definitely hoping to get that opportunity before the draft, to talk about how a team would utilise me on the field and how they envision their offensive philosophy. That's really what I see as important, what job I can do for them week in week out.

All that said, I've a soft spot for the Bay Area so I wouldn't mind being picked up by San Jose.

Which school did you enjoy beating the most in college?

There's a lot of noise about West Virginia and the Backyard Brawl, but unfortunately that's never an opportunity I got in college so my biggest rivals had to be Penn State. Obviously we were always considered the underdogs in that, but we definitely had them within our reach and every game we played was a proper contest. I think with their whole "Success with Honor" shite, they saw themselves as being above other teams in the conference and we did our best to remind them that football's a contact sport, not a class test.

How do you think people in Scotland will perceive your transition?

1. Yourself and fellow Scot Stephen Harris have both came from a rugby background do you see more players making the switch across codes?

Do you think it will open pathways to a larger following of American football in Scotland?

The support from Glasgow, and Scotland as whole, has been grand and I'm obviously hoping that there'll be more coming after us. If you look at rugby players now, at kickers like Hogg and Daly, there's definitely a place for reliable boots and for kids with the physical talent, there's nothing holding them back. If all goes well, I'll be back in Glasgow after the season and I'm looking to work with the NSFL to make sure that pathway's there, for kids with the physicals but more importantly the drive and the determination.

3. Any player who's style you want to emulate?

What NFL running back do you want to model after?

Walter Payton. If anyone says anything different to that question, they're either lying or they're idiots. I want to be the best option on the field in every situation, whether it's fourth and one or third and fourteen. Even if he didn't get the football, he was always the primary threat on the field and that makes you more valuable than anyone. If you're a running back, you have to make sure the defenders are always paying attention to you.

4. Biggest culture shock moving to the USA?

Sugar in everything. How tae fuck is there sugar in my bread? Fuck do you call that cheese? I've found the best way to cook cheap and to cook healthy is to go ethnic, so I've mainly been eating chilli for the past four years.

5. Do you think that you are capable of making the jump to the NSFL?

I wouldn't be putting myself up for the draft if I didn't. I'm confident that I can meet the level of the NSFL and go beyond that. I have to be confident in that.

1. How are you feeling about playing in the nsfl with a lot of prospect entering the draft?

It'll be interesting season, aye. There are really too many unknowns to make predictions, to have any idea how the season could go, so I'll be putting my faith in my teammates and my coaches that we can move forward as a unit and take on the best.

2. What's your goal for your first season?

To establish myself as one of the top running backs in the league. I don't have to break records - I mentioned Walter Payton earlier, he didn't make a single yard in his first game. I'm only looking to make it known that I can run with the best, to show that I'm a reliable option for the team, and to prove my potential. I have to look at this season as the start of a journey, not the end of the road.

3. Have you been interviewed a by team? If yes, how was it?

No, not so far. This is something I'm hoping I can get the chance for before the draft, so I can understand the direction my future coaches will be going in.

4. Do you know anyone in this draft?

Unfortunately, I'm the only Pitt player who's declared so far, which is a real shame for our football program. I know we've some talented juniors, so hopefully they can take on the new season and prove that they're ready for the NSFL in 2018.

Other than that, I've obviously played against many other prospects and I know quite a few lads from the football field, but I can't claim to know anyone personally.

5. Are you the best RB?

Yes. I'm the best speed back, the best power back, the best pass-catcher, the best blocking back. Anyone who wants to say anything against that can fuck right off and stick their head where the sun don't fucking shine.

Q: You said your dad was a plumber? So is it true what they say about plumber's butt cracks?

Aye, unfortunately. I used to mess with him about a 10p slot, but I reckon you could probably get notes in there now.

Q: I see you have been getting your strength up... would you rather put a defender on skates using agility or put him on his back using strength?

Do you prefer to run through or around your opponents?

The best option is always to take the space available to you, to beat a defender clean. Anyone who's ever watched a game knows that's not always an option. I'm prepared to do both, to put a defender on his arse however I can.

Q: You drop a lot of passes, man. How can you be an all-purpose back when you have the hands of a DT?

Reckon you've been watching some other cunt's tape there pal. I consider myself more than capable as a receiving back, I'm more than willing to learn to play out the slot, and I know I've got the record to back that up.

Q: How would you grade your own football IQ?

Solid. Obviously I went into college with some disadvantage, but I've done my research, I've listen to my coaches like every one was the fucking messiah, and I know everything a running back needs to know.

Q: You're up by 1 point and there's under a minute left in the game. Your opponent has no timeouts. It's 3rd and 9 on your own 45, you run to the outside and find a lane. You stiff arm a DB and take it outside, no defenders within 5 yards. Do you take it in for the score?

If I'm smart, I sit my arse on the ground and we kneel three times. If I'm honest, I take the six points every time unless coach says otherwise. As an offensive player, your primary goal has to be to score points whatever the situation and if the coach hasn't made it clear, then I'm never going to hold back from taking that to the house.

All-purpose RB mean you're going to spread your updates around?

Why'd you pick that archetype?

Aye, I'll work on all areas of the game. Like I've said, I want to be the best option for my team from every snap.

What if you were moved to Wide Receiver?

It's obviously not my preferred position, but if that's the only way I get to play football then I can put the work in and make sure I'm the best wide receiver in this league. Sometimes individuals have to adapt for the team and I know I'm willing to do that if it means winning games.

Are you in other leagues?

No, I'm committed entirely to the NSFL.

What do you think differentiates you from other RB's in the draft?

My ability to be a constant threat. Lots of lads like to find their niche, maybe it makes them feel special to be the "second best speed back" or the "second best power back". I'm going to repeat myself here: I'm the best blocking back, the best receiving back, the best power back and the best speed back.

Is it fair to say that Irishman Luke "LT Smash" Tiernan is just a bigger, stronger and yet just as fast player as you?

Look, I like the lad. I've watched some of his rugby highlights and I definitely think he could've excelled in the back row for Ireland, maybe he might've managed a couple of Lions caps. He's an exceptional athlete and a great rugby player. I can't say the same about him as an American Footballer. Let's be honest: He's slow, he can't block, he's never an option out the backfield, I'm no sure he entirely understands the game. He might be the Tullow Tank, but in pads he's like a roller without a tractor. You line him up against a cornerback or a scrum-half and he'll ran the poor bastard over, but he can't meet the challenge if a team stacks against him. He's a useful option once or twice in the game, but that's it.

What is your favorite animal?

It's gotta be a wolf. Pack mentality and predator instincts.

What is your favorite animal to eat?

If there's one thing yous Americans do well, it's beef. Ribs, steaks, that's been a revelation for me when I've the cash to spare on it.

What is your favorite animal to hang in the living room?

I'm no sure I understand the question if I'm honest.

Why do you feel that animals should be eaten, not pet?

I guess that's just how it works, isn't it, some are there for one and some for the other. Predators and prey, man's best friend and man's best meal.

Why do you hate animals so very, very much?

Ah, I don't at all. Always wanted a dog when I was wain, my old man knew better - We never had a front yard to let it out into, for a start. I'd almost say I was an animal person, or at least I seem to get along with most critters.

Thanks for the presser and hope you have a great draft day.

Good luck!!! :cheers:

Nice article, nice to see another rugby player looking to take it to these Americans.

Thank you to the both of you!