Kieran O'Connell Pre-Draft Presser

[Lainncli]

1) Can you describe the excitement you're feeling for the draft tonight?

I'm trying the best not to get excited, but it's not easy going - It's hard not to give in to the spectacle of it all. At the moment, it's home comforts, cold beer and just doing my best to keep a calm head.

:interview: 2. How long did it take you to get used to the culture in the States?

2) How has the transition between living in Scotland and America been?

The move's been fairly easy if I'm honest. Luckily, I'm coming from a country that generally Americans have a very positive attitude to so I've always been made to feel right at home and some more. The only real barrier's been the accent, but even then most people love it so I can't complain.

3) As we wind down closer to the draft, which team do you feel has its eye on you the closest?

I've been in conversations with a couple of GMs, so I won't be giving away any secrets on these ones. What I can say is that teams have been talking about taking me anywhere between the third and the seventh rounds.

4) You are labelled as an all-purpose back, but what are your thoughts on screen plays and swing passes as opposed to running between the tackles?

I'm more than capable as a receiver and have been utilised making both routes in college, so I have full confidence I can continue to be an option running wide out the backfield in the NSFL.

5) Do you ever miss playing rugby or running track?

Aye, definitely. I'm of course committed to football now, but I still watch rugby and play touch when I can. While nothing beats the intensity of football, I do miss the non-stop action and brutal physicality of a rugby match. Maybe in eight, ten years time I can look at dropping the pads and taking my chances back over the pond.

1.) How long have you been studying American Football?

I've been studying since I was 16 and obviously I've been lucky enough to add to that with playing experience over the past four years.

2.) Do you think you know enough to transition and be successful?

Talk of my transition and whether my background as a rugby player might effect me are long overdue. If you look at my numbers in college, if you look at my tape, it's clear I've fully taken on the task and I've no deficiencies in my football knowledge.

3.) We've seen a rugby player attempt to transition over into the NFL, and after the hype died down we all realized hes below average, and he was promptly cut. What makes you any different?

The Jarryd Hayne situation was very unfortunate. He was obviously a brilliant athlete, yet was hindered by a front office that evidently did not trust him and an apparent inability to cope with the pressure. I can promise I'm free of the latter issue and can only hope with the first.

Perhaps he was simply thrown into the ring too early. Unlike Hayne, I've had four years to make my transition - whereas Hayne had only four games - and I've more than proven my capability to step up to the stage in this new sport.

4.) What do you bring to the table other than strong running style, a great lateral throw, and good tackling?

I bring agility, I bring speed, I bring a capable route runner and receiver, I bring a solid blocker and good positional awareness. I bring a player ready to take the game to the opposition on every down, a leader in the locker room and on the field.

5.) When the bruising running style wears off, do you have any tricks up your sleeve that would potentially make tacklers miss?

All I can say is I've got the best of two sports in one bag. And just to be clear that rugby players can step.

:interview: 1. What do you miss the most about Scotland?

The people. There's a lot of genuine friendliness in Scotland, in Glasgow, which isn't quite the same in the US. Over here, it often comes across as forced politeness which can sometimes be a bit off-putting.

:interview: 3. Why did you choose Pitt as your College?

Well, I sent my tape out and a handful of colleges came back to me. It was Pitt who seemed most genuinely interested in me as a prospect, as a player they were willing to take on and develop. The similarities between Pittsburgh and Glasgow as proud industrial cities, forced to adapt in the face of harsh deindustrialisation, with strong people certainly helped my choice.

:interview: 4.Favorite brand of Scottish whiskey?

Probably Laphroaig or Auchentoshan.

:interview: 5. Would you play on the special teams if asked?

Definitely. If it means I'm on the field longer, if it means I can do more for the team then I'm willing to do so.

1) What do you have against Irishman Luke Tiernan?

Nothing. If the lad keeps opening his mouth, I'll keep fighting my own corner. If he wants to close it, I'll keep mine to myself.

2) Where do you expect to be drafted this evening?

I've been giving assurances by a few GMs, so I'm looking to go somewhere from the third to the seventh round.

3) What is your greatest achievement in football to date?

Leading Pittsburgh to the Conference Championship Game. Although we came off second best, I'm proud of our fire and fight through the season and I'll be looking to bring that into the NSFL.

4) Would you prefer to be a bird or a fish?

A bird, for sure. Although maybe I wouldn't do so badly as a shark.

5) What's your favourite thing about Ireland?

I could repeat my answer for Glasgow and say the folk, but I'll vary a bit and go for the history of my people. We've gone through a hell of a lot, but we've always kept the fight and our spirit strong. We're unique, we're fierce, and as you know - You'll never beat the Irish!

1. What made you decide to transition to football?

I honestly believe that football is the highest level of athletic competition in the world. The specialisation of positions means you're always up against the best, always having to perform your best to come out on top, and I love that level of challenge.

2. Do you have any prior football experience?

I have played for four years in college as a Pittsburgh Panther prior to this draft.

3. Do you think the length of a rugby game vs that of a football game will affect you?

If anything, that stands me in good stead. There is little in the world to match the prolonged physical intensity of a rugby match and I think that benefits me going into the latter stages of a football game.

4. Do you have a heavy accent?

I'm from Glasgow.

5. How will you serve as a leader in the locker room?

The first thing of course is to lead by example. Players won't follow someone who panicks on the field, who makes poor decisions and comes out second best to the opposition. Other than that, you've just got to hold your head high and stand by your teammates. Be prepared to say what you have to say, and make sure you play as a team not as individuals.

Good Luck in the Draft, make your country proud!

Thank you! Good luck to yourself as well!