Kieran O'Connell Pre-Draft Presser

[Lainncli]

1.) What are you looking for in the offense around you? Would you rather have a top receiving threats to keep the defense spread out or a top O-Line to maximize your running ability?

O-Line. I'm happy for teams to stack against me and I see that as a challenge to rise to, but I can't deny my job's a whole lot easier when I'm not getting hit behind the line of scrimmage. Many to RBs can attribute their successes to a top O-Line during their formative years, so hopefully I can too.

2.) Arguably the two top RB prospects in this draft are both of the rugby imports. How do you feel you stack up against Tiernan and do you think your experience in college makes you a better choice for a GM?

I'll assume that's a slip of the tongue at the end there, I'd be a shite GM.

I've said before I'm better than Tiernan and I think it's clear why. He's a powerhouse when you need him, but you'll only ever need him a few times a game. He can fill that niche incredibly well, but only as a #2/#3 RB and knowing that you can't waste any kind of high pick on him. I'm the threat on every down, I'm the player who keeps your defence ticking, who keeps the chain moving whether it's a 20 yard reception or 3 yards running north-south.

3.) Do you prefer running in a power block scheme or a zone block scheme, and do you like using a lead blocker like a fullback?

I much prefer a zone scheme, as it allows me to use my head and adapt to the defence on the run. If a power block scheme fails to create the mismatch they need, if they fail to move the defence, it rarely ends pretty.

In college I rarely ran behind a lead blocker, but it's something I've done before, it's something I know how to do and definitely can do on the field if necessary.

4.) Any good trick plays up your sleeves?

You'll have to wait and see

5.) What's a lesson or skill you learned in rugby that you think more American players need to know? Do you think you'll have a lot to teach to your teammates come training camp?

Maybe I should wait until I've stopped playing to say this, but some of the tackling I've seen at the top level is atrocious. Leading with the helmet, going high to try to put the hit in, it's idiotic. Tackling low, wrapping up properly has a lot to be said for it and I'm glad it's on the rise.

Good luck in the draft today, I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Thank you!