Kieran O'Connell Pre-Draft Presser

[Lainncli]

Sorry I couldn't answer these before the draft (timezones!), so I'll do my best to get a round up done now. Sorry if I cut out a question from you.

1)  Since you hail from the birthplace of golf, how is your game?

Not too bad, better than my old man at least.

2)  Where have you visited here that felt the most like home?

Colorado, obviously.

3)  Any problems switching to fullback if asked?

No, not at all. Like I've said before, I'm willing to adapt to become the most complete team player possible.

4)  Would you prefer to be the deep back on special teams or a blocker?

I'm most comfortable taking on players with the ball in hand, so I'd prefer to play as a deep back but would certainly be willing to fulfill a role as a blocker.

5)  Which part of your game will you spend the most time trying to improve?

I'm looking first to work on my routes and my hands, as I feel this looks to be a hole my team has in an otherwise extremely talented RB group. Other than that, I'll keep going through the basics and see what my coaches assess.

What made you choose your major?

I've always had an interest in how things work, the process behind the machines we take for granted, and that led me down the rabbit hole into mechanics and engineering. If not for football, I'd probably be working on cars back in Glasgow.

Have you ever played any other positions?

No, although I've played out the slot a couple of times if that counts.

If you had to choose one superhero to marry, who would it be?

Wonder Woman's the whole package, aye? That said, if we're talking about Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow...

Crust or no crust?

Crust, who the fuck wastes food like that?

What is your best attribute amongst your skill set?

The power I bring onto the field. There are some RBs who can match me for strength, some who can match me for speed, but none can match me for both and that's a potent combination out the backfield.

Do you want to be a bell cow or are you more of a specialty back?

I always want to be the bell cow. We've got a talented group of RBs in Colorado, but I'm sure every one of them is with me on saying we're all fighting to take the lead in this team - And that competition can only make us stronger.

1. How did you first find out about American football while living in Scotland?

I stumbled across the NFL Red Zone on Sky Sports and become completely obsessed with the level of talent and athleticism on the screen. Playing rugby, I appreciated the physicality of the sport and made use of the internet to get into it as best I could from across the pond.

2. You started playing football later in life than many of the other prospects. How do you think this will impact your future development?

I've had four years to develop and come into my own, which I think showed in my last year of college. Obviously playing with Pitt was a steeper learning curve for me than for others coming out of high school programs, but I've made up on it and I'm ready for the next stage.

3. Which NFL running back do you think your play style is most similar to?

I'd see myself as similar to David Johnson, being an exciting physical running back who's also proved to be a a reliable option for his team in the aerial game.

4. Were there any particular players or teams you went against in college that presented a tough match up for you?

Virginia Tech and Clemson were always big games for us to go into, as we knew they had the capability to grind our run game to a halt if we weren't executing perfectly. Matches like that can really bring out the best in players, but it can also highlight those who weren't ready for the challenge. I knew going in to every match I had to make sure I wasn't going to be one of those players.

5. If you had to choose after retiring, would you rather be a coach or a GM?

Coach. I like the idea of being able to work with a new generation, to shape and mould players as a leader on the ground. For me, the role of GM is somewhat too detached.