Carolina Huddle

by Andy Little

How is it playing safety in the NFL so far vs. playing corner in college?

“It’s a completely different life. I was used to playing corner in college and now playing safety is completely different.”

How are the practice conditions different here vs. Texas?

“I’m used to 115 degrees and dry heat and this can be 90 degrees and you feel like you’re suffocating because of the humidity. But it’s ok-as long as it doesn’t get to 120 I’ll survive.”

Players that come from other teams on defense say that our playbook is larger than most other teams. Tell me your thoughts on the playbook here.

“It’s huge. A lot of trees go down for this playbook. It’s something we have to get and something you have to know. But obviously we have the reputation of being a good defense. I don’t want to make Mr. Peppers or Mr. Minter mad because I don’t know my stuff so you have to get it.”

You were the only safety drafted in a need position for the team. Last year’s 7th round pick Stanley McClover ended up getting on the field some last year and is contributing more this season to his position. How do you feel about your chances of contributing on the field this year?

“I’m looking more towards Richard Marshall with what he did. A lot of things that he has said has helped me get through so far. I also look at Stanley’s intensity and I’m waiting until I can bring mine out because I don’t want to do it in the wrong arena. My chances are looking pretty good of course I can only do my job.”

Did the team say anything to you about off the field behavior when you were drafted?

“Not really, because they aren’t going to have any problems with me. I’m usually asleep by 9 or 9:30. My momma goes to sleep before I do. I don’t drink, smoke or any kind of that stuff so they don’t have to worry about that.”

What has the team said to you about off the field charity work in the community?

“The team talked to us a little bit the other day about it, but I do a lot of stuff without anybody knowing about it. Back in Waco, I used to go to the hospital without telling anybody because that’s something that’s in my heart. I’m going to love doing some of the things they have here because they have some things that will allow me to help more people.”

You’re playing in the NFL now. Was it hard to sleep at night from the excitement when you first got to camp?

“No, it was easy to sleep because you knew what was coming the next day (laughs). I never had looked at this as a chore because once you do that it will pass by too fast. I want to take it in day by day and play by play.”

This Saturday, first preseason game, you’ll get on the field vs. the Giants at the Meadowlands. How are you going to feel?

“A little country boy to New York City (laughs). It’s going to be fun. I’m going to do what I’ve always done and that’s put on a show. I won’t be a clown, but I’m going to put on a show.”

Talk a little bit about the fans here and thousands of people showing up just to watch a practice and people wanting to interview you.

“I’ve never seen anything like this before. Everyday you have a lot of people watching you and little kids screaming your name. It’s crazy but I love it.”

How are the practices here different from what you did in college?

“Pretty much the same because my (college) coach was in the Marines. At least we aren’t doing push-ups on the sideline so I’m ok right now. It’s fun and more mental than physical.”