NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
by Paul Eide, 2/29/08. Carlton Powell is a valued commodity even in a year where the college ranks offer up a wealth of talented defensive tackles to the NFL Draft. Considering that several Draft forecasts have predicted as many as four defensive tackles will be selected in the first round, being ranked in the top 10 as Powell currently is, is significant and indicates he will be coveted by many NFL teams and should be drafted anywhere from round four to round seven. In his senior season at Virginia Tech, Powell started 12 of 13 games at left defensive tackle and contributed 38 tackles, 3.5 sacks and six tackles for loss despite being double teamed on nearly every play.

You trained for the Combine down at Tom Shaw’s in Florida. Who are some of the more notable guys you trained with?

Well there were about 30 total guys like Marcus Harrison and Jaime Silva but the biggest name was Glenn Dorsey.

Was training with fellow defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, who is projected by many as the #1 overall Draft pick, a good reference point for you in terms of how you stack up against ‘the best’?

It was definitely great competition, working out against such big name guys, but I felt like I held my own and stacked up pretty well.

At Virginia Tech you were said to be benching 400 lbs and squatting 500 lbs. Is that still accurate?

I’m benching around 430 right now and squatting close to 600. I’d say I’m getting close to my plateau now but I never really hit a sticking point or anything before.

What is the one thing you need to work on the most?

Probably using my hands and my ability to pass rush.

Was there a Combine drill that you looked forward to the most or least?

Well, I probably looked forward to the 40 the most as I’ve been running a 4.9 in training. But my weakest point is my vertical.

How did you get invited to the Combine? Can you kind of explain how you felt once you found out?

Man, it was truly a blessing! It came in the mail and I was like, ‘I think this is an invite to the Combine.’ So I was there with my parents, looking at it making sure everything was right. It was a great moment, very exciting.

With the Combine over, do you find yourself more nervous or more excited now that the Draft is the next event on the horizon?

More than anything I’m excited but it’s excited, anxious, nervous all that rolled into one. I‘m just can’t wait to get on a team and let everyone know what Carlton Powell brings to the table.

Is it hard to believe that four years ago you entered Virginia Tech as a freshman and now you’re on the verge of realizing your dream?

It’s surreal because time never went by so fast. It’s incredible when you think about it. Now I’m here at this level and I’ve really come a long way.

Do you listen to what so called ‘Draft Experts’ have to say as far as where you will be selected?

Nah, not really. I just go out there and do what I can. There not the ones who make the selections anyway. Everybody is entitled to their opinion and a lot of guys have their credentials or whatever, but as far as teams that do the selecting they have their own board and that’s what matters.

At VT you played Left Defensive Tackle in their 4-3 alignment. Does it make a difference to you whether you play in a 4-3 or a 3-4?

I can play any position on the line. I can adjust to whatever. I am a smart player and I can roll with whatever comes my way.

Do the Pro Scouts look favorably upon a guy of your size playing LB in high school? Do they mention that to your agent as a strength?

Yeah that is a strength they recognize. Being able to move around a lot quicker and being agile means I have great feet for my size. Its definitely an advantage they notice against offensive linemen.

Is their a moment in your college career that stands out as your favorite moment?

Man, of course. First game I ever played in was against USC who was ranked #1 at the time at night on national tv at Fed Ex field and I had goose bumps! It was amazing. All those fans? Oh my god. That’s when I knew, “I’m here now!” There are so many things running thru your head, so many feelings.

Going up against a big name school like USC, do you notice a difference in terms of cockiness or arrogance compared to the smaller schools?

There is definitely a difference because the big schools already know how they are capable of playing so they bring a little extra. But the small schools have a chip on their shoulder and it really evens out.

Have you spoken to any current or former Virginia Tech NFL players about making the jump to the NFL?

Yeah, Darryl Tapp mainly (of the Seattle Seahawks). He’s a defensive end so he can kind of relate to what I’m going thru. He’s had a really good first two years (10 sacks, four forced fumbles, two INT’s and one TD) so I really ask him mostly about football but also bout other stuff.

You’re known as a disruptive type of player in the vein of a Warren Sapp. Is that an extension of your quickness or a result of your will?

I’d say both, you know. Getting back there, causing trouble, getting penetration, not waiting for things to happen, you make the play react to you rather than reacting to the play. It works out a lot better from that approach.

Of all NFL Players, who do you compare yourself to?

I take bits and pieces from a lot of guys. Footwork kind of like Darryl Tapp. The way Albert Haynesworth uses his hands, I’ve got a little of that. The way Kris Jenkins gets after the QB, the way Casey Hampton stuffs the run; I try to take a little from everybody.

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