NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chris Horton, S, UCLA

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chris Horton, S, UCLA
by Imran Tahir, 3/29/08. Senior UCLA Safety Chris Horton has had a very good career for the Bruins, earning Second-Team All-Pac-10 Honors in 2006, and First-Team All-Pac-10 Honors this past season along with First-Team All-American by The Sporting News. Horton combines good run-support ability with instinctive play in pass coverage.

Thank you, Chris, for allowing me to interview you on behalf of thefootballexpert.com – how have preparations for this year’s NFL Draft gone so far?

"Great! I got into it soon after our bowl game, and I’ve been training in L.A. at a place called “360” since January. Everything’s been going well."

Compare and contrast your style of play at the Safety position with that of your teammate, Senior Dennis Keyes.

"We have pretty similar styles, both of us can cover, and both of us like to hit. I’m what you would call a “Box Safety,” while Dennis plays more like a cornerback, matching up with receivers."

Do you feel that there is room for you to become an even better Safety? If so, what areas do you feel you need to improve on the most as you enter the NFL?

"Definitely. I like to play in an aggressive defense, and I think I can become a better “Centerfielder” in the secondary, making more plays while the ball is in the air."

Your head coach, Karl Dorrell, was a very good Wide Receiver back during his playing days at UCLA. Was he able to help you and your fellow Defensive Backs out in learning how to cover receivers, reading opposing offenses, etc.?

"Yes, he would often come in and watch film with the DB’s, giving us tips on how to press up against WR’s, and prevent them from getting open. He was always giving us good feedback."

You’ve got solid size for a player at your position. You’ve been listed at 6’1. Is that your accurate height?

"Yes, I’m 6’1."

Is there any particular type of defensive scheme in the NFL which you feel would best suit your abilities?

"Any scheme would work – I have a good football I.Q., so I think I can play in any scheme. I’m most comfortable working in a 4-3 defensive set, since that’s what I’ve played in, but even a 3-4 set would be O.K."

What is your current weight, and is this the weight which you hope to check in at when you report for your first mini-camp after the Draft?

"I’m 212 lbs., and that’s the weight which I want to maintain."

What is your current 40-yard dash time, and is this the time which you had hoped to record for NFL teams?

"My time is 4.53 seconds, and I’m satisfied with that, since it’s a faster time than what they (some NFL teams) thought I’d record. I wanted to be anywhere in the 4.5-range, and I’m there."

You’re originally from New Orleans correct? Did you grow up rooting for the Saints?

"Well, I was actually born in L.A., and I moved to New Orleans when I was about 7 years old. I’m actually a Buffalo Bills fan – it’s kind of funny how it happened, but back in 1992 when the Cowboys played the Bills in the Super Bowl, my brother was rooting for the Cowboys, so I rooted for the Bills, and it just stuck on from there."

How would it feel to be drafted by the Bills?

"It would be great, but really, I’ll play for any team. I’ll feel good about whichever team selects me, and thinks that I can contribute to their team."

Obviously, it’s still early, but in what round of this year’s Draft do you hope to be selected in?

"I really don’t have an idea right now, but as long as my name is called, and I get to play football, I’ll be happy."

Thanks once again, Chris, for the interview time. Good luck with the Draft this year.

"Thank you."

2010 NFL Mock Drafts:

Abromowitz | Cox | Clearwater | Bures

2010 NFL Draft Rankings

Offensive: QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | OG | C
Defensive: DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S