NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gerald Cadogan, OT, Penn St.
by Paul Eide
Senior Writer
2/16/09


Gerald Cadogan is the most underrated tackle in this year’s draft. Thanks to a log jam of talent at the left tackle position, maybe the most ever, the 2008 All Big Ten performer is hardly mentioned among more prominent names like Andre Smith, Eugene Monroe or Jason Smith. But that isn’t his fault; One look at his resume and he may be the most complete player available.

Cadogan was a three time all Big Ten academic performer and made the national academic All American team twice. He also studied the nuances of the position playing behind future top five draft pick Levi Brown for a year and showed his versatility by playing guard next to him in 2006. Once Brown graduated in 2007, Cadogan ascended to the starting left tackle position and started every game over the next two years including the Alamo Bowl and the Rose Bowl. “The Mountain” is also an avid musician who has released two gospel CD’s and can play numerous instruments, including the trumpet, piano and guitar and he proves it in our interview with a stirring acapella version of “Amazing Grace!”

NFL scouts, what more do you want?

TFE: How rewarding was it for you to be named first team all Big Ten at left tackle in 2008?

GC: It was great because I had been named academic all Big Ten a couple times, and to   get it on the athletic side almost blows my mind that I’ve had this much success. Being named all Big Ten athletically has to be one of my greatest accomplishments I’ve had here at Penn State.

TFE: Who was the toughest Big Ten opponent you ever had to block?

GC: Tim Jameson from Michigan. He is a great athlete. Or Matt Shaughnessy from Wisconsin who is very athletic for his size. Outside the Big Ten, Brian Cushing from USC who we faced in the bowl game. There are a lot of great players but those are the first ones that come to mind.

TFE: What is it like to have Joe Paterno as a coach? Is his age catching up with him? Would you feel comfortable coming in as a freshman knowing he’s a little older?

GC: It’s funny you mention that because my younger brother just committed to Penn State and one of the big reasons is that coach Paterno still has it. And what I mean by it is that he is still able to coach, still able to motivate and assemble a great coaching staff. He’s able to keep everyone organized, motivated and focused. Coming in as a freshman you look at him in awe almost, like an icon. But he turns into coach Paterno real quick when he starts yelling at you, telling you you’re lousy or lazy, very hands on he’s not standing around ion the background. It doesn’t take too long to realize he’s still in control. And as far as his health concerns, he lets you know what’s on his mind whether he’s in the booth or on the field.

TFE: What are you doing to get ready for the Combine?

GC: I’m training at API in Pensacola Fl working on a lot of technique and doing a lot of running, getting lean, it’s almost like were training for a track meet right now. I would say this is the hardest I’ve ever worked out, plus the added pressure. At Penn State you work hard but you always had another year or two in the back of your mind. But now as a rookie, you get one shot to make it or not.”

TFE: You’re the best tackle in the Big Ten. A lot of people probably don’t know you were the captain of your swim team in high school. What’s that about?

GC: I don’t like to put limits on myself. And its one of the best conditioning things you can do. I was a two year captain my junior and senior year and just really enjoyed it.

TFE: You played behind the #5 pick in the 2007 draft Levi Brown at left tackle for your first two years at Penn State. How did that help your development? 

GC: He’s one of the strongest offensive linemen I’ve seen. I started next to him at Guard and played behind him, so I saw how hard he worked and what kind of work ethic it takes to be dominant player on the field. I’ve just tried to emulate and mimic that and it has made a positive impact in my game. Especially his senior season to see the way he finished blocks and went after people is something I try to do every time.

• Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 4 rounds
• Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 2 rounds
• Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft 
• Mock Draft Database