NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Haruki Nakamura, S, Cincinnati

by Michael Abromowitz, 1/27/08. The Cincinnati Bearcats had their first ten win season since 1951, and much of it had to do with the success and leadership of its defensive quarterback, safety Haruki "Ruke" Nakaumura. Nakamura was honored for his play with being named first-team All-Big East and shared the team's Claude Rost MVP Award. This past season, Nakamura had 85 tackles and four interceptions.

What is your accurate height, weight and forty time?
Haruki Nakamura: 5’10” 195 4.58

Describe your game in three words or less.
Haruki Nakamura: Energetic Ball Hawk

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you feel you need to improve in?
Haruki Nakamura: POS= Instinctive, smart, aggressive, big hitter, NEG= I am over aggressive at times and I need to improve on my acceleration out of breaks

What NFL player do you do you think you compare favorably to?
Haruki Nakamura: Troy Polamalu, Donte Whitner

Who is the best player you have faced during your college football career?
Haruki Nakamura: Heisman winner Troy Smith and Heisman Candidates: Pat White, Brian Brohm

What is your greatest football moment to date?
Haruki Nakamura: Getting our 10^th win for only the second time in U of Cincinnati history.

Did you have a favorite pro team growing up? Favorite player?
Haruki Nakamura: Tampa Bay Bucs, John Lynch, and Brian Dawkins

How instrumental was your Coach Mark Dantonio and Brian Kelly in your progression?
Haruki Nakamura: Coach Mark Dantonio helped me become a smart and tough player and helped me to understand defense, Coach Kelly taught me the true meaning of leadership.

When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy?
Haruki Nakamura: Something for my mother.

How will you be preparing for the NFL Draft?
Haruki Nakamura: Running at Ignition with Cliff Marshall and David Pollack and lifting at school with Strength Coach Paul Longo, while finishing up school in March

Do you have any goals in mind when it comes to the NFL Draft?
Haruki Nakamura: To get drafted and to make a team.

What is the one thing you will most miss at college?
Haruki Nakamura: My Teammates.

Where is the best place to get a bite to eat in your Cincinnati?
Haruki Nakamura: Chipotle.

What was your favorite college course and why?
Haruki Nakamura: Institutional Corrections - we went on a prison tour.

What have former or current NFL players told you about preparing for the league?
Haruki Nakamura: To stay focused to achieve your goals and always make the most of the opportunities that are given.

Any pregame rituals? Food? Music?
Haruki Nakamura: Kenny Chesney and watching the National Geographic or Animal Planet channel.

What is something football fans may not know about you?
Haruki Nakamura: Everyone in my family has at least one national championship in Judo

Do you read mock drafts or listen to what draft experts have to say?
Haruki Nakamura: Sometimes just to see if some of the things that are said are true or accurate.

What do you plan to do once your playing career is over?
Haruki Nakamura: Get into college coaching.

Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and good luck!
Haruki Nakamura: Thank You.