NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Josh Vaughan, RB, Richmond

NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Josh Vaughan, RB, Richmond
by Paul Eide
Senior Writer
2/23/09

Few things are more frustrating than being limited by circumstance rather than by lack of individual ability or effort. For University of Richmond running back Josh Vaughan, the name of the “circumstance” impeding his progress was former All American and current Arizona Cardinals running back Tim Hightower.

Vaughan played behind Hightower for three years which meant that Josh Vaughan’s opportunities were limited. But even in those three years, the talent and big play ability were evident. Vaughan accumulated 257 carries for 1,495 yards and 15 TD in those three years, averaging almost six yards per carry, and made the most of what he had to work with, even returning kickoffs. But when Vaughan finally got his chance, he burst on to the scene his senior year with 1,884 rushing yards and 20 TD while accomplishing something Hightower never did; winning a 1-AA National Championship, the first in Richmond’s history. Josh Vaughan may be the most overlooked running back available at this stage of the pre draft evaluation period. His full potential has yet to be maximized.

TFE: Congratulations on the great season. How rewarding was it to follow up such a productive senior year with 162 yards and a TD in the National Championship game?

JV: It was very rewarding. This is what you work for throughout your whole career and to get to see those type of results at the pinnacle of the 1-AA level, it doesn’t get any better than that.

TFE: The TD you scored in the National Championship game tied you with Tim Hightower for the most career rushing TD in Richmond history (34). How important was that for you?

JV: I don’t really pay attention to the individual stats, IM just glad we got the win. I couldn’t have done any of that without my offensive line, receivers blocking, fullbacks blocking my tight ends. Those individual goals are great, IM glad to be in elite company with Tim Hightower, but winning the National Championship was good enough for me.

TFE: Can you describe your feelings when you looked up at the end of the game and saw the clock hit zero?

JV: I really didn’t know how to feel. More of a feeling of awe than anything, knowing where Richmond had come as a program. And knowing that I’ll be a National Champion forever. It was a great feeling.

TFE: Your first three years you were Tim Hightower’s backup, but you averaged nearly six yards per carry. What was your thought process playing behind an All American? How do you stay positive?

JV: Just knowing the opportunity would present itself eventually. Playing behind somebody, I just wanted to produce every time I got in. My goal was to either put it in the end zone or make a big play every time I got the ball.

TFE: Did the success of Hightower bring you increased visibility this year?

JV: Definitely. Tim put the program where it needs to be. The things he did last year no one had ever done before in Richmond history. That put Richmond on the radar and this year we continued that. And I believe it is something that will be there for years to come.

TFE: How does your game differ from Tim Hightower’s? Physically you’re similar; he is 6-0, 220, you’re 6-0, 230. What’s the biggest difference and similarity?

JV: Were both very versatile for our size. Were not just big bruisers that have no speed, we can do both. We have versatility, can catch the ball, make moves in space and run with both speed and power. There really aren’t too many differences. I’m a little bit bigger, a little bit stronger, but there really aren’t too many differences.

TFE: Have you been in touch with him? Is he helping you prepare?

JV: Yes, whenever he is available. When you get on that stage its hard to catch up with a guy like Tim. He was just at the Super Bowl and everything but whenever I’ve gotten a hold of him he definitely gave me advice on how to prepare and take care of my body.

TFE: This past season you had 1,884 rushing yards, averaged over 100 yards per game and scored 20 TD. Did you realize you were being that productive at the time? Or do you kind of look back on it at the end and realize it?

JV: I really believed this was my year to shine. If I did what I was supposed to do and step up as a big player for the team then things would work out and that’s what happened and the team was able to reach the ultimate prize. That was the main focus.

TFE: What is the next step for you now?
JV: Getting ready for my Pro Day. If I do well there it will put me in a great position to get a look in the NFL.

TFE: What NFL players would you compare yourself to?
JV: I really am not sure. I’ve always liked the way Fred Taylor plays, or a younger version of Jamal Lewis.”

TFE: What’s something most people don’t know about Josh Vaughan, that they could pick up on while watching you run wild in the National Championship game?

JV: Off the field, I’m pretty laid back. I play a lot of video games and relax. I’m not a big party guy, I like to hang out and be quiet.