2009 NFL Draft Interview - Rulon Davis, DE, California

Rulon Davis Draft Interview
by Gregory Cox
NFL Draft Director
1/7/09

Even through a telephone Cal defensive end Rulon Davis can be a little bit intimidating. What would you expect from a player who describes his game in three words as: aggressive, tenacious and smart? There is no doubt he is smart having already graduated with a double major (Sociology, African-American studies) this past spring. Intelligence is one of Davis’ many strengths on and off the football field.

Here is the transcript from our conversation.

TFE: I have read you are a Chargers fan although that might not have made you very popular in the East Bay at Berkeley with the Raider Nation so close. When looking at the NFL who do you compare yourself to?

RD: Luis Castillo. Same build.

TFE: Positions change from college to the NFL. Some guys at defensive end move inside to tackle and others slide back to outside linebacker. You have played in the 4-3 and this past season in the 3-4. You have the frame at 6-5 to play tackle. Which scheme fits you the best and which position?

RD: I can fit both the 3-4 and the 4-3. This past year I felt really comfortable in the 3-4 because in a 3-4 the defensive end has to play the tackle position as well as the rushing end position. I like being able to play more than one position - inside in the three and then going out there and playing the “five” technique. I like the versatility. I love that.

TFE: Your vertical leap was 34.5. At the 2008 NFL combine eventual #6 overall pick Vernon Gholston was the only defensive lineman to top that (by one inch) and only two linebackers were over that mark. Can you beat that number?

RD: Yeah, I definitely can beat that.

TFE: I realize benching 225 pounds as many times as possible is not in your regular routine, but can you project a range for yourself?

RD: I think I can do in the high 20’s.

TFE: Have you been working on your speed, and what is your 40 time now?

RD: Around 4.8-4.9. I plan on shedding some pounds so I can get a bit faster.

TFE: Aside from center Alex Mack, who was the toughest offensive lineman at Cal you went against in practice?

RD: (senior offensive tackle) Noris Malele. Solid guy.

TFE: This process can be hectic and nerve wracking leading up to April. What are you looking forward to the most?

RD: What teams are interested and seeing what is the best fit for me. Everything is so unknown. I’m excited to see what the future has for Rulon Davis.

TFE: You are close friends with current Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane who once roamed the line with you at Cal. Has he given you advice about what to expect?

RD: He got me a little bit nervous because he told me the other day that this time in my life is going to be the biggest change. He says my life will never be the same after this. I get butterflies in my stomach thinking about it. I’m looking forward to the challenge. He said that the combine was probably one of the most difficult deals because it was an ongoing process, but I can take it.

TFE: Right now you have been a little overlooked playing in front of three linebackers expected to be drafted (Zack Follett, Worrell Williams and Anthony Felder), but someone had to be disrupting things to free those guys up. What do you most want scouts to know about your game and what makes you a future NFL player?

RD: Just sit down and really watch the film. See me disrupting the line, executing my assignment, being a playmaker - having a nose for the ball, high motor, intensity and overall abilities. I try to bring leadership to the field. I just want an opportunity.

TFE: Finally, what are your plans when your NFL career is over?

RD: I definitely want to go back to school. I’m really interested in commercial real estate, especially the financial side. I want to be in all phases – land development, buying and selling, finance.

In just a few minutes speaking to Davis, who I have seen play live several times at Cal, it puzzles me to not see him higher on positional draft charts at this still somewhat early stage of the process. There are questions about his durability due to various injuries taking away games these past two seasons. He is also 25 years old having devoted three years of his life to the Marines including a six month tour of duty in Iraq.

However, the positive side is immeasurable character built from his life experiences and the toughness to have persevered through those nagging injuries. Clearly his football playing potential has not been met giving him the “upside” many scouts look for. Any NFL team taking their shot at drafting Rulon Davis will be getting a determined force ready to make an impact wherever his talents are needed. Considering plenty of NFL defensive linemen play well into their 30’s effectively (Michael Strahan was 36 when he hung up the cleats, Jason Taylor had 11 sacks at 33 in 2007) his age is certainly not much of an issue.

For more information on Rulon Davis - RulontheBeast.com