March 9, 2011

BERKELEY - Cal held its annual Pro Day at Witter Rugby Field on Wednesday with 17 former Golden Bears working out for personnel for nearly all NFL teams. Following are selected quotes from what Chris Conte, Cameron Jordan, Mike Mohamed, Jeremy Ross and Shane Vereen had to say following their workouts.

CHRIS CONTE
On how he has been training for the NFL Draft
"You're like a track athlete. You're training to run a 40. You're running every day. You're training twice a day. On a meal plan, on a strict diet, drinking nothing but water, eating the right foods, it's hard not to get in good shape. You have to try not to get in good shape. So just working hard, you know. Dedicating myself to being in the NFL and you know, reaching my goals and reaching my potential. I've been working out in Long Beach at EVO Sport [Performance] Training with Gary Cablayan working out pretty hard and getting me in shape."

On what he got out of Pro Day after participating in the NFL Scouting Combine
"I'm a football player and you come out here and if you can show you're athletic - my strong suit is getting on the field and doing this position stuff. So, if I can go out there and impress some people I'm going to do everything I can to impress someone. I think I could've ran a lot faster at the combine, so I wanted to come out here and run faster. A little less nerves. You're back, you're comfortable. You're not on that big stage. A little less butterflies. I still had some butterflies because I want to do as well as I can, so I'm still a little nervous. You know, you're playing in front of 30,000 people every Saturday so you get used to it."

On whether he improved his time today
"I believe so. I still don't know what I ran. [4.56] 4.56? Really? I thought I ran faster. [What did you run in the combine?] 4.53. Maybe, I shouldn't have ran today. [laughter] I think I showed that you know--if you're running the, you're coming out of the three-point stance it's a little different. But once I'm moving, once I get up, I'm fast. You don't play football in a three-point stance, or at least I don't. Once I get going, I'm going."

On the feedback he received after the combine
"I think a lot of people were impressed. I think a lot of people liked me a lot. I think I opened people's eyes. So I'm just trying to keep that momentum going."

On how many teams he interviewed with at the combine
"I ended up meeting with probably about everybody, at least talking to every team."

On the weirdest question he was asked
"Weirdest question? Well I think from the Bears. It's not really a question, but he gave me a little riddle I had to solve. And that was probably the weirdest thing I had to do."

On what the riddle was
"You had a penny, a quarter, and a dime. He said, `Ramona's mom had three children. The first child was named P after penny. Q after quarter.' And then, `What did she name the third child?' and he points at the dime. And I was thinking, `What could it be?' I'm trying to think about it. I wasn't really prepared for it. And I'm thinking like `Ramona. Ramona. Ramona has - Ramona's Mom. So it has to be Ramona right?' And he looks at me like, `What was the question I asked?' So I wasn't sure if I answered it right. And he keeps pointing at the dime. So I'm like, `D for dime?' And I'm just staring at him like, `Wait, what?' I wasn't really sure what was going on. So I'm like, `It has to be Ramona!' He's like, `Yeah, Ramona.' So he calls me Ramona from now on. You know, you get some stuff like that. They want to test you, see if you can listen. Stuff like that. It's a great experience. I'm really glad I got to go."

On whether not starting full time until his senior year could be a weakness
"Yeah, but I think it kind of helps me because in one year I made All-Pac-10 First-Team. So it shows I can pick it up really fast. And you know, I have so much room to grow. I think it's almost like a strong point for me."

On whether he is surprised by the feedback and projections he has been getting
"No. Playing corner and playing nickel. All it can do is help."

On whether he is being projected as a corner
"No. I'll play anywhere, but I'm definitely a safety."

On whether he has scheduled workouts with teams and which ones
"Yeah, definitely. I have some lined up already. I have one with the [Philadelphia] Eagles. I'm supposed to work out with the [St. Louis] Rams. I'm just waiting to hear from other teams."

CAMERON JORDAN
On what he got out of Pro Day after participating in the NFL Scouting Combine
"You know, I came out to the Pro Day for a work day. Everything I do I can always get better at. And, today we tried some new drills that I've never done before, but have only seen some guys do it at the combine and working out at API Phoenix. So today, they asked me to do some linebacker drills and I'm down to do anything really. Had they asked me to do some DB drills I would have done some 360º turns in there, too. But it was a fun experience, and I think if you give me a week or two I could kill that drill. I could definitely work on my footwork. I'm sort of a perfectionist when it comes to that sort of thing, so I was getting a little frustrated. But it was fun."

On the last time he caught a ball that was intentionally thrown at him
"I had an interception my sophomore year. That was probably the last time I've seen a ball come with that type of speed or velocity. Other than that, you know, we have [Cal defensive line] coach [Tosh] Lup[oi], but I don't think Coach Lup has the arm speed that Riley has; I don't think he's releasing the ball like Riley. [You caught pretty much all of them too] I dropped two, I counted. I was upset about each one. But, yeah, that's the first time I've caught off Riley. He throws some heat. It's one thing to look at it and one thing to actually do it. So, it was fun."

On showing different skills with the possibility of a position switch in NFL
"You know, I was thinking about being a wideout." [laughter]

On his confidence in his results at the combine and not participating in timed drills today
"Yeah, I was pretty happy with my combine results. Like I said, I did the best that I could do in everything that I did. So, I came out here today, just trying to show off a little bit of my footwork, D-line drills that didn't happen, and linebacker drills."

On his feelings about the positive feedback he has been receiving in the mock drafts
"Right, I mean, that's what it is. It's a mock draft. It's not April 28th yet. For all I know, I could either fall out or go up or stay the same. I don't know. So I try not to pay attention to it. All I can handle is what I do every day. So I work hard. I wake up in the morning and go as hard as I can. And then I fall asleep sometime around 10:30-11 pretty hard. I'm usually asleep before I hit the pillow."

On the weirdest question asked at the combine
"The counselors/player development guys asked me, `Are you a dog or a cat?' I don't know what that had to do with football. I was like, `I guess I'm a dog. Do I chase after the ball? I guess I chase things.' But there were a couple of weird questions like that. `What do green and yellow have in common?' `They're colors.' You know, but that was it."

On how many teams he interviewed with at the combine
"You know, they have like a speed dating. You go in there, and it's like a round robin. You're like, `Hey, how are you? I'm Cameron. Nice to meet you. Hey. Hey. Hey. [high five] Great, let's go.' You just go around a whole bunch of different teams. It's pretty cool."

On whether he will workout for some teams
"Yeah, I hope to work out for some teams. You know, if they're willing to have me, I'm willing to do whatever it takes. I'm really just trying to show every team anything they want, I can fit. Whether that'd be a 4-3 defense, 3-4, 2-gap system, or 3-4-1 gap system. I believe that I can do anything they want me to do. Whether that'd be a 5-3 or even a 9. And, if, like I said, give me a week or two to train the outside linebacker and I'll be one of the best guys you have."

On whether he has scheduled workouts with teams
"That I know of? I have a few. I just got the schedule from my agent yesterday and it's all positive right now."

On his thoughts and emotions heading into the draft
"I've got a workout tomorrow. That's all I'm really focused on. I went from API Phoenix to, now, tomorrow I start out with [Cal strength and conditioning] coach [Mike] Blasquez. He's got a great group of guys training right now that worked out with him today and a couple of NFL guys are coming back to workout with him. So I'm going to put my trust in Coach Blasquez from now on and that's where all my energy is going to be devoted to."

On the significance of participating in the outside linebacker drills today
"I'm just trying to show a little bit of versatility. They saw me in a two-point stance, so I'm sure a little curiosity came up. I feel like I could if you wanted me to. Whether that be stay at the same weight or drop, I could go either way. And, I'm willing to do anything that needs to happen."

On where his height and weight checked in today
"Height, I was 6'4" and 3/8. I think I gained 2/8", what is that 1/4 of an inch right there? I'm getting pretty tall; I'm hitting a growth spurt right now. From there, I was 286 today. So, I lost a pound from the combine? Yeah, you see, it's slim now. We're going to have a six-pack soon. Other than that, it was the same measurements really."

MIKE MOHAMED
On his thoughts about his performance at the combine and today
"I feel like I've done pretty well. I've worked hard the past two months. I think I did some pretty good stuff, but I can definitely improve. Every day I'm just trying to get better."

On the feedback he has received from NFL teams
"You know, just that I'm doing a good job. One thing the combine allowed me to do was show teams that I'm a lot more athletic than I've been given credit for. I think a lot of teams had good things to say about seeing me actually move in person."

On whether he has been given any indication of what kind of team he would fit into best
"Well, to be honest, I've played in both 4-3 and 3-4 here at Cal, inside and out. So I'm telling teams I can do both. Basically, wherever you need me I'm willing to play there because I've done it all."

On where teams are projecting him to play
"Yeah, I've gotten some teams saying inside, some teams saying outside. So either or I'd be happy just to get a shot."

On inside 4-3 or inside 3-4
"Both."

On whether he is going to workout with teams in the next month
"I hope so, that means that teams are interested in you and definitely taking a look. So hopefully I get a few of those over the next month."

On whether he has any workouts scheduled
"No, not that I know of."

On his thoughts and emotions heading into the draft
"Well, you know, now it's kind of the waiting game. Hoping for a call for a workout or something like that. As for me, I'm just going to continue to train. But, now I can get away from all the combine stuff and start focusing on football and doing actual football stuff. So that'll be nice."

On his thoughts about his journey from Brawley, California
"It's been a wild ride. Just coming from a small town like that. Not too many people have heard of Brawley. And now, the opportunity to play in the NFL. I have to consider myself very lucky."

On when he is graduating and his training
"I graduated in December already. I'm working out. You know, trying to eat right and taking care of my body."

On whether he was in Southern California
"Yeah, I have been in Southern California for the past two months, working out in L.A."

On how many NFL teams he interviewed with at the combine
"I didn't have any formal interviews. But in the general, lobby, big thing, I had around 12-15 I would say. I talked to Raiders, yeah. I haven't talked to the Niners."

On the weirdest question asked at the combine
"You get everything from favorite thing to eat, what was your weirdest Cal experience, things like that."

On what his weirdest Cal experience was
"I usually tell them, you know, if you ever make it to Cal you've just got to take a walk down Telegraph and you'll see enough weird out there."

On who he talked to from the Raiders
"I talked to the linebackers coach and the special teams coach."

JEREMY ROSS
On his thoughts about his performance today
"I think I did well. I think I definitely came out here and showed the scouts a lot. I think I ran well."

On whether the format of Pro Day helps his cause, demonstrating his athleticism
"Exactly. I didn't have the biggest numbers this year. I think coming out here gives me a great opportunity to showcase what I can do. They can see me in person, put me through whatever they want to see, whatever their offense is fitted towards and geared towards. So I think it was great opportunity to showcase what I can do."

On his height and weight and training progress
"I definitely put on a lot of muscle. I went in at 209, but my body fat went down. I'm definitely a lot more lean, [with strength and conditioning head] coach [Mike] Blasquez having us on point with the training regimen we are doing."

On whether he looks at 2009 Cal senior wide receiver Verran Tucker for inspiration
"Oh, definitely. I see him and I kind of know how we match up as far as I've seen him practice. I know the guy, you know what I mean. Definitely seeing him going to an organization and doing a great job definitely gives me a lot of confidence. Like, `Wow, I can do this, too.'"

On whether he has any scheduled workouts
"Probably going to the Niners on the [March] 20th. Go out and workout with the Niners. Probably go up to the Seattle Seahawks. Go up there, check their place out. [when asked if he's going to stay with current Seattle Seahawks and former Cal Bears Marshawn Lynch or Justin Forsett]. Eventually the whole team will be Cal. [laughter] But, yeah I'll probably go up there."

On whether the Niners workout is individual or group
"I think all college players from the Bay Area are going to be there. So maybe I may workout, maybe I go and meet the coaches, see the facilities and different things like that. So, who knows?"

On his expectations going into the NFL Draft and whether he thinks he'll slip in at the end or be an undrafted free agent
"It could go both ways. I definitely think I can slip into the draft. It depends on what teams are looking for; what team really likes me, what teams are here and are pleased with what I did. But I definitely think I can slip into the draft. It could work out as a free agent. I talked to a couple of teams that said you could be a possible free agent with us. But you never know with other teams how it's going to work out. But I think I could slip into the draft."

On his times from today
"I ran a 4.39 40. Shuttle I ran like a 4.2, which is kind of bogus. Usually, I'm in the 4.0 flats. Three cone drill I ran a 6.71. Vertical jump I did 39. Broad jump I jumped 10'2" but my foot was kind of moving - 9'7". And then, I did 22 on the bench press."

On how hard he has been training for the 40
"Man, every day, going after it, working on my starts on my own, really trying to get that drive. We definitely critiqued it every single day to make sure because I knew that would be very important, along with other drills, but that one right there is the one right there. So I definitely put a lot of time and effort into it."

On whether that was his best time and when the last time he ran a 40 was
"Yeah, that was my best time. Last time was 2007 or 2008 I ran a 4.41."

On whether he was working out in New Jersey
"Yeah, I was at Test Football Academy. [It's a] great facility. I got good time to train out there. It taught me a lot of technical things. I definitely improved a lot just with form. And some of the things they taught me I brought in here, along with Blasquez. I kind of combined the two. It helped me out."

On whether scouts talked to him after Pro Day

"Yeah, a couple of teams did. I talked to a lot of teams. I talked to a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot of other teams."

On whether he is back in Berkeley and whether he's done with classes
"Yeah, I'm still training with Blasquez. I'll be done in May. I'm taking like three classes and I'll be done."

On what degree he will earn
"Social Welfare."

SHANE VEREEN
On his thoughts about his performance today
"I think it went good. [Quarterback] Kevin [Riley] threw well. Everybody out here that was running routes, did routes. Everyone did well. I think it was a good showing for us."

On what he got out of Pro Day after participating in the combine
"Just another chance to display what you got. Just another chance to show teams why they should draft you."

On his confidence in his results at the combine and not participating in timed drills today
"Yeah, it was a couple of things that went into it. But, I felt comfortable and confident with my stuff at the combine, so I just wanted to come out here and do some catching for everyone."

On the feedback he has received from NFL teams
"Most feedback has been positive, pretty good. It's tough to really buy into it because you never really know until Draft Day. So you take it all with a grain of salt."

On whether he has scheduled workouts with teams
"I have a few workouts set up, I think, within the next couple of weeks. But that's about it. Nothing serious yet."

On the difficulty for running backs to show what they can do during drills
"Yeah, right. It's tough. That's why one of the biggest things is the game tapes. That's one of the biggest things they look into. But any chance you get to show everything you can do, you've got to jump on it."

On his improved upper body strength, after his 225-bench performance at the combine
"Yeah, I mean when I was training that was one of the things I focused on. Just getting stronger all around. And I was able to do pretty well."

On his thoughts and emotions heading into the draft
"With the personal workouts, just go out and do what I can. And sit and wait. It's kind of nerve-wracking a little bit, but it's exciting. It's an exciting time."

On what part of the combine he was most satisfied with
"I think my interviews went really well. I think catching the ball and the position drills went well, as well."

On whether his catching ability is a strength in attracting teams
"Yeah, definitely. They asked me had I caught balls, but I don't think they've ever really seen me out in the receiver position, coming out of the backfield a lot. So that was one thing that I was able to do pretty well today."

On whether he feels like an underdog going into the workouts and the combine at his position
"Yeah, a little bit. I just don't think my name is as big as all the other big backs in the draft right now. But it's all good motivation and just more of a reason for me to come out and do well."

On whether his ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives him an edge
"Yeah, it has helped. It definitely hasn't hurt. And that's one of the things I'd like to show that I can bring to the table."