One of the best linebackers in the 2012 NFL draft is Utah State’s, Bobby Wagner. The relatively unknown tackling machine turned in a MVP performance at the Senior Bowl and opened more eyes. Wagner is a mature and focused young man whose draft stock is going to continue to rise. I recently interviewed this talented linebacker to find out more about his game.
Denis Krusos: You grew up in California. How did you decide to attend Utah State?
Bobby Wagner: I was hurt early on in high school. My junior year there was an entirely new coaching staff. I did not attend any of the combine events in high school that help you get noticed by colleges. Utah State was the only school that looked at me.
Denis Krusos: You played inside linebacker in Utah State’s 3-4 defense in 2011. What linebacker position do you feel you will be best at in the NFL?
Bobby Wagner: I think I can play inside or outside. I can cover well enough to play outside. I also defend the run to play inside. I played a little bit outside at the Senior Bowl and felt comfortable.
Denis Krusos: You made a fine play breaking up a pass in the end zone at the Senior Bowl. Describe how you made this play.
Bobby Wagner: I was in man-on-man coverage on the tight end. I felt there was a route behind me in the end zone so I decided to drift back. It put me in position to tip the pass.
Denis Krusos: You also had an interception in the Senior Bowl. Describe what happened on this play.
Bobby Wagner: Weeden in practice ran this same play and I did not get deep enough and he threw the ball over my head. I recognized the same route and I remembered to get deeper. Weeden did not get enough loft on the ball and I was in position to pluck it.
Denis Krusos: How did you become such a secure tackler?
Bobby Wagner: I do not like missing tackles. It is a mind-set that I have. I also watch film of the opposing running backs and study their moves. I feel prepared how they are going to try and get past me.
Denis Krusos: What did the NFL coaches work with you on at the Senior Bowl?
Bobby Wagner: They helped me with little technique pointers. They helped me to stay low and always use my hands. Also, I need to maintain good balance when taking on blocks.
Denis Krusos: Which running back impressed you the most at the Senior Bowl?
Bobby Wagner: Isaiah Pead. He ran very hard and did not let the first tackler bring him down.
Denis Krusos: How important is football to you?
Bobby Wagner: Football is my life. I love to do it and I cannot believe that I am going to be paid to play it.
Denis Krusos: What is your best pass rush move?
Bobby Wagner: The swim move. I can get most offensive linemen off-balance and then use my quickness to shoot past them.
Denis Krusos: What do you believe is your greatest strength as a player?
Bobby Wagner: Making tackles. That is what is most important for a linebacker. You have to cover and rush the quarterback, but tackling is what being a linebacker is all about.
Denis Krusos: You’ve spent a lot of time in the weight room judging by how you looked at the Senior Bowl. What are some of your weight room numbers?
Bobby Wagner: I bench press a little over 400 pounds, power clean 350 pounds and squat almost 600 pounds.
Denis Krusos: Do you have goals for your NFL career?
Bobby Wagner: Just to be the best that I can be. I want to help the team that drafts me by doing whatever they want to the best of my ability.
Denis Krusos: Who is the best player that you went against in college?
Bobby Wagner: Robert Turbin. I went against him in practice and he is going to surprise people.
Denis Krusos: Were you a fan of an NFL team growing up?
Bobby Wagner: Not really, my dad liked the Raiders. I liked the Chargers in high school.
Denis Krusos: What car would you like to purchase after signing your NFL contract?
Bobby Wagner: I will not be buying a car. My mom is going to give me her car and I am going to fix it up.
Denis Krusos: Which NFL running back are you most looking forward to tackling?
Bobby Wagner: Adrian Peterson
Denis Krusos: You are an intense player. Do you have a pre-game ritual to get you in the right frame of mind?
Bobby Wagner: I listen to music and what type depends on my mood. I also run to one of the end zones and give thanks to god and to my parents.
Denis Krusos: Thank you for your time and the best of luck with your NFL career.
Articles 
