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From our NFL draft Blog; www.profootballdraftnetwork.com/wordpress Usually, we pull excerpts or commentate on the nfl draft blog entry here. But since you cannot alter an interview, we are posting this one in its entirety. Enjoy!
Denis Krusos of PFDN, a NFL draft info website, interviewed Utah State’s new head coach, Gary Andersen, recently to discuss defensive end, Paul Kruger. Coach Andersen previously was the defensive coordinator at Utah, where he coached Paul Kruger. Film review is obviously a big part of evaluating NFL Draft prospects. However, it is helpful to gain some insight into the mental make-up or character of a player by discussing his career with someone who has worked closely with him. The following is a summary of their discussion: Denis Krusos: What type of person is Paul Kruger? Coach Andersen: Paul is very respectful and an outstanding young man. I have known Paul and his family for many years. I played football with Paul’s father. Paul is a good student, active in the community and a leader by example. Denis Krusos: What is his greatest strength in your opinion? Coach Andersen: Paul is a tremendous reactor. What I mean by that is he senses and anticipates things before they happen. He understands offensive schemes and processes information quickly. He sees things mentally that most players do not. He then has the athletic ability to make the play. Denis Krusos: What does he need to work on? Coach Andersen: He needs experience and reps playing defensive end. He has only been a defensive end for a year and a half. His best days are ahead of him and he will get bigger, stronger and faster. When he was away doing missionary work he could not train. He had to play catch-up when his missionary work was completed. He will really benefit from the off-season training programs that take place in the NFL. Denis Krusos: He was a high school quarterback. How did he wind up as a defensive end? Coach Andersen: We looked at Paul’s physical gifts and thought tight end or defensive end would be his best position. Paul is tall, has great range, long arms, uses leverage and bends well. He did play tight end for a couple of weeks, but because he plays down low so well we decided defensive end would be best. He was able to play right away at defensive end and took to the position. Denis Krusos: How does Paul primarily defeat blockers when rushing the quarterback? Coach Andersen: I believe great pass rushers are born and not made. Paul is a natural at rushing the quarterback. We wanted Paul to push the pocket. He would get into the offensive tackle and put him on his heels. He bull rushes very well and then quickly disengages and pursues the quarterback. Denis Krusos: Would you say Paul is a better run defender or pass rusher at this stage of his development? Coach Andersen: He is fairly balanced, so it depends on whom he is playing against. However, the last three or four games his pass rushing really came on. Denis Krusos: Tell me more about his practice and film review habits. Coach Andersen: His practice and film review habits have improved quite a bit, particularly in the last three or four games. It takes time to learn how to prepare properly. He started to prepare toward the latter part of the season like a seasoned football player. Denis Krusos: Can you give me some examples of his toughness? Coach Andersen: We had eight defensive linemen who could play at Utah. Paul never tapped out. He never wanted to come off the field and his conditioning enabled him to do this. Denis Krusos: How passionate is Paul Kruger about football? Coach Andersen: Football is everything to him. Paul has dreamed of playing in the NFL since he was 8 years old. He is a steady, tough guy who brings it on every play. Denis Krusos: Could you see Paul playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense? Coach Andersen: He can adequately stand-up. We did drop him a bit in college. I believe his true position is at defensive end. Denis Krusos: Is there a story or something that happened that stands out in your mind about Paul Kruger? Coach Andersen: It would have to be both an exceptional and funny play he made against BYU. Paul made a very athletic play by intercepting a pass and taking off running. He winds up stumbling and being tackled by the quarterback at the five yard line. He took a major ribbing from his teammates for letting the quarterback bring him down. Utah’s undefeated season and bowl victory over Alabama drew a lot of attention. Paul Kruger played a large role as part of the Utes’ stout defense. He has a lot of upside and plays a premium position. Paul Kruger will be a high draft choice this April.
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