Interview With Kentucky defensive line coach, Rick Petri, Regarding Myron Pryor
I interviewed Kentucky defensive line coach, Rick Petri, today to discuss defensive tackle, Myron Pryor. 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. Coach Petri developed Pryor’s game over the past four years and obviously knows him quite well. The following is a summary of our discussion:
Denis Krusos: What type of person is Myron Pryor?
Coach Petri: Myron is a very polite, quiet young man. He is attentive and I really enjoyed coaching him.
Denis Krusos: What is his greatest strength in your opinion?
Coach Petri: His combination of strength and speed. Myron was very strong when he first came to Kentucky and increased his strength in the weight room. He runs well and is a fast-twitch guy. There is an explosiveness to him.
Denis Krusos: What does he need to work on?
Coach Petri: His conditioning needs to be raised. I think one of the biggest differences between college and the NFL is the level of conditioning. Myron was a student-athlete. There are limits to how long you can practice, train, etc. He will be going up against players who have been working out full-time for several years. It is an adjustment. He also needs further refinement on his pre-snap reads and tendencies of offenses. This will improve his anticipation.
Denis Krusos: What were his primary responsibilities in your defense?
Coach Petri: We are a 1-gap defense and did not ask Myron to head upfield as much. He had his gap assignment and was asked to squeeze blocks and free up the linebackers.
Denis Krusos: Is he a better run defender than a pass rusher at this point?
Coach Petri: I would say Myron is a better run defender right now. However, our style on defense was more tilted toward playing the run. We did not cut Myron loose. He is flexible, can flip his hips, make himself skinny and has upside as a pass rusher. This is why I do believe he can become a 3-down defensive lineman in the NFL.
Denis Krusos: How did his senior year compare to past seasons?
Coach Petri: Myron made his senior year his best. He was in better condition and healthier. Myron previously had some hand and wrist injuries that set him back. He played through them as best he could, but when you cannot really grab hold of an offensive lineman, it is tough. Your pad level changes and you start to compensate in all sorts of ways.
Denis Krusos: Tell me more about his practice and film review habits.
Coach Petri: Myron is a self-starter and I never worried about him at practice. In fact, I wanted him to be more vocal to encourage other players on the team to practice like him. He came to work everyday. Myron needs more film review work. This is an area that so many college players can improve upon. There are restrictions on how many hours a player can devote to football. It is a real juggling act between practice, working out, the games and being a full-time student.
Denis Krusos: Is there a defense in the NFL that best fits Myron?
Coach Petri: Myron’s versatility will help him at the next level. He is powerful, so he could fit as a 2-gap defensive tackle. He also can run and has quickness to get upfield in a 1-gap scheme. We have had NFL teams inquiring about Myron being a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense.
Myron Pryor is a likely 2nd day selection in this year’s NFL Draft. He has an impressive combination of size, speed and strength. His best football may very well be ahead of him.
Tags: 2009 NFL Draft, Myron Pryor