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NFL Draft Prospect
Interview: Chris Horton, S, UCLA
by Imran Tahir,
3/29/08. Senior
UCLA Safety Chris Horton has had a very good career for the Bruins,
earning Second-Team All-Pac-10 Honors in 2006, and First-Team
All-Pac-10 Honors this past season along with First-Team All-American
by The
Sporting News. Horton combines good run-support ability with
instinctive play in pass coverage.
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Thank you, Chris, for allowing me to
interview you on behalf of thefootballexpert.com – how have
preparations for this year’s NFL Draft gone so far?
"Great! I got into it
soon after our bowl game, and I’ve been training in L.A. at a place
called “360” since January. Everything’s been going well."
Compare and contrast your style of play at the Safety position with
that of your teammate, Senior Dennis Keyes.
"We have
pretty similar styles, both of us can cover, and both of us like to
hit. I’m what you would call a “Box Safety,” while Dennis plays
more like a cornerback, matching up with receivers."
Do you feel that there is room for you to become an even better
Safety? If so, what areas do you feel you need to improve on the
most as you enter the NFL?
"Definitely.
I like to play in an aggressive defense, and I think I can become a
better “Centerfielder” in the secondary, making more plays while the
ball is in the air."
Your head coach, Karl Dorrell, was a very
good Wide Receiver back during his playing days at UCLA. Was he
able to help you and your fellow Defensive Backs out in learning how to
cover receivers, reading opposing offenses, etc.?
"Yes, he
would often come in and watch film with the DB’s, giving us tips on how
to press up against WR’s, and prevent them from getting open. He
was always giving us good feedback."
You’ve got solid size for a player at your position. You’ve been
listed at 6’1. Is that your accurate height?
"Yes, I’m 6’1."
Is there any particular type of defensive scheme in the NFL which you
feel would best suit your abilities?
"Any scheme would work
– I have a good football I.Q., so I think I can play in any
scheme. I’m most comfortable working in a 4-3 defensive set,
since that’s what I’ve played in, but even a 3-4 set would be O.K."
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What is your current weight, and is this
the weight which you hope to check in at when you report for your first
mini-camp after the Draft?
"I’m 212 lbs., and that’s
the weight which I want to maintain."
What is your current 40-yard dash time, and is this the time which you
had hoped to record for NFL teams?
"My time is 4.53 seconds,
and I’m satisfied with that, since it’s a faster time than what they
(some NFL teams) thought I’d record. I wanted to be anywhere in
the 4.5-range, and I’m there."
You’re originally from New Orleans correct? Did you grow up
rooting for the Saints?
"Well, I was actually born
in L.A., and I moved to New Orleans when I was about 7 years old.
I’m actually a Buffalo Bills fan – it’s kind of funny how it happened,
but back in 1992 when the Cowboys played the Bills in the Super Bowl,
my brother was rooting for the Cowboys, so I rooted for the Bills, and
it just stuck on from there."
How would it feel to be drafted by the Bills?
"It would be great, but
really, I’ll play for any team. I’ll feel good about whichever
team selects me, and thinks that I can contribute to their team."
Obviously, it’s still early, but in what round of this year’s Draft do
you hope to be selected in?
"I really don’t have an idea
right now, but as long as my name is called, and I get to play
football, I’ll be happy."
Thanks once again, Chris, for the interview time. Good luck with the
Draft this year.
"Thank you."
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