Thank you, Mario, for allowing me to interview you on behalf of thefootballexpert.com – how are preparations for this year’s NFL Draft going so far?
Mario Urrutia:  So far, so good for the Draft.  I think it was a good idea for me to declare early, so that I could get a head start on workouts, etc.

Talk about the injury you sustained this past season, and how it hindered your ability to contribute to the team.
Mario Urrutia:  It was torn ligaments outside my big toe (called “Turf Toe”).  I never knew how difficult it could be.  I couldn’t cut at all.  All the way around, it was really bad. 

Entering the 2007 season, expectations were high for you given both your natural receiving talent, and production during your Sophomore season.  Did those expectations affect you in any way?
Mario Urrutia:  Not really, cause I went into the season knowing it would be different and difficult with the new coaching staff.  The way it ended up, it was just for the worse.

Did any changes in Coach Kragthorpe’s offense affect your or your teammates’ ability to be effective on the field this past season?
Mario Urrutia:  It was a new package, a different offense.  I really believe that it was a year which everyone, even the coach, took to get used to everything.  I think with that year behind, the guys returning and the coaching staff will be better next season. 

Do you feel that there is room for you to become an even better WR?  If so, what areas do you feel you need to improve on the most as you enter the NFL?
Mario Urrutia:  Most definitely, I can get better – I want to get consistent catching the ball, getting out of my breaks, and improving my speed, 40-yard dash time, etc.

What areas of your game do you feel compare favorably to other wideouts in this year’s Draft?
Mario Urrutia:  My size and game speed, which is at another level.  Plus, I want it so bad, and I know that declaring for the Draft will push me. 

You’ve obviously got terrific size for a player at your position.  You’ve been listed at 6’6.”  Is that your accurate height?
Mario Urrutia:  I just checked in at 6’5 ½”

How do you feel your height allows you to change the complexion of a game while on offense?
Mario Urrutia:  The QB doesn’t have to put the ball on the exact spot for me, as I can just go up and get the ball.  I also think that my size intimidates DB’s.

Is there any particular type of offense in the NFL which you feel would best suit your abilities?
Mario Urrutia:  Probably a “West Coast Offense,” but I could go with any offense, really.

What is your current weight, and is this the weight which you hope to check in at come Draft weekend?
Mario Urrutia:  Currently, I’m at 230 lbs., and I can maintain my speed at this weight, so I’m going to go into the Combine at 230 lbs.  If I need to lose weight later on, I can get down to 225 lbs.

What is your current 40-yard dash time, and what time do you hope to eventually record in workouts for NFL teams?
Mario Urrutia:  Most recently, it was 4.51 – I would like to get somewhere in the 4.4 range, high or low.

You’re originally from Louisville, KY correct?  What NFL team did you grow up rooting for?
Mario Urrutia:  Yes, I’m from Louisville…Pittsburgh Steelers!  I loved the “Black & Gold,” and my stepfather was a big Steelers fan.  Plaxico Burress has always been my favorite player, even before he played for the New York Giants. 

How would it feel to be selected by this team?
Mario Urrutia:  It would be great!  Man, I can’t even…it would be a miracle!

What was your reaction to criticism in the press over your decision to enter this year’s NFL Draft?
Mario Urrutia:  I knew it was going to come along, cause I know that people want you to stay.  I use it as fuel for me going forward. 

Obviously, it’s early, but in what round of this year’s Draft do you hope to be selected in?
Mario Urrutia:  They (the NFL Advisory Committee) said that I would go in Round 4 or 5, but my goal is to go on the first day of the Draft (Rounds 1-2).  Really, I’ll go in whichever round I’m selected in. 

Thanks once again, Mario, for the interview time.  Good luck with the Draft this year, and congratulations on getting on the cover of ESPN the Magazine last August. 
Mario Urrutia:  Alright, thank you.