NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Vince Redd, LB, Liberty

by Eric Rose, 1/16/08. Vince Redd started his career at the University of Virginia when Coach Danny Rocco recruited him. Prior to the 2006 season, Redd left Virginia to follow coach Rocco, and is glad he did. Not only was he the runner up for all conference player of the year, but he did it while just playing one season with Liberty. This 6-foot-6, 255 pound linebacker runs with incredible speed and has the quickness that allowed the Flames defense to confuse opposing offenses. He was the heart and sole for the Flames defense and they’re defiantly going to miss him in 2008.

When talking to Vince I noticed how poised and respectful he is. He loves the game of football and is willing to do anything to play at the next level. Don’t be surprised if Vince Redd becomes a household name in a few years. He’s got the size and potential, and once he works on his speed, strength and overall knowledge of the game, like all rookies must do, I’m expecting Redd to be very successful in the NFL.

What is your accurate height, weight and forty time?
Vince Redd: 6’5 3/4, 255 lbs., 4.75 (freshman year)

Describe your game in three words or less.
Vince Redd: Complete outside linebacker

What do you feel is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you feel you need to improve in?
Vince Redd: Strengths are my vision and my wingspan and I need to work on my overall strength.

Since you’ve played both Defensive End and Linebacker in college, do you prefer playing one or the other in the pros?
Vince Redd: I prefer playing linebacker because it allows me to do more on the field. I get to pass rush, tackle runners and cover receivers.

Do you prefer playing in a 4-3 defense or a 3-4 defense?
Vince Redd: Defiantly a 3-4 because it allows for more freedom on the field.

What NFL player do you do you think you compare favorably to?
Vince Redd: I don’t know. I think I’m just my own person. I can learn from others in the league but right know I want to concentrate on being me.

Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Vince Redd: I’d have to say either D'Brickashaw Ferguson or Brad Butler

What is your greatest football moment to date?
Vince Redd: Playing in the Music City Bowl with Virginia against Minnesota. Oh, and also winning a championship for my coach Rocco because it’s something you set a goal for as a team at the beginning of the year and it feels so good to actually accomplish it.

Do you have any preference as to what team drafts you?
Vince Redd: No, none at all. I have to say though, I DO prefer going somewhere warm. It’s raining here and I’d much rather be in 80° weather right now.

When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy?
Vince Redd: Well, I’ll have to see what my mom wants first, and then I’ll ask my Grandma, and Uncles and Aunts. Whatever is left is what I’ll spend on myself. Those people always come first in my life.

Are you going to continue to train and prepare even though your college season is over?
Vince Redd: Yes, I’m actually in Connecticut right now training and working out. I’m taking classes online to be able to graduate.

Do you have any goals in mind when it comes to the NFL Draft?
Vince Redd: GET PICKED! I want to do MY part before anyone else does theirs because I feel like they will have the best look at who I am and how I can help their team.

What is the one thing you will most miss at college?
Vince Redd: Nothing really. I guess I’ll just miss the people and the experiences I’ve had with them.

Where is the best place to get a bite to eat in Lynchburg?
Vince Redd: My friends and I usually go to Waffle House for breakfast. We also eat a lot of Panera Bread and Sonic.

What was your favorite college course and why?
Vince Redd: Actually it was a drama class that I took at UVA because it was so interesting to me and it’s something I enjoy doing whether it’s in front or behind the camera.

Since you had to cut your hair to play at Liberty, do you plan on growing it back out?
Vince Redd: It’s growin’ out now. I haven’t cut it in about a year and I don’t plan on cutting it any time soon.

Any pregame rituals? Food? Music?
Vince Redd: Nope. I try to do something different at Liberty than I did at UVA because it’s a new situation and I wanted to make a different routine. It’s all pretty much routine with the team before games though.

What would you say to someone that thinks you are lacking experience by only playing for 2 seasons?
Vince Redd: I’d say that I’d still be the same player no matter how much I’ve played up until now. That just means that I have more gas in my tank than the rest of the players.

What is something football fans may not know about you?
Vince Redd: I’m just a regular person. I don’t see myself as a superstar at all. I just like to go out and have fun.

If you didn’t play football, what sport would you most want to play professionally?
Vince Redd: Basketball definitely. Something else people don’t know is that I love basketball. I’ve always said that I’m a basketball player that plays football. It has actually helped me with football with lateral movement, hand-eye coordination, and ball awareness.

Do you read mock drafts or what draft experts have to say?
Vince Redd: Yeah a little right now, but come closer to draft time, I’m gonna have to check them out and see where people think everyone is gonna go.

What do you plan to do once your playing career is over?
Vince Redd: I just want to make enough money to have a steady income for my family. I’m an entrepreneur, so I’d like to start my own business; maybe a floral business.

Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and good luck!
Vince Redd: Thank you for the call and I hope we can come in contact again in the future.