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The Audible! Interview with (1 Viewer)

Cecil Lammey

Footballguy
http://podcast.footballguys.com/Footballgu...2007-Vol57a.mp3

Eric was a great interview! enjoy! Featuring: His versatility, stopping Calvin Johnson in the 2005 Emerald Bowl, the value of being a great teammate, his community involvement, his future as a special ed teacher, his plans for draft weekend, and more.

Weddle's bio:

Eric Weddle

Height: 5-11

Weight: 200

Position: Strong Safety

College: Utah

Copyright NFLDraftScout.com, distributed by The Sports Xchange

OVERVIEW

Despite all of the attention heaped upon big names like Paul Posluszny, Gaines Adams and Patrick Willis -- among others -- Weddle is the most accomplished defender in the 2007 draft. The Mountain West Conference's Defensive Player of the Year for both 2005 and 2006, Weddle has principally played cornerback and safety for the Utes. During his career, however, the versatile senior has also played quarterback, running back, punt returner, punter and held on field goals.

Weddle has been a standout throughout his career, earning conference honors of some kind each year. His senior season, however, provides a quick glimpse of his versatility. On defense, Weddle was fourth on the team in tackles, had seven interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and had two fumble recoveries, returning another for a touchdown. On offense, he ran for five touchdowns and threw for another.

In terms of his NFL future, scouts remain divided on Weddle's prospects. Most feel he'll end up at safety, as his instincts and athleticism project nicely there. Weddle would prefer cornerback and was only moved from that spot by his Utah coaches because teams were electing to throw away from him.

Playing cornerback in 2005, Weddle was matched up against Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson in the Emerald Bowl and limited the potential top-five selection to two catches for 19 yards. Weddle, not surprisingly, won the Emerald Bowl's Defensive MVP award. Against Tulsa in this year's Armed Forces Bowl, Weddle ended the game with a clinching interception, only a minute after rushing four yards for the winning touchdown.

ANALYSIS

Positives: Evenly proportioned muscle definition throughout his body … Lean, athletic frame … Versatility and instincts are Weddle's strengths … Has seen action at all defensive back positions, quarterback, running back, wide receiver, punt returner, punter and was the holder on kicks … Instinctive defender, capable of lining up at either safety position confidently … Good initial quickness … Can line up in man coverage … Smooth back pedal and a seamless hip turn transition … Good downfield speed, though more quick than fast … Good recognition and discipline in zone coverage … Good break on the ball … Competes well for the ball and is a natural receiver … Aggressive in run support and a reliable open-field tackler … Team leader.

Negatives: Viewed by some as a "tweener" … Lacks the traditional bulk for the safety position and is not an intimidating striker over the middle … Adequate deep speed and acceleration in man coverage leaves questions as to if he can hold up at cornerback … Better football player than athlete, which is cause for concern among some who see Weddle as a player with limited untapped potential.

HIGH SCHOOL

Two-time league offensive and defensive MVP … Three-time all-league … Two-time all-CIF … First-team L.A. Times and Daily Bulletin … Second-team All-Southern Section CIF … Rival & Student Sport Magazine all-region team … Alta Loma High (Calif.) Best Receiver and MVP … Team captain and rookie of the year … Senior year had 129 tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, 5 recovered fumbles, 587 yards rushing, 22 touchdowns, 965 yards passing and 5 TD passes … Alta Loma was 2000 Mt. Baldy League champion … Also lettered in basketball and baseball.

PERSONAL

Son of Steven and Deborah Weddle … One sister … Married to the former Chanel Blaquiere … Chanel played soccer for Utah State … Very active in community service, including helping out at the Utah Food Bank, speaking on the importance of education at the Utah youth correctional facility, visiting children at the Utah Primary Children's Hospital and tutoring kids with learning disabilities at three different elementary schools… Special education major … Full name is Eric Steven Weddle … Born Jan. 4, 1985.

 
I heard him on Fox Radio this weekend too.

That...young...man...gets...it. Period. Very impressive kid and his attitude and maturity alone will get him picked several slots, if not a round, higher than he should go.

 
WOW. I'm sold. I saw some footage of the pro-day and as Cecil(?) mentioned had very very fluid hip motions and barely wastes time in running his coverage patterns. What a fantastic person though. If anything, I just want this guy on my team just to be himself and contribute to the community. Hes an excellent ball player to boot.

Thanks guys, we really owe it to you to have an opportunity to hear this fantastic person. :rolleyes:

Makes me feel a little worthless. :shrug:

 
He makes me want to be a better man.

Don't get me started on this guy.

I could go on and on, but if 32 teams pass up on him in the 1st a bunch will regret it later. I have about 50 favorite Weddle moments, but my all-time favorite was this year against Tulsa. Hard fought game. A couple skirmishes on the field. Utah takes control late in the game. Weddle was doing it all, as usual. There's some trash talking between Tulsa players and the Utah fans. On the last play of the game, Weddle intercepts the ball, he could have returned it for 6. The crowd would have went crazy, the trash talk would have grown. Weddle took a knee and started shaking hands. The guy is unreal.

Back in December I said I thought he was the second best DB in the draft, and honestly, I still do. I just don't want to argue about how the other guys compare. Sometimes a player is special and destined for great things. That's Eric Weddle to me. And no one causes more turnovers if you like that kind of thing.

 
Oh and I don't want to interrupt the chanting over at Calvin's worship service, but I argued about a year ago that Weddle dominated him man on man. And one of those cult guys told me I was crazy that it was all double and triple coverage. Weddle remembers it being almost completely man on man. :goodposting:

 
Oh and I don't want to interrupt the chanting over at Calvin's worship service, but I argued about a year ago that Weddle dominated him man on man. And one of those cult guys told me I was crazy that it was all double and triple coverage. Weddle remembers it being almost completely man on man. :goodposting:
:drive: I was psyched to be able to ask him about that game, I hope I didn't gush too much when I asked about it.Did you notice he said he almost forgot he even played against Calvin?
 
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Oh and I don't want to interrupt the chanting over at Calvin's worship service, but I argued about a year ago that Weddle dominated him man on man. And one of those cult guys told me I was crazy that it was all double and triple coverage. Weddle remembers it being almost completely man on man. :thumbup:
:) I was psyched to be able to ask him about that game, I hope I didn't gush too much when I asked about it.Did you notice he said he almost forgot he even played against Calvin?
You gushed so much you sounded like Cecil!! :D
 
Oh and I don't want to interrupt the chanting over at Calvin's worship service, but I argued about a year ago that Weddle dominated him man on man. And one of those cult guys told me I was crazy that it was all double and triple coverage. Weddle remembers it being almost completely man on man. ;)
:) I was psyched to be able to ask him about that game, I hope I didn't gush too much when I asked about it.Did you notice he said he almost forgot he even played against Calvin?
You gushed so much you sounded like Cecil!! :D
:thumbup: :D :) :lmao: :lmao: [avon barksdale]It's always (about) love[/avon]
 
Clear-thinking football minds simply would not let this guy fall too far. It's sort of sad that at least 15 eventual washouts will probably be drafted ahead of Weddle, who's a virtual lock to make a real difference on and off the field.

 
Makes me feel a little worthless. :(
agreedCongratulations to whichever team lands this guy, I wouldnt argue against him as a late first.
c'mon, you said he's coming to my Eagles in the late second!
I must be honest, I knew little of him before this thread. But from what I read here, I would have no problem with the Eagles drafting him in the first. He would fill an area of need and would be a great addition to the secondary with his versatility. After watching a versatile guy like Brian Dawkins all these years and what he brings to the team both on the field and off, Weddle seems like the perfect guy to take the reigns in both respects when Dawk hangs 'em up.And just an aside, we in Philly know the afffinity that Big Red has for guys from the state of Utah.
 

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