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Branden Albert Interview
April 9, 2008 It's rare for an offensive guard to go in the first round but Branden Albert isn't your ordinary guard. When he first entered the draft as a junior Albert was somewhat of an unknown but now he's the hottest name out there and could be on the verge of cracking the Top 10. Branden was good enough to take some time to speak with NFLDC's Scott Wright as he travels the country to visit with teams. Scott Wright: When you first declared for the draft you were somewhat of an unknown but now with about two weeks to go before Draft Day you are arguably one of the hottest names out there and your stock is soaring. How does that feel and what have the last four months been like?
Branden Albert: It feels good right now, these last four months have been pretty good. Pretty special. When I first came out, like you said, I wasn’t known like I am now so to be considered as a potential Top 5, Top 10 pick is real special. Scott Wright: For the most part you played guard in college but many teams feel you can kick outside to left tackle in the NFL. Which position do you prefer and what are your thoughts on that potential move? Branden Albert: I feel like I can play left tackle. With my athleticism I think if a team was to draft me and put me there I would thrive. Scott Wright: If you had to pick would you rather play guard or tackle? Branden Albert: Left tackle. Scott Wright: What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you need to work on? Branden Albert: My greatest strength is of course my athleticism. My weakness is probably finishing blocks down the line. Scott Wright: What current NFL offensive lineman do you most admire and who do you think you compare favorably to? Branden Albert: Walter Jones. Scott Wright: What is your greatest football moment to date? Branden Albert: Going 9-3 this year. Scott Wright: Who is the best player you have faced during your career? Branden Albert: Chris Long. Scott Wright: How about somebody on another team? Branden Albert: Brodrick Bunkley. Scott Wright: Is there one younger player at Virginia that you see developing into a star, either at the college or pro level? Branden Albert: Ras-I Dowling (Sophomore Cornerback) Scott Wright: Who was your favorite college or pro team growing up? Did you have a favorite player? Branden Albert: My favorite college team was Florida St. and my favorite pro team was the Dallas Cowboys. My favorite player was Emmitt Smith. Scott Wright: What current pro are you most looking forward to going up against in the NFL? Branden Albert: Oh boy… Dwight Freeney Scott Wright: At what point did you realize that you might have a future in football beyond college? Branden Albert: My sophomore year. Scott Wright: What do you plan to do once your playing career is over? Branden Albert: First of all I have to finish school and get my degree, that’s one of my goals. Hopefully I can become a businessman and network myself while I’m in the NFL to advance myself when I’m done. Scott Wright: When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy? Branden Albert: I'll buy my mother a house. Scott Wright: What’s the most embarrassing song on your iPod? Branden Albert: James Blunt – “You’re Beautiful” Scott Wright: Do you have any goals in mind when it comes to the NFL Draft (i.e. Top 10, Round 1, etc.)? Branden Albert: Just somewhere in the first round. Scott Wright: Is there one or two teams in particular that you’ve noticed paying more attention to you than others? Is there a certain team that you think you would fit in well with? Branden Albert: I think I will fit in well with whatever team I play for because I can adjust to any type of system. I feel like every team I have talked to has a lot of interest in me. Some of the teams I’ve visited so far are Atlanta, Kansas City, San Diego, Tampa Bay, and Houston. I am coming home from Atlanta right now and I have three more next week, including Pittsburgh. Scott Wright: Thanks for the time and good luck! Scouting Report University of Virginia Bio |
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