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Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie Interview
November 20, 2007 You don't necessarily have to play Division I ball to make your mark in the NFL Draft. This has been especially true when it comes to defensive backs, with guys like Rashean Mathis, Ronald Bartell, Nick Collins and Danieal Manning all becoming Day One picks despite their small school roots. Scott Wright recently spoke with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who hopes to soon add his name to that list. Scott Wright: What is your accurate height, weight and forty time?
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: 6'3 183, 4.31 Scott Wright: It’s always interesting to hear how talented players such as yourself seemingly slip through the cracks coming out of high school. Tell me about how you wound up at Tennessee St. rather than a DI program. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: I went to four different high schools and I only played my last year of high school ball, when we were only 5-5. My dad and coach Reed were roommates in college and that’s how it all happened. Scott Wright: Obviously a big question mark with you is going to be the level of competition you played against, even though you have been very productive. How do you answer critics who might say you were just a big fish in a small pond? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: I would tell them to place me in a big pond and see that I am still a big fish. But for real though, I would just tell them that when given the chance I will show that I can run with the big boys. Scott Wright: What would you say is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you need to work on? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: I need to work on my strength and hitting. But my feet and quickness make up for a lot of things. Scott Wright: What current NFL cornerback do you most admire and who do you think you compare favorably to? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: To be honest none really, but I compare myself to Rashean Mathis. Scott Wright: What is your greatest football moment to date? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: The first time I got caught on in college football. Scott Wright: Who is the best player you have faced during your career? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Efrem Hill, a wideout from Samford. Scott Wright: Is there one younger player at Tennessee St. that you see developing into a star, either at the college or pro level? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Shaun Richardson (senior DE) and Anthony Levien (sophomore DB). Scott Wright: Who was your favorite college or pro team growing up? Did you have a favorite player? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: It was the Florida Gators and the San Francisco 49ers. Scott Wright: What current pro are you most looking forward to going up against in the NFL? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Randy Moss because he is big, fast and strong. Scott Wright: At what point did you realize that you might have a future in football beyond college? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Since I played my first game as a freshman in college. Scott Wright: What do you plan to do once your playing career is over? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Be a mentor to younger kids. Scott Wright: When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: My Grandmother anything she wants. Scott Wright: It is still early but do you plan to play in any of the post season All-Star games? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Senior Bowl and the East / West Shrine Game. Scott Wright: Do you have any goals in mind when it comes to the NFL Draft (i.e. Round 1, Top 3 Rounds, etc.)? Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: Just to make sure I do everything I got to do in order for me to be drafted. Do not slack one day. Scott Wright: Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and good luck! Scouting Report Tennessee St. Bio |
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