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DB Dustin Fox (National Champion)

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from the Vikings official site:

http://www.vikings.com/news_detail_OBJECTNAME_DustinFoxQuotes42305.html

Q: Where were you thinking you were going to go in the draft?
A: I had heard third or fourth round. Actually my agent said anywhere from late second to early fourth. I didn't know which team was going to pick me. I was excited when Coach Tice called me.

Q: Where do you see yourself playing in the NFL?
A: Actually, that's kind of funny, Coach Tice and I, we just talked a second ago and he asked me the same question. He said what are we going to do with you? Whatever you want to do with me. I said I'll play corner, I'll play safety. I think we're going to start out playing some corner and we'll see how it goes. He said if for whatever reason it doesn't work out or what not, out of need I could put on a few pounds and get a little bit stronger and move inside. That's something I'm totally comfortable with.

Q: He's talking about strong safety?
A: I would say more free safety. I'm not sure what that looks like there. I'd assume I'd be playing free safety. That's what I would project as, a corner/free safety.

Q: What is your strength? Do you consider yourself a good tackler?
A: Yeah, my coaches have always said I was one of the better tacklers we had at Ohio State, so I think that's something I can bring to the game. A sure tackler, I'm not the guy that's going to make all of the big hits but I think for the most part I didn't miss many tackles in my career at Ohio State.

Q: Coming into a team that already has Antoine Winfield and Fred Smoot, I assume those are good guys to learn from?
A: No question. (They are) two of the best corners in the NFL. To have a chance to play behind those guys and learn from them and eventually hopefully play for the Minnesota Vikings would be great. But like you said, to learn from guys like that would be phenomenal, especially Antoine being an Ohio State guy. Just hearing all of the stories about Antoine since I've played at Ohio State, it will be great.

Q: If you have to introduce yourself on TV, are you going to say The Ohio State?
A: Without question. We're very, very proud of the fact that we are The Ohio State University, and I think that's something that I would definitely do.

Q: How come you never put it on your shirts?
A: I don't know. It's crazy. We'll see what happens.

Q: You come from a football-playing family. What was it like growing up in a family like that?
A: It was tremendous. I had a great family tree and great bloodlines from my family. Growing up I was always excited to play football. When I was 7 years old, I actually got to see my uncle's last game when he played with the Browns, so it was pretty interesting. The stories about my uncle when he played at Ohio State, and then my brother went on to play at Penn State. I always looked up to my brother and he kind of paved the way for me.

Q: What kind of relationship did you have with Darrion Scott?
A: Darrion and I had a good relationship. Darrion is a cool guy. Hopefully we'll get to continue that relationship we had at Ohio State. It will definitely be good to know somebody when I get there and Darrion is definitely a tremendous player and a good guy and a good person.

Q: You played cornerback at Ohio State. Did you play safety too?
A: I came in as a safety in 2001. That's what I was recruited as, a free safety out of high school. I started there in nickel situations one game as a freshman and then toward the end of the year we had some injuries. Derek Ross, obviously you guys know Derek Ross, he kind of quit the team before the Outback Bowl and I started at corner for him pretty much for the rest of my career. I started the end of 2001 to this past season at corner.

Q: Would it be much of an adjustment for you to go back to safety?
A: Not an adjustment. It would be a little bit of an adjustment but I don't think it would be something that would be difficult. It's the position I played my entire life up to really 2002. It's something I feel like I would be natural at, just like I feel at cornerback. Playing defensive back to me is a lot of the same things involved. It's just a little bit of a different mentality when you play corner. Either way, I'm just so excited to be a Viking right now, I can't tell you.

Q: Which position would you rather play?
A: The position I would play would be the one that gets me in the starting lineup on Monday Night Football.

Q: Considering your size and speed, why do you think a lot of people are projecting you as a safety?
A: I don't know. It's honestly hard to say. It could be the things that you are thinking about in your head right now that you don't want to say. Who knows? We'll find out when it happens here.

Q: Does that bother you, the obvious comparisons to Jason Sehorn?
A: No, not at all. I love Sehorn. He's like one of my heroes. He had a great career. I think he took a lot of heat, but I thought he was a great athlete. The things that he did for the Giants and the Rams, he played safety, played corner, and he played corner at a high level I thought for a good while there. No, the comparisons to someone like that is a compliment to me.

Q: And he ended up with Angie Harmon.
A: Yeah, I mean what are you going to say. I'm married.

Q: Does she look like Angie Harmon?
A: Better. She's pretty good.

Q: What are your thoughts on being one of the few white cornerbacks out there? What was that like for you?
A: It was great. At first it was tough because you get the stereotypes and you can get it from other guys on other teams, just talking trash and stuff. At some point, eventually it becomes fun. You look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to step up and really stand out because people don't think I have the athletic ability that I do have, the speed and the vertical and all of that stuff that I have. It's fun, just so surprise people.

Q: So you think you can play corner in the NFL?
A: I think so. I played against the #3 pick in the draft. I played against guys who have been drafted high in the NFL. Playing corner in the Big 10 for three years definitely prepares you for the NFL. We'll see. I know it's a different league and the competition is even that much more intense and higher. We'll see. If I can't, then that's fine, I'll play safety. Whatever it takes to put food on the table.

Q: How did you do against Braylon Edwards?
A: I did well. This year he had a pretty good game. I was injured for the game this season. Last year I did well against him, so I feel good.

Q: How important do you think your performance was at the East-West Game when you played corner and safety?
A: Hopefully that helped me. I thought I did well out there showing some versatility, playing some corner. That was my idea. I was like I've got to play some safety because I know these guys want to see me at some safety, so that was good. Hopefully it helped me. I think my combine workout helped me as well.

Q: Did your brother Derek play in the NFL?
A: He signed with St. Louis in 2000 and they cut him at the end of training camp. The Colts picked him up on the practice squad for that season. He just played in the preseason and practice squad.

Q: And Tim Fox is your uncle?
A: Yeah, he was a 1st-rounder. He played 12 years. Pro Bowler.
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Glad Fox is a Viking. I was hoping they would get Nuge too. There has been a dought of buckeyes with Carter, Smith, and the late Corey Stringer gone. Vikes desperately need somebody in secondary with Winfield to make that group better. Fox, Scott, and Winfield part of the NFL buckeye Viking corps, but they need more.
 
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A Viking Fan said:
from the Vikings official site:

Q: Considering your size and speed, why do you think a lot of people are projecting you as a safety?
A: I don't know. It's honestly hard to say. It could be the things that you are thinking about in your head right now that you don't want to say. Who knows? We'll find out when it happens here.

Q: Does that bother you, the obvious comparisons to Jason Sehorn?
Click to expand...
:roll2: :lol:
 
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Dustin Fox Interview

http://www.nfldraftblitz.com/dustinfoxinterview.htm

Dustin Fox Interview
By: Luke Chandler
​
4/24/05
​
<TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" width="99%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" vAlign=top><TABLE style="BORDER-TOP-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-LEFT-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-BOTTOM-WIDTH: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT-WIDTH: 0px" width="100%" border=1><TBODY><TR><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none">Luke Paul Chandler: Dustin can you give us your official height, weight, and 40 times?

Dustin Fox: My Height is about 5’11”, my weight is 196 pounds, and my 40’s are between 4.43 and 4.47.



LPC: Can you tell us how you have been preparing for the NFL Draft?

DF: Just working out. I was at a facility in Columbus, near campus. I was also doing some stuff here on campus. I was basically just getting ready for a track meet.



LPC: What was your favorite moment from your college career?

DF: It has to be winning the National Championship, and playing well in that game. Getting the interception in that game was good too.



LPC: Do you ever think you will be part of a rivalry as intense as Ohio State and Michigan?

DF: (laughs) No, I don’t think so. I don’t think there is a rivalry in all of sports that can touch that one.



LPC: Do you think that the rivalry is more fueled on the fan’s end, or is it something that is stressed as a player also?

DF: Our coaches stressed it to us a lot that it’s important. It all started when Woody and Bo got the fans into it. The players definitetly get into it, it’s a lot of fun.



LPC: Do you think it will be a relief of sorts to get away from the high expectations that are placed on you in Columbus?

DF: It should be an easy transition. Playing at Ohio State for four years is like playing in the NFL.



LPC: Can you tell us about the craziest fan moment you have ever had at Ohio State?

DF: Nothing too crazy, people might recognize you in the mall. Just the other day I was at Subway getting a sandwich, and the guy there had me sign the receipt for the meal.



LPC: How did you feel about being a captain of the Buckeyes this past year? Do you feel being a captain helped you learn more about leadership on the field?

DF: Being a Captain at Ohio State is a huge deal. Every year we have the Captains Breakfast, and they all come back. I was really excited to be a Captain, it was something I dreamed to accomplish, and it happened. I took on the responsibility, and followed that role.



LPC: In recent years it seems that Ohio State has turned out many talented defensive backs. What do you feel will be your legacy will be when brought up amongst that group of DB’s?

DF: I just hope to be brought up. We’ll see how my NFL career goes.



LPC: You have strong family ties to Ohio State, with four of your uncles being former Buckeyes. Was there any doubt that you would go to OSU once recruiting began for you?

DF: I almost went to Penn State because my brother had gone there, and I had developed relationships with the coaches there. It came down to the last minute, and I went with the Bucks.



LPC: OSU is long recognized as one of the great institutions of college football. Can you explain what it is that truly makes being a Buckeye so special?

DF: How much time do you have? Being a Buckeye is without question the most special thing you can be a part of. It’s a huge fraternity of guys that have played for so many years, and there is so much tradition at Ohio State. You become part of something that is so much bigger than you are.



LPC: Since the height of the National Championship game in 2003, the Buckeyes football program has slowly fallen on tough times. Do you feel at times that this was a situation that was blown out of proportion by the media?

DF: I think so to a certain extent. Ohio State is looked at under a microscope. The media has a huge control over what people think, and it could be any school. It’s not fair. Go look at some other school and find out what’s going on there (laughs).



LPC: Ohio State has been criticized as being a “football factory” that caters its class schedule around football players. As a three time OSU Scholar-Athlete, what do you feel about this accusation?

DF: It bugs me because I worked hard throughout my career at Ohio State, never took any shortcuts, and I’m getting my degree this quarter. Everyone for the most part does that, but when the academics are brought into question, it does offend me. People don’t realize the stress of being a student athlete.



LPC: Do you wish people like me would quit asking you questions about Maurice Clarett and the various other scandals?

DF: Nah, I don’t mind it. I’m used to it!



LPC: While you do have experience playing Safety, you are an accomplished NCAA cornerback, and now you are being mentioned as moving to Safety in the NFL. Do you have any indication of why this move is being mentioned?

DF: I don’t know, because I’m white? I’m just kidding! You know, I think it’s just that people thought that’s who I was. For four years at Ohio State, I would always hear, “Let’s move Fox to safety!” That’s fine with me though, I don’t mind where I play, I just like to play football.



LPC: While it is a touch of a touchy subject, do you feel it could have anything to do with race?

DF: I wouldn’t say yes, but, the only reason it’s weird is because people in the NFL joke around with me about it. The joke is that I’m the white corner!



LPC: Do you have any indication as to which postion you will play in the pros?

DF: No, I really don’t. I think a lot of teams are looking at me strictly as Corner, and possibly moving me to Free Safety. While others have talked about me only as a Free Safety.



LPC: What part of your game do you pride yourself on the most?

DF: My physical play. Making tackles, and not giving up the big play also.



LPC: What part of your game do you feel needs to be improved?

DF: Any player can always work on little things, and I’m still young at the position. You have to do everything sharp in the NFL, every break you make.



LPC: Explain to me what goes through your head on game day. Are you calm, nervous, jumpy, excited, etc?

DF: Calm, but very very nervous. Not really too hyped up, unless it’s a big game like Michigan, but calm. I just want to get that first play over with.



LPC: What people have taught you the most in your career?

DF: At Ohio State it was Mike (Doss) and Donnie (Nickey). Growing up it was my brother.



LPC: Finally, What is football to you?

DF: A kid’s game. It’s just a game that kids play, and you can play until you’re 35, and no matter how old you get it, it’s still a game. If you don’t have fun playing it, you shouldn’t be playing it.
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>​
 
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the funny thing is, the reason why i personally want him to play safety in the nfl is because i think he is really athletic (whereas some people might think he is too slow to play CB and would be better off at safety). as a CB he never got the chance to show off his vertical, at FS he could really use that talent that he has. if he plays CB he will do very well against small speedy slot receivers like a dennis northcutt, but will struggle against the tall, 6'3" + guys. if he plays FS, with his 4.4 speed and 43.5" vertical, he could dominate. i am a browns fan, and mark my words, if tice lets fox play FS he will be MUCH better than brodney pool. some are concerned that he's too small and weak to play safety, and while he will never be a big hitter, the boy can TACKLE, which is all that matters. He was one of the weakest guys on the team according to bench press, but one of the best tacklers. bottom line, the kid can play ball, with great athleticism to boot. not to mention that he has all the intangibles that a coach wants. he is the most underrated and underrapreciated player i've ever seen in my life. i went to the vikings message board and they were all bitching about fox, because he was some no-name white guy and they all wanted shazor. fox will be a stud safety and i'm going to have to get nfl sunday ticket so i can watch every vikings game this year.

i just remembered something else. before the fiesta bowl, bill livingston of the pd did a column with a list of things the buckeyes needed to do to beat miami. it was a serious article, and i think he actually predicted a buckeye win, but one of the things he wrote was "pray for dustin fox". as if this little white kid needed some kind of a miracle to run with the miami speedsters. he ended up totally shutting down 2nd round draft pick roscoe parrish (his TD came against doss on a blitz, and fox wasn't getting the safety help that gamble was getting against andre johnson). just another in a long line of examples of people totally underestimating the kid. i will also never forget going to the 2003 purdue game and people everywhere were booing and cursing out fox after every 5 yd completion he allowed. god i hate buckeye fans sometimes. i remember some guy during that game cursing out tressel and yelling "tressel, you got outcoached again!" after every positive purdue play. what ungrateful bastards.

another thing. if fox was black and played FS for either oklahoma or miami, he'd be a top 10 pick. people would be RAVING about his athleticism. is there another safety in the NFL that has both 4.4 speed AND a 43" vertical?
 
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buckeyetrail, you just contradicted yourself. You first said that Fox would struggle against taller receivers in the NFL and then went on to rave about his vertical jump and how well he excelled at corner throughout college. He's had two difficult games in his four years...in 2002 at Purdue (playing with a hip pointer) and The Game last year (for some reason he looked a little lost at times...not sure if it was because the safetys busted coverage and Fox had to compensate). Fox's uncanny vertical leap offsets any height advantage that the taller NFL receivers have. However, he'll most likely get moved to safety purely because he's a white boy.
 
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MililaniBuckeye said:
buckeyetrail, you just contradicted yourself. You first said that Fox would struggle against taller receivers in the NFL and then went on to rave about his vertical jump and how well he excelled at corner throughout college. He's had two difficult games in his four years...in 2002 at Purdue (playing with a hip pointer) and The Game last year (for some reason he looked a little lost at times...not sure if it was because the safetys busted coverage and Fox had to compensate). Fox's uncanny vertical leap offsets any height advantage that the taller NFL receivers have. However, he'll most likely get moved to safety purely because he's a white boy.
Click to expand...
Mostly agree. Walter Young did work him pretty good at Illinois in 2002 though.
 
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at CB, you don't have enough time to use your vertical, unless it's a deep lob. you are chasing the WR around, and the ball is delivered soon after he makes the cut. as the CB, you don't have enough time to jump, all you have time for is to hopefully stick your hand up and knock it down. because fox is relatively short, tall WRs were tougher for him to guard than short WRs.

however, at free safety, you are mostly in a deep zone. you are watching the QB instead of chasing around a WR. when the QB throws the ball, fox will be eyeing it the whole time, and will use his 4.4 speed to get to the location, and then his 43.5" vertical to leap and knock it down.

how often did fox get beat deep? rarely, if ever. he gave up a lot of short completions because he was the boundary corner (much shorter distance between the QB and WR, therefore the ball gets there a lot quicker and with more accuracy). on those routes, it is just not possible for anybody to be able to jump and knock the pass down, because the play happens too quickly.
 
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BuckeyeTrail said:
at CB, you don't have enough time to use your vertical, unless it's a deep lob. you are chasing the WR around, and the ball is delivered soon after he makes the cut. as the CB, you don't have enough time to jump, all you have time for is to hopefully stick your hand up and knock it down...
Click to expand...

It's a rare situation where a corner doesn't have time to leave his feet in defense of a pass, whether it's jumping vertically or diving horizontally.



Jagdaddy said:
...Walter Young did work him pretty good at Illinois in 2002 though.
Click to expand...

Again, he had a hip pointer in that game...he couldn't cut or leap like he otherwise would have been able.
 
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