2009 NFL Draft Interview: Boston College Defensive Tackle B.J. Raji.
by silencecs on Mar 30, 2009 4:05 AM EDT
in 2009 NFL Draft
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Collin Streetman: How long have you been playing football, and were there any other sports you seriously considered playing?
B.J. Raji: I’ve been playing football since I was a freshman in high school. I played basketball until sophomore year, and then I focused entirely on football.
Collin Streetman: In what ways have you changed your training and routine to prepare for the possibility of life in the NFL?
B.J. Raji: Ah, um, now I’ve been training for the Senior Bowl and Combine, that is, training that is geared to those events. I’ve been bench-pressing, running to get my cardio in, and trying getting my wind up.
Collin Streetman: What intangibles can you bring to an NFL team that might not show up on tape?
B.J. Raji:Leadership qualities, bringing everybody together under leadership, especially on the defense. It’s a unit, not one player. So, getting everyone to be a unit together. Being able to play efficiently.
Collin Streetman: Some players are workout warriors, some are film-junkies, and others spend their free time on the practice field. What’s you’re favorite aspect of game preparation?
B.J. Raji: Ah, I think going through the motions, man, repetitions keep you set for football, getting good muscle memory, having your body used to doing things the right way.
Collin Streetman: What is your favorite part of playing DT?
B.J. Raji: Ah, just being able to beat a guy one on one. Being in the backfield making plays on defense.
Collin Streetman: Did playing next to a guy the caliber of Ron Brace help you out at all?
B.J. Raji:It did tremendously help me out. Teams weren’t as focused on me. Every person had a crush the RB mentality, so teams kind of shied away from running as much at us. It kind of helped us in preparing for teams as well.
Collin Streetman: What are you keying in on as far as pre-snap reads go as a DT? What are you looking for while the QB is barking out signals?
B.J. Raji:I’m reading my keys, I’m checking my alignment, and looking at whatever guy is my key. I’m also looking at the guy in front of me.
Collin Streetman: Do you have a signature pass rush move, or do you rely on natural ability mainly?
B.J. Raji: Uh, I don’t really rely on certain pass rush moves, I believe the reason, the difference between defense linemen and offensive linemen is reaction time and athleticism. Because usually I rely on my ability, but obviously I’ve been working on the moves all week in practice. I think it depends on which linemen I’m facing which move I’ll use; you know what I’m saying?
Collin Streetman: Versatility is crucial to making an NFL roster, some teams have you playing a 3-4 or a 4-3. Have you ever played any two-gap schemes, and what do you see yourself as, a NT or a DT?
B.J. Raji:I played a little two-gap, obviously not as much as I did 4-3. I see myself as an interior d-lineman that can play any position. I don’t really categorize myself other than a defensive lineman that can play any position.
Collin Streetman: Describe your in-game demeanor using one of the following, focused and calm, unhinged and explosive, or downright nasty.
B.J. Raji: Um, I’d have to say downright nasty.
Collin Streetman: What aspect of your game do you feel is strongest?
B.J. Raji:My football awareness, football IQ, what ever you want to call it, is why I’m able to understand how teams are trying to block me. That leads to success on the football field.
Collin Streetman: What aspect of your game needs the most improvement?
B.J. Raji: Uh, my technique, I need to improve my technique, and learn to use my aggressiveness and explosiveness on every play. Knowing what kind of stance to use, and that’s it.
Collin Streetman: Do you have any game-day superstitions or routines you follow?
B.J. Raji:My biggest routine is basically trying to be myself. It took me awhile to realize that. A lot of guys talk about putting on your game face. The kind of person I am off the field is how I am on game-day.
Collin Streetman: Walk me through the most memorable play of you collegiate career, and how it developed.
B.J. Raji: Um, whew, to be honest, I can’t really think of one right now. Actually, I take that back, I think. This past season, when we clinched the ACC Atlantic and went to the championship. That was probably one of the best feelings.
Collin Streetman: You responded well to your coach’s request to drop weight by losing 20 lbs, he rewarded you by forcing you to wear a 12 lb vest during practice. What did this teach you?
B.J. Raji:It just taught me that uh, there is a big difference in just 12 lbs, it can be the difference in getting to the QB or not making a play. That’s basically what it taught me.
Collin Streetman: Does health and nutrition play a large role in your life, and do you have a special diet you follow during the season or otherwise?
B.J. Raji: Um, obviously nutrition is your fuel, during the season I try to stick to eating high protein and low fat kinds of things. Keep in mind I do need carbs for energy, so I have to include that in my diet as well.
Collin Streetman: Could you describe to me your ideal coach and tell me what aspects of a coach’s style help you improve the most?
B.J. Raji: I don’t have necessarily an ideal coach, any guy can teach you football any way to get it across. If he’s got to yell to get it across, as long as he’s teaching I don’t have a problem with any style of coaching.
Collin Streetman: What does it take to be a Hall of Fame player at the NFL level in your opinion? What will it take for you to get there?
B.J. Raji: Um, if you ask me that question in two years I’ll be able to answer it. The Hall of Fame isn’t even in my view right now. Ask me in a couple of years and I’ll tell you what I come up with.
Collin Streetman: Is there a DT you model your game after?
B.J. Raji: Um, I like Defensive linemen, I can’t say I model my game after anybody, I try to play the way I understand it and know how…
Collin Streetman: Do you have a favorite DT?
B.J. Raji:My favorite defensive tackle was Warren Sapp, and he retired. I really liked Tommie Harris a lot in college and in his first seasons with the bears.
Collin Streetman: How would you describe your personality and character?
B.J. Raji: I mean, I’m a pretty frank guy and people appreciate that. I don’t beat around the bush, but at the same time very respectful and things like that, I’m just a good guy to be around.
Collin Streetman: What is your number one goal in life?
B.J. Raji: Uh, to make sure my family is well off and successful.
Collin Streetman: What is you’re the one thing that if it occurred, you would feel your career was a success?
B.J. Raji: Naw, there is not one thing…
Collin Streetman: When things go wrong in life, where do you turn?
B.J. Raji:My family, parents, my brother, and coaches that I know can help me.
Collin Streetman: Rank the following three in importance to successful NFL career, natural talent, work ethic, and character.
B.J. Raji:Uh, well, I haven’t played a down in the NFL, yet. I’d say character, work ethic, and then natural talent.
Collin Streetman: Ok, now down to the really tough questions, the main (Interruption by B.J.)
B.J. Raji: Man, How many more we got like this, Man?!?
Collin Streetman: Just two more, man. I’m going to throw out the two main incidences and give you a chance to tell your side of the story.
Collin Streetman: In 2006, you punched a Central Michigan player on the field. What happened to elicit such a response, and why should teams ignore that incident?
B.J. Raji: Ah, the Michigan player, you know, it was a heat of the moment kind of thing. To make a long story short, the guy slammed me to the ground and kind of twisted me to the side, so I got up and took a swing at him.
Collin Streetman: The second issue many teams have is with the year of missed eligibility due to signing up for two summer classes instead of three. I know at the time this was a complete shock to you, but, looking back, do you feel that this was your responsibility, or was it simply do to the misinformation provided to you at the time of scheduling.
B.J. Raji: Um, it was a combination of both actually; I didn’t finish up like I needed to in the classroom. But, with that being said, I did get myself back on track, but at the end I just came up short. So, there has to be something said about that as well.
Collin Streetman: Ok, we'll end it there, BJ. Thanks for you time and I wish you all the best.
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So he just indirectly said that he is downright and nasty off the field?
How many good guys feel the need to tell you they’re a good guy?
Thank you collin
Surteal out
surreal to be teal
Main points I got from interviewing him and reading into his answers.
He’s not a big film guy, money is a major focus, he’s disingenuous, reactive, and has poor impulse control.
He’s got no real pass rush moves and has relied on his athleticism mainly. He stumbled and had to think about where he turns to when he faces adversity in his life.
He couldn’t even come up with what it would take to be a hall of fame player at the next level.
He’s clearly more suited to a 4-3 than a 3-4, and had limited experience in the two gap scheme, so there’s no guarantee he’d even be a successful NT.
I wish you could have heard the anger in his voice during the time he shouted over me… It was very telling. Plus his favorite DT was Warren Sapp, who is as much of a problem child as there ever was.
-Collin
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
Get the money, forget the football
This was a one year college effort to cash in.
The questions you asked tried to identify if there was more motivation than omoney, more depth of thinking than how much he will make. Nothing stood out.
If you could interview Clay Matthews, boy would that be different.
He is coming to Jacksonville for an interview. Gene and crew know they can’t miss on any draft pick.
Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!
Thanks for the insight.
I mean I really liked the guy based off NFL network. I guess we truly think what we’re told.
What would we truly gain from this soon to be headcase?
A few sacks? Once teams learn him, and the fans truly learn him, we are left saddened, robbed even. We would know that all the other releases were for naught.
And yes jags, there are great football guys with great character out there. He is just not one of them.
surreal to be teal
Hey Collin
Nice job, and I mean here not just to the interview but to send the red flags to Vic and to the Jaguars about Raji. I REALLLY hope that they will pass on him, if they pick at #8, and he is still on board. I trust your judgements when you say stay away from this kid.
I hope Gene will stay on his philosophy, and charachter will counts. If so, then after your letter we must not worry more about him.
I have a new slogan until the draft:
Draft characters not statistics!
by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 30, 2009 7:30 AM EDT reply actions
One more thing, Collin
How long was the interview (in minutes)? After how many minutes he lost his patience?
by Zoltan from Budapest on Mar 30, 2009 7:40 AM EDT reply actions
Great job with the interview, I know I am in the minority....
but I didn’t see anyhting in the interview that would keep me from drafting him. If I wouldn’t have been warned ahead of time that you thought he was a jerk, I wouldn’t have come to that conclusion from the written interview. The fact that he has a mean streak doesn’t always mean a bad thing when it comes to playing defense in football. The fact that he said he was the same on the field as off the field in response to the superstition question, in my mind doesn’t neccesarily indicate that he meant he was also mean off the field. I think we have so much time on our hands before the draft that we tend to overanalyze players because of the new regime’s desire to have quality individuals and outstanding citizens. With this newly acquired desire for upstanding behavior, does it eliminate Jimmy Smith from being elected to the Ring of Honor or what ever it is called? I know this is in disagreement with most here, so go ahead and let me have it!
I didn't think it would come across in print, that's why I made the fan post about my true feelings from talking to him on the phone.
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
I don't necessarily disagree with Jaggernaut.
However, the interview did have those few “red flags”:
1. His main concern is providing financial support to his family. Not winning football games or being a great player.
2. He has no real technique. We all know that sheer athletecism doesn’t cut it in the NFL. All of these guys are top athletes. Smarts and technique is what puts you over the top.
3. And of course, Warren Sapp is his favorite player. That guy, besides being effective for a handful of years, was a walking embarrassment for himself, his coach and his team.
Verdict: Using the Gene Smith formula, this guy’s ability doesn’t outweigh the possible negatives. Not worth our pick, considering what else is out there.
Unfortunately, the truth only comes out game-by-game.
Red flags
1) I’m not so sure I see this as a red flag. The kid is, what, 22 years old? I think it’s remarkable that he’s thinking about things like that, particularly if he came from a poor background (I’m not sure if he did or not). Professional sports is hard — I haven’t played pro sports but I did play college sports and from what I can see, playing a sport as a professional requires a totally different mindset than playing a sport in college. In fact, I think this is one of the traps that Vince Young has fallen into. I really read this kind of neutrally. And I don’t think it’s a problem that he doesn’t know what it takes to be a hall of fame player. I don’t think that’s an unrealistic thing for someone who hasn’t even played so much as one snap of preseason pro ball to say.
2) Yeah, this could be a problem. In fact, if anything this is going to be the sole on-field factor contributing to his success or failure. Having said that, I don’t think we’ll know whether or not he can learn the technique he needs to play his position for another year, maybe two.
3) I’m kind of neutral on this as well. If he’s a fan of Warren Sapp, the player, then he might be ok. If it’s Warren Sapp, the person, well, that’s a little different.
Good job getting the interview, though. Respect for that.
When I'm on the mic, I'm like global warming, you can't ignore me.
by tehGrindCrusher on Mar 30, 2009 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I Like
Your opinion for number 1. You took the words out of my mouth about him providing for his family. Most guys try to get their Mom something nice, so to speak. I read interviews all the time of rookies in draft mags and a lot of them say they are buying their momma a Range Rover or a house. If he is for real on the family one, I think that shows a level of maturity.
However, overall I’m not a fan of the Jaguars taking him high in the draft. He is a risk towards production IMHO. It looks like he busted his ass to cash in.
Thats Good For Another Jacksonville... First Down.
He can learn technique
That was the biggest problem with Harvey this past season (besides the holdout). He came in with all of the talent, but never needed to use any technique. It will take him a little while to figure it all out.
On the interview overall, he could be a jerk, but it’s difficult to tell in print. The “outburst” was kind of unnecessary…it wasn’t THAT long of an interview. I don’t know if this is a reason not to draft him, but with the new emphasis on character that the Jaguars have adopted, it definitely doesn’t help.
25 questions
Ok, here’s my opinion. I kind of agree with Jaggernaut. I think he might have misunderstood what you were saying by the way you worded your comments in the interview and then reacted. You asked him 25 questions, and then said, “Ok, now down to the really tough questions….” and that’s when he cut you off. Understandably, he’s got an anger problem, because he could have just said he was running out of time or something. But the way it more than likely seemed to him was that you had another 25 questions for him. That was my first thought upon reading it. However, there is a shitton of inflection (I think that’s the right word?) that’s missed by not hearing the audio. So, I trust your judgment on him. Just the interview on paper doesn’t seem so bad. Some people don’t interview well and, hell, I know I’ve given answers in an interview before where I went back and said, “Why the hell did I give that answer? That’s not true at all.” But, of course, everyone tries to give the right answers in an interview. I just don’t think he knew what the right answers to give were, apparently. Just my thoughts.
Understood.
And I agree with what you’re saying. But what is your response to the three red flags I posted?
Unfortunately, the truth only comes out game-by-game.
True.
Albert Haynesworth had anger issues too. That anger has both helped and hurt his career (although given his later contract figures, Albert would probably disagree that his anger has hurt). So, anger in itself, especially on the field and when under control, can be a blessing in football. However the Jaguars just don’t need to reach on a risky DT when there are much better talents out there. For one, even Percy Harvin would be a better pick than this guy. Hell, I have Harvin above Crabtree. Personally trading down and still managing to pick up Vontae Davis is my favorite route. You?
Unfortunately, the truth only comes out game-by-game.
Really?
That’s a bummer. What are the particulars?
Unfortunately, the truth only comes out game-by-game.
He's A Good Kid
Off the field, but some question his work ethic.
Thats Good For Another Jacksonville... First Down.
I still like trading down
for Harvin though. I know it’s not the most popular idea. But, I think a team is going to benefit from having this kid. I don’t think we’re in a position where we have to stay at 8 and pick Sanchez. I don’t think Oher is worth an 8 pick, and I think the rest of the quality OTs will be long gone. I like the idea of extra picks. I’d even trade the 1st pick away completely if I was getting like three 2nd rounders.
Collin Streetman...
When did BC play Michigan? Thanks!
No wonder Raji got pissed at you
How many stupid and token questions did you have to ask him? “What does it take to get to the Hall of Fame?” It sounds like an 8 year old asking the questions. I’d be pissed too if I kept getting asked meaningless questions.
I don't think that's a dumb question at all... In your opinion, what does it take to be a hall of fame player... Seems like a good question to ask a future player to me.
HIs answer shows a lack of forethought about his future…
Welcome to the site by the way, we always appreciate such intellectually insightful commenters.
-Collin
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
it's an indirect way of asking him what qualities are most important to a successful NFL career in his opinion
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
Simmonaa isn't a good addition to the family
We don’t have to welcome him. We can ask him to leave.
Big Cat Country!:: The Official Home of the Unofficial Blog of the Jacksonville Jaguars!
I had issues...
with his work ethic and character before this interview. This article, however, hasn’t provided anything to change my mind. Don’t Draft Him!
If you've actually met BJ Raji
You’d laugh at yourself for some of the things that have been said here.
Also, I think it reflects poorly on you that from a 25 question segment, most of which focused on token questions you say this:
“He’s not a big film guy, money is a major focus, he’s disingenuous, reactive, and has poor impulse control.”
So you got this from asking him who his ideal coach is? I’ve gone to school with him the last 4 years. You’re wrong. In fact, your inclusion of every um and uh shows your personal feelings for BJ rather than being a journalist.
I used a transcriber, I didn't even leave all the uh's and um's in, maybe only half. Your Bias is clear, as you've just stated. Who said I was a journalist?
Journalist’s can’t burn bridges and have to spin stories to protect people/sources. I assure you, the story I submitted to my draft site was clean and free of his interruption and his stumbling of words. However, BCC is my home and I love the Jags and the fans here, so I brought the unadulterated interview to the readers of this site, who I deem as more important than my draft site. When I start collecting a paycheck, you can start calling me a journalist… deal?
-Collin
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
awesome work again collin
I fanshotted this over at MHR. They will love to read it.
Amnesty, the idea that you can forgive transgressions against you, gives as much to one side, as it does the other. It has the noble quality of bestowing mercy to both parties.
by Jeremy Bolander on Mar 31, 2009 1:40 PM EDT reply actions
Thanks a bunch, MHR is one of the better SBNation blogs and I love the section you guys have on educating about people on football.
GREAT site!
The End Is Nigh... www.infowars.com
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