Chat Reel: Indiana's Antwaan Randle El
Hoosier QB's ultimate dream: a two-sport pro career
Posted: Wednesday August 11, 1999 04:10 PM
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Randle El is "looking forward to be here (IU) four/five years" and wants to graduate and then play his last year. Tom Pidgeon/Allsport |
Indiana University QB Antwaan Randle El chatted with CNNSI.com users as the first game of the season approached. A transcript of the conversation follows: CNNSI Host: Welcome to Indiana U's Antwaan Randle El... great to have you with us today, Antwaan.
Antwaan Randle El: Hey!
From Matt: Where do you see this year's Indiana Hoosier team fitting into the race for the Big Ten title?
Antwaan Randle El: This year we have a chance and do some good things. But I won't make any predictions. We have a good team and we've been working hard all summer.
From John: What is the mental state of the team going into Fall practice? Have you been able to put those three to four tough losses behind you?
Antwaan Randle El: We've been able to put the tough losses behind us. We got out of our system last year. The whole mental aspect is working hard and getting a victory game in and game out.
From Erik: I was just wondering if he you rather play QB and run the offense or play as a reciever.
Antwaan Randle El: I'd rather play QB, no doubt. The receiver thing isn't so hot yet. QB is where I want to be. QB is my No. 1 position.
From R. Johnson: Do you feel you will be at Indiana until you graduate?
Antwaan Randle El: Yes I do! I'm looking forward to be here four/five years. I want to graduate and then play my last year.
From Tom: If you and the IU football team had a great year this year, would you consider turning pro?
Antwaan Randle El: I wouldn't consider it yet. If we have a good team this year, we'll be losing a lot of players afterwards. It's never a situation of me turning pro. But if it does come up, my feeling is that I will stay.
From Matt: Where do you see yourself fitting into the Heisman trophy race and have you thought much about that?
Antwaan Randle El: I haven't thought much about it. Every frontrunner has a chance to win it. I'm not going to boost my stats up for it. If I do, I do. But I haven't thought about it. But if do win games, it will help.
From Guest: How are you going to handle that Penn State defense?
Antwaan Randle El: I don't know yet. My concentration on the three non-conference games, starting with Ball State. We'll work on Penn State as the season progresses.
From Rich: Antwaan, do you think Coach Cameron will be with you through out your entire college career? He is always being mentioned as an up and coming coach and has even drawn attention from NFL organizations. I think he has done wonders for Hoosier football,and has made them exciting to watch.
Antwaan Randle El: Yes I do. He's one great coach and I'm glad he's here. He understands his players and how they work. I think he'll be here for a long time and become an Indiana legend.
From Sandi: What makes Coach Cameron different from some of the coaches you have had, or currently have (Bob Knight)?
Antwaan Randle El: Not too much of a difference. Coach Cameron is laid back and mellow but he'll make sure things are done his way. He's got his own unique style. Coach Knight is loud and encouraging.
From Guest: Antwaan - How is your brother doing? Will he be ready to play?
Antwaan Randle El: My brother is doing well and will play. He's been doing well over the summer, working out. He's been improving working out. Expect him to be doing his job.
From Guest: Have our receivers improved greatly this year, cause I believe that is what held us back from a bowl game.
Antwaan Randle El: Over the summer. The receivers have improved catching the ball and yards after the catch. They'll go up and make plays. Their route running, catching and yards after catch have improved
From John: Can you describe the difference between the off season workouts this year and those of the past?
Antwaan Randle El: For me, it's totally different. Last summer, I couldn't use my right hand for lifting, etc. This year, I'm more complete. Better and more strenuous and keeps me on stride. The running has been more intense.
From Tony: Antwaan, how do you see the RB position developing for the start of the season and what are your first impressions of Brian Lewis?
Antwaan Randle El: I haven't seen Brian Lewis not too much. I've seen him catch a couple of balls.
He's got good speed and cutting ability. We still have Frankie Franklin. It's going to be a good race at the tailback spot. It's up to them. It's good to see who's going to fight for that spot.
From Guest: Who do you think will be your toughest Big Ten opponent?
Antwaan Randle El: I'm not sure. every team is out to get everybody. There's a lot of excitement.
Minnesota and Illinois are coming up. It's a well-rounded conference. It's going to be tough, you just have to go out and beat them.
From Andre: What was the main reason you picked Indiana over Ohio University?
Antwaan Randle El: my main reason was my brother. my brother being here and the coaching change was big for me, with the offense he wanted to run. I also had the opportunity to play for coach knight. The campus is nice and big, and Bloomington is a very nice town.
From Steve: What was your most recent time in the 40?
Antwaan Randle El: I ran a 4.5 flat... I ran a 4.46 before... it fluctuates. I'm more quicker than I am fast.
From Bruce: Which is a bigger thrill for you, a completed long-pass for a TD or a long TD run? You have done both.
Antwaan Randle El: Completing a long TD pass ... since the receiver needs to make the catch for you.
the long run is great but to throw the ball and have someone catch it, is a great thrill
From Guest: Is the loss of Tyrone Browning going to give some new guys a chance to show what they can do at the wideout spot?
Antwaan Randle El: Different receivers will get a chance. The wideout spot is wide open. We have a lot of positions open. Tyrone Browning is going to be a big loss until someone can step into his place. We have a lot of people competing for that spot.
From Keith: I'm interested in Tommy Jones, whom I've heard a lot about. Everyone seems to think that he is ready to start contributing in games this season, what is your take on him getting in there and opening up a whole other offensive look.
Antwaan Randle El: Tommy has a lot of things when it comes to throwing and running. If something happens to me, or if I go to receiver, he can make big plays. Expect great things out of him.
From Matt: What are the team's goals and expectations for 1999? Will this be a breakthrough year? Best of luck to you all.
Antwaan Randle El: I'm not sure if it will be a breakthough year. If it does, so be it. I have to make sure the team is ready to go and I can take wherever they want to go. Everybody wants to go the big game. A nice bowl would be a nice thing, too. An improvement over last year would be great
From Ken: Who is the fastest running back at IU, in pure foot speed?
Antwaan Randle El: A.C. Carter ran a 4.38 as a freshman coming in -- he's a young guy, but he got out there and ran.
From Tony: From one Hoosier to another, what do you think our bowl chances look like for this season?
Antwaan Randle El: A bowl game is out there. I won't make any predictions, but we have a chance. It's just a matter of getting the right things done every week. We just have to go out and win the game.
From Guest: Antwaan: At the beginning of last year you had the defense going nuts trying to figure you out, but toward the end of the year they had a better idea what was going on. Do you have any new surprises this year?
Antwaan Randle El: a bowl game is a goal for every team. We want to be there. I'm not going to have new surprises. We just have to go out and play. There will be a few wrinkles here and there, but not many changes. We're just going to go out and play football
From Guest: Who is your favorite Pro player? Who do model your play after?
Antwaan Randle El: I always loved Barry Sanders. I can't believe he retired. I think he'll come back. As for QBs, I'm a big Kordell Stewart fan. I also looked at Charlie Ward growing up.
From IUFAN: Antwaan, what is your impression of Jeremi Johnson, can he make an impact early in the backfield?
Antwaan Randle El: I think he can make an impact. It's a matter of getting the offense down. He needs to understand his role as well.
From Guest: You were drafted by the Cubs coming out of High school. Is baseball in your plans for the future at all?
Antwaan Randle El: Baseball is in my plans, I don't know where. I do swing the bat and the batting cage and field some fly balls. I do want to play baseball sooner or later.
From Guest: Hey Antwaan, I have heard that the redshirted freshman from last year are very talented. Any names to look for?
Antwaan Randle El: Tommy can get out there... Derek Barnette, Sean Nelson are really good. A.C. Myler has a chance to make an impact. Our tight end ... Bobby Brandt
From Guest: Do you see yourself trying to play baseball AND football professionally a la Deion?
Antwaan Randle El: Yes if I had a chance, I'd love to do it. If it happens, it happens. To play at that level in two sports it's tough, but it would be a dream for me to do it.
From Guest: Your thoughts on Ricky Williams? Has he made a solid choice with his agent?
Antwaan Randle El: He made a good decision. They probably run a tight program, I'm not sure. It's a smart choice. It's an agent, and how they do it. I don't know what goes on with it, but I think it's a good decision.
From Chris: How do you manage to work on both sports on the off season? Do you ever have free time for your life, since you play two college sports?
Antwaan Randle El: I have free time. I just try to use it wisely. I usually rest or hang out with my brother (which I do usually).
From Guest: Which team on your schedule do you look forward to playing the most and why?
Antwaan Randle El: I look forward to playing every team. We won four games last year and two of those were very close. Of the teams we lost to, we have to go get them. We want to get wins out of those teams and hopefully get to a bowl.
From Jelacy: Antwaan if you enter the NFL and/or MLB, who would you like to play for?
Antwaan Randle El: If I entered the NFL, I'd like to play for Chicago, no doubt. They're my hometown team and they have a great history. I'd also love to play for the Cubs, who drafted me.
From Dennis: I love to watch you run, but hope you have more support for pitching in the option this season. Do you see that as a need and possibility?
Antwaan Randle El: It's not so much a need. If I can pitch it, it would be good. The tailbacks have to do the job catching it and running it. When the opportunity comes, we have to do it.
CNNSI Host: Antwaan, thanks so much for joining us today... best of luck to you this season, and we hope to have you back sometime.
Antwaan Randle El: Thanks for having me.
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