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Chat Reel: Deuce McAllister

West Coast offense suits his style of play

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL draft chat with Deuce McAllister. Welcome, Deuce.
Deuce McAllister: How are you doing?

From Scott Matlock in Harlingen, Texas: Do you expect to be utilized as much on offense and special teams at the pro level as you were at Ole Miss? And do you worry that 20 to 25 carries, three catches, kickoff and punt return duty could shorten your NFL career?
Deuce McAllister: It really just depends on how much the team really needs me on special teams and how well I can help the team on offense. For example, take Marshall Faulk, his ability to return kicks and play receiver and running back in the NFL. I don't think I'd be an every-down guy, just situational.

From DueceToo: What do you think will be your biggest adjustment to the league?
Deuce McAllister: Probably the speed of the game and at Ole Miss we did a lot of film work. I also have to realize it's a business now.

From Jaydog: What one part of your game would you say you need to improve on the most to make the next step. As a big Bills fan I hope you slip down to the 14th pick.
Deuce McAllister: Probably pass protection because at Ole Miss I was used as the third and fourth receiver a lot of times and I wasn't in the backfield a lot. I'll need to get some reps, too.

From Jethro: How do you feel about your performance at the NFL combine?
Deuce McAllister: I thought it went quite well. The running back drills and the things I did as a receiver are things I do naturally. I'm just waiting until my workout date on March 21.

From wusssss: What current NFL star would you compare your running style to, Marshall Faulk?
Deuce McAllister: Marshall Faulk or Edgerrin James.

From Larry Burge in Akron, Ohio: When you enter the NFL draft, what team do you hope will pick you up? If the Cleveland Browns pick you up, will you bring Ohio a Super Bowl ring?
Deuce McAllister: That's my goal with every team. With whomever picks me, I just want to elevate my play and my team's play. I don't really have a choice where I go; I just want to help that team get to the next level.

From Richard Cox in Memphis, Tenn.: Recently, many people have said that LaDanian Tomlinson has passed you in status for the draft. How do you think that your upcoming individual workout will help you? Also, do you see yourself running a faster 40-yard dash than the rest of the running backs, say in the 4.3 range?
Deuce McAllister: That's usually what I'll run in the 40 -- the 4.3 range, so I feel good about my time. Tomlinson has done a good job of elevating himself in the postseason with a good performance in the Senior Bowl and in Indianapolis, so he has done a good job of either moving ahead of me or right along with me. So, my thing is to go out and perform well on my workout day.

From gonzo86: Deuce, now that you are leaving the Rebs, how do you feel about your old team's future with Eli Manning at the helm?
Deuce McAllister: I think they'll be good. The biggest thing they'll have to do is grow as a team. And the seniors will have to step up and lead.

From Kenneth McKenzie in Birmingham Ala.: Deuce, it was great seeing you play football, even though I am a big Auburn fan. My question is that in the SEC, was there one team, or one player that you dreaded to play against? Good luck in the draft, and the NFL.
Deuce McAllister: Well, probably the place I was most in awe of was Knoxville as a freshman because of all the orange and it was so big. The rest of the places we just tried to take the enthusiasm out of the home crowd and just take it from there.

From BillsFan: Have the Bills shown any interest in bringing you to Buffalo, because I sure hope you are a Bill come April 21st!
Deuce McAllister: I've had contact with them, and they've showed interest. If I'll be around then, I think they'll take a look at picking me.

From Brandon Jones in Dallas: What kind of speed drills would you recommend to a young running back? Good luck in the draft.
Deuce McAllister: Probably the biggest thing is running form and running style - continuing to strengthen your lower body while maintaining quickness and speed.

From morton39117: What do think about upcoming junior Robert Williams?
Deuce McAllister: He'll be good. He's had an opportunity to learn behind me and Joe [Gunn]. He'll be able to help with the passing game and the running game. So, he's just waiting on his opportunity.

From Brent Miller in Charlotte, N.C.: I have a few questions for you. Are the shoulder exercises that Dr. Andrews prescribed for you helping you? Do you think they are making the muscles in your shoulders stronger? And, do you have any visits to Cleveland set up?
Deuce McAllister: The shoulder exercises have helped me to get stronger and exceed my previous strength. I do have a visit scheduled to Cleveland for after my workout.

From JacksonReb: When did you first realize you had a chance to be an elite draft pick?
Deuce McAllister: Well, the thing I always wanted to do was to continue to get better and continue to learn. I've always felt that if you worked hard you'd succeed. The timing was right for me to enter the draft. I think I've worked pretty hard and put myself in a good position.

From E. Martin McLeod in New Orleans: What is your best memory of Ole Miss?
Deuce McAllister: Probably my best memory was my last home game.

From EGP: Deuce, which NFL's offensive scheme are you most comfortable with at this time? San Franciso would be a great fit, don't you think ?
Deuce McAllister: Yeah, anybody that runs the West Coast offense or utilizes their running back as a receiver is a good fit for my style of play.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Duece McAllister. Duece, thanks for joining us and good luck in the draft.
Deuce McAllister: Yes, sir. Thank you!

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