|
Chat Reel: Jeff Backus
Posted: Wednesday April 18, 2001 5:36 PM
Updated: Wednesday April 18, 2001 5:36 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL Draft chat with Jeff Backus. Welcome Jeff glad you could join us.
Jeff Backus: Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity to be here.
From Brad Winder in Richmond, Va.: You are projected to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, do you think you can jump right into a starting position and help that team achieve its goal of a Super Bowl? Also can you handle Warren Sapp dogging you out day in and day out? You realize he would do this for your improvement of course.
Jeff Backus: I think I can help a team right away. My redshirt freshman year I was thrown right in the mix and we went on to win the national championship. Playing with Warren Sapp, I'm sure he'd school me, but you have to go in there and do your best.
From Guest in Burlington, N.C.: How much did it help you getting to train in Atlanta with an athlete such as Brandon Spoon?
Jeff Backus: It's fun and a good experience. You have two choices stay at school and workout or go with one of these gurus. I enjoyed my experience being in Atlanta, meeting the other guys from around the SEC. I jumped at the opportunity to come to Atlanta since I am from here.
From shakey: Hey Jeff, we all know what the so called "experts" say, but what do you think you need to improve on in order to be a premier left tackle in the NFL?
Jeff Backus: The number one thing is my overall strength. I have to keep working in the weight room to build my overall strength. I have real good technique. It's something I've worked hard at and will continue to work on.
From Andrew in Owings Mills, Md.: Do you have a good relationship with your fellow offensive lineman Steve Hutchinson, Maurice Williams, and Davis Brandt?
Jeff Backus: Actually, yes, we have a great relationship. From my very first year at UM we've been real close. And especially this past year we had four seniors starting and a bunch of younger guys in the group. We were working towards that one goal of getting Anthony Thomas that rushing record, and it made us closer as a team. I think we enjoy each other's company.
From Bucs: When a NFL scout comes to look at you what type of questions do they ask you, and what drills do you go through as an offensive lineman?
Jeff Backus: As far as the questions go, a lot of background information. They want to get to know you as a person, have you been in any trouble and what your family is like. The drills are all offensive line drills, your explosion off the ball, how you set for a wide rusher or somebody that's covering you, and see if you can pull and change direction low, just a lot of detailed drills.
From Do: Do you think you were part of one of the greatest Michigan (and possibly college) offensive lines of all time?
Jeff Backus: Yes, I do. But at the same time I haven't been around forever, and I haven't been able to see other Michigan lines. But as far as how we played this year, I think we have left a legacy at Michigan.
From Jason Smith in Chattanooga, Tenn.: What do you think about Drew Henson leaving the team and going to play baseball full time? Do you think if he had stayed there that he could have won the Heisman and Michigan could have won a national championship?
Jeff Backus: I think Drew could've been the No. 1 pick and had a real shot at the Heisman. He could have helped next year's team. But he has to do what is best for him. And the opportunity that he had, he couldn't pass up. You can't blame the kid for following a dream.
From Bucs: Who has been the biggest influence in your football career?
Jeff Backus: That's hard to say. There are different influences at each stage high school, college and little league. But my dad has always been a huge influence. He played college football at Maryland. He showed me what a good work ethic is. And seeing him accomplished all those things and being a competitor -- I wanted to do all of those things just as well as he did.
From Hey: Hey Jeff, the draft is pretty deep in offensive lineman, what makes you stand out from most of the other potential draft picks?
Jeff Backus: I've started 49 straight games, I'm consistent day in and day out. Anyone who knows me knows I can be counted on everyday, being there every Sunday. I'm going to do what I have to do to get the job done.
From Mack: What do you think is a bigger rush playing in a BCS bowl or running out of the tunnel at the "Big House."
Jeff Backus: There's nothing like playing in Michigan Stadium. Every opportunity I had to run out was something special, especially this year when I knew I'd never have another opportunity to do it.
From Powers: Who will have the better career you, Maurice, Steve or David?
Jeff Backus: (laughs) I think we all have the potential to have long careers in the NFL. If we just take what we've learned at UM for four years to the NFL, we'll do just fine. I don't think we could've gone anywhere else and been more prepared.
From Do: What do you think about Michigan's chances in the Big Ten this upcoming season with the loss of a lot of offensive starters?
Jeff Backus: They are going to have their work cut out for them. Back in '97 before the season there was a huge question mark about our offensive line, but we were able to go in and get the job done, and I think next year's team will too. They have some guys to replace, but that's what recruiting is for.
From Mack: What are you looking forward to the most about the NFL, and what are you not looking forward to?
Jeff Backus: The biggest thing I am looking forward to is the competition. I've always liked going into practice and working hard and preparing all week for the games and trying to do your best against the defense. I enjoy the competition, I don't think there's anything that I know of that I am not looking forward to. I'm just looking forward to experiencing every aspect of the NFL.
From Arty: Would you like playing in Miami?
Jeff Backus: They have a great tradition. They're a team that's been trying to build a winner the last few years, I think it'd be a great experience to play there.
From Mack: Jeff would you ever consider coming back to UM when your playing days are over as a coach? Or are you interested in joining other ex-players in the world of TV, or do you just want to enjoy your money and spend time with your family?
Jeff Backus: At one time I did think about coaching, but the hours that coaching requires, that's not what I want to do. I definitely, don't want to do TV. I'm not the kind of guy that enjoys the exposure. I do have plans to go to UM. I have a lot of ties there. If I have the opportunity to spend time with my family, I'll take it.
From Bucs: Have you talked to a lot of NFL coaches already? Have you met Tony Dungy?
Jeff Backus: Yes, I met a few coaches, I did meet Tony Dungy at the NFL Combine. I met a lot of people in the Buccaneers' organization, they're nice people. They seem like they're going to do what you have to do to win.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Jeff Backus. Jeff, thanks for joining us and good luck on Saturday.
Jeff Backus: Thank you, I appreciate you having me, and I appreciate everybody showing up and supporting me.
|
Copyright © 2001
CNN/Sports Illustrated
An AOL Time Warner Company.
All Rights Reserved.
|
Terms under which this service is provided to you.
Read our privacy guidelines.
|
| 
