| INDIANAPOLIS — Following are excerpts from a question-and-answer
session with California’s Andre Carter. Carter, whose father, Rubin, was a solid
defensive tackle for the Broncos in their "Orange Crush" glory days and is a
current NFL DL coach, is currently projected by PFW’s Joel Buchsbaum as the top
defensive end available in this year’s draft. Q: Is it easy or hard being a
coach’s son?
A: It’s pretty easy. My dad really didn’t plant the seed right away that
it’s your destiny to play football. It was more like, "Do what’s best for
Andre and not Mom and Dad," and that’s the kind of mentality I had.
Q: Will you have more workouts after the Combine?
A; I will perform March 19 at my school, and I definitely plan to put on a show.
Q: How would you describe your playing style?
A: Aggressive, runs to the ball and very technical.
Q: What teams have you interviewed with so far?
A: Seattle, San Diego, New England and the Jets — so far.
Q: You are known as being a perfectionist. Can you talk a little about your
attention to detail?
A: I was fortunate to have a position coach at Cal to have that kind of mentality. He
played in the leather-helmet days, which shows you he’s a tough customer who gets
after us pretty hard. Every time I go on the field, I’m always nitpicking, whether
it’s for the pass rush or if it’s just for the run. It helps me get prepared for
each game.
Q: Do you consider yourself a throwback player?
A: No. I’m more new-school.
Q: Have you done any research on just what pro teams have a need for defensive ends?
A: I’ve heard San Diego, New England, Arizona, Seattle and Chicago all need DEs.
Q: There are some scouts who have suggested that you might pay too much attention to
detail and need to be more instinctive in your play? How do you react to that?
A: I never thought of it that way. I just always try to have an objective and take care
of my own personal real estate and then make plays, or cause some trouble for the offense
I’m up against.
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