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2002 NFL draft

Q&A with Julius Peppers

April 20, 2002

Julius Peppers stays home to play for the Panthers in 2002

Q: Has head coach John Fox talked about playing you at left end?

A: Yeah, he’s talked about switching me, putting me on an offensive tackle, doing some different things and just letting me do what I want to do.

Q: How do you feel about such a move?

A: That’s fine with me. I’m kind of excited about it because at North Carolina, I was kind of stuck in what I could do pass-rushing-wise. Now I could just go out there and let it go, and I think I could be a little bit more effective.

Q: You played basketball in college as well. Ever have any thoughts about going in that direction?

A: No. Last summer I decided I wasn’t going to play basketball. That’s what it’s been since then. No looking back. I don’t regret not playing basketball. I’m done with it for right now, for good.

Q: An extra pressure with going to play in (his home state of) Carolina or any extra expectations?

A: No, it’s pressure, but it’s not anything that I am afraid of. It’s definitely going to be extra pressure, but I think that’s what good players become great in, pressured situations, so I am ready for that.

Q: How important is it for you to be a star in the NFL and not just another guy, and to really be regarded as one of the better players in the league?

A: It’s not important for me to be a star, but it is important for me to be one of the better players. I won’t feel comfortable with not living up to my potential. I don’t want to be spoken of as the player who had potential who never reached it, so I am going to work extra hard to try to be the best I can be.

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