Who's Next Football Chats with Nebraska WR Brandon Kinnie

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Photo by Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Name: Brandon KinnieSchool: NebraskaPosition: WRHeight: 6'3Weight: 225 lbs
A native of Kansas City, MO, Brandon Kinnie arrived at Nebraska in 2008 as a sophomore from Fort Scott Community College. During Kinnie’s first season with the Huskers, the wide receiver had an impressive 15 catches for 141 yards. Kinnie’s stats only got better as a junior, adding another 44 receptions for 494 yards, with three touchdown catches alone against Oklahoma State.
Entering his senior season, Kinnie led the group of young wide-outs and to date has logged 22 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown. While his statistics are strong, it won’t be what Kinnie is remembered for at Nebraska. Fans, teammates, and coaches will remember a strong leader who fought hard through adversity to become a better player and person. In fact, fellow wide receiver Kenny Bell summed Kinnie up in a simple, yet poignant, way: “BK’s a thermostat.  He’s not a thermometer.”
Brandon takes the time to catch up with Who’s Next Football..

WNF: If you had to pinpoint the strongest aspect of your game, what would it be?
BK: I would probably have to say my blocking skills and being physical on the field. I pride myself with being a great down field blocker.  Catching the football comes with being a wide receiver and I feel I do that extremely well too. However, If I had to choose one biggest strength it would be my all around blocking skills.
WNF: What is one area of your game would you say most needs improvement?
BK: I think focusing better really. Make sure I look the ball into my hands with every catch, mentally preparing for the game, really focus on the mental aspect of the game and envisioning what I can do to be the best I can be. 
WNF: What was the biggest difference between Big 12 and Big Ten play?
BK: To be honest, I didn't really notice a difference. I just love playing the game of football and it didn't matter who I was out there against.
WNF: If you had to pick one NFL player that you think you closely resemble, who would it be?
BK: I always liked how physical Terrell Owens played and how he used his size to his advantage. I would not resemble myself to his attitude and how he acted with his team but more how he played with a sense of physicality. 
WNF: Tell us about your son Julian, and what he has taught you about life in general?
BK: First, he taught me to be humble. Taught me that everything is not about me. I got someone else to look after now and I love it. He has taught me so much about myself that I hadn't discovered before. It was truly a blessing to have him, best thing to ever happen to me.
WNF: If I was an NFL GM, why do I want Brandon Kinnie on my team?
BK: Well first, I am a great teammate, fun to be around, and my work ethic is crazy. I want to be the best at what I do and will do whatever I can to be just that. 

WNF: What is the main thing you’ll miss about Nebraska football? (Submitted by@KyleAtkins91)
BK: I'll miss being around my teammates, joking around with them, and traveling with them. I learned so much about myself senior year. I will miss the fans and everyone that supported me as well. 
WNF: How would you like to be remembered by the University of Nebraska?
BK: A leader, outgoing, funny, and overall good guy who gave everything he had.

Quick Hits:
Favorite Food: Fried ChickenPregame Music: Lil Wayne Biggest Inspiration in Life: My Mom and Son. My Mom could care less if I made it to the NFL, she is just so happy that I'm graduating from college. She has always been there for me and my son. My son is my other inspiration because I want to give him everything when he grows up. I want him to look up to me and want to be like me.



Interview Conducted by @NFLDraftinsider  and edited/written by @HelloErinMarie.

Cal WR Marvin Jones' thoughts on his NFL Combine Performance

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Marvin Jones at the NFL Combine






6'1
199 lbs
4.46 forty
22 bench reps of 225
33' vertical
9'4 broad jump
6.81 cone drill



Marvin's thoughts on the NFL Combine and on his performance:

" It was definitely a fun, interesting process. It was long hours, not much sleep , everybody wants to see you perform and everyone wants to talk to you. Overall, it was a great experience. I got to meet many different players and coaches which was really cool.

On my performance, I think I did well. I am a little disappointed with my 40. I was shooting for in the low 4.4s. Other than that, the drills were second nature to me. The gauntlet was great and really competitive. All of the drills were like that and I think I did an overall good job and showed the coaches what I can do.
I talked to almost all the NFL teams. I can’t really say which ones showed the most interest. What I noticed was the combine was much more formal than the Senior Bowl. Instead of meeting NFL team scouts, etc. I was meeting GMs, head coaches, and wide receiver coaches of NFL teams. It was a great experience and I am fortunate to be able to show the coaches who I really am."

Georgia TE Orson Charles Chats with Who's Next Football

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O R S O N     C H A R L E S
Name: Orson CharlesSchool: GeorgiaPosition: Tight End Height: 6'2Weight: 251 lbs40 yard dash: 4.73 (pro-day)Bench: 225 x 35 (combine)
What is your greatest strength on the field? 
I would say it’s my versatility. I am able to effectively block the 6-9 technique, then im also able to able to play the flex position and stretch out the field. I am a mismatch for defenses. 
 What is one area of your game need to improve on the most?                                                       
As a competitor,  I want to be the best at every asset of my game. At the next level, the competition is much bigger and faster, so in order to play effectively I need to polish every aspect of my game. Improve on my technique, my hands, blocking, and basically everything so I’m ready to compete at the next level.
How do you feel you performed at the NFL Combine?                                                              
     My Agent and I sat down and decided what drills I was going to participate in and overall I feel like we did the right thing and walked away feeling real positive about the experience.    What one NFL TE would you say your game resembles the most?             I think it might be pretty hard pin point one NFL TE. However, I feel I have many similarities with TEs such as Dustin Keller, Ben Watson ,Vernon Davis, and Randy McMichael .We share similar sizes and are able to be multi-facet tight ends

Who was the best defensive player you went up against at Georgia?           The one name the pops in my mind first was Jermaine Cunningham of Florida, my sophomore year. Its so tough to choose just one though because week in and week out you go up against some great talent. Even every day in practice I was going up against some great athletes and competitors. 
What NFL teams have you met with? Which teams do you have meetings set up with?            I met with 23 different teams at the combine. They had me up at the white board going over different sets and plays, really picking my mind. It was a great experience. My agent and I are setting up meetings with teams pre-draft as well. 
What will you do with your first NFL Paycheck?
      Pay my tithe to the church and hold onto everything else and save.     Do you feel you are the best TE in the Draft?             I feel like if you ask that question to all the top TEs, they would say they were. You’ve got some great talent in this tight-end class like Fleener, Allen and more. So I would say right now it’s not up to me to say who is the best TE talent but up to the scouts



     Orson Charle's response to his March 9th DUI:


    "Twitter fam, I would like to sincerely apologize for my actions. I accept full responsibility for the mistake I made this past week. it will never happen again. Im sorry for the embarrassment I put my family , Georgia fans and my God through. I can only pray that you all will forgive me. Thank you for all of your support and I plan on moving forward with the plans that Jesus Christ has set in place for me."

WNF Chats with the Top WR of the 2013 NFL Draft, CAL's Keenan Allen

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                           K E E N A N       A L L E N


Name: Keenan Allen
School: California
Position: WR
Height: 6'2
Weight: 215 lbs
Projected Draft Spot: Top 20

2012 Stats: 61 Rec - 737 yards - 21.1 yards per catch - 7 TDs (1 rushing) in 9 Games

Scouting Report: Keenan began turning heads as soon as he enrolled at CAL. As a freshmen he snagged an impressive 46 catches for 409 yards and 5 TDs. He followed up his freshmen year by dominating the Pac-12 with a staggering 98 Recs for 1,342 yards and 6 TDs. Keenan saw his production dip a little his Junior year due to sub-par quarterback play. 

He has emerged as one of the top 2013 WR prospects on many of the scout's draft boards.Allen posses many strong qualities that make him the cream of this years WR crop. His ability to elude defenders and break tackles after the catch is extremely impressive. He does an execptional job of controlling his body, positioning himself to make the catch, and isn't afraid to run over the middle. All these traits make CAL WR Keenan Allen the most complete WR in this year's draft class and a potential Top 20 pick.


Potential Landing Spots for Keenan Allen:

Mel Kiper (ESPN) - 22nd Pick - St. Louis Rams
Todd McShay (ESPN) - 27th Pick - Houston Texans
Daniel Jeremiah (NFL.com) - 25th Pick - Seattle Seahawks
Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) - 23rd Pick - Minnesota Vikings 
Gil Brandt (NFL.com) - 22nd Pick - St. Louis Rams
Charles Davis (NFL.com) - 22nd pick - St. Louis Rams



Interview: 

What is your biggest strength on the field?

I would have to say my overall knowledge of the game is my biggest strength on the field.

What is one area that you believe you need to improve on?

I could always improve on the fundamentals of the game and my blocking. Those are two things that i'm constantly aiming to better myself in.

Who is one NFL player that you would say you are similar to?

I would have to go with Baltimore Ravens WR Anquan Boldin.




What have you been doing in preparation for the NFL Combine?

I've been constantly training to prepare for the Combine. I've been really focusing on my speed, quickness off the ball, and just being a more explosive player. I've also been working hard on upper body strength to perform well in the bench press.

What are you shooting to run in the 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine?

I'm looking to run in the 4.4s

Who is the best CB you faced during your time at CAL?

Former Colorado CB Jimmy Smith (now with the Baltimore Ravens)

What are you going to do with your first NFL paycheck?

I haven't really thought about that yet. I'm probably just going save it and put it away in the bank



Keenan Allen 2012 Highlights



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WNF Checks in with Charleston Southern CB Charles James

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Name: Charles James
School: Charleston Southern
Position: Cornerback
Height: 5'10
Weight: 190 lbs

Player Bio: Charles James is a small school corner that has been turning heads as a potential 2013 NFL Draft sleeper. After walking on to Charleston Southern, Charles amassed a total of 12 interceptions in his 4 years at CSU. James pairs his dangerous return skills along with his cornerback ability and has gone from a walk-on at a D1AA school to an All-American NFL Draft CB prospect. WNF chats with Charles James below.

What would you say is your biggest strength on the field?

I would say I am a technically sound corner back. I have great awareness and feel for the game. I always know where the marker is on 3rd and 4th downs and try to do all the little things right to be the best cornerback I can be. I would also say my footwork and turn & run ability are a strength of mine that sticks out. I am constantly working day in and day out to be the best CB I can possibly be.

What is one area of your game where you can improve?

In the NFL, you can't bump WRs after 5 yards and that is something I will have to get acclimated to. I try to master my craft and do everything well to be the best I possibly can be.

Do you feel you were snubbed by not being invited to the NFL Combine?

Most definitely. I am not so sure how the selection process is carried out but I'll let my resume speak for itself. If it has to do with playing for a smaller school, I feel I proved myself in the games vs. the bigger teams like Illinois, Hawaii, and Florida. Im not too concerned about it. My focus is on being ready to perform on my pro-day.

What 40 yard dash time and you looking to run at your pro-day?

I am not going to put a specific time down. I am a football player. I've been training hard and at the end of the day I plan on running as fast as I possibly can.

If you could compare your game to one NFL CB, who would it be?

If I had to choose one I would go with CB Ladarius Webb of the Ravens. He is a small school guy like me and brings a lot to the table, just like me. He has quick hips, feet, and is always making big plays.

Do you feel like you have more to prove coming from a small school like Charleston Southern?

I didn't get offered a scholarship coming out of high school. Some thought I was too short or too slow. It gives me a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. However, i'm here now to prove I can play with the big guys and that I belong in the NFL.

Who is the best WR you faced in College?

I would say current Packer WR Randall Cobb. He is fast, shifty and im not surprised with the success he is having at the next level.

Have you been in contact with many NFL teams?

At the Raycom Bowl (where Charles received defensive MVP honors) I spoke with about 20 teams which include the Vikings, Steelers, Jaguars, Raiders, and Bengals. It will be a blessing wherever I end up. I'm enjoying the whole process.

Tell us about how you ended up at Charleston Southern?

Well, coming out of high school, I had no offers. My head coach had just passed away so I had to send out the majority of the film by myself to gain interest. I didn't get a lot of responses. However, my HS QB had gone to Charleston Southern and encouraged me to send my film and walk on. I started on the practice squad and by my red-shirt freshmen year, I had worked my way up to a starting position. From there, I just worked hard and earned All-American honors.

What is one thing the average person might not know about Charles James?

I am ranked in the top 100 in the country in Madden online. I am a big gamer.


Check out 2012 Highlights of Charles James below:

Who's Next Football Chats with Nebraska WR Brandon Kinnie

To contact us Click HERE

Photo by Scott Bruhn/NU Media Relations

Name: Brandon KinnieSchool: NebraskaPosition: WRHeight: 6'3Weight: 225 lbs
A native of Kansas City, MO, Brandon Kinnie arrived at Nebraska in 2008 as a sophomore from Fort Scott Community College. During Kinnie’s first season with the Huskers, the wide receiver had an impressive 15 catches for 141 yards. Kinnie’s stats only got better as a junior, adding another 44 receptions for 494 yards, with three touchdown catches alone against Oklahoma State.
Entering his senior season, Kinnie led the group of young wide-outs and to date has logged 22 catches for 257 yards and one touchdown. While his statistics are strong, it won’t be what Kinnie is remembered for at Nebraska. Fans, teammates, and coaches will remember a strong leader who fought hard through adversity to become a better player and person. In fact, fellow wide receiver Kenny Bell summed Kinnie up in a simple, yet poignant, way: “BK’s a thermostat.  He’s not a thermometer.”
Brandon takes the time to catch up with Who’s Next Football..

WNF: If you had to pinpoint the strongest aspect of your game, what would it be?
BK: I would probably have to say my blocking skills and being physical on the field. I pride myself with being a great down field blocker.  Catching the football comes with being a wide receiver and I feel I do that extremely well too. However, If I had to choose one biggest strength it would be my all around blocking skills.
WNF: What is one area of your game would you say most needs improvement?
BK: I think focusing better really. Make sure I look the ball into my hands with every catch, mentally preparing for the game, really focus on the mental aspect of the game and envisioning what I can do to be the best I can be. 
WNF: What was the biggest difference between Big 12 and Big Ten play?
BK: To be honest, I didn't really notice a difference. I just love playing the game of football and it didn't matter who I was out there against.
WNF: If you had to pick one NFL player that you think you closely resemble, who would it be?
BK: I always liked how physical Terrell Owens played and how he used his size to his advantage. I would not resemble myself to his attitude and how he acted with his team but more how he played with a sense of physicality. 
WNF: Tell us about your son Julian, and what he has taught you about life in general?
BK: First, he taught me to be humble. Taught me that everything is not about me. I got someone else to look after now and I love it. He has taught me so much about myself that I hadn't discovered before. It was truly a blessing to have him, best thing to ever happen to me.
WNF: If I was an NFL GM, why do I want Brandon Kinnie on my team?
BK: Well first, I am a great teammate, fun to be around, and my work ethic is crazy. I want to be the best at what I do and will do whatever I can to be just that. 

WNF: What is the main thing you’ll miss about Nebraska football? (Submitted by@KyleAtkins91)
BK: I'll miss being around my teammates, joking around with them, and traveling with them. I learned so much about myself senior year. I will miss the fans and everyone that supported me as well. 
WNF: How would you like to be remembered by the University of Nebraska?
BK: A leader, outgoing, funny, and overall good guy who gave everything he had.

Quick Hits:
Favorite Food: Fried ChickenPregame Music: Lil Wayne Biggest Inspiration in Life: My Mom and Son. My Mom could care less if I made it to the NFL, she is just so happy that I'm graduating from college. She has always been there for me and my son. My son is my other inspiration because I want to give him everything when he grows up. I want him to look up to me and want to be like me.



Interview Conducted by @NFLDraftinsider  and edited/written by @HelloErinMarie.Follow Jared on Twitter @NFLDraftInsider

Cal WR Marvin Jones' thoughts on his NFL Combine Performance

To contact us Click HERE
Marvin Jones at the NFL Combine






6'1
199 lbs
4.46 forty
22 bench reps of 225
33' vertical
9'4 broad jump
6.81 cone drill



Marvin's thoughts on the NFL Combine and on his performance:

" It was definitely a fun, interesting process. It was long hours, not much sleep , everybody wants to see you perform and everyone wants to talk to you. Overall, it was a great experience. I got to meet many different players and coaches which was really cool.

On my performance, I think I did well. I am a little disappointed with my 40. I was shooting for in the low 4.4s. Other than that, the drills were second nature to me. The gauntlet was great and really competitive. All of the drills were like that and I think I did an overall good job and showed the coaches what I can do.
I talked to almost all the NFL teams. I can’t really say which ones showed the most interest. What I noticed was the combine was much more formal than the Senior Bowl. Instead of meeting NFL team scouts, etc. I was meeting GMs, head coaches, and wide receiver coaches of NFL teams. It was a great experience and I am fortunate to be able to show the coaches who I really am."