(On what this moment is like for him)
“It’s the greatest feeling the world. I’m still pretty shakey and whatnot. Family went pretty crazy as soon as they saw it on TV. There’s really no better feeling in the world.”
(On getting the call from the Rams)
“They called me right before the selection was made and it hasn’t really hit home yet. It’s a dream come true.”
(On waiting to hear his name called and what this weekend has been like for him)
“It’s been a pretty hectic weekend. I’ve been trying to relax and take it easy. I understood that anything can happen. I’m very thankful that the wait is over and I’m going to a great organization.”
(On how he relaxed during the draft)
“I didn’t watch every second. I was outside shooting hoops. I washed my car today and just tried to keep my mind off things.”
(On how he would describe himself as a player)
“I would describe myself as a physical player. I love when we run the ball. I like to get my hands on people and drive them back, which is kind of my specialty. I would definitely say my physicality is definitely one of my strong suits.”
(On if he would describe himself as a mauler)
“Yes, sir.”
(On how he looks up to Tampa Bay Buccaneers G Logan Mankins and if he knows him since they went to the same high school)
“Yes, I met him multiple times. I haven’t really talked too much with him, but I’ve seen what he does. I’ve seen what he’s done in the NFL and he’s had an amazing career. I’ve always kind of considered him as a role model, I suppose. A lot of people try to compare us, us being from the same school, but we’re two totally different people. I hope to utilize the knowledge that he has to help me through my career in the NFL.”
(On if Mankins’ jersey is retired at their high school)
“Yes, definitely. His jersey is retired. Basically everyone in the town of Mariposa knows who he is and
what he’s done. He’s a big role model in Mariposa for everyone.”
(On if Mankins’ jersey is on display in the locker room)
“It’s in our gymnasium above the basketball court.”
(On if looking up at Mankins’ jersey inspires him)
“Yes, no kidding. Even at Fresno they had his picture in the main hallway that we had to our meeting rooms and just glance up there every once in a while and tell myself, ‘Gosh, he did it from a small town – why can’t I?’”
(On what high school he went to)
“Mariposa High School.”
(On if he knew the Rams had interest in him)
“Honestly, I didn’t know that they were very interested. That hadn’t really called much and I didn’t have a workout with them before or after pro day. It was pretty unexpected, but in a good way. I’m very thankful.”
(On if he’s noticed the amount of OL the Rams have drafted so far)
“Yeah, they’ve taken three already.”
(On if he likes the ability to compete for his spot)
“Oh yeah, that’s what builds great teams is competition. I look forward to making friends with those guys, but it is going to be very competitive. We’re all aware of that and we’re all going to become better football players because of it.”
(On what teams he had pre-draft workouts for)
“I visited the Kansas City Chiefs. I had workouts with the Bengals, Falcons and the Patriots.”
(On if the fact that he has started a lot of games in college will help him transition to the NFL)
“I mean, I think it will help substantially. We had two coaching staffs. So, that’s basically two playbooks, two sets of skills and techniques I had to learn. So, I mean and just playing in all of the games that I’ve played in just getting that experience on the field makes you more aware of certain situations and how to counter other situations that experience requires. I hope to take what I can from college to the NFL, but I do understand that the speed and the players will be top-notch. The speed will be a lot faster. So, I’m going to take what I can from college, but I’m going to adjust where I have to in the NFL.”
(On if RG will be his position in the NFL)
“I consider myself being able to play multiple positions. I’m not going to be limited to that right guard position. I’m going to be able to play left guard and even the tackles if need be. I want to be the versatile offensive lineman that they’re kind of looking for in the next level. I’m not going to be a guy who’s just deadest on right guard. I like being in the ‘phone booth’ at the guard positions, but I have no problem kicking out to tackle when need be.”
