Ryan Russell Interviews With Sport DFW

The Dallas Cowboys selected a player with a ton of potential in Purdue’s Ryan Russell. He was nice enough to interview with us here at Sport DFW.

Over the past few seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the best teams in the NFL in terms of playing the draft correctly and finding the best talent. That acclaim has to go to management, as the new ways of Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and Will McClay really have set this franchise up for success for many years to come.

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Despite their recent draft hits, the Cowboys are notorious for always bringing in gems. That trend continued in this year’s draft when the Cowboys selected Ryan Russell out of Purdue. Blessed with long arms and all of the physical traits, Russell has a ton of potential to do excellent things with the Cowboys for years to come. Luckily enough for Sport DFW and its readers, Russell took time out of his daily schedule, which is extremely busy I’m sure, to participate in an interview with us. Check it out below!

1) You grew up in Carrollton. Were you a Cowboys fan growing up?

"I always watched the Cowboys growing up. My first NFL game I ever went to was Cowboys vs. the Eagles back in Middle School. This organization is a huge part of the reason I came to love football. I don’t know where I would be without them."

2) When did you start playing football?

"I started playing football in 7th grade. I was awful but I just loved to run around and hit other guys with people that felt like family. I don’t think I even realized I was much good until my senior year of high school."

3) How early did the Cowboys express interest in you?

"Looking back on it they were always kind of there watching but with such big stages and overwhelming processes like the Shrine Game and Combine it was still a long shot to guess that I would be a Dallas Cowboy. I had a formal interview with them at the Combine and that was the first time I really could tell they had some serious interest."

4) What was it like having Cowboys coaches working you out?

"It was awesome. Coach Bloom came up to Purdue for a private workout during my schools spring break. It was just him and me out there yet he got me fired up like I was performing in front of millions. We really hit it off."

5) Talk about the pre-draft process. What was it like? How did it help you?

"Like I said briefly earlier it was a little overwhelming. It’s something you dream of every since you start playing ball and when you finally get to it, its surreal. You meet a lot of great people; both players and coaches, so you create bonds and relationships that you hope to keep forever. The whole time you just feel honored to be a part of it."

6) What are your strengths?

"I’m very athletic with a long frame. My explosiveness and flexibility helps me bend the corner better then most guys my size. I also got some speed for my size so I can run down ball carriers and it helps get after the quarterback. I’m also very intelligent and can pick up schemes and plays very quickly."

7) What are your weaknesses?

"Coach Marinelli put it best in all our meetings. I have to be more consistent. Consistent in my technique, consistent in my take off, and in my intensity level."

8) Talk about Coach Marinelli.

"He’s the best coach I have had the honor of studying film with and now working with. I couldn’t think of a better coach for me, or someone who could get more out of me. He has so much wisdom and knowledge to give and everything he teaches helps with making you a better player and a better name."

9) Are you excited to play in the Cowboys’ 4-3 scheme? How different is it from the 3-4 scheme you played in at Purdue?

"It’s a scheme that uses my gifts and traits to their full potential. I’m more than ecstatic about the fit for me and I’m confident that I can optimize my ability in the scheme and help the Cowboys win as many games as possible."

10) Do you plan on playing inside or outside?

"Outside most the time. I think that is where I do best but Coach Marinelli knows best and I’m willing to do whatever he asks of me."

11) Are you friends with any current Cowboys?

"I know some guys in my agency that are on the Cowboys and some guys I have met before but I’m excited to call them my teammates and become closer."

12) What do you know about fellow rookie defensive end Randy Gregory? Have you two gotten in touch?

"I actually helped host Randy when he took a visit to Purdue so I know him. He’s a special talent and I’m excited to get after quarterbacks with him and with the other great defensive lineman in the organization."

13) What are you most excited about?

"I get to play for my dream team! It’s impossible to pick one thing to be most excited about. Everything is like a dream come true."

14) What are your expectations for the 2015 season?

"Win lots of games."

This interview was one of the easiest I’ve ever done. Russell is an excellent guy. Not only does he have the tools and ability to be a mainstay on the Cowboys for years to come, but he’s the type of person the Cowboys and its fans will love. I want to thank Ryan for his time and I hope he has a long and successful NFL career. Hopefully, that success will be as a member of the Cowboys.

Next: Ryan Russell: How He Fits

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