COURTESY OF LOS ANGELES RAMS MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
(On getting drafted by the Rams and staying home in Southern California)
"It feels great, it feels great. I love San Diego. I love being in Southern California, so I'm glad that I get a chance to be able to stay here in California and contribute to a successful team." (On where he was watching the draft from) "Right now I'm in Escondido, Calif. at my mom's place."
(On what position the Rams plan to utilize him at)
"Honestly, most times that I met with them on Zoom call and I met with them at the combine, there was no clarification as to where. They said that I can play at nickel or safety, so I think I’m just excited to be able to go in there and see what I can do to help the team win."
(On what his comfort level is at both nickel and safety)
"Honestly, I feel comfortable at all of the defensive back positions on the defensive side of the ball. Honestly, if someone feels like it's needed for me to play, I will play there."
(On how much interaction he had with the Rams throughout the draft process and if he expected to possibly be picked by the Rams)
"The draft process was great. I had no clue who would pick me, to be honest. I remember I went to the Senior Bowl and I met formally with the Rams – not with the coaches, but with a couple guys that were on staff with the Rams. Then I went to the combine and met with the Rams again, as a formal with, I think all of the defensive staff, so that was a good feeling. I think the biggest thing was just, I don't know I felt like I had – oh, and then I had a Zoom call with the Rams. I kind of went into this thing blind. I had no clue where I was going to go. I don’t know, it feels good to be here in Southern California. I don't know how to feel about the situation, but I'm excited. The draft process was long, but I'm happy that it went the way it did. This is amazing, I'm so happy right now. I'm full of excitement right now, I don't know what to say."
(On his family's reaction to being draft to Rams, knowing he'll be playing just a few hours up the road)
"Honestly, I didn't really get a chance to get everybody's reaction, I was crying so much. But, I know that my mom's really excited that I get to stay home. My two sisters still live here in San Diego. My brother lives out of state, but I'm sure he'll come back home every time I have a home game to come watch the game. They're definitely very excited that they can just drive up and see me. It's an exciting time to stay here in Southern California, and it's great weather here, let me tell you that."
(On if he knows former Rams S Eric Weddle)
“Of course. Yes, I talked to him maybe a few weeks ago – I talked to him after he retired, that was the last time I spoke with him. Actually, I think his name popped up while we’ve been on this call right now. I’m sure I’ll probably talk to him tonight.”
(On what he has gotten out of knowing Weddle)
“He’s an amazing safety, he had an amazing career. Most likely going to the Hall of Fame, if he doesn’t get into the Hall of Fame, I’ll be very surprised. He had an amazing career, he’s a very smart football player. I love the way he plays, I’ve watched him, I’ve watched film on him, so I’m going to do what I can to be able to contribute in any way I can, definitely.”
(On if Weddle gave him any advice on the NFL and the pre-draft process when he was going through it)
“I think the biggest thing that he said was just be patient and understand that everything’s on God’s plan of what happens. Take it day-by-day and try not stress about it because everything happens for a reason and this is crazy. I think the biggest thing from him, is it’s nice to have somebody that went to my school, went on to the league, is kind of from Southern California and be able to be kind of a mentor for me. So, it feels great. He’s definitely a great mentor, he’s my ‘D.C.’ (Defensive Coordinator) colleges best friend, so it’s nice. They played together at Utah, so he was a good mentor for me in regard to advice that he gives.”
(On if he knows S Taylor Rapp)
“Yes, I know of him, I wouldn’t say we were buds or anything. I definitely know who he is, I watched him play when we played Washington my freshman year. We ended up losing, but he’s a great player, a great athlete. He plays safety very well, so I’m excited to be able to learn from him and what he knows and do what I can to contribute as well. I’m sorry I keep saying that, but I’m just excited to be able to do what I can.”
(On joining a secondary that includes CB Jalen Ramsey)
“That’s great. He’s a great lockdown corner. At Utah, I had a great lockdown corner, Jalen Johnson, so being able to go to the league and have a lockdown corner on your defense as well, it is a great feeling knowing, I’m not going to say you don’t have to worry about him, but you know he’s going to take every step like it’s the last 10 seconds of the Super Bowl. I’m excited to be able to play with him, learn from him. Just do what I can to elevate my game.”