Name: Luke Staley
School: Brigham Young
Position: RB
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 228
40 Time: 4.55
Draft Status: Who Knows? Broke leg and severly sprained ligaments in his ankle in Miss. State game. Pro Day is March 27th and alot will be determined then. 3rd-5th rounder as of now. Injuries will be concern, but has talent if he can stay healthy.
INTERVIEW:
Q: What kind of person will an NFL team be getting when they draft you?
L.S.: They'll be getting a person who can do everything. I can run and catch very well and I can do whatever the situation calls for.
Q: What do you have planned for life after football?
L.S.: I'd like to run a nursery. My dad owned a plant nursey in Oregon, so I am familiar with how to do things.
Q: What have you heard about your draft status?
L.S.: I have heard the 2nd round. Hopefully I can go there or maybe higher.
Q: What are your biggest playing strengths?
L.S.: My biggest playing strengths are my ability to adjust to any given situation, my hands, and my ability to run inside and outside.
Q: Do you have any weaknesses in your game that you want to improve on?
L.S.: I need to work on my blocking. In particular, my blitz pick-up.
Q: Are you physically ready for the NFL?
L.S.: I believe that I am. I wouldn't have left BYU early if I had felt that I wasn't ready. I am ready to compete at a higher level.
Q: Are you mentally ready for the NFL as well?
L.S.: Yes I am! Again, I wouldn't be doing this if I wasn't ready in all areas.
Q: What do you want to accomplish as a rookie?
L.S.: I want to contribute immediately and help my team win.
Q: How do you want people to remember Luke Staley once your NFL career is over?
L.S.: I want them to remember me as a player who took full advantage of every opportunity given to me.
Q: I know you say that you are ready for the next level, but the bottom line is that you have had a history of injury problems and you are just coming off of a pretty serious injury for a RB to have. What was the reason for leaving BYU so soon after being injured like that when you could have been a top 5 RB for sure for the 2003 draft?
L.S.: I just felt it was time for me to go. I talked it over with my coaches and they all felt I had done all I can do at the college level. I just did what I felt was best for me.
Q: What was the exact injury you suffered against Mississippi State?
L.S.: Well, I broke my leg for sure. I'm not really sure about the ligaments, but I am pretty sure they were just sprained. I had surgery and the doctor put screws in to make sure it would heal properly. Now I just have to hope everything will get back to normal and I am sure they are because I feel really good.
Q: Why did you go to BYU out of high school?
L.S.: It was always a dream of mine to play at BYU and I was lucky enough to play there. I fulfilled that dream and now I am ready to fulfill my dream of playing in the NFL.
Q: What will you be participating in at the combine?
L.S. I won't be doing any physical drills. I'm just going for the interviews and for teams to check me out medically. I am getting ready for my pro day.
M.G.: Luke, it was good talking to you and I wish you well in the future!
L.S.: Thanks Matt!
