NFL Draft 2012: Exclusive Interview With Penn State Defensive Tackle Devon Still

Penn State defensive Tackle Devon Still is one of the top defenders in a loaded 2012 NFL Draft class. During his Senior season at Penn State, Still received many honors including being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, named to the All-Big Ten team and he was a member of ten first-team All-American squads.

Still was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy and Chuck Bednarik Award. The All-American brings the versatility to play in a 4-3 defense, but he can also play five-technique in a 3-4 defense. The versatility is a big contributing factor to Still being discussed as a possible top ten pick.

I was able to take some time to talk with Devon, while he was in the final stages of preparation leading up to the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine, which takes place February 22nd through 28th at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. He says he has yet to talk to any NFL teams, but that will all change this coming week. Here is what Devon had to say:

Josh Sanchez: How are things coming along with the Combine training?

Devon Still: I’m ready for it. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time. It’s a good feeling that it is finally getting closer and closer and I can’t wait to get out there and perform for all of the coaches and GM’s to show them what I got.

Sanchez: Where are you working out to get prepared and is there any last minute prep before the combine?

Still: I’m down in North Miami Beach working with Pete Bommarito. For the workouts, you usually have to be at the facilities at 6:30 in the morning. And, actually right now, I am just kind of winding down. So I’m not doing as much as I was when I first got down here, so I can give my body time to rest and get my legs fresh so when I have to perform on Saturday and Monday.

Sanchez: Your scheme versatility is a big talking point when people talk about you being selected high in the first-round, do you have a preference of playing in a 3-4 or 4-3?

Still: I’m willing to do whatever. I catch on to schemes real well, so if I get put in any system with the right coaching, then I can be able to adapt to play on the outside or inside.

Sanchez: Do you have any hesitation to try a new position in the 3-4 or is that just a new opportunity that excites you?

Still: It’s definitely an opportunity that excites me. It’s like when I was going to college. I wasn’t used to playing inside and playing tackle, and I became one of the best in the country and that is what I’m looking to do in the NFL. If I get a chance to play in a 3-4 and I have to play the five-technique or whatever they move me to, I’m just going to look to be one of the best at what I’m doing.

Sanchez: Have you been contacted by any teams yet?

Still: No, I haven’t talked to any teams.

Sanchez: When you do, what will you tell the teams you can bring to their team?

Still: Pure dominance and upside. I feel like I’m not where I need to be football wise, but I’m willing to work to be the best that I can be to just help that team to a Super Bowl.

Sanchez: Were there any players that you modeled your game after as you were growing up?

Still: Actually, to be honest with you, I was really into basketball when I was growing up, so going through college I really didn’t model myself after anybody in the NFL. I did watch a lot of players that came before me at Penn State , because we have a rich tradition bringing out defensive linemen and I just created my own type of game. I’d rather play like Devon Still and not play like anyone else.

Sanchez: I saw Penn State students raised over $10.5 million during a benefit for pediatric cancer. That’s obviously a student body that stays together and brings a lot of support, so what was it like playing for a group like that?

Still: It was great playing for that student body. It’s good to see people doing a thing for such a great cause and it just speaks volumes on the type of school, the type of university that I went to. So, we go out there and play for those types of people.

Sanchez: What was the biggest impact that Joe Paterno had on you and how do you remember him as a coach, as a man and as a mentor?

Still: I think the impact that he made on me is just that I now understand how to carry myself as an adult. First going into Penn State, I think I was very childish and I didn’t understand what was important to me. But he instilled the values, in not only me, but in my teammates of what it was going to take to be successful. I think it means a lot to us to have gotten to play under him, because I don’t think we’d learn life’s lessons at other universities that we could have chosen elsewhere. I was just happy to play under him.

Sanchez: What was your favorite moment on the field during your time playing for Paterno?

Still: I think it would have to be going after his record against Illinois. He was not a person that really shows a lot of emotions when it comes to reaching all of the accolades and just to see how happy he was, and the smile he had on his face after that game, that was just one of my best memories of him.

Sanchez: One of your fellow team captains on the team was safety Drew Astorino. How was he on the field and in the locker room?

Still: I think he’s a great player and person. He had a lot to prove because everybody thought that his size was going to hold him back, but he went on to have a great career at Penn State. I think that he went out there every Saturday and just got better and proved every body wrong. He was a big part of our defense this year and he was a big part of why we were able to make it through the scandal, because he used his leaderships skills to help us all make it through.

Sanchez: Finally, do you have a message for the fans for what they should watch for from you and why they should be excited to potentially see you suit up for their team?

Still: I just plan on going out there to Indy to show how athletic I am. I just want to be the best that I can be like I tried to do all season. Hopefully things will turn out for me and hopefully I can get drafted by a team that I can help win a Super Bowl.

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