NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Angelo Craig, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
by Michael Abromowitz, 2/9/08. One player who looks to be a perfect fit for the 3-4 defense in the NFL is Angelo Craig of Cincinnati. At Cincinnati, Craig actually played both defensive end and linebacker. Craig’s size and speed makes him an ideal OLB in the 3-4 defense. Craig also just happens to come from the high school football powerhouse Cleveland Glenville, where he played ball with Ted Ginn, Donte Whitner, and Troy Smith
What is your accurate height, weight and forty time?
Angelo Craig: 6’5, 245, 4.5
Describe your game in three words or less.
Angelo Craig: Hostile, Agile, Mobile.
What do you feel is your greatest strength as a football player and what area do you feel you need to improve in?
Angelo Craig: Speed, Ball Awareness.
What NFL player do you do you think you compare favorably to?
Angelo Craig: Osi Umenyiora.
Who is the best player you have faced during your college football career?
Angelo Craig: Pat White of West Virginia.
What is your greatest football moment to date?
Angelo Craig: Winning the defensive MVP of the 2008 Hula Bowl.
Did you have a favorite pro team growing up? Favorite player?
Angelo Craig: Cleveland Browns, Donte Whitner of the Buffalo Bills.
How instrumental was your head coach [Brain Kelly] in your progression?
Angelo Craig: Great person always upbeat, always motivated me to go on and do great things and play above my potential.
What have former college teammates now in the NFL told you about preparing for the league?
Angelo Craig: Work hard everyday and always improve on some part of my game weather it be something big or something small.
When you get your first professional paycheck what is the first thing you will buy?
Angelo Craig: Buy my Aunt and Uncle a new house.
How will you be preparing for the NFL Draft?
Angelo Craig: Training with Coach Tom Shaw in Orlando FL at the Disney World Wide of Sports Complex.
Do you have any goals in mind when it comes to the NFL Draft?
Angelo Craig: Yes, be picked in the top two rounds of the draft.
What is the one thing you will most miss at college?
Angelo Craig: My Teammates, Coaches, and the Support Staff of the University of Cincinnati.
Where is the best place to get a bite to eat in your college town?
Angelo Craig: Goodfellas on Short Vine St.
What was your favorite college course and why?
Angelo Craig: Business Stats, because it was a course that prepared me for things that I encounter today.
What have former or current NFL players told you about preparing for the league?
Angelo Craig: Pay attention to the small details of the game and let my talent and knowledge of the game take care of the rest.
Any pregame rituals? Food? Music?
Angelo Craig: Chicken and Steak. Playaz Circle Feat. Lil Wayne Duffle Bag Boy.
What is something football fans may not know about you?
Angelo Craig: I love fresh Nike Air Force Ones.
Do you read mock drafts or listen to what draft experts have to say?
Angelo Craig: NO.
What was the last good movie you saw?
Angelo Craig: “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins”
What do you plan to do once your playing career is over?
Angelo Craig: Give back to the Community of Cleveland where I was born and raised.
Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions and good luck!
Angelo Craig: Thanks for having me.