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Before boarding a plane to leave the Big Apple where he was chosen by the New Orleans Saints with the 28th pick in the NFL Draft, RB Mark Ingram took the time out to talk to New OrleansSaints.com. The University of Alabama product discussed his sympathy for the victims of the tornadoes in Tuscaloosa and throughout the state, discussed his recent connection to New Orleans, as well as what he hopes to do on the field in his new home.

You spent three years in Tuscaloosa and quickly became one of the most popular players to ever put on a Crimson Tide uniform. What are your feelings about the devastation that the town is going through right now in the wake of the tornadoes?

Ingram: I definitely send my highest prayers out to everybody in Alabama. Alabama has been a very special place to me for the past three and a half years of my life, especially Tuscaloosa, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. To see the pictures and videos of what happened is very devastating and saddening. I am willing to do whatever it takes to help out and give back. They’ve supported me so much throughout my years there and I want to give the same support back to them.



On one hand, yesterday was probably one of the most exciting days of your life. Yet on the other, you had to have some real concern about a lot of your friends back near campus. Can you discuss how you balance those emotions?

Ingram: I just wanted to give them something to be proud of. We had four Alabama players get drafted in the first round, so just to give Alabama something to be proud of, give Tuscaloosa something to be proud of, and give them something to still shine a bright light on is something that we were all proud to do.



A large part of your preparation for the draft was based here in New Orleans. Can you talk about some of the players on the team that you got to know?

Ingram: I know Tracy Porter, Robert Meachem, and Marques Colston; we all train together, so I have a good relationship with all those guys. I’ve been joking around with Tracy about giving me (the jersey number) 22.

Full interview below.
Mark Ingram Q&A

Sorry Ingram, I don't think Porter is going to give it up.

Euphoria

I learned a few things from this article. I am pretty impressed with the leadership and mentoring the Saints do not as a team but individuals. These are Good Character guys that have been drafted by Loomis, scouting team and the rest of the organization.

You don't know where a guy is going to get drafted and end up but the fact they were working out together and becoming friends. You know when the times get tough they will have each others back and battle hard for each other to win each week.

saintsfan1976

I'm liking this kid more and more.

And on another note - I'll say it again - Payton and Loomis are turning this organization into one of the top PROFESSIONAL org's in the NFL.

Makes me proud to be a Saints fan.

Rugby Saint II

Does anybody want to rethink my thread about how good Mickey Loomis is?