In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, former Univ. of Michigan wide receivers coach Erik Campbell provides a key inside perspective on Adrian Arrington.

B&G.com:  Coach Campbell, we appreciate your taking time out of your very busy schedule to speak with us.

Coach Campbell:  It's my pleasure.

B&G.com:  You were Arrington's coach at "Big Blue" (Michigan), but you've since moved on.  

Coach Campbell:  Yes, I accepted a job at the University of Iowa (Hawkeyes), and I'm now their Wide Recievers & Tight Ends coach.

B&G.com:  Coach, the NFL draft is a special time for college athletes, and not all players get invited to compete at the next level.  For you, which team gave you a shot?

Coach Campbell:  I was a cornerback in college, and was fortunate enough to be invited to the Green Bay Packers' camp.  I was an UDFA, but was excited about the opportunity.

B&G.com:  Scouting reports give Adrian some "props," when they talk about his performance in the Capital One Bowl (vs. Florida), but a lot of them have their doubts about his ability to make it in the NFL.  Some talk about his reluctance to go across the middle, while others speak of his running undisciplined routes.  How are these comments answered?

Coach Campbell:  Well, since I spent a lot of time with Adrian (in practice and in game situations), I feel I'm qualified to address this.  Those so-called "concerns" are about as 180-out from the truth as they can be.  Arrington has absolutely no fear in going over the middle or anywhere to get the ball.  And if you want to know about his route running, all you have to do is see his performance vs. Florida.  In my opinion, he's one of our toughest guys, very disciplined, and productive.

B&G.com:  Your number-one guy was Mario Manningham.  Is it right or fair for others to compare Arrington to him?  

Coach Campbell:  Not really.  This is because both are uniquely skilled and talented players.  Manningham is a much smaller, fleet of foot-type receiver.  Adrian, on the other hand, offers a bigger target that can also stretch the field.  It depends on what a team is looking for.  In my opinion, Adrian will be very successful in his own right.

B&G.com:  What was the most impressive performance you witnessed with Adrian Arrington, if you can believe I don't already know (both laugh).

Coach Campbell:  Yes, there's no question that his most remarkable performance was in our last bowl game (Capital One Bowl) vs. Florida.  I think you can still see it on YouTube.  But one thing that many don't talk about is the fact that Adrian was getting deep and behind the Gators' coverage (which had one of the fastest secondaries in the country).

B&G.com: “Gerald and Synetta, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with “Who Dat” fans.”

Gerald & Synetta: “You’re welcome; we’re glad to have the opportunity.”

B&G.com: “Both of you got my attention because I saw the Falcons pennant flying from BOTH sides of your minivan. I have to say, I was impressed that you’re not only making the trip from the Atlanta area, but you’re proudly flying the Falcons’ colors for all the world to see.”

Gerald: “Hey, I’m a diehard fan. I’ve been a Falcons fan since 1966, and I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1981.”

B&G.com: “How did you BOTH come to be Falcons fans? Were you high school sweethearts? Or, did Gerald make being a Falcon fan a condition of marriage?

(laughter by all)

Synetta: “No, he didn’t make it a condition. But I have to admit that I became a fan after we got married. He loves the team, and I love him and want to also show my support.”

B&G.com: “Are you both from the Atlanta (Fulton County) area?”

Gerald: “We actually live about an hour from there. We live in a town called Dallas, GA.”

B&G.com: “How long have you been married?”

Synetta: “We became engaged in 1989, and were married in 1990.”

B&G.com: “You’ve seen some up and down, good and bad times, haven’t you?”

Gerald: “Yes, we have! I’ve been a season ticket holder since 1989, and I’ve endured 1-15, 2-14 seasons as well as the 1998 season (when we went to the Super Bowl in early 1999).”

B&G.com: “Right now, in 2007, Falcon Nation has got to be bumming-out. Not only did you allow Matt Schaub to leave (to the Texans), but you’ve also had the Michael Vick saga, key injuries, and now the Harrington-Leftwich ordeal. It hasn’t been pretty.”

Gerald: “No, it hasn’t. But you know, that’s what being a fan is all about. As I said before, we’ve seen bad times before. On the other hand, when your team makes it all the way to the Super Bowl, it makes the journey worthwhile. For instance, when we made the playoffs in 1998, nobody figured that the Falcons could beat the ‘mighty and powerful’ Minnesota Vikings in the Metrodome. After all, they were 15-1 in the regular season, the Culpepper-to-Moss combination was nearly unstoppable, they had a decent running game, and their kicker was the most accurate in NFL history. But in that game we played as a team. And even though no one else figured we could pull it off, it was our Atlanta Falcons TEAM that prevailed.”

B&G.com: “Saints fans cringe to think about Joe Horn coming back to the Superdome in a Falcons uniform. As you know, some of us still have nightmares about the image of Bobby Hebert doing his ‘airplane’ imitation on the field after throwing a winning TD vs. the Saints. Not only that, but we’ve also seen Morten Anderson and Brady Smith come back to have stout games vs. our beloved Black and Gold. What do you envision for Horn when he plays vs. the Saints?”

Synetta: “I don’t see it as one player having a spectacular game. I see Horn, Anderson, and the entire team coming in to play their best as a TEAM. Yes, they played for New Orleans. But now, they are with the Falcons… our team. It’s a long-standing rivalry, and I expect it to be a good game. As my husband has often said, you can throw out the win-loss record with these two teams when they play.”

B&G.com: “What has ‘Hollywood’ Joe Horn brought to your team?”

Gerald: “Well, Joe Horn is certainly an outspoken player. But he is a proven professional and seems to have brought a good level of leadership to the Falcons locker room. In many ways, he has been a ‘voice of reason’ for the younger players. He is also competitive, and gives 100% every game.”

B&G.com: “The national media has had reports that the Michael Vick (dog fighting & gambling) scandal has fractured African-American from other ethnic communities because of their perspective on Vick’s guilt or innocence. Is this a fair assessment, or do you see it another way?”

Gerald & Synetta: “To an extent, this has been the case. Without a doubt, there is a segment of the African-American community that will give Vick the benefit of the doubt no matter what evidence is presented. But with most reasonable citizens (regardless of their ethnicity), the bottom line is: ‘Right is right, and wrong is wrong’ …no matter who you are.”

B&G.com: As I said earlier, I think it’s remarkable that both of you are traveling as fans from Georgia to cheer on the Falcons. Anybody can jump on the bandwagon when the team is winning. But when times are down (like now), your effort has to be admired. Do you travel elsewhere for Falcons games?”

Gerald & Synetta: “Yes. In addition to New Orleans (where we’ve only missed 3 or 4 games in New Orleans since 1990), we’ve traveled to St. Louis, Tennessee, Tampa, and Carolina. So when our schedules can accommodate it, we’ll be there cheering our team on.”

B&G.com: “It’s obvious that one year you didn’t come to New Orleans was 2005 (post-Katrina). But tell us about the reopening of the Superdome game (on Monday Night Football) in 2006.”

Gerald: “Man, we were in New Orleans earlier that day and I could tell with the pre-game enthusiasm that something special was brewing for the Saints. The last thing that we needed was for the Saints to have a big play early in the game. Well, as you know, Gleason blocked the Falcons’ punt and the rest is history. That let the air out of our sail. The Superdome crowd was LOUD! As a Falcons fan, we felt very isolated and alone. The excitement of the Saints fans that night was almost indescribable.”

B&G.com: “When the chips are down, how hard is it to keep pulling for your team?”

Synetta: “The way you do it is to keep hope alive when you pull for them. You should always expect your team to do better on the next play… the next quarter… the next game… or the next year. You never, ever give up. This is our team. We’re not fans of individual players (per se); we pull for the Atlanta Falcons. They’re still your family; you never disown them.”

Gerald: “Another key is to remember where the term ‘fan’ comes from. It’s from the word FANatic. In other words, you have to be somewhat crazy to go against conventional wisdom in pulling for your team. Remember that as long as there is breath in your body, there is hope. Nothing is as sweet as when you’ve endured the hard times and finally get to enjoy the good times (…such as the 1998 Falcons’ trip to the Super Bowl). Those special times make everything else ‘all right.’ Persistence is the key.”

B&G.com: “Gerald & Synetta, on behalf of BlackAndGold.com and Saints fans everywhere, thank you once again for taking the time to give us your INSIDE perspective on being a Falcons fan when others have jumped off the bandwagon. It’s refreshing to see faithful fans, even if you do pull for the ‘Dirty Birds.’ We appreciate your input.”

Gerald & Synetta: “You’re welcome; it was our pleasure.”

B&G.com: “Have a safe trip to the Big Easy, and back home.”

Gerald & Synetta: “Thank you.”

 In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, Indiana Hoosier Defensive Backs coach, Joe Palcic, provides insight on why Tracy Porter is ready to vie for a starting position in the Saints’ secondary.

In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, Indiana Hoosier Defensive Backs coach, Joe Palcic, provides insight on why Tracy Porter is ready to vie for a starting position in the Saints’ secondary.

B&G.com:  Coach Palcic, we appreciate your taking the time to fill Saints fans in on what you know about Tracy Porter.

Coach Palcic:  You’re welcome; it’s my pleasure.

B&G.com:  Coach, I understand you have some “ties” with the Saints… is that correct?

Coach Palcic:  Yes, I do.  My youngest sister (Monica) is married to Mark Simoneau, my dad (Bob Palcic) was a Tight Ends coach under Jim Haslett when he was with the Saints, and Sean Payton was on the coaching staff at Miami of Ohio when I played there.

B&G.com:  What can you tell us about how Tracy developed during his time at Indiana?

Coach Palcic:  Well, all you have to do is put yourself in his shoes.  Here he was, a kid from Louisiana, and he’s dropped in a college town in the Midwest ( Bloomington, Indiana).  He didn’t know anyone, and I’m sure he was a little homesick.  But as time went on, he applied himself, made friends, and really developed into a true leader on the football team. 

B&G.com:  Did you recruit him to Indiana; what was so intriguing about Porter?

Coach Palcic:  No, I didn’t.  Actually, he was brought here (recruited) by the prior coaching staff.  Former head coach Jerry DiNardo liked his talent and upside and persuaded Tracy to come.  In his first year, he was a true freshman.  He was “raw.”  By that I mean that you could see the athleticism, but he needed to polish his technique and anticipation. 

B&G.com:  How did it pan out?

Coach Palcic:  He showed us enough for him to make the roster.  He actually became a regular in the secondary and really showed his potential.  In his very first game, he got a “pick” and returned it 90 yards.  Unfortunately, he broke his clavicle (collar bone) midseason, in the 6^th game.  Of course, that cut his freshman season short. 

B&G.com:  What stands to you out about his development?

Coach Palcic:  His maturity and savvy as a player really took off.  After he returned  the following season, he was so good that we put him on the opposing teams’ best receiver.  He’s gone up against some of the best in the country, and really held his own. 

B&G.com:  What was the most impressive performance in any game you can recall about Tracy Porter?

Coach Palcic:  I’d say that two stand out.  The first was in ’06 vs. UCONN.  He dominated in that game.  He had two int’s, multiple passes defended, a blocked FG and returned a punt for a TD.  The other memorable game was last season vs. the Fighting Illini.  In that game, Tracy had two int’s, and he was stout in run support to help stop Mendenhall.

B&G.com:  When a player comes into the NFL, it can be a make-or-break decision if you have the wrong man in a man-to-man scheme if he’s more of a cover-2 player.  Can you explain why this is so critical, and tell us which Tracy best fits?

Coach Palcic:  Yes, I’d be glad to.  For instance, a team like the Indianapolis Colts (who uses the cover-2) don’t usually draft cornerbacks with their top (early round) choices because of their defensive schemes. This is because cover-2 only requires that a corner bumps and jams a receiver in the short to medium range, and releasing the receiver to the backpeddling safeties over the top in deep routes.  Because of this, a typical cover-2 cornerback may not be as easily exploited as true man-to-man cornerback (who has full coverage responsibility …even on deep routes).  So a cover-2 corner may be effective, and may be able to “cheat” more to provide run support sooner because he knows he can release the receiver after so-many yards.  But not all defensive backs can make the transition from zone/cover-2 to man-to-man.  In Tracy’s case, he can fit either system because he’s skilled and disciplined enough to hold man-to-man responsibility.  And he can also revert to the zone/cover-2, if that’s the scheme called for in the defense or game situation. 

B&G.com:  Did the Hoosiers make it to a Bowl game last season?

Coach Palcic: Yes.  We were invited to the “Insight Bowl” in Phoenix (Sun Devil stadium).  Tracy played well.  No int’s, but he held his own. 

B&G.com:  How does Tracy Porter compare to other CB’s taken this year?

Coach Palcic:  (laugh)  You want an “unbiased answer?”  Well, I know that he’s one of the most fluid defensive backs to be drafted in recent years…bar none.  If you want a quick comparison:  Many were touting Talib as a hot first-rounder.  In my opinion, Talib would fit in cover-2 schemes, but may have difficulty in man-to-man schemes because he’s not as fluid in hip & leg movement (to react & change direction) as Tracy is.  I could go down the list in comparison, but I think that gives you an idea of where I’m coming from.

B&G.com:  Seeing that Tracy Porter is a Louisiana native, how did he react when he found out he was coming back to the Bayou State?

Coach Palcic:  All I can say is that it was very special!  For him, it was a dream come true.  Throughout his time at Indiana, he’s always made it know that the Saints were his favorite team.  His mom traveled to see him as much as she was able, but she refused to take the airlines (…she hated to fly).  So, she sacrificed and drove the round trip more than a few times.  Now that Tracy is “back home,” I know that both he and she are ecstatic!

B&G.com:  What do think are Tracy Porter’s chances in making the final Saints’ roster?

Coach Palcic:  I believe his chances are excellent.  In game situations, Tracy let’s his play do the talking.  I know that in the NFL some defenders like to talk smack, but that’s not Tracy’s style  He has the talent, he has the confidence, and he has the game smarts that will translate into big dividends for the New Orleans Saints’ defense.  Realistically, I see Tracy making the cut as a nickel (at least) …and will likely push for a starting spot.  The term “draft steal” is an overplayed term.  But don’t be surprised if it resurfaces when people look back on this pickup by the Saints.

B&G.com:  Once again coach, we are delighted to have you share this information with an excited and eager Saints’ fan base.  On behalf of BlackAndGold.com and Saints fans everywhere, thank you for your insight and perspective on Tracy Porter.  All the best to the Hoosiers this season.

Coach Palcic:  You’re welcome; good luck with the Saints.

In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, North Carolina State Defensive Line coach, Keith Willis, provides a unique perspective why DeMario Pressley may be yet another New Orleans Saints’ draft day “steal.” 

In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, North Carolina State Defensive Line coach, Keith Willis, provides a unique perspective why DeMario Pressley may be yet another New Orleans Saints’ draft day “steal.”

B&G.com:  Coach Willis, we realize that this is a very busy time of the year for you and the Wolfpack coaching staff.  So we are especially thankful that you have taken the time to provide this interview.

Coach Willis:  Not a problem; glad to talk with you.

B&G.com:  Coach, do you have any direct or indirect connection with someone who is or was once with the Saints?

Coach Willis:  Yes, I played pro for twelve years.  My first ten years were with the Steelers, and Saints former head coach Jim Haslett was my Defensive Coordinator in Pittsburgh.

B&G.com:  When DeMario came out of high school ( Greensboro, NC), he was one of the most heavily rated and recruited high school players in the nation.  Why did his stock fall so far from then until this year’s draft?

Coach Willis:  Well, as you know, injuries are a part of the game of football.  DeMario is a very intense player, and unfortunately, his high motor led to injuries on the practice field.  If I recall correctly, he’s had injuries to his knee, elbow, wrist, foot and ankle.  I’m not 100% sure, so I’ll have to check. But let’s say that it’s hard to perform at your best when you’re banged up.

B&G.com:  Was he injured in any major game?

Coach Willis:  Actually, it’s funny that you ask.  Oddly enough, DeMario received all of his injuries this year (his senior year) on the practice field.  He was not injured at all in any game; or let’s say …he didn’t let on to any of the staff that he was. 

B&G.com:  How much playing time did he get this past season, and how well did he perform while in there?

Coach Willis:  DeMario played in about five games last season.  Again, he was injured and always wanted to get into the game.  He never took himself out, so we took our time to make sure he was healthy before putting him back in.  Now to give you an idea of what type of player the Saints have in DeMario, consider this:  Even though he played in only five games, he made such an impact that he received enough votes to make Second Team, All-ACC.  To me, that says a lot!

B&G.com:  Was any other Wolfpack player taken in the NFL draft this year?

Coach Willis:  Yes, DaJuan Morgan (Safety) was taken by the Chiefs in the third round.  He and DeMario were the only two from NC State taken in this year’s draft.

B&G.com:  Did DeMario participate in any pre-draft exhibitions?

Coach Willis:  Yes, he participated in Pro Day/NFL combine, and also played in the Senior Bowl.  As far as I recall, he had a respectable showing for all of that.

B&G.com:  Coach, I know that you believe your guy is good, and ready for the NFL.  But if you had to point out area where he could improve the most, what would it be?

Coach Willis:  As I mentioned before, DeMario is high energy, and he leaves it all on the field each game.  I guess he may want to develop more of a MEAN streak. By that I mean he’s a little too nice.  Not that he’s a pushover or anything, because he can more than hold his own on the field.  I’m not saying that he has to talk smack or anything like that.  But it all has to do with your attitude, and based on your level of consistent play, coming across to everyone in the trenches that you’re nobody anyone wants to mess with. 

B&G.com:  Do you believe DeMario is ready to assert himself in the NFL?

Coach Willis:  As you know, NC State has a proud tradition of putting out quality defensive players.  The most notable recently was of course, Mario Williams (taken by the Texans in ’06).  Yes, DeMario has a great upside.  He definitely has the ability to take his game to the next level. But he will have to be hungry enough to go for it. 

B&G.com:  What’s the most memorable performance from DeMario this past season?

Coach Willis:  I believe it was the game vs. the Tarheels.  He pretty much dominated his man all day long.  He had a lot of QB hurries, sacks and QB knockdowns.  He also pushed the pile well, and got a few tackles for losses behind the line of scrimmage. 

B&G.com:  Where do you figure the Saints to finish in the NFC South (in ’08)?

Coach Willis:  On paper, and with the free agents and draft the Saints just received, they’re one of the best teams right now in the NFL… but that’s on paper.  You don’t win games on paper (moderate chuckle from both).  I’ll say this:  If the Saints come together as a team, you can bank on the fact that they’ll definitely be in the mix for the division championship …and beyond.

B&G.com:  Coach Willis, on behalf of BlackAndGold.com and Saints fans everywhere, thanks once again for taking the time to share your unique perspective on DeMario Pressley.  All the best to the Wolfpack in the Fall.

Coach Willis:  You’re welcome; …all the best to the Saints this year.  Take care.