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In an exclusive interview with BlackandGold.com, University of Nebraska Defensive Coordinator, John Papuchis, tells the inside story of why the Saints may have struck gold in the 2nd round of the 2014 NFL draft by taking Stanley Jean Baptiste.

B&G.com: Coach Papuchis, we appreciate your taking the time, especially during this busy recruiting season when you’re trying to land top prospects at the Univ. of Nebraska.

Coach Papuchis: Not a problem; glad to speak with you.

B&G.com: Coach, why do you think the Saints sought to get Stanley Jean Baptiste?

Coach Papuchis: It’s no secret that in the NFL, individual matchups are becoming increasingly important. One of the most important is the cornerback matched up outside vs. the #1 or #2 receiver. Today’s wideouts are taller, faster and more athletic. That means that you have to be able to match size, speed and strength for four quarters of a game. Stanley has unique size, length, maneuverability and speed. This allows him to play man to man, zone, run support, bump and run, or pressing off the line. He has tremendous upside, and has shown the ability to stay with small, quick wideouts as well.

B&G.com: Some have questioned Stanley’s ability to adjust to the ball, or biting on first moves. How will he handle these and other factors in the NFL?

Coach Papuchis: You always have critics who readily give their opinion. Based on my working closely with him, I can say that Stanley has excellent change of direction skills, and his hip movement or quick adjustment on the ball are right there with the best of them. We thought enough of him to recruit him from a junior college (Fort Scott Junior College). Both he and Vontae Davis were recruited from that junior college at the same time.


B&G.com: What qualities about Stanley work to his advantage in making the Saints’ final 53?

Coach Papuchis: He has worked hard to learn the position, and constantly strives to improve. As I mentioned before, he has gifted physical attributes. He spends a lot of time in the video room, and is extremely attentive at all meetings and practices.

B&G.com: You mentioned practice. So, I guess he won’t be like Allen Iverson when he talks to Coach Payton or Coach Rob Ryan about practice, right?

Coach Papuchis: (hearty laugh) No, that won’t happen. Stanley will give it his all in every setting: In the game, and during practice. The coaching staff will find that he’s a pleasure to work with.


B&G.com: What is the most memorable performance you’ve seen from Stanley?

Coach Papuchis: Some may not be aware that he actually converted from WR to DB. So I guess it would have to be the very FIRST game in which he started as a DB. It was a home game vs. Ohio State before 90,000+ rowdy fans in the stands. We were facing a 27-7 deficit, and to get things turned around. We mounted a comeback, but were still down a few points near the end of the game. Stanley made a key interception that set up our game-winner. He came up big on the big stage. Another time was last season vs. Southern Miss. Just before the opening kickoff, Stanley told me “Coach, I’m getting a pick and I’m taking it to the house.” As it turned out, on the third play of the game, Stanley got an interception, and ran it back for a pick-six.


B&G.com: Is Stanley likely to get involved in community outreach?

Coach Papuchis: If what he’s doing here is any indication, I’d say yes. He’s involved in community outreach with kids here in Lincoln, NE. But of course there’s no way I could know that right now; it will be up to him if he carries that through in New Orleans.

B&G.com: What things about Stanley sets him apart from others whose performances tail off down the road?

Coach Papuchis: His size, speed, strength, and mental approach to the game. There are many who have outstanding ability, but don’t continue to pursue and maintain excellence. Stanley is one who will always reach for getting and keeping a competitive edge. He certainly has a burning desire to be great.

B&G.com: What type of player is Stanley on the sidelines, in the locker room and in the game?

Coach Papuchis: On the sidelines and in the locker room, Stanley will give feedback; overall he’s more of a quiet player (vocally). But you get the sense that his teammates like and respect him. He is always positive and upbeat. His actions on and off the field speak volumes as to who Stanley Jean Baptiste is.

B&G.com: What do you expect to see Stanley this season: practice squad; final 53?

Coach Papuchis: With the OTA’s and training camp, the coaching staff will see that he’s a great talent. The Saints didn’t pick him in the 2nd round for him to be an experiment. They expect an immediate return on investment, and Stanley will not disappoint. I see him on the final 53 roster this season. I look forward to watching how things play out with the Saints.

B&G.com: Does Stanley have an adult, parent or sibling that served as a special mentor?

Coach Papuchis: I believe he was fairly close to his high school coach (Mike Tunsil).

B&G.com: Coach Papuchis, we thank you again for taking the time to give us this very informative interview. Here’s to a great upcoming season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Coach Papuchis: You’re welcome. Good luck to the Saints.

Danno

Say what? There is absolutely ZERO chance he'd ever smell a practice squad on any NFL team.

He'd last about 1 second on the waiver wire.

Stealthman

Danno: You have to ask the rhetorical questions (open ended) whenever you interview. It leaves the door open for the full spectrum of a response.

exile

Great interview. I'm excited about the guy but if WWL calls him Jean (like blue jeans) one more time....

Jack Vegas

I will admit, I haven't been so high on SJB. But watching that highlight reel, the way he hits and tackles, I feel a lot better about him. You can see him baiting the QB a couple times into throwing a short pass, and before the ball even gets to the WR he is there waiting to smack him in the teeth. I like that a lot.

Danno

But that is how he pronounces it.

exile

Cut him then.

Danno

But thats culturist!

exile

Doesn't he have a Haitian heritage? Pronouncing it wrong is culturist!

Rugby Saint II

Remember another three named person named Jean? Billy Jean King.