NFL Draft prospects Eric Burrell, Victor Dimukeje, Jake Funk, Quincy Roche and Shane Simpson checked in with Glenn Clark recently. Here’s what they had to say.
“I was always a Steelers fan. I was a big Troy Polamalu fan and then I would have a Hines Ward jersey. I literally had that. I grew up [with] my cousins and grandparents and they were big Steelers fans. … Now it’s like, if the Ravens draft me, I’ll be more than happy to be a Raven!”
– McDonogh grad and Wisconsin safety Eric Burrell Feb. 2 on why it would be strange to be picked by Baltimore in the NFL Draft even though he grew up in Severn, Md.
“Just to inspire the kids in Baltimore and Nigeria, really anywhere, that no matter where you come from you can end up wherever you put your mind to. Ten years ago, before I started playing football, nobody would have thought I would be here right now in this position.”
– Boys’ Latin grad and Duke defensive end Victor Dimukeje Jan. 29 on representing both Baltimore and Nigeria (where he was born) as he prepares for an NFL career
“That was a huge factor, to be honest with you, but at the end of the day I have bet on myself my whole life. I’ve had to earn my way throughout this sport and throughout college, my five years at Maryland. At the end of the day, I looked at myself and I was like, ‘Why stop now?'”
– Demascus grad and Maryland running back Jake Funk Dec. 23 on his decision to declare for the NFL Draft despite the uncertainty of the draft process this year
“… I was like, ‘Man, you don’t even know. You’re the reason why I’m even playing football today — you and Ray Lewis, y’all [are] the reason why I even picked up a football and wanted to [play].’ Pregame, I used to watch Ray Lewis pump-up videos. Ed Reed, to be able to have him as a coach, to be able to seek advice, to have him as a mentor is priceless.”
– New Town grad and Miami defensive end Quincy Roche Dec. 31 on working with Ed Reed during his final year of college ball before entering the NFL Draft
“Towson gave me the opportunity to show the world my talent, and I will forever be grateful for that. I will always be a Towson Tiger even though I am a Virginia Cavalier to the end as well.”
– Former Towson running back Shane Simpson Jan. 29 on the impact of his time with the Tigers before spending his final season at Virginia
Photo Credits: Joe Faraoni/ESPN Images; Courtesy of Duke Athletics, Maryland Athletics, Miami Athletics and UVA Media Relations