Thad Coleman Interview
by Luke Paul Chandler
Josh Buchanon (D2football.com) talks to the massive offensive tackle from Missippi Valley State.
By Josh Buchanon
OT Thaddeus Coleman, Mississippi Valley State
What are your current measurables such as height, weight, 40, and bench reps?
Thaddeus: My height is 6′7 ¾. My weight is 310. My 40 is about a 5.2
or lower. I bench 225 about 30 times.
Have you had a pro day and if so how did it go and what teams showed interest?
Thaddeus: I had my pro day Northwestern and then I have one at
Mississippi State on the 25th. It went pretty well. I need to
improve on some numbers and that is why I am going to Miss. State.
Most of it went well. I want to improve my bench a little more and
get my 40 down a little more. I think everything is going to be
better when this one comes around. I think scouts liked my workout
and I even did some defensive linemen drills. They worked me pretty
good. It was a pretty positive workout though. I think they really
wanted to see the mental toughness.
Who do you have private workouts with?
Thaddeus: Minnesota, Green Bay, and NY Giants. I think Denver is
talking about flying me out too.
Why did you choose Mississippi Valley State coming out of high school?
Thaddeus: I was calling around and was probably going to go to
Northern Illinois or Western Michigan but he just got in touch with my
coach and we hit it off pretty good. He guaranteed me I would play my
first year. You can’t pass up being guaranteed to play your first
year. I had to sit out my first year but it was a positive thing.
Where have you been training?
Thaddeus: I am training at WPI in Atlanta and working out with Tony Jones.
What have you worked on the most while training?
Thaddeus: Tony works with us about getting a rhythm. He talks to us
about being smooth and having a rhythm so we won’t be uptight. He
really worked on getting that down. He felt we had the feet and
strength. He said many of us have the ability to play so we just
worked on our rhythm. I feel I am there in strength and speed but I
just need to get better.
Who else was training with you?
Thaddeus: Quentin Groves, Brandon Miller, Marcus Howard, DeMario
Pressley, and Andre Fluellen.
What do you feel are your biggest strengths on the field?
Thaddeus: I think my feet carry me but my aggression on the field is
where I can make my money. If you show you aren’t passive because the
good ones are either very smooth or aggressive.
What are your biggest weaknesses on the field?
Thaddeus: Tony tells us to not to think not too far ahead and you have
to be smooth. You won’t win all your battles but win most of the
time. Getting your technique down will take you far.
Do you feel you are better at run or pass blocking?
Thaddeus: I think I am best at pass blocking.
What was it like to not be invited to the combine?
Thaddeus: When I first looked at it I felt I should have been there
but at the end you see some aren’t that impressive. It gives you time
to break down everyone else and see where you will be at when it is
time for you to show your measurables. It is good to be the under dog
and that is what helps me excel at a high level.
What do you feel you bring to a team?
Thaddeus: They will be getting a heck of a hard worker, I know that.
A talented guy who hasn’t even tapped his true potential, an
aggressive guy, and a team leader.
Do you have any players on your team who you feel will be NFL
prospects next year?
Thaddeus: Ronald Green is the best I can give you right now. Who else
we got? Let’s see. That is all I can give you right now. He is a
pretty tough guy. I go against him in practice everyday.
Do you have any expectations on draft day such as a round or team?
Thaddeus: I don’t have any expectations. If I get drafted I will get
drafted. If I don’t I don’t. the way I think about it is that
everybody goes to camp. Some people make money on draft day but I
will make mine working in training camp.
What are your future goals outside of playing in the NFL?
Thaddeus: After the NFL hopefully I can get into coaching. I have
already been offered a few jobs so hopefully I can get into coaching
and teaching.