Eagles Draft Profile: South Alabama QB Brandon Bridge
Sep 13, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) talks with South Alabama Jaguars quarterback Brandon Bridge (7) following the Bulldogs 35-3 win over the Jaguars at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Interview
South Alabama quarterback Brandon Bridge was nice enough to take time out of his tight schedule while preparing for the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl to answer some questions for us here at Inside the Iggles. Here’s the complete interview where Bridge discusses his story, preparation for the draft and whether he thinks he could fit in Philadelphia’s uptempo offense.
Q: Growing up in Canada, your path to this point has been a lot different than most NFL draft prospects. Describe your journey as a football player up until now.
A: I was being heavily recruited by the University of Buffalo. I was going to go there but the coaching staff ended up leaving that year. A guy name Curtis Crossley saw my tape on YouTube and he offered to help me out. He got me a scholarship to Alcorn State. Started my true freshman year. True sophomore year the coaching staff left and in game five I hurt my quad. I wasn’t happy there anymore. I got a release and it went in the newspaper, then Mississippi State coaches saw it. Brought me down for a visit. They didn’t offer me a scholarship then I ended up at South Alabama.
Q: With the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl right around the corner, on January 17, 2015, how are you preparing for such an important showcase and what are you planning to show there?
A: I signed with the Athletes First sports agency and I’m working with their strength staff and quarterback coach throughout the week. I plan on showing I have the talent to play at the next level.
Q: There are reports that around 25 NFL teams have shown interest in you, has any team showed more interest than the others or stood out to you during this process so far?
A: A lot of teams showed interest. I can’t say who’s showed more. Some meetings lasted 10 mins. Some 45-60 mins. But that’s the early stage of scouting so I’m not sure.
Q: Following the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, how will you continue to train for the NFL? Will you be training at any special facilities or with any other draft prospects?
A: I’m going to continue my training in California with Athletes First and all the athletes that Athletes First have recruited this year.
Q: Have you received an invite to the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine? If yes, which part of the event are you looking forward to the most?
A: I have gotten an invite. And I look forward to all the events but one in particular is the throwing. All of the events are important but as a QB they really want to see who can spin it.
Q: You bring a unique skill-set to the table at the quarterback position with your size, speed and arm strength. But many question whether or not you are ready for the NFL. Do you believe you have what it takes to be a starter in the NFL right now?
A: My preparation every week will be as if I am the starter. So regardless if I’m first string or a practice player. I’ll prepare as if I’m starting because you never know when your number will be called and you have to seize the moment.
Q: What would you consider your biggest strengths and weaknesses as a player right now and how will you work to fix your weaknesses leading up to the draft?
A: Strengths, I can run. I can extend plays with my feet. I can make all the throws. I have a very strong arm. Weaknesses, I have to develop my touch on the ball and get better with my footwork. I plan on turning my weaknesses into my strengths by training with the Athletes First staff.
Q: While studying tape of you at South Alabama, it’s hard not to notice how fast the offense moves. Are you familiar with Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach Chip Kelly’s uptempo offense and do you think you would fit well as a quarterback in that system?
A: Yes, I am familiar with that offense. We did stuff similar to that so I believe I can transition in that offense.
Q: Are you familiar at all with the Philadelphia Eagles’ current roster, and if ultimately drafted by them, which player would you look forward to playing with the most?
A: I look forward to meeting all of my teammates but obviously the veteran quarterbacks. Learn from all of them, each of them have different styles of play and I want to learn from them.
Q: For all the Eagles’ fans out there that are clamoring for the team to draft a quarterback, they may not know much about you yet. Tell them why you would be a good addition at the position and what you would add to the team.
A: You will get a great teammate and a man who is always willing to work. I’m never content with anything, I’m always hungry for more.
Next: Conclusion