Eagles Draft Profile: South Alabama TE Wes Saxton
Sep 13, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South Alabama Jaguars tight end Wes Saxton (13) carries the ball as Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Kivon Coman (11) defends after a pass reception in the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Interview
South Alabama tight end Wes Saxton was nice enough to take some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for us here at Inside the Iggles. Saxton talked about his experience at the East-West Shrine Game, preperation leading up to the draft and much more. Here’s the interview in full for you all to enjoy:
Q: Having spent your freshman year at Itawamba Community College and then the past three years at South Alabama, how do you think your uncommon path to this point has helped you prepare for the next level?
A: Starting for Itawamba really helped me mature fast as a player, especially transitioning to South Alabama, it taught me that I had to learn things quickly. Playing for both teams really helped me get to this point I am today and I really appreciate the experience.
Q: After you burst on to the scene with 50 receptions for 635 yards in 2013, your stats dipped this past season. Was there a specific reason for that?
A: The offense changed and sometimes you have to make sacrifices to win, injuries also played a big part in my stats dropping so it wasn’t really anything I could control but my biggest goal was getting to a bowl game more than anything.
Q: How was your experience at the East-West Shrine Game?
A: It was great, met some great guys and coaches I think we made each other better, not only from a players standpoint but coaches as well. So I appreciate all the players and coaches that attended the East-West Shrine Game, it was a great experience.
Q: Did you take in or learn anything specific from the coaches or players around you at the East-West Shrine Game?
A: Just getting a better understanding of the game of football itself. When you meet new coaches and players, you can learn new tips and key things to help improve your all around game.
Q: What’s next for you following the East-West Shrine Game, did you get an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine? If yes, which part of the combine are you most excited for?
A: Yes, I did get an invite. I’m excited for the catching drills, I think I’m underrated when it comes to my catching ability so I can’t wait for that.
Q: Moving forward, what would you say are your strengths and weaknesses? How will you improve your game leading up to the draft?
A: Definitely can say my speed, hands and football IQ are my strengths. My biggest weakness is blocking and technique, that has been my main focus going into training, just working with my position coach everyday. I’m improving my blocking ability as I get closer to the draft.
Q: You have impressive size at 6-4, 240 lbs. and rumored to run a forty in around 4.5 seconds. Since you spent so much time at South Alabama in the slot, do you think you could convert to a full-time wide receiver?
A: It’s definitely a possibility, I wouldn’t mind but I like tight end as well. It’s really about whatever the coaches want me to play, I’m willing to do whatever they ask of me.
Q: If you had to compare yourself to a current player in the NFL, who would it be and why?
A: I would compare myself to Dwayne Allen. Because the Colts move him around a lot from H-back, to tight end and in the slot as well. I feel in anybody’s offense, I could be used the same way.
Q: As I mentioned to your former South Alabama teammate, Brandon Bridge, you ran an uptempo offense there so do you think that would help you in a potential transition to the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense?
A: Yes, I love the Eagles’ offense. I feel if they drafted me I could definitely be utilized in their offense, coming from as fast a tempo as South Alabama.
Q: For Eagles’ fans that may not know much about you, please describe the type of player and person you are, what would you bring to the team if they drafted you?
A: A big guy who has great speed and hands who can make big plays, who can also can get in the trenches when called upon to do so. Just a good person who’s willing to get better everyday.
Next: Conclusion