Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with Oklahoma State RB Chris Carson

Q: You’re one of the bigger, stronger backs in this draft. Was running back always your position growing up?

A: When I was growing up in Georgia, I used to play linebacker for the most part and then I started playing running back during practices. I started breaking tackles and they just decided to keep me at that position…and I just kept doing pretty well at it.

Q: So, you started playing running back in high school then?

A: I actually started playing when I was six years old.

Q: You were heavily recruited by a number of quality programs out of high school. How did you end up at Butler Community College?

A: I was originally set to go to UGA (Georgia) to play running back, but I tore my ACL in my senior year in high school. The UGA coach (Mark Richt) told me he wanted me to go the JUCO route. So, I ended up going to a community college in Kansas and then UGA came around and recruited me from there again. But I ended up decommitting from UGA and I went Oklahoma State.

Q: You had a pretty crowded backfield in Athens. Was that the reason you had a change of heart?

A: Yeah, at the time, the had just got Nick Chubb and Sony Michel and they went off in their freshman year. I had a better situation at Oklahoma State coming off some good years at the community college.

Q: Can you talk about the impact of some of your coaches at the college level from Troy Morrell to Mike Gundy?

A: Yeah, they helped me a lot to understand the game and they helped me as a man a lot. You know, one of the coaches that really helped me was Marcus Arroyo, who was my running back coach at Oklahoma State. He’s probably one of the best coaches I ever had. He not only tried to teach me the football side; he tried to help me as a person and he was one of my biggest mentors since coming to Oklahoma State.

Q: Getting back to coach Gundy real quick, he seems like a fun coach to play for with his locker-room dancing and his impassioned press conferences. What was he like on a daily basis?

A: He was really laid back, but on game day is when he likes to turn it on. He is a fun coach to play for. He dances, he’s got a different hairstyle; he’s different from a lot of other coaches. He’s definitely a player’s coach.

Q: Can you share what your initial impact was like playing against athletes in the Big 12? Was there a big adjustment coming from a little junior college in Kansas?

A: There wasn’t much of an adjustment from a physical aspect. You know, the game did move a little faster, but after the first couple of practices, you start to pick it up. The only thing I had to learn to adjust to heavily was just the knowledge of the game, the scheme…everything was a lot more technical than junior college. As a matter of fact, coach Arroyo did a great job of preparing me for that.

Q: If you met somebody that never saw you play, how would you describe yourself to them?

A: I’m an old-school type running back. I don’t shy away from contact. I’m strong, I’m physical; I’ve got some speed, but I’m also a good pass protector. I can pick up linebackers that are trying to sack the quarterback. I’m just a good all-around running back.

Q: I noticed they had you run some blocking drills at your pro day. What was that all about?

A: It’s something the scouts saw on film and they wanted to try me out at fullback.

Q: What can you tell me about your intangibles in terms of being the consummate teammate?

A: I’m not too big of a rowdy rah-rah type of guy. I’m an encourager and I like to lead by example. I like to go hard no matter what it is. I like to compete.

Q: You finished your 2016 season strong. Which game is the one that best represents everything you can offer a pro team?

A: Probably the TCU game. That’s where I kind of broke out of my shell a little bit. I got a nice amount of carries, which I can handle. I showed my power.

Q: Would you say the underrated part of your game is your pass catching?

A: No, I wouldn’t say that at all. That’s one of my main strengths. My most underrated part is that I feel a lot of people don’t think I have that speed to break away from defenses, but I feel that I do have that ability in myself.

Q: Are you a better power or zone runner?

A: Probably more of a power runner.

Q: The Packers could use a guy like you. What are your thoughts about Green Bay?

A: The Packers are a great organization. There are a lot of running backs that came through there…a lot of great players in general that came through there. It would be a blessing for me to play for a great organization like that and playing in Lambeau Field.

Q: Which backs do you like to watch at the NFL level?

A: I love to study David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell. They’re my two favorite running backs I like to watch . I also like to watch Ezekiel Elliott. It’s fun to see a young guy running like that.

Q: You have a few ex-Cowboys in the NFL. Have you had a chance to pick the brains of Brandon Weeden, Dez Bryant or any other veteran pros?

A: No. I mean, they come by, but the time they come is usually when we’re playing games or during practice, so we don’t get to talk with them much. But I would definitely love to go up to one of them sometime and pick their brain.

Q: I understand you’re training down in Georgia. What was your primary goal from a physical standpoint heading into the offseason?

A: Mainly just brushing up on my techniques. I wanted to get my 40 down a lot, but I had a minor hamstring problem and I wanted to get back healthy first. Really, I just wanted to get stronger overall; that was my biggest thing.

Q: How many teams have you met with?

A: I’ve met with three or four different teams. I just had a private workout earlier today as a matter of fact with the Cowboys and I have a couple of more lined up this weekend going into next week.

Q: Ok Chris, this is where we get into the non-football stuff. What is your favorite meal?

A: I like chicken strips. Anything with chicken strips I’m good with.

Q: What is your favorite movie?

A: ATL. I can watch that non-stop. I probably watch it twice a week.

Q: What is your ideal vacation spot?

A: I would definitely go out to South Beach, Miami. Growing up not too far from Florida, you know, I just love being next to the beach. And also, California. I’ve never been there. I would like to see how it is.

Q: Which female celebrity would you want to take out for a dinner date?

A: There’s a couple. I would probably have to go with Gabrielle Union.

Q: But she’s a little older than you, no?

A: Yeah, but she don’t look it. She carries it well. I also like Karrueche Tran.

Q: Never heard of her. Who’s she?

A: Chris Brown’s girlfriend. You need to look her up.

Q: If I asked you to come up with three words that best describe you as an individual, a player and as a teammate, what would they be?

A: Competitive, reliable and trustworthy.

Ralph: I really appreciate it, Chris. Best of luck and I wouldn’t mind the Packers drafting you at some point, but that’s not my call.

Chris: Yeah man. I appreciate it.

Next: Ranking the top 10 receivers in Green Bay Packers history

You can keep up to date with all of the Green Bay Packers free agency news here with our tracker.