Green Bay Packers 2017 Draft: Interview with Northern Illinois WR Kenny Golladay
Q: Talk about growing up in Chicago. I’m sure you were always an athletic kid, but what drew you football?
A: Really just growing up, I played all sports pretty much. But football just kind of stuck with me. It was between either football or basketball. But I had a late growth spurt, so I kind of just stayed with football. But I also liked it more anyway…scoring touchdowns, running around trying not to get tackled and stuff like that. It was a bit more exciting.
Q: Did you watch much football growing up and what was your favorite team?
A: I grew up watching football. I always used to sit back with my grandfather watching the Bears. I mean, you know, it was always exciting to me especially to watch.
Q: Can you tell me about your decision to start your college career at North Dakota and why you eventually opted to transfer?
A: Well, for starters, I went there because it was my only offer. Me being a city kid from Chicago, you know, that’s a long ways away. But it was just that love of the game I have…so, I took that chance and went to North Dakota and did what I had to do. I played my true freshman year and my true sophomore year and then the coaches ended up leaving, so I decided to make my own highlight tape. I sent it to my high school coaches and asked them if they could send it to college coaches. And NIU jumped on me, man. I sat out that 2014 season and I just hit the ground running in 2015 and 2016.
Q: So, you had no doubts about going to your new program and earning immediate playing time?
A: Exactly. I have a lot of confidence in my game. So, I felt I could definitely go to NIU and be able to compete or go to any school and compete.
Q: Was it a big adjustment going to the MAC?
A: I would say it was a bit of an adjustment, but nothing too serious. First off, I had to take that season I took off very seriously. And by doing that, I had to get into the playbook to make sure I wasn’t out there busting plays. You know, I had to take it serious. So, once the next spring came around, I knew what I was doing; I knew where I was supposed to be and that showed. The coaches had trust in me and I was able to go out there in the 2015 season and play right away.
Q: Can you describe what it was like going up against the Ohio State Buckeyes? I seem to remember you getting open against Gareon Conley on a shallow post and also displaying great focus in hauling in a ball that bounced off the hands of safety Tyvis Powell.
A: It was a great experience, but it was pretty much just another team. And when I say great experience, I was more so talking about just the atmosphere and not going up against those guys; it was more just the crowd that came out. I would say it was 100,000 [people in attendance]. It was just another game for me and my teammates…going out there to compete—and that’s what we did.
Q: What was the level of competition in the MAC as you started playing out your conference schedule?
A: Well, being at NIU, we always had a target on our back…week in and week out. So, every team we went against just brought it. We played good competition. Every week, everybody was trying to beat Northern Illinois, so we couldn’t take a game off. We had to make sure our foot was on the pedal every game.
Q: What are your best assets from an individual standpoint?
A: I would just like to say my big body, my catching radius and being able to go up and catch the ball. Just being able to make that play when my number’s called.
Q: At the combine, you ran a 4.5 and also opened some eyes in the position activities especially with your smooth body control in the gauntlet drill. Were you satisfied with the results?
A: To be honest, I expected my performance to be a little bit better, but I’m definitely pleased with it. I just hold myself to a high standard. I want to make sure I do everything the right way. Before the combine, I pictured myself making those plays I made out there. I envisioned myself running a fast time and I feel that’s big. When you see yourself do it, that means you’ve got to go out there and do it.
Q: Can you describe your offense at NIU under head coach Rod Carey?
A: It was fun playing under coach Carey. You know, of course, we were going to run the ball with Joel (Bouagnon), but at the same time, we were going to take our shots. So, I mean, as a receiver…all the receivers just had to be able to make a play when their number was called. It was fun because we knew we were going to be able to get some deep balls. We knew we were going to be able to take the game over from a receiver’s standpoint and, as I said, you just had to be able to make that play—that crucial play—when your number was called.
Q: A lot of bigger receivers come into the league and flop. Why will you, Kenny Golladay, be a success at the pro level?
A: Well, first off, it starts with my preparation. I’m going to make sure I’m mentally prepared and that means knowing the playbook and knowing exactly what I’m doing. Knowing exactly where I’m supposed to be at the right time and just taking care of my body.
Q: Based on me observing some of your game film, you sort of remind me of Alshon Jeffery with your ability to attack high balls and you also show some similarities to Kenny Britt in how you adjust to low balls and off-target throws. Would you agree with that?
A: I haven’t seen too much of Kenny Britt, but since you said Alshon, you know he’s a former Bear. I just like how he goes up and high points the ball really well. He goes after the deep ball really well.
Q: What types of strides have you made physically and skills-wise since the start of your offseason training?
A: I’ve just been working on all phases of the game really. I’m just trying to perfect my craft. You know, getting a little better each day at a little bit of everything. I wouldn’t say it was one specific thing I was working on. I’m just trying to fine tune things right now.
Q: Did the NFL reps you met with at your pro day have any specific questions or concerns they brought up to you?
A: I’m sure every team didn’t know how fast I was going to run. I wanted to go out there and should them that I actually could run and that was definitely a great feeling when I went out there and did a very good job of it.
Q: I saw you being used on end-arounds. Were you ever asked to return kicks?
A: Yeah, I actually returned punts my sophomore year at North Dakota and then I did it for like the last two or three games here at Northern Illinois.
Q: So, how do you see yourself stacking up against your fellow receivers in this year’s draft? What makes you unique?
A: I’m just a guy that’s flying under the radar that has a great work ethic and is just a person that’s going to come to work every day and not take a day off. I’m just somebody who’s in love with the game.
Q: Ok Kenny, here come some quick-hitters. What is your favorite meal?
A: Steak and potatoes.
Q: What was the last movie you saw?
A: Get Out.
Q: What’s your favorite activity away from the football field?
A: I just like to hang out, kick my feet up and chill out with the guys. Nothing too major.
Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Consensus rankings for every position
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