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Maurice Crum, Jr. |
Spencer: What's been the toughest part of the draft process for you?
Crum: Just the not knowing part. Just trying to do your best everyday and not particularly knowing what's next or if that was good enough and what not.
Spencer: Who all have you visited with or had private workouts with?
Crum: Tampa and Chicago.
Spencer: How'd they go?
Crum: I thought they went well. I just had a visit with Chicago but I had a workout with Tampa. I thought I moved well in the Tampa workout. During my Bears visit, they said they were pretty interested.
Spencer: Have any of the teams given you an indication as to where you'll be drafted?
Crum: Six, seven or maybe free agent.
Spencer: Do you have a particular draft day goal?
Crum: Not really. I just want to have the opportunity to compete and play football.
Spencer: What do you say to teams to show that you're a better prospect than some others out there?
Crum: For the most part, everyone already pretty much knows my story and what kind of guy I am. They've already got to know me and what I'm about, so there's not too much they don't know.
Spencer: What position do you feel you'll fit in best in the NFL?
Crum: Special teams, of course. I guess later on if I get a chance to compete, there's not really a particular system I'll fit better. During my stint at Notre Dame I played at 3-4 inside, I've lined up outside and pass rushed. I've played in a blitzing and aggressive 4-3 and I've played in a zone oriented 4-3. I guess I have knowledge of a lot of positions but there might not be one I'm more comfortable with because it's changed almost every year I've been playing.
Spencer: What's it like playing for a head coach with NFL experience like Charlie Weiss?
Crum: I think that's pivotal and playing for him really helps with things to come in the future. You get to know what NFL teams like and what they look for in players.
Spencer: Is there any extra pressure playing for a big program like Notre Dame?
Crum: Initially, when I first came in, I thought there would be. As you grow in the area and learn about it, I think Notre Dame has the best fans in the country. The only people that put pressure on you are the fans and here, the fans are supporting you no matter what.
Spencer: Coming from a football family, do you think that gives you an advantage?
Crum: I think so. Just simply from the standpoint that I've been studying football my whole life. I've played in almost every kind of system and I've been successful in each. I think that's a lot to do with my dad teaching me.
Spencer: Are there any current NFL players that you'd compare your play style to?
Crum: I think Brackett from the Colts. I always watched Derrick Brooks growing up, too.
Spencer: Are there certain areas of your game that you try to emphasize being an undersized linebacker?
Crum: I think I stay relatively low. When I strike, I strike on the rise because of my size. I think I'm really quick and I think that can cause problems for a lot of people...especially lineman, giving them less to grab.
Spencer: With the success of undersize linebackers like Ray Lewis and Derrick Brooks, do you think that it's overrated to look at the measurables so much?
Crum: I think so. It all comes down to lining up and playing. It's not always the bigger, stronger, faster guy that wins. I think as long as you do what you do best and excel at what you do well, then the battle, in my eyes, is equal.
Spencer: What's going to be the toughest part of the transition into the NFL?
Crum: I think just the long days. Coming out of college, you're used to college football, school, life and all that other stuff. Now it'll just be football, 24-7. It's my occupation, what I want to do for a living. I think that'll be the biggest adjustment just knowing that it's what I'll be doing all day and blocking out everything else.
Spencer: If you weren't playing football, what would you be doing?
Crum: I think I'd pursue working with the United Nations. I really have a passion for helping people and trying to change the world...especially with people and families.
Spencer: What was your major at Notre Dame?
Crum: Sociology.
Spencer: Did you graduate?
Crum: Yes. I graduated last May.
Spencer: Congratulations! Do you have any particular plans for draft weekend?
Crum: A friend of mine that co-founds a charity is actually having a charity fundraiser in New York, so draft weekend I'll be there participating in that.
Spencer: If there was one more thing that you could express to NFL Fans, coaches, or the media before they hear your name called on draft day, what would that be?
Crum: That there will be no harder working, team oriented player that you could pick. I'm gonna come to work and give 110% and be all about the team. I'm a smart guy and have a lot of football knowledge, so I think I can even be a bit of a coach on the field.
Spencer: Thanks a lot, Maurice, and best of luck on draft day!