Andre Fuller II
Safety – Senior
McNeese State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Andre Fuller II: I am 6’0, 202 and 4.52 forty.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Andre Fuller II: I have a trainer in Monroe, Louisiana. I have a speed coach and a strength coach in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from you at the Pro Day?
Andre Fuller II: The pro day will be on March 21st. I expect to run my best 40, somewhere in the 4.4 – low 4.5 range. I will definitely open people’s eyes in the L-drill and shuttle drills. I will be very smooth in drills and showcase my ball skills. I played receiver in high school and quarterback my senior year. I have good hands. I have big hands.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl?
Andre Fuller II: It was fun. I was honored that they gave me an invite. It was a bowl game, and I knew that NFL and CFL scouts would be there. It was a good opportunity to showcase my skills. There were a lot of kids from many colleges that I haven’t heard of. It showed how much talent is spread all across the country. The coaches were business like. They wanted us to look good. My football IQ is my strongest suit. I was the QB of the defense. I picked up on the scheme. I pick up the playbook very quickly. I started the whole week and in the game. A lot of it is mental ability. I have mental attributes and I showcased them in the bowl game. It was a good experience. It was good competition. There is a lot more reacting and relying on fundamentals. I had three or four solo tackles and a PBU in the game. I should have had the pick. It was good exposure for me.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Andre Fuller II: Lots of schools showed interest. I had like eight offers. Nevada, Arkansas State, Louisiana Monroe and Jackson State. I played receiver in high school. Colleges saw that I played safety and corner a little bit. I drew even more interest. McNeese offered me at receiver first, then DB. Oklahoma State was right there.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose McNeese State?
Andre Fuller II: I didn’t want to go too far. I didn’t want to leave my little brother behind. My top three schools were Nevada. I wanted to go there, but it was too far. I wanted to be with my family. McNeese State’s coach went to the same high school as me. They came to my house and they treated me right. There were no curve balls with them. They were straight to the point and real genuine.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Andre Fuller II: The start was pretty rough. I played offense my whole life. Defense was a situational thing in high school. I didn’t practice on defense. When I got to college, there was lot more to it. It was a big adjustment period, but I still learned very fast because of my football IQ. I picked up the scheme. I started one game as a true freshman, but I got in a lot of games. I played a role my sophomore year. I was a backup. They gave me my shot to start during my junior year. I kept going ever since. After my junior year, I solidified myself. I played both safety spots. I wish I had more picks during my career. A lot of teams stayed away from me most of my senior year. It was the respect thing. I was running the whole defense. I lined up the defense and made the checks. We went 9-2 my senior year. We were No.1 in third down defense and rushing defense. We were ranked high this past year.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Andre Fuller II: My football IQ. I have good feet and hips. I was the leader of the defense.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Andre Fuller II: It was the Nicholls game my junior year. I had a pick six for the TD. It was a rebuilding year. It was my first year starting at safety. We had first year starting corners. I got all-conference my junior year. We were up and down that year. I was playing FS. The slot receiver was running a go route, but he wasn’t looking at the QB. It was a clear route. The ball was thrown to the #1WR on a slant route. My corner tipped it, and I ran it for a TD. We were up and we dominated that whole game.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Andre Fuller II: The Steelers. My little brother and I always liked them.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Andre Fuller II: I am a big fan of Antonio Brown right now. He was not a well-known guy coming out of college. He works hard. He loves the game. I respect him. My all-time guys are Deion Sanders and Ray Lewis.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a safety?
Andre Fuller II: You have to be able to play in space and think fast. Football IQ is the most important thing. You also have to be very versatile.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Andre Fuller II: #4 CB Colby Burton has really good feet. He is very smart and reads routes well. He has good IQ and instincts. He knows that he is not the fastest guy, but he knows the game. He will be a guy to watch for. DB BJ Blunt was a JUCO transfer. He is 6’1, 210 and he can run. He is really physical. He is getting better mentally. He should pick up the scheme more this next year.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Andre Fuller II: You can relate everything that happens in football to your actual life. You learn people’s skills, and it teaches you how to be accountable. It teaches you how to be presentable and talk to people with respect. That is how football programs mold young men and create long life bonds. I love this game. You learn a lot of life lessons from this game.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Andre Fuller II: I played every sport growing up. I love sports. I also like to go hunting.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Andre Fuller II: Plan A is football. Plan B is coaching in college. I was coaching the young guys at McNeese. I was the one running meetings at times. All of my coaches here think I can be a great coach. I was a criminal justice major. Plan C is becoming a US Marshall.
Alex Khvatov: Finish the sentence, Andre Fuller II is….
Andre Fuller II: Diligent.
