Ocie Rose
Safety
Florida Atlantic
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Ocie Rose: 6’1 ½, 195, and I haven’t run the forty yet.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Ocie Rose: In Miami, I am working out at a physical center. I am trying to get my body toned. It is a cross fit facility. Then in a couple of weeks, I plan to go to a football facility.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Ocie Rose: I had interest from a lot of schools. I had some academic issues in high school. Some teams backed away. Towards the end, my grades situation came out good.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Florida Atlantic?
Ocie Rose: My mom had a good connection with the coaches. The coaches that were there before Lane Kiffin came. I thought that it was the best fit for me.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Ocie Rose: Playmaking ability. I come up with a big play during crunch time. Being able to read offenses and know what plays are coming. I am a team player. I am physical and I can cover slot WR’s and TE’s.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Ocie Rose: Work on my footwork more. I need to be more fluent with my hips out of the transitions and keeping my eyes in one place.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Ocie Rose: Freshman year, I was starting after the third game. I had about 40 tackles, three INT’s, scored three TD’s (two TD’s on the pick six and a fumble recovery against the Gators), three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. I caught two INT’s in one game. I had an ankle injury my sophomore year. I missed the first half of the season and came back for the last six games. I had two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, about 30 tackles and two INT’s. My junior year, the new coaching staff came in. We had a new playbook, and it didn’t come to me as fast. I wasn’t starting anymore. I learned the playbook before my senior year. Senior year, we had lost our defensive coordinator to the NFL. We had a new defensive coordinator and new safety’s coach. I was alternating reps during my senior year with the other safety. I had about 30 tackles and two INT’s.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Ocie Rose: When I caught an INT my freshman year and returned it 60 yards for the TD to win the game. Then 40 seconds later, I came up with my second INT to seal the game against Charlotte. It was an away game. The fumble recovery against the Gators my freshman season also was a highlight. I returned it for the TD, and we went into overtime. I am also the first guy out of my family to go to college.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Ocie Rose: Being able to have a chance to make it in the NFL and take care of my family.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from Lane Kiffin and the rest of that coaching staff?
Ocie Rose: Being more of a professional. He brought things from Alabama. It was a first glance of how they do certain things from how they trained and nutrition. We never had that approach here before.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Ocie Rose: Growing up, it was Sean Taylor, Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu. I know Sean Taylor’s father personally. He is a police officer in my neighborhood.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DB?
Ocie Rose: Having good hips, good footwork and being disciplined with your eyes. Monte Kiffin always told us a phrase – see a little, see a lot, if you see a lot then you see nothing.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?
Ocie Rose: I read the formation. From film study, I know whether it will run or pass. Some smart QB’s will disguise the call. You don’t want to tip him off. Don’t show your tendencies too early.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Ocie Rose: Safety Da’Von Brown, S Zyon Gilbert, RB James Charles, CB Korel Smith, tall CB James Pierre and WR Tavaris Harrison. Rashad Smith should be an all-conference LB next year.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Ocie Rose: Antonio Callaway, Kyler Murray and RB Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Ocie Rose: Hitting. Being physical.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Ocie Rose: My mom.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Ocie Rose: I wanted to become a firefighter. But if I make in the NFL, I would like to open up a few businesses.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Ocie Rose: Physical, smart, fast, funny and cool.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
Ocie Rose: The Saints.
