Maurice Ffrench
Wide Receiver
Pittsburgh
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Maurice Ffrench: Height is 5’11, weight is 200 and I ran a 4.4 in the summer at Pitt.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Maurice Ffrench: At MJP (Michael Johnson Performance) in McKinney, Texas.
Alex Khvatov: How is the training going so far?
Maurice Ffrench: I have been here since January 2nd. It is going good. Early lifts, working on the agility and catching the ball. I am improving on everything.
Alex Khvatov: You have been invited to the Hula Bowl at the end of January. What do you hope to show NFL teams at that all-star game?
Maurice Ffrench: The kind of player that I can be. I want to show my athletic ability, speed and catching ability. I am versatile. I can do everything.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Maurice Ffrench: Actually, a lot of schools were interested. I was committed to Pitt for so long. I wanted to stick with them. I am loyal. They treated me like family. They took me in. They gave me a chance to improve my knowledge of the game and athletic ability.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Pittsburgh?
Maurice Ffrench: The biggest reason was so my mom can come to the games. She can be close enough to see me play.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Maurice Ffrench: My speed, definitely making someone miss in space and making some big plays. I am explosive. I can also play on special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Maurice Ffrench: Everything. You can’t limit yourself. Catching the ball better and running better routes.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall career.
Maurice Ffrench: It was definitely a great career. I broke Larry Fitzgerald’s single season record for receptions at the school. He had 92 receptions, and I caught 96 balls my senior year. I hold the record for the longest TD reception at Pitt – 96 yards. I also went 99 yards, which is the longest kick return at the school. I had eight plays for over 50+yards that went for TD’s. I was also a team captain as a senior.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest reason behind your breakout senior campaign?
Maurice Ffrench: Opportunities. Watching and having guys from our school who are in the league. Jester Weah, James Conner and Tyler Boyd. I was watching them and I picked up their routines and daily habits. I came in as a DB. I played RB, receiver, DB and special teams. As you get older, you get wiser. I was a DB my freshman year. I played offense and defense during my freshman year. I switched to WR my sophomore year and continued to play special teams.
Alex Khvatov: What was the transition like for you, moving to WR during your sophomore year?
Maurice Ffrench: It was cool. It was a learning experience. I studied and watched guys like Tyler Boyd and Jester Weah. It helped me grow.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about the bowl game against Eastern Michigan to close out your career.
Maurice Ffrench: It was the last game. I knew how close I was to breaking the receptions record. But I wanted to win the game first and foremost. I have never won a bowl game at Pitt. We ended up with a win. It was the best game of my career. I also broke the receptions record.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Maurice Ffrench: Definitely the Duke game. I had two receiving TD’s. The last one was a game winner. We were tied up or losing by one point. I ran a fade and made the game-winning catch with five seconds left.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Maurice Ffrench: Graduating would be the first thing. I got my degree in sociology and a minor in criminal justice. Breaking the record for receptions in a single season at the school.
Alex Khvatov: What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Maurice Ffrench: Always be committed and work hard. Take advantage of the opportunities on and off the field.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
Maurice Ffrench: Catching everything that comes your way. You have to be dependable and reliable on the field.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Maurice Ffrench: Tyreek Hill. I like guys like myself that are explosive and make plays.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Maurice Ffrench: Safety rotation. I try to understand what coverage they are in. I look at the linebacker who might to try to re-route you. You want to see how far he is or how tucked in he is to his teammates. Once you understand what coverage they are in, you can run you’re the proper route and get the necessary depth.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Maurice Ffrench: QB Kenny Pickett, WR Taysir Mack, WR Jared Wayne, RB A.J. Davis, DT Jaylen Twyman, LB Chase Pine, S Paris Ford, DE Rashad Weaver, DE Pat Jones, CB Damarri Mathis and CB Jason Pinnock.
Alex Khvatov: How good will Pitt be next year?
Maurice Ffrench: It will be their second year in the offense. The guys have more of a feel for the plays. They would know what to do. They will be better next year. They have a good chance to get to the ACC championship game. They have the players, the tools and the coaching.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Maurice Ffrench: It wasn’t a player. UCF had a good defensive scheme. They knew how to bracket me. They had someone press me at the line when I lined up in the slot. The safety would stay over the top.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Maurice Ffrench: You never know what can happen in this game. It is unpredictable. You can come back in a game that looks out of reach.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Maurice Ffrench: There are two types of leaders. Vocal or like myself. I will show you everything on the field, so you can follow me. I lead by example. You want to be positive and let the younger guys hop on the ship.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Maurice Ffrench: I love watching film of the guys in the league. I want to get better. I love working out as well.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Maurice Ffrench: I want to be an AD somewhere. I want to stay around sports.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Maurice Ffrench: Honest, fast, tough, leader and consistent.
