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Ed Wang Interview
Offensive Tackle – Virginia Tech
By: Alex Khvatov
4/3/10
Alex Khvatov:
Tell me about your recent Pro Day.
Ed Wang:
I had a Pro Day, and I felt that it went pretty
well. I improved all my numbers from the Combine.
It went pretty good.
Alex Khvatov:
How tough was the Combine for you from a physical
and a mental standpoint?
Ed Wang:
From a mental standpoint, we never had a break. But
I prepared for it, so I was ready. It wasn’t too
bad.
Alex Khvatov:
What did you take away from that whole experience?
Ed Wang:
It really was just good. I was able to compete with
the top players in the country. You get to know
where you are at in terms of your physical ability.
Alex Khvatov:
Describe your Senior Bowl experience to us.
Ed Wang:
It was a really good experience. You get to compete
against the best. It was an honor to be invited to
the game and compete.
Alex Khvatov:
What did you learn about yourself during that week?
Ed Wang:
After that week, I knew where I needed to improve
upon.
Alex Khvatov:
Were you able to bond with any of the players at the
Senior Bowl?
Ed Wang:
Definitely, our line group bonded. We were together
24/7. The whole offensive line bonded. When it got
closer to the game, the whole offense and defense
started bonding. It was nice.
Alex Khvatov:
What was the feedback that you received from coaches
and scouts who were present during the week?
Ed Wang:
I really didn’t get much feedback. My agent spoke
to them. I really don’t want to know anything. It
makes this whole process easier for me.
Alex Khvatov:
What were your team and personal goals heading into
your senior season?
Ed Wang:
My team goal was to win a National Championship. It
didn’t work out that way. We had some rough points
in the season. We had a 10-win season. Only Texas
and our team have had 10 wins over the last six
seasons. Personally, I was able to play in every
game and play well. Overall, I am happy with the
season.
Alex Khvatov:
How would you rate your senior campaign?
Ed Wang:
I felt that I did very well. I helped myself a lot.
Alex
Khvatov:
What is
the highlight of your football career up to this
point?
Ed Wang:
I had the pleasure to play at Lane Stadium. I
played in a lot of big stadiums, but I was able to
play there every Saturday. People always say that
it is a fun environment to play in. Everyone is
loud there. It is the best experience that you can
imagine.
Alex Khvatov:
What will you miss the most about Virginia Tech?
Ed Wang:
Just the bond that I have had with coaches and
teammates. Everyone is so welcoming and it is hard
to find teammates like that. I will miss it the
most.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your measurements (height, weight and forty
time)?
Ed Wang:
My height is 6’5”, weight is 318 and scouts don’t
usually release forty times.
Alex Khvatov:
Coming out of high school, what programs showed
interest in you besides Virginia Tech?
Ed Wang:
Every program showed interest. But my process was
different. During my junior year of high school, I
made my decision to go to Virginia Tech and I told
other teams that I wasn’t interested in them. It
was an easy choice and a very easy process for me.
Alex Khvatov:
Why did you choose Virginia Tech?
Ed Wang:
I felt really comfortable there. I went there and
participated in the summer camp when I was still in
high school. They offered me. My parents and I
talked it over, and we felt comfortable with the
decision.
Alex Khvatov:
You started out as a TE at Virginia Tech, what was
the reason behind the switch to the offensive line?
Ed Wang:
I think that the team needed tackles that year. I
started two games at TE, but it wasn’t working out
for me. The team needed me to move to tackle.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your strengths on the football field?
Ed Wang:
I feel that I can pass protect well. I compete. I
am a very competitive person.
Alex Khvatov:
What areas of your game do you still need to improve
upon?
Ed Wang:
Every aspect of my game. I can get better. I need
to finish in the run game better.
Alex
Khvatov:
What
separates you from all of the other players at
your position?
Ed Wang:
I think that I am pretty athletic.
Alex Khvatov:
What is your favorite NFL team?
Ed Wang:
I rooted for the Redskins since I have been a little
kid. I lived five minutes from the training
facility. I still root for them.
Alex Khvatov:
Who is your favorite NFL player?
Ed Wang:
I would probably say that it is Duane Brown. I
played a year with him. He also moved from TE to
tackle. He helped me out with the transition.
Alex Khvatov:
Who is better in your opinion, RB Ryan Williams or
RB Darren Evans?
Ed Wang:
They are two different players. I blocked for both
of them. We just talked about them the other day.
Coaches will be in a tough position. They are both
unselfish players. I couldn’t pick just one. But
everyone should make it work.
Alex Khvatov:
Which underclassmen on your team should we keep an
eye on in the future?
Ed Wang:
I would say QB Tyrod Taylor. He is going to be a
special player. TE Andre Smith will be a starter.
Not many people know about him. He is 6’5” and
270. He can catch and run.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your hobbies?
Ed Wang:
I really like to play video games. I am pretty much
a boring person.
Alex Khvatov:
What is the greatest lesson that you have learned in
life?
Ed Wang:
My parents always told me to keep working hard.
Nothing comes free in life. I didn’t really have a
fun childhood. My parents told me that it would pay
off in the end. I will keep working hard. I will
keep getting after it.
Alex Khvatov:
What do you plan to do with your life after your
football career is over?
Ed Wang:
I would really like to start a training facility for
high school athletes. My brother has gone through
it. That type of facility can help you with a
transition from high school to college. I didn’t
have that when I was coming out of high school. It
could be very helpful for young people.
Alex Khvatov:
Has the NFL always been in the back of your mind?
Ed Wang:
Yeah, it has been. My parents told me that I should
set goals for myself. I wanted to make it to the
NFL.
Alex Khvatov:
Finish the sentence, Ed Wang is....
Ed Wang:
A dedicated football player. He is a very relaxed
person off-the-field. |