James Mallory Interview

Running Back – Central Connecticut State
 

By: Alex Khvatov

3/5/10

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

James Mallory:  My height is a little under 5’10”, my weight is 195 and I run a 4.5.

Alex Khvatov:  Tell me about your recent Pro Day. 

James Mallory:  I was expecting to run in the mid 4.4 range at my Pro Day.  I was unable to do that.  I didn’t get a good start.  I heard from scouts that I ran a 4.51 and a 4.53.  My vertical was 33 ½ inches.  I also did 13 reps on the bench.  It wasn’t a terrible day, but I could have done better.  I am always hard on myself.  I feel that I could always do better. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are scouts saying about you?

James Mallory:  I am hearing that they like me because of my special teams play.  They also say that I run like a 215 pound back.  They love how tough I am.  I have the passion for the game.  I can carry the ball 25 times a game and play special teams.  I can return an 80-yard kickoff for a TD and be out there on the next play covering kicks.    

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

James Mallory:  Central Connecticut State, Maryland, Syracuse, Penn State showed a little interest and a lot of the MAC schools.  I didn’t have the grades.  I was a non-qualifier academically.

Alex Khvatov:  How did you end up at Central Connecticut State?

James Mallory:  They showed the most interest in me.  They stuck with me.  The coaching staff was nice.  They are at Fordham now. 

Alex Khvatov:  What were your personal and team goals heading into your senior campaign?

James Mallory:  My personal goal was to gain over 2,000 yards and score 20 touchdowns.  The team goal was to win the Conference outright which we did.  But we didn’t get a bid into the playoffs.  We lost to Butler in the Gridiron Classic. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you rate your senior season?

James Mallory:  I would rate my senior campaign as a B+ or an A-.  I could have done better individually.  We should have been 11-1, but we lost two close games.  We spread the ball out a little more this year.  We had success.  I told the coaching staff that they don’t have to give me 30+ carries a game.  They don’t have to force it if the pass is working for us.  Opposing teams were paying more attention to me this year.  We had success passing the ball. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your football career up to this point?

James Mallory:  My highlight would have to be winning the Conference outright my senior year.  It was our team goal for five seasons.  We set that goal again this year and we were able to accomplish it.  I had a lot to do with it.  Winning always comes first above everything else.    

Alex Khvatov:  What will you miss the most about Central Connecticut State?

James Mallory:  I am going to miss my teammates.  We were always cheering each other on.  I am going to miss them. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths on the football field?

James Mallory:  My agility.  I am very agile.  I make defenders miss.  I don’t leave any negative plays on the field.  It is my job to make the first guy miss.  I have to break that first tackle.  I also do a good job catching the ball out of the backfield.  I had 16 catches this year which tied me for fourth on the team.  My overall versatility is a big asset.  I play special teams.  I blocked four punts this year.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game do you still need to improve upon?

James Mallory:  My pass blocking definitely has to improve.  I will get better with reps.  I will learn from the great NFL coaches.  Coaches are amazing at that level.  I should get better in that area.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

James Mallory:  Growing up in Buffalo, New York, I always rooted for the hometown team.  I am a Buffalo Bills fan.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

James Mallory:  My favorite player of all-time is Deion Sanders.  It is a big reason why I wore a #2 jersey just like he did at Florida State.  He brought energy and style.  People fed off that energy.  I have a lot of energy too during practice, games and in the weight room.  Teammates told me that they are going to miss my energy.  I take pride in that.

Alex Khvatov:  Which underclassman on your team should we keep an eye on in the future?

James Mallory:  Receiver Josue Paul.  He can be a special player.  He has all of the athletic ability in the world.  He was Second Team All Conference.  He is a heck of a player.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?    

James Mallory:  I am a laid back person.  I am in my room watching TV right now.  I watch a lot of game film on my computer.  I go home and analyze my play.  I want to get better.  I am always watching movies.  I enjoy spending time with my family.  I am a family person.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the greatest lesson that you have learned in life? 

James Mallory:  Put your all in everything you do and nothing but good things will come.  I give it a 100%.  I feel if I am not giving it my all, I am cheating myself. 

Alex Khvatov:  How does it feel to be a small fish in a large pond?

James Mallory:  It is a dream come true.  A lot of people would love to be in my position.  I am definitely not a C.J. Spiller.  I won’t be drafted in the first round, but I have a chance.  I know what I can do.  When I get on the football field, I will show people how good I really am.  I will open a lot of eyes.  It is also humbling at the same time because I am not the only good player out there.  It is all about football for me.  It is a great experience.  I will appreciate everything a lot more coming from a small school.  I know the hard work and dedication that I have put in.

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, James Mallory is....

James Mallory:  A humble guy who loves to play football.  I love life.  I work hard.  I put God first in my life, then family second and football comes third.  I go all out for my teammates.  If we stick together, we will win.  I am a football junkie.  I love my family.