I've
been playing since 10 years old, and I played basketball
and baseball. In high school I was a three sport
athlete. I considered basketball, but I didn't get the
looks in basketball like I got in football
Collin Streetman: In
what ways have you changed your training and routine to
prepare for the possibility of life in the NFL?
Nate
Ness: A
lot, my diet, my eating habits, and getting proper rest.
This is a physical game and you have to eat right and
sleep right at night. I've been focused on impressing
scouts and teams, and convince them I am a good overall
player.
Collin Streetman: You
mentioned your diet, does health and nutrition play a
large role in your life, and do you have a special diet
you follow during the season or otherwise?
Nate
Ness: Yeah,
it plays a vital role. No fried foods ever, and I eat
tons of fruits and vegetables and also proteins. I want
to get the right food into my body so my body won't wear
down as fast through my career.
Collin Streetman: What
are you're measurables according to you? Height, Weight,
and estimated 40 time at your pro-day.
Nate
Ness:
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 197 lbs
I hope to run in the 4.4 range.
Collin Streetman: What
intangibles can you bring to an NFL team that might not
show up on tape?
Nate
Ness: I'm
very coachable and respectful. I listen to my coaches. I
am a team-focused player who just wants the team to
succeed. I compete and I'm very competitive, but, in a
respectful way. I want to win and that's what I feel
teams want. Players that develop chemistry and bonding
in the locker-room.
Collin Streetman: Some
players are workout warriors, some are film-junkies, and
others spend their free time on the practice field.
What's you're favorite aspect of game preparation?
Nate
Ness: I
like to watch film. You can never watch too much film
because you may spot a tendency that nobody else knows.
Those can be game changing discoveries. I love to watch
film. I look at game-day as my test and film is a way
for me to perform better on the "test". So, I study film
to prepare for my test.
Collin Streetman: What
is your favorite part of playing S?
Nate
Ness: Just
coming downhill and hitting. The Safety makes big plays
because They are the last line of defense. You got to
get through the safety to get a touchdown, and that
gives you the opportunity to make big stops.
Collin Streetman: Describe
your in-game demeanor using one of the following,
focused and calm, unhinged and explosive, or downright
nasty.
Nate
Ness: Focused
and calm. I don't waste too much energy before the game
especially. That being said, I am ready to go a moments
notice, and once kickoff arrives I'm completely focused
for the game.
Collin Streetman: Which
is a greater asset, your natural ability, or your
work-ethic?
Nate
Ness: My
work ethic. Natural ability can take you so far, but you
can improve as you work harder. Without a strong work
ethic it is much harder to succeed in the NFL.
Collin Streetman: You're
known for your ability to liven up the locker-room,
what's the most memorable locker room prank or hazing
that you've been involved in.
Nate
Ness: Oh
man… I was mimicking coach stoops and there was one time
after practice, a really good practice, and I came in
after practice and I acted like Stoops. I pulled my
shorts up real high and walked bow legged and was
messing with everybody. The whole locker-room and Coach
Stoops were rolling. Another time we printed up pictures
of what celebrities our coaches looked like.
Collin Streetman: You
played with Antoine Cason and the two of you literally
terrorized defenses your Junior season. Do you still
keep in touch with Antoine and is there any advice he's
given you about life in the NFL?
Nate
Ness: I
stay in touch with him. He's coming down to train with
me. He's says stay focused and show hard work. This is a
business and you have to put in the time and effort and
work hard to make it in this business. It's all about
making plays and having fun.
Collin Streetman: Since
Antoine Cason left for the NFL, you've been a major
leader on defense and have served as a Defensive Captain
this season. What did taking on this responsibility
teach you?
Nate
Ness: You
know that being accountable is important as a man. It
gave me a sense of accountability. I have to be a role
model for younger freshmen DBs and just being respectful
and showing them the ropes. You have to show them how to
live your right life as a man first and it transitions
onto the field.
Collin Streetman: Do
you prefer to play closer to the line of scrimmage, or
farther back in the secondary?
Nate
Ness: I
don't have a preference. I can be in the box no problem.
I like the box though because I like the action.
Collin Streetman: Versatility
is crucial to making an NFL roster. Talk about your
ability to make the switch to SS and how your skills
transfer to that position.
Nate
Ness: Um.
I was the equivalent of that this season because I was
always in the box at Arizona my Senior season. It's a
pretty easy switch for me because like I said, my senior
year I was in the box a lot and the coaches know I'm a
strong tackler.
Collin Streetman: Do
you think spending more time in the box contributed to
the decrease in interceptions you had this season?
Nate
Ness: I'm
all about the W's. Stats don't matter too much to me as
long as the team is wining that's what I am all about.
That's really always my focus.
Collin Streetman:
When the QB is barking out signals and the ball is about
to be snapped, what are you keying in on and what's
going through your head?
Nate
Ness:
Well, I focus on certain QB's tendencies. When I watch
film I look for certain personnel and formations and
I'll watch the QB and try to pay attention to the little
things like that, which can make the difference is some
cases. Maybe the QB does something when he does his
pre-snap prep that inadvertently tells you it's going to
be a slant, things like that are why I watch film so
much.
Collin Streetman: What
aspect of your game do you feel is strongest?
Nate
Ness: My
coverage is really strong. I showcased that before in
games. My coverage is really strong
Collin Streetman: What
aspect of your game needs the most improvement?
Nate
Ness: I
feel like turning my hips on the break by the WR, or
when I come downhill towards the tackle, I occasionally
overstep.
Collin Streetman: How
would you describe your personality and character?
Nate
Ness: Outgoing
and respectful, humble young man. I am a student and I
always want to learn new things.
Collin Streetman: What
role does family play in your life?
Nate
Ness: Big
role. I have people in my family who look up to me that
I want to set a good example for like cousins and such.
I want to be a good role model for my son. I want him to
be a better man that I have or will ever be.