Robert Vaughn Interview
UConn – Safety

By: Alex Khvatov

 

1/18/10

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

Robert Vaughn:  6’0”, 202, 4.58 forty.      
 

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school?

Robert Vaughn:  In high school, I played running back, slot receiver, outside linebacker, kick returner and punt returner. 

Alex Khvatov:  What schools showed interest in you during the recruiting process?

Robert Vaughn:  UConn, Iowa and Wisconsin were my top three.  I almost committed to Iowa. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What made you choose UConn?

Robert Vaughn:  UConn was close to my home.  I wanted my family to see me play.  I felt comfortable with the coaching staff.  I visited the campus more than once.  I was able to go to UConn’s practices.  Iowa came in late.  I wasn’t able to go to Iowa’s campus.   
 

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

Robert Vaughn:  My coverage skills and my versatility.  I am a ballhawk.  I am a playmaker. 
 

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

Robert Vaughn:  I need to be a better in the box safety.  I have never been in the box.  I never had to take on a fullback or a lineman on a regular basis.  I played free safety at UConn.  I played in the cover 4.  I always played back there.  I also need to get stronger. 
 

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

Robert Vaughn:  My personal goal was to make the first-team All-Big East.  I didn’t make any teams this year.  I made second-team my junior year.  I also wanted to get five INT’s this year which I got.  I became more of a playmaker this year.  Overall my stats were the best through my four years of playing.  In the end, our team was satisfied with eight wins.  We went through a lot with Jas (CB Jasper Howard).  We could have easily given up.  We stuck together as a family.  Jas’ death was unexpected.  It put a hurt on our program after he passed away.  But we bounced back and won a few games to end the season.  We beat Notre Dame and won our bowl game.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your bowl win over South Carolina. 

Robert Vaughn:  Everyone said that we can’t matchup with an SEC team.  They were too fast for us.  We proved that we can compete.  They didn’t get anything on us.  We came away with a win.  We showed everyone that we can bounce back.  We had a lot of close losses this season.  But it was a good ending.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What will you miss the most about the University of UConn?

Robert Vaughn:  Playing in the Rentschler Field Stadium.  In high school, I played in front of 5,000 people.  I enjoyed playing on the big stage here in this stadium.  You know that everyone is watching you to see if you can make the play or not make it.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most memorable moment of your college career?

Robert Vaughn:  The most memorable moment is Jas.  That is what I will remember.  That act of violence was so unfortunate.  That young man was going to have great success.  You don’t expect violence on a college campus.  Parents feel safe when they send their kids to college.  You have to feel sorry for his mom.  He was going to do it.  He was a determined kid.  He was one of my good friends.  I have been to a lot of funerals, but I broke down and cried at his funeral.  He loved the game.  He was a competitor.  He always had a smile on his face.  I see his face every day.  I remember all of the conversations that we had.  It has been hard after he passed away.  I see his memorial on campus and his jersey on the sidelines.  I know that he is in a better place.

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your head coach Randy Edsall to us. 

Robert Vaughn:  Randy Edsall is a good coach.  I am fortunate that I committed here.  He taught me how to be responsible and be on time.  I learned how to work hard here. The coaches have always been there for us.  They worked hard.  Coach Edsall always talked about the little things.  Things that might not even have to do with football.  He is a good all-around coach.  He cares.  He is a player’s coach.  I really admire the way he handled the death of Jas.  He helped us deal with it.
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Robert Vaughn:  I grew up watching the Patriots.  I really don’t have a favorite NFL team.  I will play in the NFL for any team that wants me.  I don’t discriminate.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Robert Vaughn:  Rodney Harrison.  I met him a couple of times.  My good friend in high school had a dad that was a RB’s coach for the Patriots.  I had a chance to go to a few games.  I went on the field and met him.  I took a picture with him and picked his brain a little.  He was my favorite player.  
 

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

Robert Vaughn:  CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson.  He definitely has that potential.  He reminds me of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.  He is going to be a good corner.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  Has the NFL always been in the back of your mind?  

Robert Vaughn:  Yes, always.  Since the first time I started playing football.  I played running back and I wanted to be like Emmitt Smith.  That is all I think about every day.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you plan to do with your life after football?  

Robert Vaughn:  My grandfather built the barbershop business from nothing.  Our family has nine barbershops around the Boston area.  It is a family chain.  I have grown up cutting hair.  I want to help and keep this barbershop business going.  The barbershop is called Lawson’s.  I want to maybe expand it someday.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Robert Vaughn:  I play the drums.  I played in the church.  I play basketball.  I like to play Madden and Call of Duty.
 

Alex Khvatov:  Are you excited to participate in The Texas versus The Nation All-Star Game?

Robert Vaughn:  Yeah, I can’t wait.  I have already started training.  I am ready to go up there.  It is like a job interview.
 

Alex Khvatov:  How are you preparing for the NFL Draft?

Robert Vaughn:  I am in Orlando training with Darrell Green.  He is putting me through some good workouts.  He was a 20-year veteran in the NFL.  He knows a thing or two about hard work.  I think that I am learning from the right man.  
 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Robert Vaughn is….

Robert Vaughn:  A player that loves the game.  I am determined to be the best that I can be.  I am a good family man.