Ocie Rose
Safety
Florida Atlantic

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

Ocie Rose:  6’1 ½, 195, and I haven’t run the forty yet.

Alex Khvatov:  Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?

Ocie Rose:  In Miami, I am working out at a physical center.  I am trying to get my body toned.  It is a cross fit facility.  Then in a couple of weeks, I plan to go to a football facility.

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

Ocie Rose:  I had interest from a lot of schools.  I had some academic issues in high school.  Some teams backed away.  Towards the end, my grades situation came out good.

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Florida Atlantic?

Ocie Rose:  My mom had a good connection with the coaches.  The coaches that were there before Lane Kiffin came.  I thought that it was the best fit for me.

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Ocie Rose:  Playmaking ability.  I come up with a big play during crunch time.  Being able to read offenses and know what plays are coming.  I am a team player.  I am physical and I can cover slot WR’s and TE’s.

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Ocie Rose:  Work on my footwork more.  I need to be more fluent with my hips out of the transitions and keeping my eyes in one place.

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

Ocie Rose:  Freshman year, I was starting after the third game.  I had about 40 tackles, three INT’s, scored three TD’s (two TD’s on the pick six and a fumble recovery against the Gators), three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.  I caught two INT’s in one game.  I had an ankle injury my sophomore year.  I missed the first half of the season and came back for the last six games.  I had two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, about 30 tackles and two INT’s.  My junior year, the new coaching staff came in.  We had a new playbook, and it didn’t come to me as fast.  I wasn’t starting anymore.  I learned the playbook before my senior year.  Senior year, we had lost our defensive coordinator to the NFL.  We had a new defensive coordinator and new safety’s coach.  I was alternating reps during my senior year with the other safety.  I had about 30 tackles and two INT’s.

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

Ocie Rose:  When I caught an INT my freshman year and returned it 60 yards for the TD to win the game.  Then 40 seconds later, I came up with my second INT to seal the game against Charlotte.  It was an away game.  The fumble recovery against the Gators my freshman season also was a highlight.  I returned it for the TD, and we went into overtime.  I am also the first guy out of my family to go to college.

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Ocie Rose:  Being able to have a chance to make it in the NFL and take care of my family.

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from Lane Kiffin and the rest of that coaching staff?

Ocie Rose:  Being more of a professional.  He brought things from Alabama.  It was a first glance of how they do certain things from how they trained and nutrition.  We never had that approach here before.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Ocie Rose:  Growing up, it was Sean Taylor, Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu.  I know Sean Taylor’s father personally.  He is a police officer in my neighborhood.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DB?

Ocie Rose:  Having good hips, good footwork and being disciplined with your eyes.  Monte Kiffin always told us a phrase – see a little, see a lot, if you see a lot then you see nothing.

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the offense?

Ocie Rose:  I read the formation.  From film study, I know whether it will run or pass.  Some smart QB’s will disguise the call.  You don’t want to tip him off.  Don’t show your tendencies too early.

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Ocie Rose:  Safety Da’Von Brown, S Zyon Gilbert, RB James Charles, CB Korel Smith, tall CB James Pierre and WR Tavaris Harrison.  Rashad Smith should be an all-conference LB next year.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Ocie Rose:  Antonio Callaway, Kyler Murray and RB Jonathan Taylor from Wisconsin.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Ocie Rose:  Hitting.  Being physical.

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

Ocie Rose:  My mom.

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Ocie Rose:  I wanted to become a firefighter.  But if I make in the NFL, I would like to open up a few businesses.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Ocie Rose:  Physical, smart, fast, funny and cool.

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

Ocie Rose:  The Saints.