Derrick Puni
Offensive Tackle
Central Missouri

 

Ed Hunt:  What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)

 

Derrick Puni:  I’m 6’5, 322lbs and I run a 5.1.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is your best position on the offensive line?

 

Derrick Puni:  I played left tackle in college, but I can kick in to guard.  I feel comfortable there too.

 

Ed Hunt:  What positions can you play?

 

Derrick Puni:  I can play anywhere.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?

 

Derrick Puni:  Nathan Shepherd from Fort Hayes.  He went in the third-round last year.

 

Ed Hunt:  Coming out of high school, which schools showed interest in you?

 

Derrick Puni:  Northeast Missouri and Lindenwood, but Central Missouri was the only one that offered me.

 

Ed Hunt:  What made you ultimately choose Central Missouri?

 

Derrick Puni:  It was my only offer, and I felt at home out there.  I felt like it was on the rise.

 

Ed Hunt:  What are your strengths?

 

Derrick Puni:  My athleticism, quick feet, long arms and a good football IQ.

 

Ed Hunt:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

 

Derrick Puni:  My overall technique like footwork and overall working out.

 

Ed Hunt:  Describe your overall career.

 

Derrick Puni:  I had a pretty good career.  I was a three-year starter, three-time all-conference and two-time all-American.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is the highlight of your career at this point?

 

Derrick Puni:  Probably playing at Arrowhead Stadium my junior year against Northwest Missouri.

 

Ed Hunt:  I noticed you are a mauler in the run game.  What do you attribute this to?

 

Derrick Puni:  It’s a mindset, you have to be physical.

 

Ed Hunt:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

 

Derrick Puni:  I started from scratch.  I played tight end in high school.  They taught me everything about o-line.

 

Ed Hunt:  Is there a role you have played on special teams thus far in your career?

 

Derrick Puni:  Just been on the field goal team.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Derrick Puni:  The Raiders.  That was my dad’s favorite team, so it just kind of rubbed off on me.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Derrick Puni:  Tyron Smith.  I love watching him play.

 

Ed Hunt:  What’s the most important trait for an offensive lineman?

 

Derrick Puni:  Physicality for sure.  If you don’t have that, then you won’t be very successful.

 

Ed Hunt:  Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in that defense?

 

Derrick Puni:  I’m looking at alignment.  How it’s going to affect my job.  How I’m supposed to do.

 

Ed Hunt:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

 

Derrick Puni:  QB Brook Boles.

 

Ed Hunt:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Derrick Puni:  Just being around the team.  The camaraderie and the competition.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Derrick Puni:  My parents for sure.  They’ve done everything for me.  My dad with sports, and my mom with the life side of everything.

 

Ed Hunt:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

Derrick Puni:  Somebody who is a role model.  Somebody who everybody respects.

 

Ed Hunt:  What do you want to do with your life after football?

 

Derrick Puni:  I got a degree in sports management.  I want to get into recruiting and scouting.

 

Ed Hunt:  What five words best describe you?

 

Derrick Puni:  Humble, accountable, hard-working, respected and competitive.

 

Ed Hunt:  Who will win the Super Bowl next year?

 

Derrick Puni:  I think the Rams will.  I think the Rams will go back.