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Chat Reel: Leonard Davis

Former Texas OL to be a sizeable addition to the NFL

Leonard Davis is considered to be the top offensive lineman in the 2001 NFL Draft. The 6-6, 370 pound player switched from defensive line to offense after his freshman year at Texas. Despite a slow start in 2000, he came on to win All-Conference and All-America honors and was a finalist for the Outland Trophy. Here's the transcript of his April 11 chat with CNNSI.com users:

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL Draft chat with Leonard Davis. Welcome Leonard, thanks for joining us!
Leonard Davis: Thank you, good to be here.

From THE SHADOW in San Francisco, Calif.: Have you ever played against anyone bigger than yourself?
Leonard Davis: No, I haven't played against anyone bigger than myself.

From HornFan: Leonard, what will be the biggest change between pro and college ball?
Leonard Davis: The mentality of the game will probably be the biggest change.

From Creglow: Who is toughest player you've ever had to block?
Leonard Davis: It's not one singular player but the three toughest are Justin Smith from Mizzou, Monte Reager from Texas Tech and Darren Howard from Kansas State who now plays with New Orleans.

From Nancy in Boston: Have you had much contact with the Patriots? Have you met with them in Foxboro?
Leonard Davis: No, I haven't met with the Patriots, but at the combine they seemed really interested.

From Chris MacDonald in Austin, Texas: What's your response to the critics' claims of you being too soft natured and not aggressive enough?
Leonard Davis: My response is for critics to put on a uniform and let them line up across from someone and see what it is all about.

From Sarah Yarbrough in Evant, Texas: Leonard, are you nervous about the draft?
Leonard Davis: No, I'm not nervous but I'm very anxious.

From Donnie in Milwaukee, Wis.: What team would he most prefer to go to?
Leonard Davis: Tampa Bay because I've been a fan of theirs for the past two to three years.

From Jimmy Kyung in Baltimore, Md.: Being a Texas grad, I've followed Texas football since I was a kid. I must say, that you are the biggest human I have ever seen on the field. How quickly do you think you will contribute to the team that drafts you?
Leonard Davis: I expect to contribute right away.

From Clary: Who is your role model?
Leonard Davis: I have a few... In football my role models are Tony Boselli and Larry Allen and in basketball it's Shaq.

From bob: Can you name an offensive lineman in the league whose style is like yours?
Leonard Davis: Probably Larry Allen.

From Creglow: What are your max lifts?
Leonard Davis: 500 lbs. on the bench, 600 lbs. squat and 355 lbs. power cling.

From Gary: Who is the best running back you have blocked for?
Leonard Davis: Ricky Williams, without a doubt.

CNNSI Host: From Edwin: Leonard, which teams have you visited lately? Any teams that have contacted you that you have been surprised by?
Leonard Davis: No there are not any that I have been surprised by. The only team I have visited so far is Atlanta, and I supposed to visit Arizona.

From Creglow: How do you feel about playing for the Bears?
Leonard Davis: I wouldn't mind playing for the Bears.

From Clark: What are your other favorite sports besides football?
Leonard Davis: I like watching basketball, but I haven't had a chance to watch much this past year.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Leonard Davis. Thanks and good luck in the draft!
Leonard Davis: Thanks!

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