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Chat Reel: Michael Bennett
Prospect happy to play for any team
Posted: Tuesday April 17, 2001 5:44 PM
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL draft chat with Michael Bennett. Welcome Michael and thanks for joining us.
Michael Bennett: Well, thank you for having me!
From Reese: Most projections have you going to the Vikings, how do you feel about that coming from Packer-land?
Michael Bennett: Anytime you get the opportunity to play in the NFL, it's an opportunity that people dream about everyday growing up. I'll be honored to play for whichever team selects me.
From eagles: Michael, there are rumors that have the Eagles taking you at No. 25. How difficult would it be to adapt to their West Coast offense?
Michael Bennett: I don't really think it'll be difficult to adjust to any offense. At Wisconsin we've run just about every kind of offense there is. So, I don't think it'll be difficult to adjust. And if I do go to the Eagles, Cecil Martin is a fullback there, and he played here. I'm pretty sure he'll be my mentor.
From Endlessmike: Was it hard getting out of Ron Dayne's shadow at Wisconsin?
Michael Bennett: No, I tell him that I enjoyed being in his shadow. It gave me a time to mature and grow and learn the position. He's a great guy to be behind to grow and learn from.
From How: Michael, I feel like you are the best back in the draft, and I feel like you will have a great rookie year in the NFL. Do you feel like you are ready to step in and start right away and contribute? Especially if you go to a team such as Minnesota who is in need of a running back?
Michael Bennett: First of all, thank you. Feeling that I am the best running back is a great compliment. My coaches here have prepared me for anything and everything. If I am the guy to step in and start right away it'll be a challenge, and I'm the type of guy who welcomes challenges each and everyday. And if they expect me to start right away, I think I can step in and get the job done.
From kcjeff: Michael, will you be disappointed if the Chiefs trade their No. 12 pick for Trent Green instead of using it on you?
Michael Bennett: I won't be disappointed. I'm just thankful that I have the opportunity to play in the NFL. I won't be mad if somebody doesn't take me with an earlier pick, I'll just be glad to be able to play in the NFL.
From Tigerguy: What do you feel sets you apart from the other top running back prospects?
Michael Bennett: We're all athletes, but I feel that the one thing that sets me apart is my speed at the running back position.
From Cody: Do you feel you'll be an adequate receiver in the NFL?
Michael Bennett: I think I will be. We didn't really throw the ball to the running back at UW, but I think I've showed the scout that I can catch the ball really well. If they needed me to lineup at wide receiver I think I could do that.
From katojj: Will you still participate on the Badger's track and field team like Tim Dwight did for Iowa?
Michael Bennett: Yes, I will. I plan on coming back in the spring and running track while taking classes to graduate with a degree in criminology.
From crashbop: What can you tell us about Chris Chambers, and how fast he could impact a team like the Eagles?
Michael Bennett: Chris Chambers is Superman to me. I think he can have a great impact as soon as he touches down anywhere. He is a great person, a great worker and I think he'll have a great impact.
From Reese: Is it tense waiting to see where you'll end up?
Michael Bennett: It's not really tense, just a nervous feeling. You've waited all your life for this day. I'm excited. I just can t wait to see the outcome.
From Bulldozer: Is there any running back you look up to?
Michael Bennett: I look up to Edgerrin James, I still admire Emmitt Smith and Barry Sanders and Marshall Faulk, especially, and Fred Taylor too.
From Scott in Montgomery, Ala.: Any particular reason you left Wisconsin after just one season as the featured back and possibly being a Heisman front runner next year?
Michael Bennett: I gave up my dreams of running in the Olympics to play football, and I didn't want to pass up my dreams of playing in the NFL.
From Cody: Are you a little afraid of the size and power that NFL defenders possess? Will you change any of your game in order to adapt to the style of game in the NFL?
Michael Bennett: I know that the NFL is a really strong game with overall power, size and speed, but I think I have the muscle power to get in and play with those guys.
From katojj: What teams have shown a lot of interest in you?
Michael Bennett: Carolina, Kansas City, Chicago, New England, the Vikings, Saints and Cleveland and that's about it that I can think of.
From scarborough-zoo: What do you bench press?
Michael Bennett: My max is 425 pounds.
From bigdog: How would you feel about playing in a pass happy system like Minnesota?
Michael Bennett: That would be nice. That way Randy Moss and Cris Carter are always the deep threats and they'd leave the run open for me. But wherever I end up I'll be happy.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Michael Bennett. Michael, thanks for joining us and good luck on Saturday.
Michael Bennett: Thank you for having me.
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