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PLAYER CHAT TRANSCRIPTS |
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- 4/16/00 @ 3pm
MODERATOR: Welcome to the chat with Jamal Lewis and Travis Taylor.
foundation: hello???
MODERATOR: Hello. Please standby.
MODERATOR: The players have arrived.
foundation: MATT LEAVEY ask:
boogieb: Is this thing on
MODERATOR: Yes, we are here
foundation: How do you expect to fit into Coach Billick's Offense?
JAMAL LEWIS: I feel like as a RB being able to run the ball and open it for passing game so the offense can be more effective.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Just coming in trying to make plays, open up the running game, try to move the offense up the charts.
foundation: Travis we know you wore #19 at Fla. what number will you have here?
TRAVIS TAYLOR: I want #19 but Johnny Unitas wore it here, so it might be hard to get. I'll have to ask him if I can wear it.
foundation: what was your most inspirational moment in football? When did you realize you could be a pro?
JAMAL LEWIS: After high school when I was being recruited by different colleges, that made me feel that I was doing something right. I just want to take it to the next level. Keep playing, keep doing what I like to do.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Coming out of high school, everyone wanted me to come to their school. I didn't redshirt my first year, and I started making plays my 2nd year. I had a big year and it went from there.
obie: you enjoy hitting people on the field
JAMAL LEWIS: Yes
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Yes
obie: what did your parents say when u got drafted
JAMAL LEWIS: They were excited, and proud of me.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: The same. Telling me good luck. Excited for the whole family.
01aslai: travis- do you consider yourself a slot or outside receiver?
TRAVIS TAYLOR: I consider myself both. I played both slot and outside. I can do both. Whatever Coach Spurrier asked, I did.
boogieb: Baltimore is alot colder than where you guys are from do you think it will effect you playing?
JAMAL LEWIS: No, I don't think so. Being an athlete, you can adjust to any temperature. It's all about playing football
TRAVIS TAYLOR: It's colder but it shouldn't affect anything. Everybody has to play in it, why can't I play in it? It's no big deal.
aslai: jamal- you see yourself more like Marshall Faulk (pass catcher) or more like Eddie George (power running)?
JAMAL LEWIS: A combination of both, able to pound the ball and catch out of the backfield. That's what makes you a good back.
obie: anyone on the team excite you about being teammates
JAMAL LEWIS: Shannon Sharpe, because I worked out with him since I was a freshman. It's funny that we both ended up in the same place.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: I never met any of the guys. I am just excited to see some new people.
boogieb: Travis what do you hope to learn from our receiving corp
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Just to adjust to the speed of the game. Learn some new tricks, a push off here and there, some moves off the line. I know they can teach me a lot.
aslai: Any team either of you looking forward to playing this year?
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Every team for me.
foundation: will you move to baltimore?
JAMAL LEWIS: During the season.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Same.
obie: how important is getting into camp ontime to you
JAMAL LEWIS: Real important to get started, to learn the plays.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Very important, because if you get in late, alot of people already in your position get a jump on you.
aslai: Do you think there will be any problems getting into camp on time?
JAMAL LEWIS: No.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Not at all.
cbressler: How big of an adjustment do you thing it may be from college to the pro's Jamal
JAMAL LEWIS: I think coming out of the SEC, I think it'll be a little different . I think I'll come in and adjust pretty well.
aslai: Now that both of you have been drafted, did either of you have a favorite you would have been especially happy to end up with?
TRAVIS TAYLOR: I am now on my favorite team.
JAMAL LEWIS: Atlanta would have been nice, but I am happy in Baltimore. Atlanta is where my home is.
cbressler: I'll ask again , how much of an adjustment do you think there will be between college and the pro's
TRAVIS TAYLOR: Not much. I come out of a passing system at Florida that's similar to the Ravens. Right now, I have to adjust to the speed of the game.
obie: do you feel you can make an impact this year
JAMAL LEWIS: I think bringing in a RB and WR, plus Shannon Sharpe, I think the offense will improve as a whole. I think everybody will complement each other.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: I think the whole team will. Shannon Sharpe, Ismail on one side, Chris Redman at QB, Jamal at RB... it's a lot of people helping each other.
cbressler: Jamal What do you think you playing weight will be?
JAMAL LEWIS: About 235 or 236.
aslai: jamal- which do you prefer, running or catching?
JAMAL LEWIS: Catching because it puts me one-on-one with the defender most of the time.
obie: has draft day been fun or overwhelming for u
JAMAL LEWIS: It's been fun for me. I am happy to just get it over with.
TRAVIS TAYLOR: It's been fun to have family and friends get together. We just had a good time.
MODERATOR: The players have to go meet with Coach Billick now. We thank everyone for participating.
MODERATOR: The players have left the chat room. Thanks for taking part.
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