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May 9, 2025 57 mins
On this episode of From the Podium, hear from HC Kevin Stefanski, RBs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, TE Harold Fannin Jr., LB Carson Schwesinger, and DT Mason Graham from the first day of rookie minicamp.

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Episode Transcript

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Speaker 1 (00:09):
Welcome to another edition of the From the Podium podcast.
I'm Gabe Kleura. Today was day one of rookie Mini
Camp at the Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Maria, and
all the first year players were in the building today
for their first reps in the Orange and Brown. On
this episode, you'll hear from head coach Kevin Stefanski, running
back Quinn Shawn Judkins, running back Dylan Sampson, tight end

(00:30):
Harold Fannin, junior linebacker Carson Swetsinger, and defensive tackle Mason Graham.
We start with head coach Kevin Stefanski, who recapped what
he saw on day one from the rooks.

Speaker 2 (00:39):
Okay, really good first day with these guys. Beautiful day
out here on the grass. They're doing a very very
nice job, as you would imagine on their first day.
You know, always make that first impression with the first day,
and I thought they did a great job. They're all
in their seats very early for these meetings, all very compliant,
but no really good group of guys. And then you know,

(01:00):
I have brought in a bunch of impressive kids to
take a look at. So that's kind of the fun
part for us as coaches is see what everybody can
handle mentally, get them moving around, see what they can
do physically, and then let them put their best foot
forward and then we'll we'll go from there. But with that,
I'll take any questions, Kevin, how much you.

Speaker 3 (01:16):
Had Dylan and Shadoor work under center before they got in.

Speaker 4 (01:22):
Here in their collegiate.

Speaker 5 (01:24):
Career or.

Speaker 4 (01:26):
Or even since you know, Yeah, I.

Speaker 2 (01:28):
Think most guys coming out of the draft that are
in predominantly shotgun will do a lot of work on
their own leading up to Pro day and those type
of things. Both have done it over the course of
their career, but certainly in the collegiate game it's majority shotgun.
In the NFL game, it's majority shotgun. So it's just
getting guys comfortable where you have the ability to do both.

(01:51):
Is really the idea when you went the team state
the race and gets Gabriel.

Speaker 4 (01:56):
Took the first snaps.

Speaker 2 (01:58):
Yeah, I wouldn't look into really anything, I know, But
how do you choose as a draft status or what.

Speaker 4 (02:03):
Yeah, I wouldn't look into anything.

Speaker 2 (02:04):
I think you'll see the whole weekend going through the spring,
we don't pay too close attention to who's in there.

Speaker 4 (02:10):
First.

Speaker 2 (02:11):
We'll say, will you be here, I'll see it here.

Speaker 6 (02:13):
So, Kevin, when you get the quarterbacks, just the quarterbacks
on the field for the first down at a camp
like this, what are some of the things you pay
the most attention.

Speaker 2 (02:22):
Well, I think the fun part is we spent so
much pre draft time with these players, particularly when we're
talking about our quarterbacks, with Dylan and stud Door, we
spent meeting time with them out of this building. We've
taken them through walkthroughs, and then they get to go
do it in uniform with the helmets on and just
see what they can take from the meeting room to

(02:43):
the grass.

Speaker 4 (02:43):
And I thought both guys did a nice job.

Speaker 7 (02:45):
Kevin, earlier today maybe ninety and you said that you
guys were kind of restructure maybe like the practice or
sort of maximize the repsture the TVs and kind of
gives a little insight into that.

Speaker 2 (02:56):
Yeah, So today we did a couple seven on sevens
longer seven on seven and then we typically have done.
And the idea there is just to maximize reps for
those guys, you know what we're trying to do, And
that was part of the idea of bringing in some
tryout players. This wee weekend. Now, those tryout players are
trying to make the football team.

Speaker 4 (03:14):
They're not just here for practice.

Speaker 2 (03:15):
I was around a tryout player a few years ago
named Adam Thielen. So we're giving these guys every chance
they can to put their best foot forward.

Speaker 8 (03:22):
Kevin, not so much today because you had so much
going on out there, But Kysin sweashed you.

Speaker 4 (03:28):
What are your early imprejects by the.

Speaker 2 (03:31):
Yeah, very intelligent young man plays very fast. I think
you see that, Jeff and how he moves. He's got
really athletic movement skills. Aggressive linebacker, but I think he's
able to play so fast due to his ability to
process information really quickly.

Speaker 9 (03:49):
Kevin, when first got here, even last week, he's been
out and about a little bit in the community, trying
to get acclimated and maybe give back a little bit.
Just what do you think some of that and does
all of that go into your decision, just in terms
of quarterback leadership and different things.

Speaker 2 (04:08):
Yeah, I mean, I wouldn't go so far as to
say that, Mary Kay, I would tell you we always
encourage our guys to get out in the community and
and I think our group does a great job here
at the Browns. It's an important part of what d
and Jimmy believe in, and we'll certainly talk to these
young players about that and they'll have opportunities to go
out in the community. So if guys are doing on

(04:28):
their own that that's that's outstanding.

Speaker 10 (04:32):
Are giving these guys as they head.

Speaker 7 (04:33):
The facilities that obviously come back.

Speaker 2 (04:36):
They have a lot of homework, They have a lot
of film to watch, playbooks to to look at. You know,
we don't you don't want to overburden a player where
he's not going to play fast, but you want to
see what they can handle. You want to push them, uh,
not to their limits, but certainly push them so they're
they're studying that needs to be done. Will install plays
on offense and defense, Uh that maybe we won't even practice,

(04:57):
but we want them to spend the time out of
this building in their playbook and then be ready to
roll tomorrow morning so we'll all sleep well.

Speaker 11 (05:06):
Kevin kind of a similar question to the quarterbacks, but
with Mason. I mean, obviously when d linemen don't have
pads on, like, what can you take away from these practices?

Speaker 2 (05:14):
Yeah, I think individual drills are always really important. I've
never been around a defensive line coach or an offensive
line coach that gets enough individual time.

Speaker 4 (05:22):
They always want more.

Speaker 2 (05:24):
So this is a great opportunity, particularly that we're doing
these seven on sevens to have individual time. And you
see over there Jacques and coach Morris or are working
these guys really hard and just indoctrinating them to individual
And when I say individual, we're talking about fundamentals and techniques.
That's that's what you're working on an individual. It's it's
the foundation of what we do. So they have a

(05:44):
lot of time to be able to teach our techniques,
which are always are a little bit different what they've been
doing in the past.

Speaker 12 (05:50):
How many hours more to take to get a collection
of forty seven players to run up to you seven
and seventh drill?

Speaker 4 (05:58):
That's a good question.

Speaker 2 (05:58):
So we can't really talk to them until yesterday Thursday
when they when they arrived. So, uh, it's it's a
lot of there's I wish there was a secret to it,
but it's it's a lot of just.

Speaker 4 (06:10):
Time in the in the meeting rooms, time on the board,
you know.

Speaker 2 (06:13):
I think it's it's it's helpful when you have a
bunch of smart players, which I think we have that
and then the coaches kind of once we get them
here in the building, they were around the clock. Uh
maybe not completely around the clock, Okay, don't check me
on that, but spending every waking moment that they had
available to them to get them ready. And that's a
lot of walkthroughs too, I should mention you know, I
think we started this morning at seven am. I bet

(06:36):
you there was a ton of walk through at each
position going out on throughout the day. Kevin, We've seen.

Speaker 9 (06:40):
We've seen Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacko, some photos of them,
some videos of them working in the off season program. Already,
just wondering how is that side of the quarterback competition.

Speaker 13 (06:50):
Going so far?

Speaker 4 (06:51):
Yeah, I think the guys are working really hard.

Speaker 2 (06:53):
It's it's been a really fun group to work with
in the meeting room out on the practice field. I
think the push each other just by naturally being guys
that work so hard and put so much work effort
into it in the meeting room out here on the
practice field.

Speaker 4 (07:08):
So it's a really good group.

Speaker 7 (07:10):
Already, been a decision on who will take like those
first team ups, and you guys get to together for orotas.

Speaker 4 (07:15):
We'll work through that.

Speaker 2 (07:16):
I know this will probably fall in deaf ears, but
don't look too much into it. Okay, check with Tony
after each practice on where everybody was. Uh, there's plenty
of reps. There's a lot of time between now and September,
so uh, we'll have a plan. But it's it's an
all encompassing evaluation. It's not something that it's just based
on the practice reps. There's a lot that goes into it.

Speaker 14 (07:37):
Yes, thanks, But when you draft two running backs like
you guys, do you consider how to compliment each other
in that process or you just get them in here and.

Speaker 4 (07:44):
Kind of figure it out. Yeah.

Speaker 2 (07:46):
Well, I think we picked Q and obviously you know
his his skill set, so I think Dylan was a
player we really really liked a lot throughout the process.
So I think it really just so happens that they're
that they're different in style, which I think is beneficial.
I think when you're talking about the running back position
and the quintessential change of pace, sometimes that pace can

(08:07):
turn into a you can go from a speedback to
a stronger back or vice versa. So I think it
really did just happen that way, But we liked both
of those guys a lot going into this draft process.

Speaker 15 (08:20):
Have seen Dylan respond to you guys adding another highly
towed rookie news.

Speaker 16 (08:26):
You know.

Speaker 2 (08:26):
I think it just goes back to the competition at
each position is what is something that elevates every single
one of these guys. So I don't think any of
our players are looking around who's in line with them.
They're just focused on making sure they do their job
and do their job the best of their ability.

Speaker 4 (08:44):
Instruction, competition, I think it's both.

Speaker 2 (08:47):
I think you can do both. I think part of
who we are, part of our core is being competitive.
That's that's what we do in sport. That's certainly what
we do in this building out in these fields. Everything
we're like competing. Now you're also competing with yourself, of course,
but everything we're doing is always competitive.

Speaker 3 (09:06):
Kevin kind of going back to the quarterbacks a big picture.
I know it's made only May ninth, but is there
a point where you kind of in your mind say
we have to go from four to three, three to
two because of the overall getting the football team ready
for for you know, to play games, or or is

(09:27):
this something that you could go to four. You know,
you can stick with four all the way through in
terms of Yeah, the general competition.

Speaker 2 (09:34):
Yeah, well, we'll kind of keep it. You mentioned it's
May ninth, so it's May ninth, so we'll kind of
keep it there. I understand the question, and we'll work
through all those things over the course of the next
few weeks.

Speaker 15 (09:44):
Kevin, Andrew Barry mentioned the reader today by nick job,
it's unlikely for her return.

Speaker 6 (09:48):
I know you've been on the records, as Andrew well
documented about your love for naked.

Speaker 17 (09:53):
Everything, but you just kind of expound upon that and.

Speaker 4 (09:56):
Go again an injuries of the statements.

Speaker 2 (09:57):
Yeah, I can echo what Andrew said. You know, I
read what an you said, and I agree wholeheartedly.

Speaker 4 (10:02):
Uh.

Speaker 2 (10:02):
I understand how how this works, but uh, it doesn't
change how we feel about the person.

Speaker 17 (10:07):
Would there be a scenario you bring him back?

Speaker 2 (10:10):
Yeah, of course, and I think Andrew kind of said
that as well. But uh again, uh, Andrew said it
better than our kids can.

Speaker 4 (10:16):
So let's stick with what Andrew said.

Speaker 18 (10:18):
Kevin, I know that you said, don't read into anything,
but given well, I'm just looking for clarity because given
the importance of the position and the situation, that you
guys are in as a franchise at that position. You
understand why people are asking for more insight, and you
understand that not really divulging as much as people would

(10:38):
love to hear, yes I wanna spound.

Speaker 2 (10:44):
Uh yeah, I mean I I think for all coaches,
as you can imagine, Uh, you put plans together to
practice and and uh get the guys ready for a season,
but uh, we don't. We don't have to put a
depth chart out for such a long time, so it's
not something that we're really focused on.

Speaker 4 (11:01):
How guys come off the field.

Speaker 2 (11:03):
And in terms of who gets the first shot at it,
I mean you may get the first rep of practice
with the ones, but then the next period you may
get the second group, so we vary it throughout. We're
not as we're focused more on the totality of this competition,
if you will, at every position, not just the quarterbacks.

Speaker 4 (11:26):
I told the players last night.

Speaker 2 (11:27):
We tell them this, We're evaluating everything they do out
on the field, in the meeting room, in the weight room.
We want to see how they work. So this is
a total evaluation. It's not just about one rep at
rookie mini camp or one rep in an Ota.

Speaker 4 (11:43):
It's it's really all about the body of work.

Speaker 16 (11:48):
In terms of arm.

Speaker 9 (11:48):
Strength, revolution on the ball, you know, just footwork and.

Speaker 4 (11:51):
Things like that.

Speaker 9 (11:53):
Were they sort of what you expected them to be.
What were your first impressions.

Speaker 4 (11:56):
Of just them physically, you know, America.

Speaker 2 (11:59):
I've seen both guys throw live, so and that's part
of the why it's so important in that process to
get around those guys. So, uh, they were as advertised.
I thought both guys did a really nice job. And
there's so much to work on, and it's it's the
minutia of the position. It's some technique things, it's uh,
the operation needs to get better all those things.

Speaker 4 (12:19):
That's why we're here.

Speaker 2 (12:21):
That's why we're gonna work really hard over the next
few days to get these guys ready for when they
joined the veterans on Monday.

Speaker 6 (12:28):
You think it's important to see a guy throw live
for the person time. That's part of the.

Speaker 4 (12:31):
Pre draft products. Yes, I do. Yeah, I do think
with quarterbacks you should see them live.

Speaker 6 (12:35):
So once you see a guy throw a private workout
or whatever, do you feel like then you know how
a guy throws.

Speaker 2 (12:42):
I do, Yeah, I do, And I think if you
talk to a lot offensive line coach he'd like to
see a guy come out of a stance live, or
a linebacker coach, he'd like to see a guy break
on the ball. So part of it is just in
that evaluation you see it on tape, certainly, But I
think being around the players can be important.

Speaker 4 (12:59):
It's just depends on the position. How important Kevin.

Speaker 14 (13:03):
How how are you guys approaching the situation with Devin
Bush when he got arrested.

Speaker 13 (13:06):
And was he in the building this week?

Speaker 4 (13:08):
He was in the building this week.

Speaker 2 (13:09):
I don't have much more to comment on past that, Dan,
but will update you as as there's more information.

Speaker 17 (13:14):
How much does the.

Speaker 4 (13:16):
Plan for a rookie minty can't get aldered when.

Speaker 19 (13:18):
You it's rare that you draft two quarterbacks, right, Like,
I didn't know if that's happened before your career. But
does it change the thinking or do you go over
the conscious like got us put these guys up.

Speaker 2 (13:29):
More so maybe than I think rookie mini camps over
the last twenty years, really that has changed. Back in
the day, it was a full on mini camp. It
was two practices a day, it was a lot of reps.
And there's been a effort to do a little bit
less on the field in recent years. And part of
the reason is these guys are on the draft circuit

(13:51):
and they're traveling to every building and organization for interviews,
and it's it's hard to stay in football shape in
that way, so you'd get guys hurt, really, So we're
trying to balance the ability to get some live reps
and see these guys move and still do it safely
because it is May and these guys haven't been playing

(14:12):
football in a little while.

Speaker 9 (14:13):
Regardless of who went first and eleven on elevens and
seven and sevens, it looks like you're trying to give
them both almost an equal on a reps. Is that
accurate or maybe fifty five four?

Speaker 2 (14:23):
Yeah, that's fair, I think certainly for this camp. Mary Kay,
that's that's the idea, And to split the reps.

Speaker 14 (14:28):
You guys are always talking about blocking out the outside noise.

Speaker 15 (14:30):
Obviously there's a lot of that comes rosher doing what
is your guys' goal, as in helping fly at that.

Speaker 2 (14:38):
Yeah, you know, we've I've talked to our team many
times over the years. We're not so caught up in
outside noise. We kind of worry about what's going inside
between our walls. We get that this game comes with
a lot of attention and that's the fun part of
this business and the fun part of it for our fans,
But for our work, we focus on what's between those.

Speaker 1 (15:01):
Most Running back Quinn Shawn Judkins talked more about how
his aggressive running style will translate to the NFL game.

Speaker 11 (15:06):
What about your your running styles?

Speaker 20 (15:08):
How do you think that those might have blong together?

Speaker 17 (15:11):
I lead up to the coaches. You know, I think myself.

Speaker 21 (15:13):
When I play style all around player versusility of sis, power, vision,
the ability to catch the ball.

Speaker 17 (15:20):
But you know, I think coach and coach a I
mean odd because plays.

Speaker 16 (15:25):
In positions going what's the best of your coaches there?

Speaker 3 (15:28):
For giving that guys here.

Speaker 16 (15:29):
For this weekend and whether they.

Speaker 7 (15:30):
Want to see coach dude just wants to go out there.

Speaker 17 (15:33):
And just insecute them all against all things we put
in and go out there and be the guy today.

Speaker 10 (15:37):
The drafted the plate and it was early, But have
you maybe gravitated towards anybody in your in your time
in this building and.

Speaker 4 (15:44):
Working for the best coaches?

Speaker 21 (15:47):
Yeah, crazy as it sounds, I don't say it but
I think for myself, maybe Dylan Gabriel, the quarterbacks, a
lot of olim A lot of those guys are happy
when in the static when I got drafted here, So
spend a lot of time with them and you're not
just getting to know them on a personal level.

Speaker 4 (16:02):
But anticipating.

Speaker 20 (16:03):
Could be Manda's adjustment and then get ready.

Speaker 21 (16:09):
I think for myself, really just learning a different terminology
and offense at end of the day, still football, just
learning a different terminology that come from offense is very
similar to this one.

Speaker 17 (16:19):
So, like I said, it's just the burbage.

Speaker 14 (16:21):
But John, when you know the Ohio State, you did
this a lot when you're just running in front of
the ball down the team's throat, Like, how does that
feel for you?

Speaker 13 (16:28):
Like just over and over again, just running at I.

Speaker 22 (16:30):
Think that's the mentality, you know, have my position as
a competitor, that's what you look forward to, is being
able to go out there and execute it and dominate,
especially in my position and me as a player, that's
what my goal is.

Speaker 17 (16:42):
And my mind setting every time my.

Speaker 20 (16:45):
You know, they're similar, but they're different.

Speaker 13 (16:48):
In a lot of ways.

Speaker 20 (16:49):
The NFL offenses, they're a lot more intrigigious. What was
your first impression because you've been in here for about
twenty four hours or so, you know, seeing the Browns
playbook and you know, maybe what your responsibilities might be
just outside of carry.

Speaker 21 (17:04):
Yeah, I think as far as the difficulty, it definitely
expands more. As far as the versatility on how you
can be used and the complexity of it, the coaches
can use you in a lot more different ways, and
you start to see more in depth of defensive schemes
and things of that nature.

Speaker 17 (17:19):
But as far as anything else so far, you.

Speaker 4 (17:21):
Know, coach just gave us an installed different things he
wants us to learn right now.

Speaker 8 (17:26):
To thank you and doing Samson can really transform the
backfield here.

Speaker 17 (17:31):
And I think, just like I said earlier, the mentality.

Speaker 21 (17:34):
I think we both have great mentality to great guys
and what we do and you know, just trying to
help the team in anyway.

Speaker 16 (17:40):
Why did you chose a number ten?

Speaker 17 (17:43):
Oh?

Speaker 21 (17:43):
Because I had number one in college, so I was like,
we'll go with number ten.

Speaker 17 (17:48):
It's a great decision.

Speaker 21 (17:49):
Also, I think, like, uh, you know, team rules, vets,
get the number ones and all the other things out.

Speaker 4 (17:54):
This is a great number. One would have been the
one you know.

Speaker 17 (17:57):
So so rickys can't get single days.

Speaker 9 (17:59):
Of numbers, don't well are you showing up in Cleveland?

Speaker 3 (18:02):
We've seen clubs on social media.

Speaker 11 (18:04):
You guys get your cleats picking out your number. What's
been the most surreal part of.

Speaker 16 (18:07):
All about real?

Speaker 21 (18:09):
I think when I got here yesterday and I walked
in and I seen my last name on the top locker,
and I was like, man, like, it's actually really here
in this moment, It's like surreal.

Speaker 4 (18:18):
So that's probably another moment.

Speaker 7 (18:20):
Be sets anything like you'd be surprised you since you've
been drafted, somebody that's reached out, or just kind of
like even being in the building yesterday and then I
just kind of stood out to you.

Speaker 17 (18:28):
I was like, okay, getting to see my teammates.

Speaker 21 (18:30):
Bro, It's like you see these guys on on you know,
you're competing on TV while you're in college, and then
you're finally in the room and in the building with
so many great athletes.

Speaker 17 (18:39):
That inspire you and they work hard and motivate you.

Speaker 4 (18:42):
So to be a part of that, it's cool.

Speaker 7 (18:43):
QUI feel like you have a big.

Speaker 9 (18:46):
Pair of shoes to fill, uh with Nick Chubb and
there are a lot of Uh, there are a lot
of Browns fans that are sad that Nick Chubb probably
isn't gonna be back with this team. So kind of
address that whole notion of Nick and you kind of
taking over that, K Todd.

Speaker 17 (19:01):
Nick Chubb is a great running back.

Speaker 16 (19:03):
Uh.

Speaker 17 (19:03):
He's done a lot of great things here.

Speaker 21 (19:05):
I'm excited to come in and you know, do what
I can and me and Dylan both contributing to the
team and you.

Speaker 17 (19:10):
Know, start my own legacy.

Speaker 5 (19:11):
Uh.

Speaker 17 (19:12):
I think the coaches that put me in a great position.

Speaker 5 (19:13):
To do that.

Speaker 17 (19:15):
You've got to play against Dylan twice last year. I mean,
how much have you got to interact with him?

Speaker 21 (19:19):
And what impresses you about what you bring to Uh?
So I only got to play him once at Tennessee.
So I I played Dylan once at Tennessee.

Speaker 17 (19:27):
Are you talking abou Dylan Simpson.

Speaker 21 (19:30):
Gabriel Okay, alright, yeah, Dylan gabro Uh definitely, I l
I love the way he plays the game. Great quarterback.
He's smart. You know, he's very mobile, He's smart. Like
I said, Uh, he's just a guy that that can
do it all. I feel like in his size and
what the speed has that's a guy you wanna have
on your team. And then Dylan, like I said earlier,
I played him, uh and when he was at Tennessee,

(19:52):
so getting to see him in person it was special.

Speaker 4 (19:56):
Ally.

Speaker 17 (19:57):
Yeah, we were just talking about that in the endoor.
I was like, bro, don't don't talk about it.

Speaker 16 (20:00):
I'll I'll do that.

Speaker 4 (20:01):
I'll bring it up for show.

Speaker 21 (20:02):
But me and him we just joke around masaying we
do the same thing. But uh, for us to all
be on the same team and finally be teammates.

Speaker 17 (20:08):
It's pretty cool. What was your reaction when they drafted that?

Speaker 16 (20:11):
Though?

Speaker 4 (20:11):
Man, I was happy. I was just static.

Speaker 16 (20:13):
Uh.

Speaker 4 (20:14):
E every dealing we got.

Speaker 21 (20:15):
I was super you know what I'm saying. But like
I said, great players, Bro, it's a special Uh. They'll
contribute to the team.

Speaker 11 (20:22):
What have your impression has been a deuce so far?

Speaker 17 (20:24):
And and how he's gonna get to se decision Couch.

Speaker 21 (20:26):
I think he's a a great coachy, last great energy.
He just makes it a great environment to be a
part of every day. He has a high level of intensity.

Speaker 4 (20:35):
Yeah.

Speaker 17 (20:35):
Uh, he's a great guy to be around. I think
he'll help me develop my game and take some of
other level for Shure.

Speaker 14 (20:39):
How how did spending last year kind of splitting time
with Trayvon? How did that kind of inform you coming
here or where you know it?

Speaker 13 (20:45):
C It can be helpful to have a second guy,
right that you can split carries with.

Speaker 17 (20:49):
I didn't really look at it like that.

Speaker 21 (20:51):
I think UH going into that situation just was one
of those great positions to be in where you have
another guy in the room, where you both can contribute
to the team and not be taxing on your leg
and you know, be able to be available at the
same time and stay healthy at the same time be
able to produce.

Speaker 13 (21:05):
Didn't did you notice of latent games?

Speaker 21 (21:07):
Yeah, because we played about seventeen games c same amount
of games in NFL, and you know, for your body
still be feeling good and you don't have anywhere and
tror any injury.

Speaker 4 (21:16):
It's like, okay, like it's definitely helped out.

Speaker 13 (21:18):
You gotta keep tabs on a trayon.

Speaker 21 (21:21):
I think we keep up with each other for sure,
keep up with each other and make sure you know
you're healthy and good spirit and you.

Speaker 4 (21:26):
Know we're doing well.

Speaker 9 (21:28):
The same division now with UH with Derek Henry, is
he somebody that you have emulated or watched, and how
do you feel about being across the field from him.

Speaker 21 (21:38):
So, Derek is a guy who I previously knew a
lot about coming out of the state of Alabama as well,
and this guy trained with spent a lot of time
with ask questions about or two and Uh, he's just
a great running back.

Speaker 17 (21:53):
He's had a lot of success in this league and
it's one of the guys you look up to.

Speaker 16 (21:56):
Running back.

Speaker 1 (21:57):
Dylan Samson discussed the relationship he's developed with quin Shawn
Judkins through playing against him in the SEC.

Speaker 4 (22:02):
So, what's it been like?

Speaker 3 (22:03):
I know it's only been you know, a day or
so that you've actually, you know, been actually in the building.
Every thinks, what's it been like? Can you describe the
process so far?

Speaker 23 (22:13):
Yeah, I mean, I mean it's definitely a lot just
coming there. I mean since I got here, we just
been going. But uh, opportunity of a lifetime. You know,
all the players I met, being so welcoming, uh, meeting
all the coaches, uh and everybody. So man, I'm just
looking forward to get settling, you know, getting my foot
and down.

Speaker 6 (22:28):
I know you talked about you're excited to play with
Quinchan and share the fact field. What's the early relationship
ship been like with him?

Speaker 4 (22:35):
Yeah, and now it's been good. You know.

Speaker 23 (22:36):
Uh, you could tell we're gonna be able to push
each other, I mean as well as the older guys
in the room, gonna be able to learn a lot
from each other, you know, and I'm ready to just
learn some moreball. But I mean me and quin Sean,
I could tell, I, uh, we'll have a good relationship
and uh, you know, we kind of see out of
eye on a lot of things. So glad that, you know,
being in a backfield with him and uh, the other
guys that's there right now.

Speaker 11 (22:55):
So did you guys not know each other at all
Befeign College or or did you have a familiarity with him?

Speaker 24 (23:00):
Oh?

Speaker 23 (23:00):
So, I mean I definitely knew of him just because
he played in the SEC, I mean and obviously Ohio State.
And then we got a chance to talk a little
bit at the combine, but we were kind of all
to ourselves at the combine, but really got a chance
to really talk to him now now that we're here,
and you know, really seeing size of him that I
didn't see before.

Speaker 4 (23:19):
So you know, it's good to, you know, get to
know him.

Speaker 8 (23:20):
What do you think that two of you together can
do for this Browns backfield?

Speaker 23 (23:25):
Yeah, you know, if we go out here and handle
business throughout training camp. And you know that's also some
guys who've been here, you know, so it's a competition
all over. But I think this is like the blueprint
of the league. You know, the best way of work
for running backs. It's a long season, so you want
as many people as you can and go in there
and split reps and you know, do good for the team.
You know, that keeps everybody fresh. You see it all

(23:47):
across the league, and I think we have an opportunity
to do that here.

Speaker 8 (23:50):
And then how would you describe yourself as a running back?

Speaker 23 (23:53):
Yeah, I just feel like I'm a dynamic runner with
a strong, you know mentality.

Speaker 4 (23:59):
When I approach the field, I take every day like
it's my last day.

Speaker 23 (24:03):
I give my off for my teammates, myself and everything
I've been through before this, you know. So any days
I'm struggling, I always remember my why and uh, I
have the ability to do a lot of things. But
I'm hoping to showcase here and get better here route
running catching, you know, maybe some extended running plays, but
just looking forward to the opportunity for the first time today.

Speaker 15 (24:24):
Just what are your expectations that you beginning this process now,
going from college to be in a rookie in the
national football game.

Speaker 23 (24:30):
Yeah, I mean, I think it's just finding my process,
you know, and the main thing for me right now
is just making sure I understand the playbook. You know,
you can't if you don't understand the playbook, you have
no shot. So you know, whatever I can do, study
with quarterback, study with you know, other running backs in
the room, you know, just to make sure I'm familiar
with it, walk through it, because, uh, you wanna be
out here confident. And that's what I wanna do each

(24:51):
day is take strides, you know, improve a little part
of my game, you know, ultimate until like I actually
get a chance to work on the football side of
it in training camp for such.

Speaker 16 (25:00):
A coaches have given you guys to what they expect
this weekend.

Speaker 23 (25:04):
Yeah, man, a message is clear. You know, don't be
scared to go out there and mess up. You know,
this is our opportunity and we have to like take
advantage of a full opportunity, you know, cause like we
gotta make the team. You know, n A, everybody that's
here right now still hasn't made the team. You know,
Rossi's are gonna get limited and cut, and it's our
job to make the team and find a role. And

(25:25):
I mean this is the first step for us. You know,
there's already vets here and and that's already a disadvantage.
So just go out there every time we put out
you know, cleats on the grass and just uh give
our best and take advantage of this opportunity.

Speaker 9 (25:37):
Dylan, did you get to know Jimmy Haslam at all
while you were at Tennessee? And if so, what was
that relationship like? And then have you seen him around
here yet?

Speaker 4 (25:45):
Yeah? The Haslam family. Uh, they would come to practice.

Speaker 23 (25:52):
Somebody would uh take him on a golf cart, and
I would talk to him, uh really much. Every day
every Wednesday he came. It's like a little routine. We'll
be doing kickoff, I catch drugs. I walk over there,
I'll go talk to him. He'll be like, do you
remember a coach, General Neeland? His favorite player was Geenie
mick Never and you broke his record. He was like,

(26:13):
so think about that, But I mean it was nice,
you know, getting a chance and really full circle.

Speaker 16 (26:18):
You know.

Speaker 23 (26:18):
Coach Hypel told me, you know, the talks and communications
they had, so I mean it really just shows you,
you know, how you treat people and how you go
about your life.

Speaker 4 (26:27):
It'll come back.

Speaker 11 (26:28):
So when you mentioned remembering your why, what is.

Speaker 3 (26:30):
That for real?

Speaker 4 (26:31):
Yeah? Uh, my first wive is my faith.

Speaker 23 (26:33):
Uh really, I think we'll all have certain you know,
talents that were you know, gift with and the profession
that we choose to go in. We have to find
a way to effect change positively, you know, and I'm
ready to do that any way I can in this organization,
on this team, in this you know, in this city,
in this country. You know, our outreach can't be stopped,

(26:55):
you know, thanks to y'all. We'll put on a you know,
a national platform, and I'm tryna make the most positive
light of that possible, you know. And also just the
people who came before me, you know, like people like
my grandfather who's not here to witness a lot of
things that I know he would have loved to see,
and a lot of people who are close to me
who just uh aren't here.

Speaker 4 (27:13):
So yeah, that's my while did you yes, I did, Dune.

Speaker 17 (27:20):
What has ah you do you stand in been like
working so hard advice that he's giving.

Speaker 23 (27:25):
You, even if the first couple of days, Yeah, I mean, uh,
definitely a passionate coach I can tell you loves the
game of football, but definitely a coach that you know
you gotta accept and he's gonna push and challenge us
to be our best. And you know I'm ready for
that because I'm ready to give my best and grow
to you know, greater heights.

Speaker 4 (27:42):
Hey, uh, don't.

Speaker 6 (27:43):
I was talking to your writting backs coach and he
talked out about your vision and that's what he thinks
separates you.

Speaker 4 (27:48):
Do you agree that that time for one of your
strengths and.

Speaker 6 (27:51):
Why is that so good for you?

Speaker 4 (27:53):
Yeah? I do think it's one of my strengths.

Speaker 23 (27:55):
And then I hoping something I could develop here, you know,
running some more, I'll zone plays and.

Speaker 4 (28:00):
Stuff like that.

Speaker 23 (28:01):
But I just think it's to me watching certain players, uh,
over the years and really just understanding that the game
is about field, you know, and watching film.

Speaker 4 (28:10):
Did Uh what was your reaction when the Brons took
your dirt? And if you got what are the uh
early interactions with the money. Yeah, man, I can tell
real humble.

Speaker 23 (28:18):
You know, it was crazy because he got drafted after
me and we kind of ex We just kind of
like saying, I bet, like watch they end up taking
shad and it happens. So, I mean, I really just
feel like it's a competition everywhere, you know. I mean,
Dylan Gables are a good quarterback. It's good to have,
you know, rookies, you know, together cause we were working
for the same thing, pushing each other at the same time,

(28:40):
and so like it's competition that we're not alone in this.

Speaker 3 (28:43):
How do you feel like, y, how do you feel
like their scheme, the scheme you're coming into fit your
running side?

Speaker 23 (28:48):
Yeah, I mean I I feel like I have the
ability of running a lot of different, you know, different schemes,
whether that's inside zone, outside zone. Uh, just having that
feel as a running back, and I take pride in
just working on the details. So I'm ready for that
and I'm really ready for you know, I think this
coaching staff uh really wants me to be able to
play out in space and do things like that. So

(29:10):
I'm looking to showcase that and work on that.

Speaker 19 (29:12):
How did the grind of playing in the sect prepare
you for what you gotta face in the NFL.

Speaker 23 (29:19):
Yeah, man, I I talked to so many you know,
vfls or just vets in general, or people playing in
the SEC, and like, man, they just tell me like
it's the it's the closest that it gets and it
it really prepares you, you know.

Speaker 4 (29:29):
And I tell a lot of people that you know,
this league is it it it gives.

Speaker 23 (29:34):
No grace you know, even you know some of the
teams that who are considered bottom SEC teams, if you
don't bring your a game, like you're not beating them,
you know, and you feel every single game of an
SEC schedule, you know, you gotta play all four quarters
no matter who you play. So I think it just
you know, you gotta develop a dog mentality or you
like you won't, you won't last.

Speaker 17 (29:55):
Out the bad field.

Speaker 4 (29:56):
How did you feel, man I?

Speaker 23 (29:59):
I feel very confident in that, you know, something that
I wasn't able to showcase a lot at Tennessee, but
uh sh, I feel like I was able to showcase
what could be at like my prodde and you know,
at the combine, anytime I could run routes, I ran rocks,
you know, and i'm'a be looking forward to getting advice
from you know, receivers here. They have great receivers here.

(30:19):
Obviously I played with cedgect hill Men, so there's a
relationship there. But yeah, I'm looking to be as versatile
as I can.

Speaker 3 (30:26):
Uh, Tommy was at Alabama, You been to your s
second year of Tennessee. Did he mention anything about, you
know that Timy.

Speaker 17 (30:34):
Or what he saw because you know he guess obviously
play out with.

Speaker 16 (30:36):
That other year.

Speaker 3 (30:37):
Did he mention anything about, you know, seeing you at
that time and any kind of you know, his memory
recollections of that.

Speaker 4 (30:46):
Who are you talking about Tommy Reese? Nah?

Speaker 23 (30:48):
Nah, We ain't talk about that, uh yet, but uh,
I know there's a lot of BEMA people here, so
you know, I'm probably will get along. We'll get around
to talk about that and stuff.

Speaker 6 (30:57):
How eager were you to get that lead back grown
last year after you know, coming off the batch.

Speaker 4 (31:02):
Of the previous junior. Yeah, I think you know something
you're not seeing too much.

Speaker 23 (31:06):
You know in college football, you know, some people leave
for like good reasons and some people just chase money.

Speaker 4 (31:13):
But you know that has nothing to do with me.

Speaker 23 (31:15):
I felt like that the things I did my first
man and sophomore year playing behind Jay Wright and Jabari,
I learned a lot, you know. My sophomore year, I
was able to gain trust, you know, really play as
the RB one in some games in certain situations. So
you know, it was it was my first time starting
since high school. So I was ready and I have
no problem because I don't have a lot of damage

(31:36):
in mids to my body sharing time, you know, so
I'm fresh, I'm young, and I got a lot of
time to get And.

Speaker 6 (31:43):
When you watch Kashan, do you how would you compare
and contrast your styles?

Speaker 23 (31:47):
Do you think you're a lot different or similar to Oh,
I don't think we're as different as people think, you know.
I think he has a lot of explosive uh playability.
I'm definitely a bigger back, you know, but I see
him able to like catch the ball. He's definitely been
in a scheme where he's ran like those outside zone
inside zone plays.

Speaker 4 (32:05):
His vision is great.

Speaker 23 (32:06):
I think we compare in a lot of things, you know,
but it's also that that balance, you know, to where
that we could compliment each other at the same time.

Speaker 10 (32:13):
Do you see connections with some guys but it's early here.
Have you made any connections you gravitated towards anybody players, coaches?

Speaker 23 (32:22):
That's it's just meant hard, you know, cause uh, the
vest wain in the building yesterday, but they were in
and out, so I I didn't get a chance to see. Said,
but I mean yesterday I was able to get around
the old line. They was cooking crawfish, and uh, I
was like, wow, I just came from Louisiana. That's crazy.
I felt like I bought it with me, but uh,
you know it it just felt you know, comfortable.

Speaker 4 (32:42):
You know.

Speaker 23 (32:42):
I said, like, I feel like I'm home now, and
they was like you are home, you know, so you know,
just to feel like it's a welcoming environment, you know,
cause you know people could be you know, all type
of ways. But yeah, yeah, uh I'm looking forward to
make all these like experiences.

Speaker 4 (32:56):
You you mentioned that relationship with said just when when
you got drafted here.

Speaker 11 (33:01):
I guess what went through yourself that I did hear
reach out to you and how well you said, where
did you somebody here?

Speaker 4 (33:08):
Yeah?

Speaker 23 (33:08):
Well, uh really after the combine, I was doing uh
some more training before pro dight and I was training,
which said and a couple of NFL guys, like a
small group with a trainer. I know, and uh, it's
my first time seeing Said in a while, you know,
because it's just he's low key, you know, and I
respect that, but uh it was good to see Said.
And we were just talking and talking about the season.
He was talking about his experience. He was like, it's

(33:29):
crazy because teams that who you think you'll get drafted to.
He's like, I got drafted by the Browns and like
I didn't even talk to him once, you know, so
anybody it was crazy we had that conversation because I mean,
I got a chance to have a formal meeting with
this organization at the combine, but really didn't talk to
them since, you know. And uh so when I got
that phone call and it it was crazy. It's just

(33:50):
a lot of things going on, you know.

Speaker 4 (33:51):
I was like, Hey, just Jeffic Quinn Shine. Oh shoot,
but it's a lot of opportunity, you know.

Speaker 23 (33:55):
But yeah, I immediately thought of said though, and uh,
you know, it's definitely a familiar face to have.

Speaker 3 (34:02):
Do you think you your physicality is underestimated because people
talk about focus on your speed, the speed aspect of
your game.

Speaker 23 (34:10):
Oh, I think my physicality is underestimated just because I'm
considered the undersized running back.

Speaker 4 (34:15):
Not even because because my speed.

Speaker 23 (34:17):
You know, I think if you, I don't think my
highlights really showcase my true game. You know, I take
pride in the five to six seven yard runs that
I'm able to, you know, make consistently what I was
able to do in the sec You know, I'm looking
to you know, hit the ground running here and be
able to you know, do that, you know, still be
able to break tackles efficiently.

Speaker 4 (34:36):
But that's the thing that keeps the shame movings.

Speaker 5 (34:37):
You know.

Speaker 23 (34:38):
I know everybody wants to see the explosive plays, but
these the players that wear teams down, and then you
get explosives in the third and fourth quarter, and you know,
sometimes you just gotta be patient.

Speaker 16 (34:47):
Tight end.

Speaker 1 (34:47):
Harold, Fan and Junior discuss going from the Mid American
Conference to the National Football League because if you ever.

Speaker 12 (34:54):
Seen players who are here at MINTE camp, how much
trace us to you as.

Speaker 24 (34:58):
You know, Yeah, oh yeah, Fleet, talk to him. You know,
it's Mack guy. He stayed kind of close.

Speaker 4 (35:03):
Yeah.

Speaker 24 (35:03):
Uh got a guy from Western Michigan, you know, who
was talking about the game or whatever.

Speaker 4 (35:07):
But yeah, I met a few.

Speaker 6 (35:08):
How about David A jokers?

Speaker 9 (35:09):
Have you met David yet? Have you talked to David
and you guys kind of gotten excited together yet about
what you.

Speaker 4 (35:14):
Can accomplished up there?

Speaker 24 (35:15):
No, Actually I haven't talked to him yet, but uh,
you know, obviously I've been watching tape on him and stuff.
You know, uh, just trying to take a little bits
and pieces of his game and kind of, you know,
use it to my advantage.

Speaker 7 (35:24):
And what do you like about his game?

Speaker 9 (35:27):
Where are you trying to acquire yourself from his game?

Speaker 5 (35:30):
Oh?

Speaker 24 (35:30):
Man, I definitely just say like his uh his physical
like his dominance. You know, he can definitely area a
uh physical type of guy.

Speaker 16 (35:37):
You know.

Speaker 4 (35:37):
I kind of only take a little bits and pieces
of that and added moments.

Speaker 17 (35:40):
What had jump o woo me to go from the
Mac in the NFL that Amazon?

Speaker 8 (35:45):
What kind of jump loves me to go from the
Mac to to the EN?

Speaker 24 (35:51):
I mean right now I was going pretty smooth, but
obviously I'm I guess it's gonna be a big jump.

Speaker 4 (35:55):
Uh, not really thinking to a d you know, just
taking it, you know, day by day, you hear what have.

Speaker 11 (36:00):
Your first impressions been of Dylan, Gabriel and Shador. I mean,
obviously Shador got picked when you guys were up in
that press conference on day three of the draft, but
meeting them and and what do you.

Speaker 17 (36:09):
Think about them as quarterbacks?

Speaker 24 (36:10):
Yeah, I think I think they're gonna be great. They're
gonna fit in great.

Speaker 4 (36:13):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (36:14):
You know, obviously being in the locker room with 'em,
you know, just kind of picked their brains stuff like that.

Speaker 5 (36:18):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (36:18):
I think it's gonna be dope. You know, I'm glad
that they're here.

Speaker 15 (36:21):
What's your reaction when Ny put the playbook in front
of you for the first time. I imagine it's a
little thicker than what you had at Poland Green.

Speaker 4 (36:27):
Uh, you know, it was no surprise.

Speaker 16 (36:29):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (36:29):
You know my last coach had a had a thick
playbook like that, So you know, really really no difference.

Speaker 10 (36:35):
You mentioned knowing some of the guys uh before, But
is there anyone I know it's early, but in your
time in this building that you leady gravitated towards. Whether
it's uh a bet that's here coaches or like a
coelo rookie.

Speaker 24 (36:46):
I definitely say, uh, Christian Jones, I'll say, I definitely
gravitate sort of them. That's my position, coach, uh, you know,
obviously just talking to him, picking his brain. You know,
you been in a you know, NFL for a while,
so yeah, definitely know.

Speaker 3 (36:57):
About all that's for attention and cameras us.

Speaker 16 (37:02):
What how is that?

Speaker 17 (37:03):
How's that done for yourself?

Speaker 5 (37:04):
Far?

Speaker 4 (37:05):
You know, it's a it's a it's a little different.

Speaker 16 (37:07):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (37:08):
You know, I stream a little bit, so I kind
of got the feeling of like the camera being right
in front of me. But it's definitely different getting getting
used to it for sure.

Speaker 15 (37:15):
Here obviously that the highlights of you make the plays
of passing game to speak for themselves.

Speaker 4 (37:19):
But there's been some conversations.

Speaker 14 (37:21):
Felt like he was a blocker, I know Alex Bayry
or m and coach mentioned that you felt like you
improved in your tape as monature and doop.

Speaker 12 (37:28):
Block or just what do you bring to the table
in that in that respect, like how did the how
did your table and you compare you what they did
with your boy and your paid to bes and you
block as more?

Speaker 24 (37:38):
Uh yeah, I mean like you know, like any I
guess any other place, you know, I practice hard, you know,
I'll just try to be coachable, you know, just keep
doing those little things, and I feel like it's definitely
gonna translation. I.

Speaker 12 (37:47):
I think you said at the combine that you were
a Steeler fan as a kid. Family was what what
was their reaction to being dropped about the Bronx?

Speaker 24 (37:55):
You know, they was definitely excited cause you know, you know,
not that far away get to come to the games.
And I wasn't a Steelers fan. My brother is a
Stealers fan, but pretty much the same thing.

Speaker 4 (38:04):
What's that change? Ouh? Most definitely see him in rounds
every day? What fad were you? What team were you
a fan of? Uh?

Speaker 24 (38:12):
So my brother is still his fan, but I liked
to uh watch Le'Veon Bell growing up.

Speaker 9 (38:16):
So yeah, how about Travis Kelcey, is you know from Cleveland?

Speaker 16 (38:22):
Uh?

Speaker 9 (38:22):
Is he somebody that you really admired a lot?

Speaker 7 (38:24):
And is he someone that you will.

Speaker 9 (38:27):
Kind of try to connect with maybe even.

Speaker 11 (38:29):
Around here somewhere?

Speaker 24 (38:31):
Uh? Definitely, I mean, you know, I'd be definitely dope
if I could.

Speaker 4 (38:34):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (38:35):
I'm not really an outgoing person, but you know, may
maybe I will hit 'em up, you know one day
if I st you know, feeling out going.

Speaker 7 (38:41):
You mentioned that Le'Veon Bell was one of those places
you grew up watching, and you obviously like you're kind
of known m for maybe not get.

Speaker 17 (38:47):
In a political tact and having a little more movement.

Speaker 7 (38:49):
Did you kind of like steal some stuff or kind
of take notes on his running start or anything like that,
or makes what you kind of attribute to you know,
you just kind of being a little more dynamic kinds.

Speaker 24 (38:57):
Of position I mean growing up. I mean, you know,
I I think I just played a lot of different positions.
So it ended up helping me in the long run.
I guess obviously, you know, I wanna take business piece
of his game. You know, the patient and cats pretty
much do it all.

Speaker 11 (39:11):
So yeah, has there been a moment over the past
couple days where felt like this is really seeking in?

Speaker 7 (39:16):
Were you whether it was getting.

Speaker 11 (39:17):
Your number or seeing your name above a locker that
you were like, Okay, this is real.

Speaker 5 (39:22):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (39:22):
I definitely knew it was real, you know, after the
day after and I drove up and you know, we
talked to all the coaches in GM, That's when I
was like, Wow, this is really real.

Speaker 4 (39:31):
My family was here. It was a dope experience.

Speaker 16 (39:33):
How did you think you played tight end until you
got the college, right?

Speaker 12 (39:37):
Did you said you didn't play tight end in high school?

Speaker 4 (39:40):
Only when you got to college?

Speaker 20 (39:41):
Yep?

Speaker 4 (39:41):
How good do you think you can be?

Speaker 16 (39:43):
You're still a young tight end and.

Speaker 4 (39:46):
With pro coaching, where do you think your ceiling is?

Speaker 24 (39:49):
I think my ceiling is high, you know. I mean
i'm'a keep you know, obviously being coachable.

Speaker 16 (39:54):
Uh.

Speaker 24 (39:54):
I just wanna just keep learning, That's really it. Just
keep uh you know, taking everything in and then uh,
you know, just keep wanting to grow. Really, so I
think I got a high ceiling.

Speaker 6 (40:03):
So you ever think about what if Bowling Green had
and made you switch tight end and you kept you
on the defensive.

Speaker 4 (40:08):
Side of the bam? Uh no, n nuh not at all?

Speaker 9 (40:13):
Not all aware? Are you of all the attention that
Shador Sanders is getting, both locally and nationally all over
social media, at ESPN, everywhere you go, uh is Chador times?
So are you guys aware of that?

Speaker 2 (40:25):
Are you aware of that?

Speaker 13 (40:27):
And what do you make of that?

Speaker 4 (40:28):
Yeah?

Speaker 24 (40:29):
I mean, like obviously that's that's definitely dope for him,
you know, I mean, you know, I mean, I guess
it's a good thing for him. You know, he could
use that to his advantage, you know or whatever. Uh yeah,
I mean I always see him on TikTok or something.
It's pretty cool that I get to, you know, be
in the same locker roomasm for.

Speaker 17 (40:43):
Sure, you know, but I guess I should know, but
I don't.

Speaker 4 (40:45):
How did that uh switch from defense to tight end happen?
You take it? Take us through that. Yeah.

Speaker 24 (40:53):
Uh, I mean I always played a little bit of
offense in high school. So then you know my clips
or whatever from my high school. My coach really liked them,
thought I can put on a few more pounds, and uh,
you know, it definitely helped me translate, cause playing safety
entirely end, you know, the pretty much you know, end
up playing against a lot of safety. So I kind
of got a you know, a good feel of uh
you know what they do whenever I'm playing against them.

Speaker 14 (41:14):
How does someone who you said, you're not the most
outgoing guy, how do you decide to get into streaming?

Speaker 4 (41:19):
So?

Speaker 24 (41:19):
Uh so, my uh my teammate, you know, he's he
started streaming, start talking to me about it. So then
I started a stream and you know, that's pretty much
is how it started. He really talked me into it,
Jacob Ris right.

Speaker 7 (41:30):
Has that helped you become more I'm going a little bit.

Speaker 4 (41:34):
You're talking to people through a.

Speaker 2 (41:37):
Camera, so I don't know, I don't know.

Speaker 24 (41:39):
Yeah, I think it just allows me to, you know,
kind of just show like the inside, just beat myself
around the cameras.

Speaker 7 (41:44):
Really, do you think that fun?

Speaker 9 (41:46):
Do you think the fact that uh Shador is getting
so much attention and so much run even in a
camp like this, will it also bring some positive attention
for for all of you guys to sort of spill
over to you too.

Speaker 24 (41:57):
Yeah, I mean most definitely, you know, the camera's watching,
you know.

Speaker 4 (42:01):
I feel like.

Speaker 24 (42:03):
I feel like, you know, you know, it definitely is
gonna I guess, you know, I have more people looking
into us and stuff like that, which I feel like
is a great thing, you know, in the media world
or whatever.

Speaker 4 (42:16):
I mean, I feel like it don't really make no difference.

Speaker 1 (42:18):
Still, football, though, linebacker Carson Swessinger discussed his meteoric rise
from walk on to the National Football League.

Speaker 16 (42:24):
What do you think so far?

Speaker 17 (42:27):
Oh, it's been great. I'm excited. I'm excited to be
able to get to work and then even just being
out here it's it's I mean good weather today too,
so I'm really excited to get out there today.

Speaker 10 (42:39):
But have you made gravitated towards anybody in the building,
maybe a fellow rookie coach?

Speaker 17 (42:46):
Yeah, I mean all three of those, but specifically just
coach Trvor. Being able to talk with him. I know
we both have a little bit of the same education background,
so that's been cool. And then just being able to
learn from him and everything like that has been great.

Speaker 8 (43:01):
He's kind of a priory guy.

Speaker 17 (43:02):
Uh so, how did you guys connect in that regard?

Speaker 16 (43:06):
Oh?

Speaker 17 (43:06):
Yeah, I mean I love it. I mean, you know,
that's that's really what football is. You get to be
fired up and bring energy every day. So that's that's
exactly what he does and it makes it a lot
easier to come in and do the same.

Speaker 15 (43:16):
Force is a defensive ordinary, likes a lot of his
fronts to having their ears back. And and what's your
first impression of him and how excited are do you
give to play for a coach that is ultra aggressive?

Speaker 4 (43:28):
Up?

Speaker 17 (43:28):
Oh, I'm super excited. I mean that's that's really the
model there is is attack and be physical and and
you know that's something I'm really excited to be able
to do.

Speaker 9 (43:36):
Andrew Berry is talking about how your superpower is sort
of coverage, just wondering have you thought about some of
the big name tight ends in the NFL and what
it's going to be like to try to cover them
and also working against David A.

Speaker 16 (43:49):
Joko in practice?

Speaker 17 (43:50):
I think you know, going going into the next level,
you're always going to have to be looking to improve
in every aspect and and whatever whatever way they want
to use me is, I'm ready to to work for that.

Speaker 12 (44:00):
I guess you let the tackle last year.

Speaker 4 (44:03):
How did that come to be that that just happened.

Speaker 16 (44:06):
Or was your first year as a starter?

Speaker 17 (44:08):
I think there's a lot of preparation that goes into it.
But but really, when you're on the field, you know,
if you run to the ball, you're gonna you're gonna
make tackles. So if you're going one hundred percent when
you're on the field a lot of times that that's
one of the results, Like the best.

Speaker 16 (44:24):
I think it would be one that would, Yeah.

Speaker 8 (44:26):
Go take us through that jump you made from not
being a starter to all of a sudden being leading
the country and attack what happened.

Speaker 17 (44:34):
To Yeah, throughout the whole process, I just knew that
I needed just an opportunity to get on the field.
And so, uh, for me, that ended up being this
last year. And you know, and throughout the whole process,
my my mindset was once I got the opportunity, I
was gonna make sure that I was able to stay
on the field and you know, make them unable to
take me off the field. And so that was really

(44:55):
how that process worked out. And then you know, once
I was able to get my opportunity this year, I
was I think I took it.

Speaker 7 (45:01):
I know you said you need it, just needed an opportunity,
but like entering that for season, you're good.

Speaker 13 (45:14):
We're just.

Speaker 17 (45:17):
You're back under pressures, alright.

Speaker 7 (45:22):
I know you said you just needed an opportunity, but
you know, entering that first year as a starter, like,
was your mind really on the NFL is a former
walk on and was there maybe a moment, a play
or a game where you were like, Okay, I think
I could.

Speaker 17 (45:33):
Really do this up the next level. I think you
always have to have that confidence, whether it was my
first year UCLA or my fourth year that that's always
been been the goal.

Speaker 4 (45:41):
But but really the goal for me was to go.

Speaker 17 (45:43):
Out there and be one hundred percent and get better
each time I stepped on the field and be able
to make plays. And so, uh, this you know has
been kind of I guess what follows when?

Speaker 4 (45:52):
When that when?

Speaker 17 (45:53):
That's really the goal And so that's the same goal
here is when I'm stepping on the field, I want
to make an impact. I want to make plays.

Speaker 11 (45:59):
Know when you have a relatively like small sample size
of that of starting college, like, how do you feel
about your ceiling coming into the NFL and do you
think you have a lot to.

Speaker 17 (46:07):
Show in that regards? Yeah, I think there's still a
lot of untapped areas of my game to improve and
and that's something that I'm really looking forward to do
and I'm really excited about.

Speaker 9 (46:16):
Have you had a chance to meet j Okay yet?

Speaker 17 (46:19):
And then also have you had a chance to watch
any of his I haven't met him yet, but I
have watched a lot of his film and you know,
that's one of the best linebackers in the league. You
can see just by watching the physicality he plays with,
the speed he plays with is something that is very
easy to learn from.

Speaker 16 (46:38):
Of course, somewhere I.

Speaker 4 (46:40):
Saw you mentioned lucky as as kind of a player.

Speaker 12 (46:45):
Idolized or modeled.

Speaker 17 (46:47):
Is there any active linebacker.

Speaker 20 (46:49):
In that circle?

Speaker 17 (46:50):
I would put j Okay in that circle. I think
he's He's definitely one of the ones that you want
to emulate after in me specifically, especially coming into this system.
And uh, like I said, I play to be able
to pick his brain a lot and and learn a
lot from.

Speaker 15 (47:02):
Him, extend place or you know, pretty prevalent in this league.
You got two of them in this division alone.

Speaker 6 (47:08):
With with Lamar and Joe.

Speaker 15 (47:10):
Just how does your skill set fit the contained element
of that.

Speaker 17 (47:16):
Yeah, I think a lot of that will come down
to defensive scheme as well.

Speaker 4 (47:19):
But you know, wherever.

Speaker 17 (47:23):
They plan on using me in that aspect, I think
it allows us to do a lot of things. And
you know, as the real goal is getting those guys
down and so that's, uh, you know what we plan
to do.

Speaker 7 (47:35):
You anticipating to being able the biggest adjustment.

Speaker 4 (47:39):
You know, times have all.

Speaker 17 (47:41):
Gone to do the college and then to the other
I think the biggest adjustment is just going to be
you know, it's it's you're now going against the best
of the best and so being able to pick up
on that speed and and you know, learn learn that,
and you know adjust to that. But that's just something
that comes with with more reps and and film study
and just being able to keep working.

Speaker 3 (48:00):
Churty, you talked about film study and everything. How important
is it the pre snap process for you in terms
of play by play as you when you're out there.

Speaker 17 (48:08):
I think it's very important. I think, uh, that's one
of the biggest parts of film study for me is
being able to by the time the ball snapped, whether
you have an arrow down the one or just a
couple possible plays based off the down and distance, the
look they're giving you, the the formation where the tight
ends at, and that that's really what allows you to
be able to play super fast once once the ball snapped.

Speaker 6 (48:27):
When you talk about what your role might be in
this defense, do you think U s la you did
so much, you know, the variety is so big that
you're prepared for whatever.

Speaker 17 (48:36):
Yeah, I think I'm prepared for whether it's you know,
stopping the run, dropping in coverage, rustling, and the passer.

Speaker 16 (48:41):
I think I'm prepared for all of it.

Speaker 9 (48:42):
Are you graduating this spring?

Speaker 4 (48:44):
I'm not.

Speaker 17 (48:44):
No, I plan to eventually, though, Will you stay here. Yes, yeah,
I'm not familiar.

Speaker 11 (48:52):
The most surreal part of the Stansmia.

Speaker 17 (48:55):
Uh, the most surreal part, I think is just been
arriving here and realizing that this is uh, you know,
what I've worked for. But now now it's taking that
next step and now it's you know, continuing to be
the same guy was before and and show up and work.

Speaker 7 (49:08):
I'm not as familiar with us defense, but like, did
you like call the players or signals on the field
or anything like that?

Speaker 20 (49:13):
Yeah, yeah, you went up against Schador two years ago,
Dylan last year.

Speaker 2 (49:18):
What was it like going up against them?

Speaker 17 (49:21):
I think they're both really great quarterbacks. They're guys you
want to have on your team instead of guys you
want to be going against. So really, I mean, we'll
be going against them in practice, but you know, that's
great to be going against them in practice. And uh,
two great players.

Speaker 14 (49:34):
You said you want to pick a guy's brand, Like,
what sort of questions would you want to ask?

Speaker 16 (49:37):
Ja?

Speaker 17 (49:38):
Oh, I mean there's a wide range, whether it's small
details about you know, certain certain things and and the
formations you're getting and the common runs or passes you
get out of that, or or you know it could
be recovery habits or or what you do you know,
to to keep your body right or to get your
body ready for practice, and really any any of those.

Speaker 1 (49:57):
Defensive tackle Mason Graham talked about how he sees himself
fitting and Jim Schwartz's defense.

Speaker 4 (50:03):
Could they let you wear those?

Speaker 5 (50:04):
Uh?

Speaker 4 (50:05):
Just cleach you were looking.

Speaker 16 (50:06):
At Yeah, they let me wear those. Got to get
in those, Maison.

Speaker 12 (50:12):
What do you think the message was for the weekend
delivered by the coaches?

Speaker 4 (50:16):
What are they looking for out of the guys?

Speaker 16 (50:19):
You know, obviously, you know we just learned it.

Speaker 5 (50:21):
We just came in, so you know they're making some mistakes,
but you know, I just want us to play hard
and you know, try to learn the technique and the
defense as best we can in the small weekend and
then we'll just pick back right back up with the
team when.

Speaker 16 (50:31):
We get there.

Speaker 4 (50:33):
Would you come stay after a camp or yeah?

Speaker 10 (50:38):
Is what do you think the anticipation maybe the biggest
challenge for me from transitioning.

Speaker 7 (50:42):
Into the college.

Speaker 4 (50:44):
Uh.

Speaker 5 (50:45):
I would just say that the play style, you know,
I feel like the Browns play different play style than
I played at Michigan, So kind of just adjusting to
more of the attack front defense and you know, kind
of more penetrating than you know, playing lateral, which I
did in college.

Speaker 11 (50:57):
I know it's really but have you.

Speaker 10 (50:58):
Gravitated towards anyone any of the it's kind of taken
you in the wing coaches, maybe.

Speaker 17 (51:02):
Even a fellow.

Speaker 5 (51:03):
Yeah, I mean I've I haven't seen uh some of
the vets. I saw Miles like walking around or whatever.
I think he was working out. But there are some
other guys we just signed Ralph. Ralph is here, so
he's kind of been here since January, so he's kind
of teaching me what he's he's seen since he's been here.
But yeah, just the other rookies, all the guys here
and then just get get to meet everyone.

Speaker 16 (51:22):
I mean.

Speaker 11 (51:22):
And the last time we talked to you, the draft
obviously wasn't finished yet. These guys hadn't taken Sanders. So
what was your reaction to defining out he was gonna
be your teammate and just meeting him your first impressions?

Speaker 16 (51:34):
Yeah, he was cool.

Speaker 5 (51:34):
You know, I met him the other day, uh, for
the first time, and you know, it seems like a
good dude, and you know, it was all about ball,
so I'm I wanna play with the guys that you
know are likely minded.

Speaker 9 (51:42):
Mason, you don't seem like someone who cares about the
fact that Chador is kind of stealing the spotlight, like
you're a little over the first round pick of the
football team. But what is your sort of response or
reaction to the fact that he's kind of got all
the uh, all the media attention so far.

Speaker 5 (51:59):
I mean, that doesn't really matter to me. You know,
I'm I come to play football. If the media is
on me, then they're on me. If the media is not,
then you know it's not I'm just gonna do my
job at the end of the day.

Speaker 6 (52:08):
But I think you talked about meeting Jack uh coach
Jack throughout the process. What was that like and how
did you guys kind of.

Speaker 4 (52:15):
Form that bnd CA you talked about.

Speaker 16 (52:17):
Yeah, it was really cool.

Speaker 5 (52:18):
You know ever since my I met with him at
the combine and I carc you know, the energy he has.
He's the guy that has a lot of energy and
always brings every day. So that's something I want to
play for. And then Coach Morris to the assistant D
line coach. He's helped me to just getting to know
the basics and you know, just kind of getting it
down and then come out here today and just put
it all together.

Speaker 11 (52:36):
Walking around and.

Speaker 17 (52:37):
Getting to see Miles.

Speaker 11 (52:38):
Does that kind of suck in for you yet that
you're now playing on said guys like.

Speaker 16 (52:42):
That about caliber.

Speaker 5 (52:43):
Yeah, I feel like it will sync more in you know,
once I get to be on the field with him
for the first time. But yeah, obviously a great player
and excited for that to be thought about how.

Speaker 3 (52:52):
This team specifically could kind of unlock like another level
for you and in your play.

Speaker 5 (52:58):
Yeah, I mean Coach Jock always talks about taking the
handcuffs off. I feel like, you know, maybe in the
scheme I was playing before, I might have had handcuffs off,
you know, moving more latterly. But I feel like, you know,
Coach Jock and Coach Morris, you know, this attacking front
will help me and you know, unleash some new things
in my game. And I feel like I can, you know,
be a great player in this scheme.

Speaker 13 (53:16):
What more do you think could be unleased in your game?

Speaker 16 (53:19):
Uh? Just making more plays.

Speaker 5 (53:20):
You know in college, I didn't have these crazy stat numbers,
but I just feel like playing in these uh, in
this defense is you know, more penetrating, more attacking, more
ability to make more plays.

Speaker 14 (53:30):
It seems like generally your position used to be more
of a do you seen not heard kind of thing
on the stage.

Speaker 16 (53:37):
How do you think that's evolving over time?

Speaker 4 (53:39):
Uh?

Speaker 5 (53:39):
I mean, you know, people get paid by making plays,
so I feel like, you know, that's what coach Jock
always talks about. He wants us, you know, to get paid,
just like he wants to get paid. So, uh, we're
all here for one job.

Speaker 16 (53:48):
We want to win. And you know, yeah.

Speaker 17 (53:51):
Run like when you.

Speaker 19 (53:52):
Talk about getting us still against the past. But I
mean Bill Kenneth were very good against the Run of Michigan,
So what changes them for you on that side?

Speaker 5 (54:00):
I just feel like it's just a little bit of
a technique. It's just a different style. I mean obviously
the same objective. You know, you want to tackle the
running back, create negative plays, turnover sacks, you know all.

Speaker 16 (54:09):
That, but it just looks different and I just need
to get used to that.

Speaker 8 (54:12):
Since you were drafted and you spent time looking at
film of the Browns defense from last year.

Speaker 5 (54:21):
Yeah, I've been watching, you know, just trying to get
a you know, grasp of what it looks like, you know,
when we're really in the fire. So you know, I've
watched a few games, some cutups of just how the
d line plays, you know, not watching anything in specific,
but just kind of watching how they play. And you
know how I can't see myself envisioning that he went
up again still.

Speaker 4 (54:37):
In Gabriel last year.

Speaker 7 (54:39):
Just if you had a chance to catch up with them.

Speaker 5 (54:40):
Over the last couple of days and something like, Yeah,
I feel like Dylan's you know, one of the guys.
You know, I came in here yesterday and I feel
like he was one of the guys I'm closest to,
you know, when we were playing each other, we were
talking back and forth, having a good time. So, uh,
just cool to see him again. And you know he's
he played in Hawaii. My family lives in Hawaii, so
as something we talk about sometimes.

Speaker 7 (55:00):
Well, what's that like going up against him in that game?

Speaker 16 (55:02):
You want to start? Oh, it was really cool. You know.

Speaker 5 (55:03):
Obviously Oregon was, you know, one of the best teams there.
I think they're ranked number one at the time, so
it was, you know, a great team and great player
that I want to play with.

Speaker 17 (55:12):
Vincent.

Speaker 11 (55:12):
It looked like from things going around on social media
during the draft, that guys were getting crank phone calls.
It looks like you got one I and obviously should
or got one. Just what's what's the reaction to that
when when that happens to you.

Speaker 4 (55:24):
In that comit? I mean, it is what it is.

Speaker 5 (55:26):
You know, people are gonna, you know, be people at
the end of the day. You know, if they want
to do that, then you know, I've had the same
I had the same number since you know, I was
a little kid. So I wasn't really thinking about it,
but you know, it happened, and you know we're on
off of that now.

Speaker 16 (55:38):
So so that that was your phone and not an
NFL phone, No, that's my phone.

Speaker 13 (55:44):
May Mason going back to don Gate, real real good
and I mean a lot of people talk about his size.
I mean he went against him. Did do you even
notice it when you're when you're going against him? How
how did you kind of overcome that?

Speaker 4 (55:53):
Yeah?

Speaker 5 (55:54):
I feel like, you know, I feel like he kind
of embraces he's a smaller guy, and you know, he
does the things he needs to do to you know,
create you know, base for himself, and you know, do
what he does on the field. So I mean, I
feel like he's been that size for a long time
and he's played really well, so I don't think it's
a problem.

Speaker 9 (56:07):
Have the Browns given you any marching orders in terms
of where they want your weight to be? They do
they want you to go on some weight, put on
some muscle or what? What is the plan there?

Speaker 4 (56:18):
Yeah?

Speaker 5 (56:18):
I mean my plan was, you know, always to get stronger, bigger, faster, stronger.
So you know, I feel like the Browns are on
you know, the same wavelength on me with that, so
we're all bought in together want to get bigger, faster, stronger.
But you know, there's no specific weight I need to
be at or they just want me to feel best
and play the best.

Speaker 13 (56:34):
How about with the Miles?

Speaker 9 (56:35):
Will you attach yourself to his hip in terms of
just the weight room stuff and all the crazy stuff
that he can do like that?

Speaker 16 (56:41):
Yeah, for sure.

Speaker 5 (56:42):
He's a freak and I just, you know, I want
to surround myself by him, and you know, he's done
it at the highest level for a long time and
is you know, the best at what he does, So
that's a good guy to.

Speaker 16 (56:52):
Look up to.

Speaker 4 (56:53):
How'd your family wind up in a lot. Uh.

Speaker 16 (56:55):
They moved there after I graduated high school.

Speaker 4 (56:57):
Uh.

Speaker 5 (56:58):
I was actually considered in considering going to Hawaii for
my senior year or so, but I was like, uh,
I'll just finish my last year in California and then
you guys can move after.

Speaker 13 (57:07):
So you like, if you visit a marriage stuff, do
you get back your life?

Speaker 16 (57:10):
Yeah. When I was in college, we had the month
of May.

Speaker 5 (57:12):
Off side would go in May and you know, hang
out them for the month and then get back to
football and stuff again.

Speaker 1 (57:17):
That'll do it for this episode of the From the
Podium Podcast. Be sure to like and subscribe to the
show wherever you get your podcast, keep it locked to
Cleveland Browns daily each weekday, and follow the Browns on
social media for more coverage from the Cross Country Mortgage
campus right here in Berea. I'm Gabekollura. Thanks for listening
to the From the Podium Podcast.
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