Sunday Q&A: Lord set to go from QB to DB
Sunday, May 02, 2004
ELI GELMAN
Star-Ledger Staff
Houston Texans draft pick Jammal Lord was hardly nervous during last weekend's NFL Draft. The University of Nebraska quarterback and former Bayonne High star relaxed with his family in Bayonne, flipping between the draft and a game between the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers.
Finally the call came and Texans head coach Dom Capers was on the line. "How would you like to be a Texan?" Lord recalled Capers asking him. "(Afterward), I didn't call anybody. I was still in shock. After a while, it kicks in. Wow, I just got called by the Texans. I'm going to be playing for the Texans. At first you don't realize what happened. Then it kicks in and you're like, 'Wow, I can't believe it.'"
Lord, who was selected in the sixth round, 175th overall, heads to rookie camp in Houston next weekend and is determined to make the team. He spoke to The Star-Ledger about the time leading up to draft day and his hopes for the future.
Why weren't you nervous on draft day?
I talked to every team in the NFL so I wasn't really concerned. I figured if I didn't get the call, some (team) would pick me up through free agency.
What did you go through leading up the draft?
I worked out in Atlanta on my own. Pro day was March 10 at Nebraska. Scouts come and work you out there individually. I did pretty good there. I went back and forth from Atlanta to Nebraska, because some teams could come in and work you out again. I had a few teams (do that). I had individual workouts with the Chiefs and Louis Rams. I went to visit Green Bay, Tampa Bay and the Jets.
Did any of the teams hint that they might draft you?
Everybody says they like you. But you never know what they're really thinking. The draft is so crazy, you don't know what's going to happen. You just sit, be patient and wait for the phone call.
Was there one team you wanted to get selected by?
I was kind of hoping to go to the Jets. They were my childhood team. I would have been home in my backyard. My mother is in New Jersey and the rest of my family is in Brooklyn, so they wouldn't have had to travel too far to see me play.
What do you know about Houston? Do you know anyone out there?
I don't know anybody. Raheem Orr, who went to Rutgers, was drafted by Houston. I played with him in the high school all-star game.
The Texans want you to be a free safety instead of quarterback. Disappointed?
No, not at all. I'm just excited to get an opportunity. It was (all) defensive back drills at pro day in Nebraska. I never took any reps at quarterback.
How tough will the transition be?
I played corner and safety in high school, so I have some experience there. Now I just have to tone back up my backpedaling and DB skills. It's not going to be easy.
What's your best Nebraska football memory?
Playing against Texas (in) my junior year, even though we lost by three. It was me vs. Chris Simms, two Jersey guys. He threw for about 300 yards, I ran for 230 yards and threw for 100 yards. It was fun.
What do you know about new Giants quarterback Eli Manning?
I played against him in the (December 2002) Independence Bowl. They beat us. I did all right against him. I had about 100 yards passing, 100 yards rushing.
What do you want to do with your communications degree?
Play in the NFL.