LB Devon Kennard
December 19, 2014
Q: Is there a sense of pride of how well the rookies have done this year?
A: Most definitely. I think it starts with the class that they brought in. We have a talented group and we all want to play and we all want to help our team win. I think we’re competitors and we’re showing that on Sundays.
Q: You also have a feeling that you’re playing pretty well, too?
A: Yeah.
Q: Jameel McClain always talks about not being a middle linebacker or a strongside linebacker, but just being a linebacker. Has that idea rubbed off on you?
A: Most definitely. I’ve moved around a lot in my career and I moved around and have done some different things already this year since I’ve been here. I think that’s a good testament to how he is and how I am. Whatever the coaches need me to do, I’m more than willing to do it. I feel like I’m smart enough and versatile enough to where I can do different things.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year as a first year player in the league?
A: Just how to be consistent in this league. It’s the little details that count and understanding what to do, and staying in the playbook is essential so you can go out there and play fast on Sundays.
Q: What was the hardest adjustment transitioning from college to the pros?
A: The mental aspect, in the sense of when you’re in college, you don’t have as much time as you do in the NFL to study. I had to get under the wings of some of the vets and really learn how they break down different things and how they view things and that’s helped a lot.
Q: How has all the film study helped?
A: You can recognize different things and understand what offenses are doing, pick up tendencies of different players and how they run things. It helps.
Q: How much can you use the next two weeks as a stepping-stone for next season?
A: My focus is just helping my team win this Sunday. I want to do everything I can to help my team win this Sunday. I’m going to go out there and compete and hopefully we get the win.
Q: How have you seen your role on this team change? Have you noticed your growth over the season?
A: Most definitely. I’m trying to progress every week. I’m trying to get better at everything and all the little details. I’m nowhere near as polished as I want to be and as good as I want to be and I want to continue to get better these next two games and have a really good offseason and go on.
Q: Going into a practice or game, do you compartmentalize the idea of this is where you want to get better with what you’re doing this week?
A: Yeah. I’m always looking at myself in what I need to improve on and what I need to do every week to be the best I can be and that’s something that’s continuing for me.
