With the college football season over, it’s now time for the cream of the crop to get themselves ready for the 2016 NFL Draft. Players from every college in America will be hoping and praying that their names get called come the end of April.
In the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft, we'll be bringing you exclusive player interviews with draft hopefuls. Our first is with former LSU Tigers linebacker Lamar Louis.
About Lamar Louis
Lamar was born on October 2, 1993. He attended Breaux Bridge High School in Louisiana, where he showed great versatility playing both the running back and linebacker positions.
In 2012, Lamar graduated high school early and participated in spring workouts at LSU. He then attended LSU, majoring in Sport Administration and playing under head coach Les Miles.
Now that we know a little more about Lamar, let’s hear from the man himself.
The Interview
Paul Frances (VAVEL): Lamar, I’d like to thank you on behalf of myself and VAVEL.com for giving up your time to take part in this interview today.
Lamar: Thank you for the opportunity. It's a pleasure.
VAVEL: When and how did you first start playing football?
Lamar: Well, I was actually a baseball player growing up. I was actually really good. My little league baseball coach also coached football. After seeing how good I was in baseball, he convinced my parents to allow me to play little league football for him, and the rest is history.
VAVEL: Growing up as a kid, playing football and watching the NFL, who were the players you admired and looked up to?
It's funny, because growing up I didn't watch a lot of football. There was one player that stood out for me who I think everybody wanted to be like at some point. That was Michael Vick. He was just so electrifying.
VAVEL: Yes, Vick had his own style. His play has influenced many young NFL quarterbacks. Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, RG3, Colin Kaepernick and Tyrod Taylor are prime examples.
In high school you used to play both running back and linebacker. Does having played on the offensive side of the ball help you when you’re trying to read opposing offenses?
Lamar: I believe so. A running back is trying to feel his way through more times than none. If linebackers attack and take that reading time away, it's a dead play.
VAVEL: You were a four-star prospect coming out of high school and you must have had several offers from colleges. What made you choose LSU?
Lamar: LSU was a dream school for me as a young boy. Everyone from Louisiana wanted to go there. To be able to represent your family, state, and all your supporters is an awesome experience.
VAVEL: NFL great’s Leonard Marshall, Steve Van Buren, Y.A. Tittle and Kevin Mawae, to name but a few, also attended LSU. How does it feel to be a part of the LSU Tigers alumni?
Lamar: It feels awesome. So much history before me and it’s still being made. Everywhere I go I'm proud to wear purple and gold. I feel like I have the upper hand in a lot of situations because of my alma mater.
VAVEL: It’s truly one of the best. LSU had over 40 former players on NFL rosters in 2015 and it’s only going to grow after this year’s draft. What has the support been like from Head Coach Les Miles and the coaching staff at LSU as you prepare to enter the NFL draft?
Lamar: The support is great. Whenever I call, they pick up the phone. They do everything in their power to see their players get their names called on draft day. They've also prepared us all mentally and physically for this job interview.
VAVEL: Have you been able to reach out to veteran, current, or former players for advice on the draft and playing in the NFL?
Lamar: Yes, I've reached out to guys like Lamin Barrow, Trai Turner, Russell Shepard, and even Bradie James. They all gave me great advice. There's no secret formula, but there is a right and wrong way to go about the process.
VAVEL: What do you think will be the biggest adjustment you'll have to make going into the NFL?
Lamar: I think the biggest adjustment will be outside of football. Where I am moving to? How are the people? How is the food? What is the climate like? Location would probably be the biggest for me.
VAVEL: What style of defense do you feel you are more suited to? What role or position do you see yourself playing on an NFL team?
Lamar: I believe I can be plugged into multiple positions. My strength and speed make that possible. Linebacker-safety hybrid would be most suiting I think.
VAVEL: What NFL teams do you consider yourself a good fit for?
Lamar: Whichever team gives me an opportunity to play and make plays. At the end of the day, it's about making plays. The best fit is who trusts you the most. That's something I'll find out a little later.
VAVEL: How are your preparations for your pro day going? How are you trying to improve your draft stock?
Lamar: My prep has been going great. I'm improving in all areas. I want to turn heads in every event. I'm anticipating a pretty good 40-yard time.
VAVEL: What would you say are your strengths and weaknesses?
Lamar: I believe my strengths are my speed and power. My weakness is something that I cannot control and that may be my height.
VAVEL: London Fletcher at 5'10" in is shorter than you, 5'11", and he won a Super Bowl, two NFC championships and made it to four Pro Bowls. You’re as big as you play.
What would you be doing if you weren't pursuing a career in the NFL?
Lamar: I would be back in school working on my masters degree.
VAVEL: Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Lamar: In five years, I see myself hopefully still playing in the NFL. If not, I'll be a successful business owner.
VAVEL: Finally Lamar, who has been the most inspirational person in your in life?
Lamar: The biggest inspirational people in my life have been my support. First off, without God guiding my steps every day, I don’t know where I would be. I definitely wouldn't be here. Second is my family. They support me in every decision I make and everything I want to do. They give great advice and keep me up when I'm down. They keep me going and grinding every day. They remind me why I wake up at 5 AM to train every morning. I have a chip on my shoulder and I believe they share that with me.
VAVEL: Lamar once again I’d like to thank you for taking part in this interview today, it’s been great getting to know you.
Lamar: It’s my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
If you would like to keep up to date with Lamar’s journey into the NFL you can follow him on Twitter.
Lamar is an amazing athlete and was one of the veteran leaders on LSU’s defense. He is very quick and light on his feet, and is highly competitive and plays with toughness. Lamar has good strength, is a solid tackler and decent in coverage.
Louis can play at either linebacker position and will bring versatility to whatever NFL team that picks him. In time, he could end up converting to free safety, as he has the athleticism, speed and size to play the position.
Only time will tell as to where Lamar will play football next season. We'd like to wish him all the best in his quest to play in the NFL.