Today’s interview is with former Penn State cornerback Chaz Powell, signed to a contract as an undrafted free agent shortly after the draft ended. Powell measured in at the combine at 6′ even and 203 lbs. He came in Penn State having played on both sides of the ball in high school and amassing impressive statistics on both sides including a team high 1,190 rushing yds with 16 TDs, an additional 400 receiving yds, 3 Ints with one returned for a TD. He had 16 blocked field goals and punts.
He was redshirted in 2007 as a Freshman at PSU. He was put in as a WR for both 2008 and 2009 and then moved to CB in 2010. He played on special teams and started some games at CB. He was the teams kickoff specialist.
In 2011 he continued to play both on defense and special teams. He had 27 kickoff returns, averaging 27.1 yards per return with one TD. He played in all 13 games and logged two INTs (fellow Penn State and current Raider Nate Stupar also had 2 INTs, I see), 41 total tackles and 9 passes defended.
For the Raiders he would provide depth at defensive back and compete to be a returner on Special Teams.
You can follow him on Twitter @CPowell02
Interview:
Q: What is your home town/state?
Powell: I’m from New Freedom, PA, which is a small town about 5 minutes from the
Maryland line.
Q: Did you root for a particular NFL team growing up? Who? Why?
Powell: I’m from Baltimore, Maryland so growing up I liked the ravens because you
always have to root for the hometown team.
Q: Did you have an idol growing up? Who?
Powell: Growing up I did not have an idol. When we would play football or basketball
we would always say we were the best players at the time.
Q: What are your strengths as a player? What do you bring to the team?
Powell: I would have to say my strengths are that I am a team player, can take
any type of coaching, I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win and I’m willing
to lay it all on the line in practice and in games to show my teammates that I
will always put the team first. What I can bring to the team is that I can play
both sides of the ball if needed.
Q: Why did you choose the Raiders as a free agent?
Powell: The reason I picked the Raiders as a Free Agent is because I felt that the
Raiders were the best fit for my skills and that I can come in and help the team
right away if possible.
Q: Do you know anyone currently on the squad or coaching staff? What did
they tell you about the team?
Powell: In college I played with Stefen Wisniewski and the Raiders also drafted two of
my college teammates, Jack Crawford and Nathan Stupar
Q: Did you have any visits with the Raiders – in Alameda, at a pro day,
at the Combine or Senior Bowl? What was it like?
Powell: I met with the Raiders at the combine. I felt the meeting was a great one
because now I am Raider.
Q: What hobbies do you have away from football?
Powell: I enjoy playing basketball and playing video games when I have the chance
to. Also, when I have some free time I love going to the beach and enjoying
spending time with my friends.
Q: Which NFL player do you compare your skill set with?
Powell: I would say my skills are one of a kind because I can do lots of things some
people cannot do. I don’t want to sound cocky or anything like that, but I’m
just a football player that’s willing to do whatever it takes to win and all I want
to do is get the chance to start one day as a Raider.
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