Confessions of a Pancake Machine: Questions for Andre Smith

With a completely revamped Cincinnati Bengals team 6th overall pick, offensive tackle Andre Smith out of Alabama, has been able to escape the media scrutiny that usually accompanies top ten picks.  It doesn't hurt that Smith plays on the inside of a team full of controversial "skill position" players. 

Smith doesn't come without his own baggage and some would say that he would fit right in on a team that has had its troubles in the past few years.  If I were given the opportunity I would love to ask the cornerstone of the Bengals offensive line the following questions:

1. First, lets get it out of the way, what was the deal with the Sugar Bowl suspension?  Did you realize what you were doing was against the rules and did you think it would affect your status for the BCS game?

2. What do you have to say to the "haters" out there that question your work ethic or your integrity?  Can you explain the situation at the combine, because the rumors aren't in your favor.

3. What was it like hearing your name called at the draft?  Where were you?  Who were all those folks in that living room with you? 

4. As you know, the Bengals don't exactly have the winning tradition that an Alabama has, what do you bring to this team that will change that?

5. You have been working out at right tackle, rather than your normal position on the left.  How much different is it on the other side?  Does it give you motivation to show that you have the skills to be the one protecting the QB's blind side?

6. In the brief time you have been with the team what do you think are the team's biggest strengths? Weaknesses? What is something that most outsiders don't know about this team?

7. There are a couple of Bama alumns on this Bengals team, Antwan Odom and Evan Mathis, does that give you an "in" with a couple of the veterans or are you still treated like just another rookie?

8. Speaking of alumns, is there a Southern Cal defensive poker game every week on this team?  With Rivers, Frostee, and now Maualuga is there a certain rivalry between colleges on the team?  Do those guys take it easy on Carson in practice?

9. With all the new faces on this team how is the team coming together?

10. Who on the D is the toughest match up for you?

11. Who on the offense have you been most impressed with?

12. What's more satisfying pancaking a defensive end coming at you or getting out on the corner and running full speed at one of those defensive backs?

13. What has been the most surprising about the transition into the NFL?

14. Who are you most looking forward to matching up with in the defensive heavy AFC North?

15. Finally, what are the expectations for this team?  What would be considered a successful season in your mind, both personally and as a team?