Dallas Cowboys Prospect: Interview with Lehigh OT William Rackley

Yesterday, I published my scouting report on Lehigh offensive tackle William Rackley, a player the Cowboys seem to be targeting and one who would fit quite well in Dallas. Last night, I was able to get in contact with Rackley and ask him a few questions about the upcoming draft.

Q:  How is your draft prep going? What have you been doing?

A: Since my Pro Day, I have been doing a lot of private workouts.  Once those are over, I have some visits. I have also been working out like a maniac to keep in shape.

Q:  Dallas showed interest in you at the combine. Have you had any further contact with them?

A: Yes, I actually had a visit with them on April 5.

Q:  How was that interview with Dallas at the combine? Did they (or any other teams) ask you any off-the-wall questions?

A: Luckily, I don’t have anything bad in my background that might make them put me on the spot. I was happy to not really get any crazy questions like that.

All of the teams had me watch film, draw up plays and stuff like that. All football-related. Some of them teach you their plays and then test you on them. They want to see how much you can remember.

Q:  Were you content with your overall combine performance?

A: I thought my position drills went really well, but I didn’t run as well as I wanted. I wasn’t really nervous or anything, but I just didn’t do my best in some of the tests. I was really looking forward to the position drills though and I think teams were impressed with my work there.

Q:  You’re originally from Georgia. What made you decide to attend Lehigh?

A: Well, I wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school. I was mainly recruited by Patriot League schools like Lehigh. Going pro was always a dream of mine, but when I came out of high school, I was really just focused on becoming the best college player possible.

Q:  Well you obviously made a good decision. Those hills at Lehigh will kill you though.

A: (Laughs) Yeah, those hills get old really fast.

Q:  Have teams talked to you about moving to guard? Would you prefer to stay at offensive tackle?

A: Some teams have brought it up. Some want me to move to guard, some to center, and some think I can stay at tackle. I don’t care where I play.

Q:  Do you have any experience at guard or center?

A: Yeah, I played guard my freshman year at Lehigh, and I also played center in practice.

Q:  How difficult is it to not constantly check mock drafts or watch television to see where analysts think you’ll get drafted?

A: I try not to worry too much about that stuff. It can be hard, but I honestly don’t really pay much attention to it. I know those things can change so frequently, so no sense worrying about it.

Q:  Know where you’ll watch the draft?

A: Just from home. I just want to get selected as early as possible.

Q:  Last question. Do you pattern your game after any current or former players?

A: No, I don’t really try to emulate anyone else’s game. I do watch other players to see their technique and how they succeed. I watch Jake Long a lot, for example. But I don’t think I really try to pattern my game after anyone else. I just do my own thing. I didn’t really have any specific favorite players growing up or anything like that.