Talk to former Michigan defensive lineman Alan Branch, and you might be fooled into thinking that this is a guy who is just too calm and cool to have the intensity needed to succeed at the pro level. But he talked about that point while meeting with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis back in February.
"Just look at the film. I'm not a mean and nasty guy right now, but when
I get on the field it's like [I'm] a different person," he said. "That's why I love the game so much, because it kind of balances me out, because I'm kind of a laid-back guy.
"I don't get emotional off the field, but
once I get between the lines, I'm fired up, I'm emotional, yelling, doing all that."
Cardinals fans will quickly learn that with Branch, the individual spotlight is less important that what he's able to contribute to his team's success on the football field.
"I don't think about my individual accomplishments," he said. "Every time I think
about good things for me, it's always [about] the defense."
With his experience playing at different positions on the defensive line, Branch hopes to pattern his NFL career after another versatile defensive lineman--New England's Richard Seymour.
"I emulate Richard Seymour because he plays all the positions on the
line. He's just a smart guy, really," he said. "I met him a couple of months back, so I
feel that if I can get my game like him, I'll be all right."
Scout.com subscribers can click the link below to listen in to a 6-minute audio clip from our Scout.com team that was on site at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He explains the technique and talents required to play different defensive line positions, why he left school early and why the decision was so hard for him, his strengths that he's bringing to the pro game and much more:
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