*University of Maryland cornerback Gerrick McPhearson was among 50 local NFL Draft prospects who visited Redskins Park on Friday, April 7. It's expected that McPhearson will be a mid-round selection in the April 29-30 NFL Draft.
The 5-10, 192-pound cornerback, who attended Howard High School in Ellicott City, Md., recordeded 37 tackles, one forced fumble and three fumble recoveries for the Terrapins in 2005. He had a strong showing at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, helping to elevate his draft status. He is regarded as a player with explosive speed and sound tackling ability, but some scouts are wary of his size. McPhearson spoke with Redskins.com after the April 7 workout:*
Q: Where are you hearing that you might be selected in the draft?
A: "I'm hearing third round or fourth round. Right now, I'm trying to solidify that third round. More than anything, you want to go in the first day."
Q: What are your thoughts going through the process of getting drafted?
A: "Actually, going into the combine, I was real antsy. I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know how things were going to play out. But ever since the combine, I've been confident in how I did in my testing. I felt like I was top five or top 10 across the board in my category, for defensive backs. So now, going into the draft, I'm pretty confident. I'm trying to get a feel for whether I'm going to get selected in the third round or top of the fourth round. If it were up to me, I'd definitely take going in the third. You want that--I think it's always better [getting selected] on the first day of the draft."
Q: Do you feel like you're ready for the pro level?
A: "Definitely. I have a lot of contact with guys who have played in the league and they've given me encouragement and told me that I have what it takes to play at the next level. I'll get more experience as time goes by and once you get that experience, you'll be able to shoot to be the best. I definitely feel like I'm ready for mini-camp and the scrimmages, and to test myself against the best."
Q: How much did the success of Domonique Foxworth last year with Broncos give you confidence to play in the pros?
A: "Domonique had a good year--he was a third-round pick and I think he started seven games in Denver. Seeing him do that, and knowing that I played opposite of him at Maryland, it gives me a great deal of confidence that I can do the same thing."
Q: You did not work out for coaches during the local college workout on April 7, but you visited Redskins Park anyway. Why?
A: "I wanted to meet with the coaches and show my face. I've already talked to some of the Redskins coaches at the combine and they've expressed an interest in me. So you never know, I might end up playing here. I just wanted to show my face here and also support some of the other [local players] working out."
Q: You were born in Baltimore and grew up in the suburbs in Columbia, Md. Were you a Redskins fan growing up?
A: "I think at this point of my career, I'm not going to be biased toward any team. It would just be a dream come true to have the opportunity to play at the next level."
