NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS THIRD ROUND DRAFT PICK (#73) STEVAN RIDLEY
CONFERENCE CALL
April 29, 2011

Q: How has the whole draft process gone for you and how does it feel to be a Patriot?

SR: This whole process has been a dream-come true. It’s been a lot of hard work that’s gone into it and I’m so thankful for the Patriots calling me and giving me a chance to play football and pursue my dream.

Q: Can you describe your running style?

SR: My running style is pretty simple. I’m not a blazer by any means, but I just get the ball and do what I can. I fight for the tough yards, I give my all and play with my whole heart.

Q: How would you assess your blocking ability?

SR: My blocking ability is what needs work. I’m going to know the play, I know how to block, but my technique could always be better. I just have to go in there and improve as a player and focus on what the coaches are willing to teach me.

Q: Did you have any inkling that the Patriots were going to take you at this point?

SR: A lot of teams say they are going to do certain things. I was just waiting for a call and whenever I got a call I was going to be very thankful for it. New England couldn’t have been any more perfect. It’s a team that has a history of winnings championships. I’m looking forward to playing with a lot of guys that know what it takes to win.

Q: As an LSU guy, have you met Kevin Faulk?

SR: I have met him. Faulk’s been down to Baton Rouge, I’ve seen him a total of two or three times, talking to him once or twice. I don’t know him on a personal level, but I have met him before.

Q: You tied his school record with 15 rushing touchdowns last year.

SR: I don’t pay too much attention to stats. I just go out there and play. I’ve actually been told that before and I thought that was pretty neat.

Q: Have you come across Shane Vereen at all during the pre-draft process?

SR: I have. I got to talk with Shane at the combine in Indianapolis. He’s a quality guy, a guy that’s a hard worker. He’s a very humble guy, a great player. We’re going to go into New England and try to learn and develop together and help each other out.

Q: What do you see as your biggest strength?

SR: I think my biggest strength is the ability to go in there and finish out games. When the fourth quarter comes around and you need that running game to go in there and finish it out, I get stronger as the game goes on.

Q: Do you pride yourself in clock-draining, ball-control offensive drives?

SR: I would have to say that I do. Coach [Les] Miles is old-fashioned that he likes to run the ball between the tackles. When we needed somebody to go in there and close out the game and run the ball, that was my job. If that’s the role I fill for the team and the team needs me to do it then I’m willing to do that. I’ve done it before, gone in there and closed out games. If that’s what they need, I’ll be more than willing.

Q: What types of things do you do away from the football field?

SR: I’m from Mississippi, so I’m a big hunter and fisherman. When I’m not on the field, you’ll find me in the woods or something like that. I’m pretty much a country boy at heart

Q: What are your thoughts about becoming teammates your college rival, Ryan Mallett?

SR: Ryan Mallett is the best. I’ve been on the field the last few years and his name has come up in the scouting report as somebody that we would focus on. I’m very excited for Ryan Mallett. To be able to come in here and learn from the best quarterback in the league, Tom Brady, it’s going to be an honor to go in there and play with a guy like that. Tom is also a great guy that Ryan Mallett can go in there and learn from.

Q: What’s your best hunting kill?

SR: I was hunting deer at a young age then I started transitioning into duck hunting the last four or five years. So the best kill I’ve had would have to be ducks.

belichick on ridley:
Q: Can you talk about the two running backs that you drafted today?

BB: I think that Vereen and Ridley obviously play the same position, but I think they are very different players. Both have been very productive in college, Ridley more so this past year, but even when he had an opportunity to play earlier in his career when they had other backs, they always kind of rotated the backs through there at LSU, that he’s been a very proactive guy both in the running game and in the passing game. He’s a bigger, physical back, good running style, gets a lot of tough yards. I’d say Vereen is a little bit more elusive, a little bit more of a space back, has good hands. I think both of those players can help us in the kicking game and they both have been productive at high levels of competition. I think they will complement each other well. We’ve had a little bit of age at that position, so this gives us a couple of young guys that will provide competition for the players that we have in that position.