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 UNC Athletics Department photo Former Weldon High star Kentwan Balmer is expected to go in the first round of Saturday's NFL Draft. |
Tomorrow, no matter how you look at it, Kentwan Balmer's life will make a dramatic change.
Beginning at 3 p.m., the NFL will hold its annual draft in New York. Balmer, who had a breakout senior season at UNC, is expected to be selected in the first round.
For the past few months, the Weldon native has been traveling all over the country for workouts, interviews, the Senior Bowl and the world-famous NFL Combine. All of that to improve his stock so that some lucky team can select him Saturday.
This week, Balmer took time to talk with the Daily Herald and tell what the journey's been like, the craziest question he was asked at the combine and what quarterback he can't wait to take down.
DH: With all the traveling, interviews, workouts and the combine recently, what's this entire process been like for you the last few months?
KB: This whole process has been like a dream come true. It's something I've been waiting for, for a long time. This whole ride has been like a dream. Of course it's been frustrating at times and very emotional ... I think this is just a way of God saying to me that my hard work has paid off.
DH: What was the NFL Combine like, with all the tests you had to take and the various drills?
KB: It was strenuous, mentally and physically. People throwing questions at you that you are not prepared for. A lot of guys had training for stuff like that, but I just tried to go in there and be myself. The physical part, that was mostly easy, you know, doing drills and getting yourself in the best shape possible to impress some coaches. The combine was a great experience.
DH: During the interview process, what was the craziest question someone asked you?
KB: The craziest question someone asked me was if I liked women. That threw me a little bit, but it was all for laughs, just to loosen us up for the meeting.
DH: With the big day tomorrow, what's one stadium you are looking forward to playing on Sundays?
KB: I'm looking forward to playing in any stadium that I'm blessed enough to play in. Every chance I get to play on Sundays is a blessing and I'm just trying to enjoy the ride while I can.
DH: Any particular offensive lineman you're looking forward to lining up against?
KB: A few. Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis Colts center) is a North Carolina guy. Jeb Terry (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is also a North Carolina guy. Guys like that who I faced while in college and older guys who came before me ... just to see how I match up. Those guys are big in Carolina football. I look forward to facing those guys and getting a friendly rivalry going.
DH: Is there one quarterback you can't wait to sack for the first time?
KB: I'm looking forward to tackling Peyton Manning. I've been watching him for a long time and he is so good. Hopefully I'm going to get a chance to sack him and once I'm down there I'm going to ask him for his autograph.
Even though I going through this, I am still a fan of the game. I'm going to try to get his autograph and Tom Brady's and Daunte Culpepper's, those guys that I watched coming up.
DH: This year is a big year for defensive lineman with Glenn Dorsey (LSU), Sedrick Ellis (USC) and yourself. How do you think you match up with those guys?
KB: I don't compare myself to those guys and I'm sure they don't compare themselves to me because we are all different in what we do.
Those guys are good players and I feel like I am a good player also. There is a respect factor. I know what they are going through and they know what I go through. They are good humble guys, we got a long great (when we met). I wish the best for them.
DH: Now, the one knock on you on all the draft boards from the so-called experts is that you were a one-year wonder in college. What do you say to those guys?
KB: They don't know the preparation it took. They don't know the coaching staff that I had who took me to where I needed to be. They don't know what's in my heart.
I look at it and I laugh because in 12 years, they are going to look like fools. I'm not holding any grudges toward them, but I know what I can do for a team.
DH: Last question: Tonight, one night away from the draft, what is going to be going through your mind when you lay down and go to bed?
KB: I don't think I'm going to sleep, honestly. I think my adrenaline is going to be pumping. I'm going to be anxious. It's going to be that feeling like the first day of school. I'm not going to be able to sleep, but I am really looking forward to it.
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