Coming out of high school, what made you pick the University of Connecticut?
Coming out of High School I originally committed to University of Toledo to play tight end or wide receiver but that was just an early commitment in the summer. Then UConn came along with other schools in the Big East. Me and my high school coach looked it over and decided that the competition was much better compared to the MAC. The education was another big reason I chose UConn. I was looking forward to get the most out of the opportunity of going to college and playing sports at the same time.
Other than Toledo and UConn, were you seriously considering any other schools?
It came down to Toledo, UConn, and Syracuse. I really liked Syracuse. I liked the environment and I liked the direction that they were trying to go in. With my family and high school coach (Ted Ginn Sr.) helping, we chose UConn and it worked out for the best.
If you could pick one moment or game from college that stands apart from the rest, what is it and why?
The Notre Dame game (11/21/09). We had just come off of two tough loses. A bigger thing we came off of was the loss of my fellow teammate, Jasper Howard. That was our 1st victory after his tragic loss. Also, our running backs coach had just lost his mother. We came out with heavy hearts and ended up victorious. To get a win over such a prestigious school such as Notre Dame, it just added that much more to the win.
Lindsey was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game. How has practice been going?
Practice has been going well. I have been working with the defensive line coach from the Chicago Bears. He has given me a lot of good tips and pointers. I’m learning a lot and adding it to what I learned in college. There is a lot of great competition here from my fellow defensive linemen.
There is a lot of talk that down the road, you may transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker. What is your take on that and would you embrace it?
I have heard that a lot this week. I have met with 20-plus NFL teams and they all have asked me how I feel about playing linebacker. I played a little linebacker in high school and dropped into coverage at UConn. I also played QB and WR in high school so I am used to being the open field. Playing outside linebacker would def be a transition but I wouldn’t mind it at all.
Has having an older brother who has been drafted and went through the whole process helped out at all? What is the best advice he has giving you? (Lindsey’s older brother is Donte Whitner – safety for the Buffalo Bills)
It is good. It has its pros and cons having an older brother in the NFL. Some people think that I think I’m entitled to some things just because he is in the NFL. I like to make my own path. A lot of people like to compare us and try to book my measurements against his. He doesn’t try to force his opinion on me and just told me to stay humble and keep working hard.
Where will Lindey Witten be drafted come April 2010?
I hear so much stuff about the draft and I don’t worry about. I looked forward to going out and competing and hopefully the best team will select me. Which ever team selects me, I think they will win because I’m going to go in and work hard every day. I look forward to putting up good numbers at the combine and opening up so more eyes. I’m hearing between the 2nd and 4th round but it really doesn’t matter to me. I try not to pay attention to it because it will just drive you crazy.
Who did you pick as your agent and why?
I signed an agent a little less than a month ago. I went with Neil Cornrich, he also represents my brother. (Neil Cornrich is located in Cleveland) That was one of the things I was looking for. Being that I’m from Cleveland and my family is in Cleveland. I would like to be able to get in touch with him whenever I need to.
Being born and raised in Cleveland, are you a Browns fan?
Oh yeah. I’m a big browns fan. I’m a big Cavs fan and a big Indians fan.
So is King James going to stay in Cleveland?
I think so. He is from Akron which is about 40 minutes away from Cleveland. Most of his family is there and that is where he is established. I don’t see why he would leave. I think he will be there for the long haul.
Quick Hitters
If I turn on your ipod right now, what is playing? Definitely something R&B. Probably Trey Songz.
Favorite food? Pasta
A dinner for 4, who are the three people you’re bringing? First and foremost my grandfather who raised me, my high school football coach (Ted Ginn Sr.), Coach Randy Edsell (UConn head coach)
Dream Date? I would like to be with my grandmother who passed away. I would love to take her out one last time and just have a great night with her. She is my heart, she is my everything and I think about her everyday.
After reading that, I think you found out what I did last night when I was on the phone with Lindsey. He is a great guy with a passion for the game and any NFL team would be lucky to have a player like Lindsey Witten. Make sure to check him out this Saturday at the East-West Shrine Game. (3:00 pm from Orlando, FL)
Best of luck Lindsey, very insightful and sincere interview! Solid young man.