Indiana University Athletics
NFL Update - Victor Adeyanju
5/10/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
May 10, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former Indiana defensive end Victor Adeyanju added his name to list of Hoosiers in the National Football League (NFL) on April 30. Adeyanju, selected one pick after former teammate Isaac Sowells, was drafted in the fourth round (113th overall) by St. Louis. As he prepares for rookie minicamp, Adeyanju sat down with IUHOOSIERS.com to talk about his first few days as a professional on newly-appointed head coach Scott Linehan's Rams.
Linehan sees a lot of potential in Adeyanju and is excited to add him to the Rams' defense.
"He is a little raw, but he is very willing with excellent character and he's a bright kid," Linehan said. "What he does have you can't coach, that is size and bulk, and we needed to address that a bit at the defensive end spot. We really feel very good about getting to third down with our ends right now, and we feel very comfortable on first down. There is just not a lot of depth there. That is just a side of that position that we needed to address in this draft."
Adeyanju closed his Indiana career by starting 43 straight games. He recorded 47 tackles (12 for loss and 6.5 sacks). He had a season-high12 tackles (seven solo, five assists) in the season finale against Purdue. Adeyanju also had a career-high three tackles for loss at Iowa and two sacks against Kentucky. The second team All-Big Ten selection competed in the Senior Bowl on Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala.
On being selected in the NFL Draft:
VA: Getting drafted was the best feeling in the world. It is one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. It was a really exciting time for me and my whole family. After I got drafted, I began looking back on my career, and it just felt really good. It's right up there with graduation. There is no better feeling.
On the upcoming rookie minicamp:
VA: I am excited for minicamp. I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in terms of football. I am eager to meet the coaching staff and show them what I can do. It's going to be a whole new experience that I am really looking forward to. I know a lot of my former teammates have already been through camp, but I haven't talked to them. I'm just really excited to be in the mix and start playing again.
On what he's been doing since the draft:
VA: I have been busy since the draft. I am continuing to condition and lift weights. I have done a lot of interviews with media from all over the country. I also have been reading and filling out a lot of paperwork for the team and the league.
On what he is looking forward to most in the upcoming weeks:
VA: I am most looking forward to meeting the coaches and my new teammates. I can't wait to show everybody what I can do and to start learning. I am looking forward to meeting all the veterans and getting to know the Rams' organization as a whole a lot better. I am really excited to get this experience started.
