Chris Garrett Interview

Running Back – Ohio University

By: Alex Khvatov

2/25/10

Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Chris Garrett: 5’8”, 190 and my consistent forty time is a 4.31. My goal is to run a 4.2 at my pro day.


Alex Khvatov: How did you get into football in the first place?

Chris Garrett: My mom got me started when I was young. I was six at the time. I have been playing organized football ever since.


Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Chris Garrett: Clemson, Connecticut, Ohio University and other small schools. I took a visit to Clemson and Connecticut’s coach came to my school.


Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Ohio University?

Chris Garrett: I went to a military school for a semester because my SAT scores weren’t high enough. I got my grades up. Ohio University was still there for me, and I stuck with them.


Alex Khvatov: What were your team and personal goals heading into the senior season?

Chris Garrett: Our team goal was to win a MAC Championship. We didn’t accomplish it, but we came close. My personal goals were to stay healthy and help my team win in every possible way. I helped on both ends as a runner and on special teams.


Alex Khvatov: How would you rate your senior season?

Chris Garrett: I think that I made the most of the situation. I feel that I had a pretty productive season. I am pretty glad. I accomplished a lot at the school.


Alex Khvatov: Do you take a lot of pride in being a return specialist?

Chris Garrett: I take a lot of pride in that. Special teams is another opportunity for you to change the game in your favor. You have a chance to get six points or get great field advantage. It is my niche. I love to do it.


Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your football career up to this point?

Chris Garrett: I think that the highlight for me would have to be my last touchdown that I scored against Tennessee on a kickoff return. They just scored on us, and we needed a big play. I took the next kickoff for a 95-yard score. I was able to switch the momentum of the game in our favor.


Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths on the football field?

Chris Garrett: My speed, vision and quickness. A lot of people don’t think that I have the power, but I am a pretty powerful back. I keep a low center of gravity. It works well for me.


Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game do you still need to improve upon?

Chris Garrett: Play terminology and learning the scheme of things. I just need to get accustomed to the speed of the game and get better in every phase.


Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?

Chris Garrett: The New York Giants. I am from New York. I just stuck with them. I am a diehard Giants fan.


Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?

Chris Garrett: I have a few. Leon Washington is one of my favorites. I like Joshua Cribbs from the Cleveland Browns.


Alex Khvatov: Which underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye on in the future?

Chris Garrett: WR Terrence McCrae is a freak of nature. He is 6’4” and he runs a 4.3 forty. He will be a steal for someone. WR LaVon Brazill is a game changer. He is our slot guy and a punt returner. These two guys can have careers in the NFL. We dialed them up anytime we needed a big play. Look out for those two.


Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?

Chris Garrett: I love music. I love to watch movies. I play video games.


Alex Khvatov: What is the greatest lesson that you have learned in life?

Chris Garrett: My parents taught things here and there. They told me that I need to work even harder. They said to me “To whom much is given, much is required.” I don’t take things for granted. They got me on the right track. I just stay positive.


Alex Khvatov: Is the NFL a dream or a reality at this point?

Chris Garrett: It is a little bit of both. It is a dream because it is not there yet. It is a reality because it is so close.


Alex Khvatov: Do you feel that you got snubbed by not getting invited to the Combine?

Chris Garrett: Most definitely. I should have been invited. I will focus on my Pro Day which will be March 11th.


Alex Khvatov: How are you preparing for your Pro Day?

Chris Garrett: I am working on my hips. I am focusing on back workouts, lots of bench pressing and lots of cardio work. I am planning to go and train in New York with the Olympic type running. It is getting us ready for pro days.


Alex Khvatov: Finish the sentence, Chris Garrett is....

Chris Garrett: A laid back and funny guy. I am a great friend and just a good guy.