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Alex Khvatov:
You had a good showing on
the first day of practice at the Senior
Bowl, what was the difference for you
out there?
Dwayne
Gratz:
I just prepared myself mentally. API
did a good job preparing me for this.
They prepared me mentally and
physically. Coach Dan Brown is one of
the best in college football. He
coached me at UConn. He did a good job
with me and Blidi (Wreh-Wilson). We
showed that today.
Alex Khvatov:
What has this experience been like so
far?
Dwayne
Gratz:
It’s a very surreal experience. I never
thought that I would be in this position
today. Hopefully, it will work out in
the long run.
Alex Khvatov:
You have been joined by LB Trevardo
Williams and CB Blidi Wreh-Wilson this
week, what can we expect from the UConn
guys this week?
Dwayne
Gratz:
We will stand out this week. We will
just stick strong and show scouts what
we can do. Even though we came from the
Big East, we are talented players and we
can hang with the best of them.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your strengths?
Dwayne
Gratz:
I am a strong and powerful cornerback.
I like to get my hands on the receiver
at the line of scrimmage and slow them
down. I am cerebral. I can make
adjustments on the run. Blidi is the
same way.
Alex Khvatov:
What areas of your game are you trying
to improve upon this week?
Dwayne
Gratz:
Everyone has their own strengths and
weaknesses. I am just trying to do
everything that I can to fit into the
system this week. I am trying to do
what the coaches are telling me.
Alex Khvatov:
Who was the toughest WR to cover on the
first day of practice?
Dwayne
Gratz:
It would have to be #1 from Texas
(Marquise Goodwin). He is a fast kid.
I knew that coming into it. I just
tried to get my hands on him to slow him
down. He got the best of me today, but
I will do my best tomorrow.
Alex Khvatov:
What is your most memorable moment at
UConn?
Dwayne
Gratz:
It would have to be when we went to the
Fiesta Bowl. I had that pick 6.
Everyone was screaming. The whole world
was watching. It was amazing that a
team like UConn can go to the Fiesta
Bowl and play a team like Oklahoma on
that type of stage.
Alex Khvatov:
Who was the toughest player that you
faced over your career?
Dwayne
Gratz:
It would have to be Kenny Stills. He
was a freshman at the time. I didn’t
give him much of a chance because he was
a freshman. But he proved me wrong.
Alex Khvatov:
What are your hobbies?
Dwayne
Gratz:
I like to relax. I like to chill in the
house. I let my body relax. I don’t
like to do too much and stay on my feet
at night. We put our bodies through so
much stress, so I just try to relax.
Alex Khvatov:
Finish the sentence, Dwayne Gratz is….
Dwayne
Gratz:
I am a very dedicated and passionate
person. I try to be the best person
that I can be on and off the field. I
think that my teammates see that. I try
to be a leader. I try to lead by
example. I want to show my brothers and
sisters that they can make it though any
situation. They can strive to be the
best that they can be as well. |