Richard Sherman Interview
Stanford – Cornerback 

By: Alex Khvatov

 

12/30/09

Alex Khvatov:  How excited are you to be playing in your first ever bowl game against Oklahoma? 

Richard Sherman:  Very excited.  It has been a great experience.  It is a lot of fun thus far.  It is an opportunity to play another game and spent more time with my teammates.                 
 

Alex Khvatov:  You watched a lot of film on your opponent, what are your impressions of the Sooners?

Richard Sherman:  They are great athletes.  They are well-coached.  They have big play receivers.  Ryan Broyles is a big play guy.  They use RB’s in the passing game.       
 

Alex Khvatov:  You spent three years playing wideout at Stanford and you actually blossomed into one of the top young receivers in the Pac-10 as a sophomore, why did the team decide to switch you over to cornerback in 2009?

Richard Sherman:  It was a decision that my coach and I made.  It was a decision to help the team this year.  I also thought that I could have more success at the next level as a corner.  I enjoyed the position.  The opportunity presented itself.
 

Alex Khvatov:  Was it a difficult adjustment for you to make?

Richard Sherman:  Early on, it was tough.  I had to work on my footwork and learn different concepts.  I played this position in high school, so it wasn’t a tremendous adjustment.  I just had to go out there and react to it.
 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you rate your senior campaign?

Richard Sherman:  Early on, it was really rough.  During the last couple of games, I played well.  I found my niche.  I am playing pretty well right now.
 

Alex Khvatov:  Stanford defeated both the Trojans and the Ducks this season, how gratifying were those two victories?

Richard Sherman:  It was a tremendous feeling.  We beat USC twice during my career.  It was very gratifying to beat Oregon for the first time this year. 
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most memorable moment of your college career?

Richard Sherman:  I would have to say that it was the game against USC my sophomore season.  The final drive against them was incredible.  We converted two fourth down conversions.  I felt like it was something scripted.  It was like a movie.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  Your head coach Jim Harbaugh helped lead the team to a remarkable turnaround this season, will he turn the Stanford Cardinal into one of the best teams in the PAC-10?

Richard Sherman:  Yeah, I definitely do.  He has done a tremendous job.  He brought competition and energy to the team.  He brought tremendous athletes through recruiting.  We will only get better from now on.         
 

Alex Khvatov:  What will you miss the most about Stanford?

Richard Sherman:  Hands down, it is my teammates.  It is 100% my teammates.  We are together 365 days out of the year.  They are incredible individuals, and I will miss them.       
 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your teammate and Heisman finalist RB Toby Gerhart.

Richard Sherman:  He is great.  He gives you a tremendous sense of security.  You know that if you get a couple of stops on defense, you always have a chance with him.  As long as he is in the backfield, he can carry you to the promise land.  We always have a shot.
 

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

Richard Sherman:  6’3”, last time I weighed in at 193 pounds and I run a 4.47.  In high school, I could go faster.  My goal is to get my forty time down.       
 

Alex Khvatov:  What schools showed interest in you during the recruiting process?

Richard Sherman:  The entire Pac-10 from Stanford to USC.  There were a couple of SEC schools, Nebraska and Colorado.  I wanted to play receiver, but most schools wanted me to play corner.       
 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Stanford?   

Richard Sherman:  It’s the Pac-10.  It is a great conference.  I wanted to go to a school where I could help and build a program.  I didn’t want to go to a program that was dominant already like USC.  I wanted to come in and make a real impact.  We did a good job turning this program around during my senior year.         
 

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

Richard Sherman:  I am a pretty good tackler.  I have the speed and I love to play man.  Man coverage is one of my biggest strengths.  I would make way less mistakes if I played it all the time.         
 

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

Richard Sherman:  I need to keep practicing my technique at corner and work on my quicks.  I need to continue to learn the defensive back position and continue to get better every day.    
 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Richard Sherman:  The Tennessee Titans.  I started watching them as a kid when they were the Houston Oilers.  I couldn’t tell you why I became their fan.  I liked Warren Moon.         
 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player? 

Richard Sherman:  I love Chad Ochocinco.  I also like Asante Samuel.  I like Steve Smith (Carolina Panthers) as of late.  I like his energy, tenacity, work ethic and attitude.      
 

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

Richard Sherman:  Definitely receiver Chris Owusu.  Chris is young and he was doing well on kickoff returns this year.  He has a chance to become a great receiver.  QB Andrew Luck was great.  He showed what he can do.  I believe that he was better than Barkley.  Delano Howell was a first-year safety.  He got the job done.  Corey Gatewood is the other CB.  He has a chance to be a tremendous player.         
 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Richard Sherman:  I like to just sit at home and play video games.  I go swimming.  I talk on the internet with my family.  I go to the movies a lot.  I hang out with my teammates.   
 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you plan to do with your life after football?  

Richard Sherman:  I will try to go into sports broadcasting.  I want to become an analyst.  I am a communications major.     
  

Alex Khvatov:  Has the NFL always been in the back of your mind?  

Richard Sherman:  It always has been in the front.  I wanted to play in the NFL since I have been eight years old.  I have worked hard to get myself to the next level.       
 

Alex Khvatov:  How will you prepare for the NFL Draft?

Richard Sherman:  I haven’t decided whether I will come back next season or leave.  They gave me my junior year back.  I want to see how I play in this bowl game.  I might come back and improve for next year.       
 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, Richard Sherman is…

Richard Sherman:  Hard-working, funny, energetic, intelligent, loyal, thoughtful and honest.  I hope people describe me as a good player.