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CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the
Pirates
Thursday,
August 16, 2010
By Ron Cherubini |
Q&A with
John Lattimore
By
Ron Cherubini
©2012 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.
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High-impact junior college transfers are not uncommon for East Carolina. You
have the likes of Andre Allison, Lance Lewis, and Dominique Davis to draw on
for comparison. But it has been awhile since a defensive JUCO came aboard
that was so eagerly anticipated. Defensive end John Lattimore is one of
those guys who everyone was that excited about when he came into the program
in 2011.
An odd accident in his first day or two in spring camp in 2011 delayed his
“arrival” on the field a year, but that delay, in hindsight, may be one of
this year’s blessings. At 6-4, 277 pounds, Lattimore is sort of a tweener
for the 3-4 defensive end position. But the trade-off between his weight and
his speed — particularly his acceleration into the backfield once he has
engaged the tackle — creates some very interesting opportunities to get a
true pass rush out of a DE without losing containment. His JUCO reputation
was one of being a massive backfield disruptor.
Lattimore's
abilities, along with the emergence of fellow DE
Lee Pegues, allowed the Pirates to
drop
Derrell Johnson and Maurice Falls to
the second level, thereby creating more depth and athleticism — particularly
pass rushing skills — in the linebacker ranks. Lattimore has yet to play in
a game for the Pirates, but play in games he will and the junior is likely
to be a notable contributor.
John was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his
insights on the upcoming season.
John Lattimore in action
(ECU SID photo)
One-on-One with John Lattimore
Q: Last year’s injury must have
really just got under your skin. You were a player
that the defense really was counting on coming in
and jumping in right away. You missed the season,
you are now healthy. How are you feeling heading
into the season? Are you hyped up having had to wait
so long to get out there?
A: I am very excited for the
season and I am ready to see what I can do out there
in (a) game. I feel good, I’m 100% healthy.
Q: You came in as a DE with a
reputation for getting to the QB. Do you see
opportunities to put on the heat in this 3-4 scheme?
Talk about how you guys expect to get more pressure
on the QB this year.
A: I will have opportunities but
the position is about stopping the run game. The
transition was a little tough at first, but I got a
feel for it and like playing the position much more
now. We stop the run, but if there is an opportunity
to get to the quarterback, we all can make that
play.
Q: Assess the defensive line and
what you see out there. Do you guys have a chance to
be a special group?
A: Really happy with how we are
all doing out here. I do think we have a chance to
be a really special, good group. I feel like the
whole defense, not just the defensive line could be
pretty special.
Q: What player on this team do
you most respect and why?
A:
Lee Pegues.
He is so passionate about the game and is always
going 100% at all times. He works hard and it shows.
Whenever I have a question about the position, I go
to him. I definitely hold a lot respect for Lee.
Q: Do you feel like with the
depth being developed at the DE positions, there are
enough reps for all of you? Does the rotation help
you out there?
A: Really, to me the rotation is
good. I run with the ones and the twos and we mix it
up, so really, whether you are the starter or not
doesn’t matter because we rotate to keep everyone
fresh and at the top of their game. It allows you to
go full speed, full strength every play you are out
there.
Q: You’ve had to sit out for so
long since you last played in a real game. Do you
think you are going to be able to make it to the
Appalachian State game without going crazy?
A: Oh, man, I am excited. I’m
also a little nervous. It’s been more than a year
since I last played in a game. Excited to get out
there and see what I can do, make that first play.
I’m really looking forward to the first game.
Q: How is the OL looking from
your perspective thus far?
A: They look real good, all of
them. They are a strong and I think that they will
surprise people.
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