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Otah Chats with the Observer

By Brinson | June 2, 2008

Nice little Q&A — although it’s fairly bland per standard newspaper talks to rookie offensive lineman who isn’t about to fire off any crazy quotes — from ITP with Jeff Otah. The first year tackle is still on the sidelines which means that his role and what he sees on the field is pretty limited. Here’s two (there’s a few more at the link) of the questions he was asked.

Q. How well have you been able to pick up plays with the Panthers by just being in meetings and not being able to practice?

It all starts in the meeting room, that’s where you learn your plays. I’m glad I’m getting an opportunity to learn those plays.

I’ve learned it’s a fast game and you’ve got to know what you’re doing.

Q. The Panthers traded next season’s first-round pick to get a chance to draft you in this year’s first round. Any pressure on you, knowing they gave up that much?

You’re always going to feel pressure being a first-round pick. But I don’t really feel any pressure. If I was taken in the fifth round, I’d come in here and work my butt off.

Nice answers — expected, really — but I’m a little upset he didn’t bite on the “tough to play for Pitt last year” question. It was, of course, designed to focus on his ankle, but the fact that Dave Wanny is the coach makes that obscenely funnier to me.