Terps in the NFL: Q&A with Jeremy Navarre
6/10/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
June 10, 2009
Maryland Media Relations is proud to present the third in a series of Q&As detailing former Terrapins' first impressions of life in the National Football League. The third installment of `Terps in the NFL' features Jeremy Navarre. The defensive lineman from Joppatowne, Md., played in 50 career games at Maryland, recording 183 tackles, including 25.5 for loss, and 11.5 sacks. Navarre, who garnered All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mention honors following the 2008 season, signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a rookie free agent on April 27. He recently spoke with Maryland Media Relations regarding his journey to Jacksonville, his extra source of motivation and his advice to current Maryland football players.
Media Relations: How did you end up with the Jacksonville Jaguars?
Jeremy Navarre: "Jacksonville called me right after the draft and said they wanted to sign me as a free agent. I wanted Jacksonville because they had me down here on a visit and showed a lot of interest in me. I had a chance to stay closer to home, but I felt it was a really good opportunity for me to come down here and play for the Jaguars."
MR: What has it been like to learn from Jacksonville head coach Jack Del Rio and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker?
Navarre: "I really like the coaching staff here. Everyone is really positive and really upbeat. Coach Del Rio played linebacker for a long time in the league, and he's a great defensive coach. He's really involved with the defense, and I think he spends a lot of his time coaching us. My d-coordinator and line coach are great, too."
MR: Have you had much interaction with fellow Terrapin alumni Mike Tice (Jacksonville assistant head coach/tight ends coach) and Adam Podlesh (Jacksonville punter)?
Navarre: "I've talked with those guys some and also with (former Maryland head coach) Mark Duffner, who is our linebackers coach. I spoke with Adam when I first got down here and he told me, `work hard and do what got yourself here and everything will be fine.' That's pretty much all you can do."
MR: How many minicamps and organized training activities (OTAs) have the Jaguars had thus far and how have those sessions gone for you?
Navarre: "We had our minicamp in May and we've had about 10 OTAs so far. I think we have about four more left. The minicamp was my first experience in the NFL. I was nervous, of course, and it was a bit overwhelming. They kind of throw you in the fire right away by telling you plays and expecting you to know them right away. That experience was a good introduction into the NFL because they threw the whole kitchen sink at you and got you ready for the OTAs. I'm a lot more comfortable now, so I'm able to just focus on playing football."
MR: What has been the biggest difference between pro and college football for you thus far?
Navarre: "It's the speed. Everything is really fast. We were just talking today about how in college a play might take four to five seconds. Here an offense has done a play in two seconds and on defense you're already chasing the ball. The game is a lot faster, and as time goes on you get better at reacting more quickly to certain things."
MR: How has being a Terp prepared you for the rigors of life in the NFL?
Navarre: "I definitely think playing at Maryland prepared me well. I know we're still in OTAs, but right now the practices are shorter than our practices at Maryland. All we do is wear helmets, and I'm trying to get used to practicing at full speed in just helmets. But the way Coach (Ralph) Friedgen worked us and the strength program by (strength and conditioning coach) Dwight Galt definitely have gotten me ready for the physical aspect of the NFL."
MR: Have you found time yet to explore Jacksonville?
Navarre: "We usually start a day about 6:30 a.m. and we're done about 2:30 p.m. I'm actually staying about 10 minutes from Jacksonville Beach, so I've been going there to relax after we're done for the day."
MR: Has it sunk in yet that you are playing professional football at its highest level?
Navarre: "It's started to sink in. I'm still kind of at the beginning stages of it, so I'm sure there will be more shock in the future. I think that first minicamp was a real eye-opener. But when you're out there you don't really think about it. You're just trying to play football and make your dream come true. But when you sit back and think about it, it's crazy to think that you're in the NFL. You've taken your game as far as you can take it, and now you just have to keep going and try to make that 53-man roster. That's really what it comes down to."
MR: Does being an undrafted free agent provide an additional source of motivation for you?
Navarre: "It has to be extra motivation. Being an undrafted free agent in the NFL is kind of like being a walk-on in college. It's a really humbling experience because you go from starting in college to being at the bottom trying to work your way up. You need to work that much harder and your room for error is that much smaller. It definitely pushes you and you want to prove to everyone you are worthy of being in the NFL."
MR: What advice do you have for the current players at Maryland who aspire to pursue an NFL career in the future?
Navarre: "Work hard on and off the field, and what you do off the field will carry over to the field. If you work hard and get after it, you'll be noticed by somebody and you'll have an opportunity to keep playing the game that you love. It's a grind, but you just have to keeping working and never take anything for granted. Hopefully some of the guys on the team now will keep working at it and be able to take their game to the next level."
Terp Notes
Fokou Signs With Philadelphia: Former Maryland linebacker Moise Fokou signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles Tuesday. Fokou was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
