Chat with Lorenzo Booker

ESPN.com's Scouts Inc. has evaluated every player in the draft and this is what they say about Booker: ''Booker has never proven capable of being the premier back in college and he clearly lacks the size and strength to handle a full load at the next level. However, Booker's versatility remains his greatest asset. He possesses the speed, elusiveness and hands to contribute as a third-down back and return specialist in the NFL, which is why he could still come off the board late on Day 1 despite failing to live up to expectations at Florida State.''
Send in your questions now, then join Booker on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. ET!
MORE
Wednesday's NFL prospect schedule:
12:30 p.m. ET - Nebraska's Adam Carriker
1 p.m. - Michigan's Alan Branch
1:30 p.m. - Texas' Brian Robison
3 p.m. - USC's Ryan Kalil
3:30 p.m. - Texas' Michael Griffin
4 p.m. - Texas' Justin Blalock
Buzzmaster (2:28 PM)
We've got Lorenzo!
Matt, New York, NY
Lorenzo, congrats on the outstanding Emerald Bowl performance. You are being compared a lot to Tiki Barber on a lot of draft forums (as far as size and running style)...have you thought about playing for the Giants? Did they approach you at the combine?
Lorenzo Booker (2:29 PM)
Yes they did as a matter of fact. That's really one of the places that intrigued me the most, because it's a good situation. The NFL is now about 2-back system and creating mismatches. Situations like New York or Cincinnati, are teams that have that big bruiser already and need a second back. In New York, I hope to go after a career off the field like Tiki. I would not be upset if Couglin called.
Stephen D. (Charlotte, NC)
Are you going to break Devon Hester's record for TD returns this year?
Lorenzo Booker (2:31 PM)
I got an opportunity to do kick returns at the Senior Bowl. That's an area of my game that I would like to utilize at the next level. That guy has a completely different mentality when he returns kicks. He has the ability to change the game with one play. He opened my eyes to an area where I could make an impact.
David (Tallahassee)
Your stock has risen as result of the combine. What teams have had the most interest in you?
Lorenzo Booker (2:32 PM)
It's funny because every team that has the big back, but doesn't have the all-purpose back area all interested in me. There are so many teams that want that type of guy. You put a guy in the open field and they make a play. You name the team and I've met with them. It's a good thing, but then when I think about where I might end up, it's frustrating because you don't know where you'll end up.
Eric (Louisville, KY)
Do you feel like the offensive coaching staff you had at FSU limited your ability to better prove yourself?
Lorenzo Booker (2:34 PM)
I'd be lying if I said that there was a lot of opportunities. There were times where we just didn't get chances, not from sharing the ball, just no chances. When you're losing games and you're not getting the chance to help your team win. It's tough. But you still learn from it. You learn that things don't work out like you want them to. You either sink or swim. I wasn't going to let that situation dictate how I worked or how I prepared.
Aaron (Kansas)
What was the most interesting thing you were asked in any of your interviews at the combine?
Lorenzo Booker (2:35 PM)
If I was a tree, what kind of tree would I be? I start thinking, what does this have to do with football? And are there nice trees? Mean trees?
Clay Center, KS
Who is the best back in the league right now?
Lorenzo Booker (2:36 PM)
Right now, LaDainian Tomlinson. Hands down. It's hard to find weaknesses with that guy. I think what even speaks more about him is that he's a great guy. It hurt my heart to hear about his father.
Michael (Lompoc Ca)
Hey Lorenzo i ran against you in the 100 in high school. But coming out of high school you were compared to marshal faulk do you see your self as that kind of back?
Lorenzo Booker (2:37 PM)
Definitely. Marshall Faulk, Reggie Bush, Brian Westbrook, Tiki Barber all those guys were used exactly like I want to be used. There are so many things that I can do. If I'm not used in all those ways, I'm hurting the ball club. This is the NFL, this isn't college any more. I know when I'm drafted, I'll be drafted to fill that role.
Lane (Kukuihaele, HI)
What about this combine question: Jessica Alba or Beyonce?
Lorenzo Booker (2:38 PM)
Beyonce, hands down. Beyonce, there's not even a question. I like my woman to be a little heavier than 110 pounds.
Doug (DC)
What do you think the future of FSU football is? And do you think Bobby Bowden should retire?
Lorenzo Booker (2:39 PM)
Coach Bowden is still just as sharp as he's been. The fact of the matter is that Jeff was a great guy, but the job just wasn't getting done. Now we've got Jimbo in there. I just think him bringing his experience to Florida State will improve the team.
Bill (Piitsburgh PA)
Lorenzo, Congratulations on everything you have accomploished and best of luck!! As a former college football player talk about the comparisions of nerves between the first big saturday in fall freshman year and suiting up for the combine?
Lorenzo Booker (2:40 PM)
I tell you what I was less nervous for the combine, to be honest. I don't think that I was more or less nervous in either situation. But me, I love to compete. I proved that to everybody that I was willing to travel across the world to go to college. I've learned to harness those butterflies.
steve (Michigan (Lions))
Who was your hero growing up on the NFL level?
Lorenzo Booker (2:41 PM)
Barry Sanders. I've always felt that he was the greatest running back that ever lived. The way he ran, he ran better than everyone else, but he did it in a situation that was a lot worse than anyone else. His situation was average at best.
Lorenzo Booker (2:41 PM)
I wish he would have had an opportunity to win a Super Bowl.
scott beekley (vermillion,sd)
Has reality hit that you are gonna be an NFL back???
Lorenzo Booker (2:42 PM)
I tell you what, it was something special. It hit me when I was working out with the guys. You're 4, 5 years old and you look forward to that day. There you are, working with everyone else. It's going to be really emotional, April 28. I'll be watching it on the same TV that I started the dream.
Mike (Vermont)
How good is Buster Davis compared to other LB you have seen.
Lorenzo Booker (2:43 PM)
Buster Davis, he's great. He ranks up there with the best of them. I don't think he gets the credit, because he's not 6-1. But you can't measure a football player by a couple of drills. If you put the tape of him in and you'll see he's great.
al milwaukee wi
Do you think the sucess of "small" running backs like Warrick Dunn and Leon Washinton both from F.S.U. give you more inspirations of making it in the N.F.L.?
Lorenzo Booker (2:45 PM)
Oh yeah, sure. From that stand point, I've never been a guy that felt like you had to be 220. I really didn't need to see Dunn or Leon do that. I've felt the best ever are 5-10 or shorter, 210. They've been able to take hits and get themselves out of situations. I've felt that me being that size will be an advantage.
Eric (Whittier, CA)
Mentally how are you preparing for the NFL draft?
Lorenzo Booker (2:45 PM)
I'm just trying not to make it bigger than what it is. I use the Leon Washington quote - "control the controlable." From that standpoint, that's all I can do. I can't control where I get picked.
Tommy (Ft. Meade MD)
What was your favorite team in the NFL growing up?
Lorenzo Booker (2:46 PM)
I never had one, to be honest. I just always loved watching the players run around. Especially now a days, there's very few loyalties, it's all a business. My favorite team will be the one I get to play for.
jeff (nj)
any thoughts on what to buy with that first check?
Lorenzo Booker (2:47 PM)
My mother's house. I had a single mom growing up, so my mom is great to me. That's the best thing about the money is I can take care of my family.
Stephen (LaGrange, NC)
I know you work hard in the gym and on the field, but how important is nutrition to a guy like you?
Lorenzo Booker (2:48 PM)
It's extremly important. I noticed when I'm hydrated and eating right, I'm not as tired. I don't cramp up. It's extremly important.
will (islip,ny)
NFL Combine question: NCAA Football 07 or Madden 07?
Lorenzo Booker (2:48 PM)
Madden now. I've always enjoyed the game that I was on. In college I was looking forward to playing for a national championship. So now I'll have to convert to Madden.
KP (South Bend, IN)
What is your favorite event at the combine?
Lorenzo Booker (2:49 PM)
Just the drills. Running around and catching the ball. To me that's the only thing you can use to judge how good of a player you are. I was able to really go out there and let loose then.
James (Austin, Tx)
I remember hearing you were very close to committing to Notre Dame before switching to FSU, what happened?
Lorenzo Booker (2:50 PM)
I wanted to FSU the entire time. The only thing that kept me from going there was distance. I wasn't worried about how many running backs. In the end, my mom wanted me to go there, my cousin wanted me to go there. But in the end, my heart took over. I had to go ahead and go to FSU and I don't have any regrets.
Raymond (Baltimore)
The first time you played as yourself on NCAA what went thru your mind? How did you like you ratings? Good luck mayne!
Lorenzo Booker (2:51 PM)
I wanted to start editing immediately! When you're a player, you want to have all your attributes. You don't think that you're as good as you are.
Erik (Tallahassee, Fl)
Lorenzo, Any resentment towards FSU about never giving you a sole shot to "carry the load".. Any thoughts on Jimbo and the new offensive staff?
Lorenzo Booker (2:53 PM)
Definitely not. I was able to develop some great relationships with my teammates. Without even talking about football, I wouldn't ever trade that away. I could never blame the loyal fans for something they have no control over. Going into that situation, I knew that I'm a champ, because I could have made excuses or complained. I stuck it out. I love FSU. I love the loyal fans there.
Lorenzo Booker (2:53 PM)
Thanks for the support. Wish me luck for the next couple of months!
SportsNation on Facebook
THIS WEEK'S CHATS
- 11:00 AMNoleNation's David Hale
- 12:00 PMNFL with Dan Graziano
- 1:00 PMSweetSpot's Schoenfield
- 1:00 PMCubs, Sox with Levine
- 2:00 PMNFL blogger Kevin Seifert
- 2:00 PMGeauxTigerNation's Laney
- 2:00 PMBoxing with Brian Campbell
- 2:00 PMNHL with Katie Strang
- 2:00 PMNASCAR with Newton
- 3:00 PMNFL columnist Ashley Fox
- 4:00 PMNFL with James Walker
- 4:00 PMHornsNation's Strickland
- 11:00 AMFantasy's Eric Karabell
- 12:00 PMNFL with Matt Williamson
- 12:00 PMDawgNation's David Ching
- 1:00 PMMMA with Brett Okamoto
- 1:00 PMNBA Insider Chad Ford
- 1:00 PMDallas' Jean-Jacques Taylor
- 2:00 PMNFL with Jamison Hensley
- 3:00 PMFantasy NASCAR Focus
- 4:00 PMGatorNation's Mike DiRocco
- 5:00 PMWeAreSC's Garry Paskwietz
- 11:00 AMFantasy Sports' AJ Mass
- 12:00 PMPatriots with Mike Reiss
- 12:00 PMNFL with Paul Kuharsky
- 12:00 PMWolverineNation's Rothstein
- 12:00 PMTideNation's Scarborough
- 1:00 PMMLB Insider Keith Law
- 1:00 PMNFL blogger Mike Sando
- 1:00 PMJohn Oreovicz on Indy 500
- 3:00 PMBoxer Delvin Rodriguez
- 4:00 PMFootball Scientist KC Joyner

You must be signed in to post a comment