The ShowGirl

  (1:52 PM)

Welcome to The Show! Atiyyah Ellison is up next. Send in your questions now!!!

Atiyyah Ellison

  (1:59 PM)

Hey everybody, I'm ready for your questions.

Sawyer R. (St. Louis)

What is your opinion of the whole draft process? Do you enjoy it or is it a pain?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:00 PM)

Im just ready to figure out what's going to happen. It's not a pian, I've been waiting for this for a long time, I'm just ready to be done with it and figure out where i'll be playing next!

Steve (Mizzou)

When do you get to Indy for the combine?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:00 PM)

I leave Friday morning at 8 a.m.

Ted (Columbia, MO)

How are you preparing for the Combine and the NFL?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:01 PM)

I've been at a place called Athletes Performance in Arizona. We work out twice a day here, lifting weights and running and conditioning and all that. Every day but Sunday.

Daniel (Athens, Ga)

Atiyyah, what NFL teams did you grow up liking? hating? How will you feel if you get drafted by a team that you never particularly cared for?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:03 PM)

I guess I've never really hating a team, I just grew up admiring all the guys that played footaball on TV, in general. I became a Rams fan once they came to St. Louis, so I guess that's the team I liked the best, and I'd love to play for them, of course.

Paul (Tucson)

It's awesome to see a Parkway South/Mizzou guy doing so well. I'm pulling for you!

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:03 PM)

Thank you Paul!

Don (St. Louis, MO)

Hi Atiyyah. I've watched you ever since your days here in St. Louis at Parkway South. What do you think your biggest strengths are that you bring to the NFL?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:04 PM)

I think being raw and not playing football all of my life, I haven't hit my peak yet. I continue to grow as a player, I'm improving now, everyday, and I think that will continue as I head to the NFL.

Heath (Marshfield)

Hey Atiyyah, ive only seen you play in some limited action on TV. What pro lineman in the league right now would you compare yourself to?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:05 PM)

I don't think I have particularly patterned my style after everybody. I guess I'm a collection of a lot of people. I do greatly admire Warren Sapp.

John: (Columbia, MO)

What was you fondest memories of Ol' Mizzou?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:06 PM)

Footballwise -- I guess just coming out and being able to playin my home state. There is no other feeling like the first tiem you come out of that tunnel. Everybody is there and focussed on you, it is just such an amazing adreneline rush.

Yanal (Boston, MA)

You have an interesting name, i know its Arab, but what does it mean?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:08 PM)

I was born in September and Atiyyah means gift from Allah in the Ninth Month. I'm not Muslim, that's just the origin of my name.

Matt (Tampa)

With you admiring Sapp, do you specialize in undertackle more or nose tackle? McFarland could use some help here in Tampa!

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:09 PM)

I played regular tackle and nose tackle in college so, I'm pretty versitile, I guess. I actually played defensive end for my first year at Mizzou, too. So, I'll play wherever they put me.

Scott from Columbia

Hey Attiyah, we hung out a couple times at my apt, I am one of Simpsons friends. I was wondering what are your goals for NFL when you get drafted.

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:10 PM)

Hey Scott, most of the people I talked to said I'd go somewhere between the second and third round. My goal, of course, would be to be drafted as high as possible.

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:10 PM)

Hey Scott, most of the people I talked to said I'd go somewhere between the second and third round. My goal, of course, would be to be drafted as high as possible.

Donnie (Columbia, MO)

Hey Attiyah, a fellow Tiger has a question about Mizzou. Will the Tigers have a chance at success next season after losing you and so many other defensive standouts (Kinney, Mosley)? And will Brad Smith show the Heisman skills he had his first two years?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:12 PM)

I think with Coach and our new staff, Mizzou certainly has an opportunity to win. Even though we lost some guys, there are a lot of promising young guys that were very hard workers and I'm sure they're improving every day. As for Brad, he is an awesome player, I don't know what's in store for him, he's just got to keep executing the plays they call for him.

Scott (Indianapolis)

When you are in Indianapolis for the combine, make sure to go to Shapiro's . It is the best deli in Indy. You will not be disappointed with the food.

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:13 PM)

Thanks Scott. I'll remember that.

Brendan (Boston)

How do you prepare for such a jump from college to the pros? Working out more often, doing different exercises? Anything?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:15 PM)

Mentally, I guess it's just a natural maturity ... just like high school, to JuCo... to Mizzou. As for my workout, it's more intense than it would be if I had stayed in school b/c these folks I've been working with here in Arizona, their goal is to get me ready for the combine and the draft and the NFL.

Jordan (Utah)

What will you buy when you sign your NFL contract?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:16 PM)

What I really wanted to do for a couple years now is buy my mom a house. I don't know what kind of car I'm going to buy myself ... but I guess I need to get me some kind of vehicle!

Kev (NYC)

Would you ever consider an Eli-Manning type holdout? For the sake of more money or a team of preference?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:16 PM)

Nah. I'm not that kind of a player ... and, I don't think my character would let me do that either.

Jason (SW MO)

Atiyyah, I just wanted to say good luck and that it has been awesome watching you help improve Mizzou's D the last couple of years! Also, are you and C.J. working together preparing for the draft, or are you both preparing on your own?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:17 PM)

Thanks Jason! C.J. is also in Arizona, we are working out in separate facilities, but we hang out all the time.

Paul (Portland, OR)

Atiyyah, just don't buy yourself a Hummer. That's so unoriginal nowadays...I won't even mention the gas-guzzling!

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:18 PM)

I'm looking at a Denali.

Kev (NYC)

What're more important to you over the course of your NFL career? Hall of fame or A super-bowl ring?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:20 PM)

Wow, Kev. I guess, in the long run, if I make it to the Hall of Fame, I must be helping my team get to a Super Bowl. So, I'd say the Hall of Fame.

bob (nyc)

Does the facility you attend in arizona focus specifically on improving results in combine tests like 40 time, 225lb bench reps, shuttle time, etc? Or is it just getting you into overall good shape?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:21 PM)

We work specifically on everything that the combine tests, and even a couple things that we think they MIGHT test this year.

Nick (Los Angeles)

Attyyah, what other draft prospects are down there with you?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:22 PM)

Yeah, there are about 27 of us here heading into the draft. Some people started leaving this morning to head out to Indy.

Brendan (Boston)

Atiyyah, if you could play for any NFL coach living or not who would it be?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:23 PM)

I think I'd play for Lombardi. He was tough-nosed and I think I do well when I'm really pushed.

Seth (KC)

If you weren't playing football, what would you be doing ideally?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:24 PM)

I would love to teach and coach if I wasn't playing football. I've always been involved with youth organization ever since I could.

Brian (Washington DC)

Atiyyah, What goes into hiring an agent and what made you chose yours?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:26 PM)

You have to do research on them, like anything else. It's important to develop a relationship with them before you choose. WHoever you feel most comfortable with on a personal level is the way to go. My godfather helped me. We started getting a bunch of calls, you just have to go through them all, pro-and-con them, talked to some of the players that they've had, see how they feel about them. Ask the players questions, and whoever is best received, that's who you go with. That's what we did.

Tommy (Pittsburgh)

Who was your biggest influence on getting started in football?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:28 PM)

Paul McCaffery -- my freshman football coach. He taught me about the game, and he was so patient and he made it enjoyable for me even though I really didn't know what I was doing at first.

Kev (NYC)

Atiyyah, Do you believe in the effectiveness of trash-talking? and would you do it as a rookie in the NFL?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:29 PM)

I would NOT talk trash as a rookie in the NFL. YOu already have a big bullseye on you being a rookie. I'd just keep my mouth shut and be a sponge, suck up all the info I can from the veterans. Trash talking is not me ... but, it works for some guys, i guess.

Steve (Cincinnati)

I don't exactly know the policy on when NFL teams can start talking to you, but have any teams shown an interest because we sure need a big d-lineman down here, and it seems like you would be able to help

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:31 PM)

At the Senior Bowl, I talked to almost every team. If you're good, every team can use you, you can never have too many good D-Linemen. You can never really tell who is interested and who is not, at this point.

Nick (Texas)

Are you engaged, married. have girlfriend? How will that change once you move to another city?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:31 PM)

I've got a girlfriend right now, I think we'll stay together throughout the process.

John: Columbia, MO

Do you have a list of teams that you would love to play for? So in a perfect world, you would love to play for ________?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:33 PM)

In a perfect world ... either St. Louis or Kansas City b/c they are right at home. I love that. Taht's one of the reasons I chose Mizzou. It would be awesome to play for the Patriots, but I don't know how much playing time I'd get right away.

Brian (Philly)

Hey Atiyyah, did my Eagles talk to ya, because I know Reid loves lineman and we seem to get killed every year with injuries.

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:33 PM)

Thanks Brian. I haven't had any serious injuires yet -- knock on wood.

Mike (IL)

If you were stranded on a deserted island, and could only bring one type of food, and one celebrity female with you, who and what would they be ? Thanks !

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:35 PM)

I'd bring some kind of fruit... and I'd bring my girlfriend, she's a celebrity to me. (Why are you guys trying to set me up?? C'mon! I told you I had a girl!)

Thad (New Hampshire)

Music?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:36 PM)

I'm one of those weird guys. I listen to eveything -- oldies, rap, R&B .. you name it. Not much country, although I even listen to a little bit of that.

Gary Hillery (Little Rock (AR))

In your opinion, who is the number 1 pick in this draft

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:38 PM)

That's a really broad, tough question, I can't predict the first overall ... but I know it's not gonna be me! haha

Squire (NYC)

Do you feel that the combine is a true measure of a player?..Are you worried that a poor combine could cost you?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:39 PM)

I think that your football skills get you to the combine. The combine is just so people can see you up close and personal and examine your mechanics, etc. It's definitely important, but I think a lot of scouts already have an opinion about you before they see you at the combine.

Kev (NYC)

What's your biggest fear, besides injury during your career?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:40 PM)

Hmm, my biggest fear is being a failure at anything, I guess.

Brendan (Boston)

Atiyyah, do you play any other sports when away from football?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:41 PM)

In high school I did shot put and discus, and I played basketball ... but that was like 70+ pounds ago.

Yanal (Boston, MA)

I have read that some draft experts think you need to put on a few more pounds. Are you comfortable doing so and do you think it will benefit you?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:42 PM)

Well, I think a team might want to put a little more weight on me, and I don't have a problem with that. I went into college at 235 lbs and by your soph. year I was 260 ... by the time I got to Mizzou, I was up to 300 and I still had good movement so I'm not worried about putting on weight ... it's just got to be the right kind of weight.

Daniel (Athens, Ga)

Do you prefer pass rushing or stuffing the run? Which are you better at?

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:43 PM)

I'm more of a run stuffer.

Seth (KC)

Not a question, just wanted you to know you'll be missed by all the Mizzou faithful.

Atiyyah Ellison

  (2:45 PM)

Thanks Seth. Thanks for all the questions today, and, moreover, thanks for all of the support over the years. I just hope I can continue to make all of you proud at the next level. Thanks again. Take care!

The ShowGirl

  (2:47 PM)

Thanks Atiyyah, and thanks for all your questions everybody!