Chat with Jonathan Clinkscale
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Projected as one of the top guards in the draft, Clinkscale's combination of size, speed and agility have NFL scouts talking. The run game has always been a key component at Wisconsin and Clinkscale's play on the interior allowed gigantic running lanes for RB Anthony Davis and QB Brooks Bollinger throughout the season.
Send your questions now and join Clinkscale in The Show on Thursday at 3 p.m. ET!
Buzzmaster (2:56 PM)
Helloooooooooo! Jonathan Clinkscale will be here momentarily! Keep sending your questions!
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:05 PM)
Hello everyone!
Don (Indianapolis)
Johnathon........... Good luck on your NFL quest, What teams are showing interest in you at this point?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:07 PM)
All teams tell you the same thing. They all say they are interested and that you are on their draft board. Some teams will you they have your position as a need, but they all basically same the same thing.
Rick (Toms River, NJ)
How do you think playing at Wisconsin has prepared you for the NFL?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:08 PM)
Definately. Playing at Wisconsin prepared me for the NFL in terms of technique and work ethic.
Kev (NYC)
Jonathan, your listed as a massive run-blocker who lacks speed. Have you done anything to improve your agility and endurance in the offseason as you prepare for the NFL draft? if not, are you happy as just a run-stopper?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:09 PM)
I'm a run blocker but as far as speed, if you were to just watch game film, it doesn't look like I"m playing at a different speed than anybody else. Those 40 drills don't really mean much to me. It's not like I'm running 40 yard dashes on the field.
gene,chicago
What was Barry Alvarez like to play for?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:10 PM)
It was a good experience. He is a players coach.
Chuck (Madison)
Jonathan - Thanks for the great years at Wisconsin!!! Which will be more of a challenge to adjust to in the NFL, the speed of the game or the size of the interior lineman? Best of luck in your career.
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:11 PM)
Coming from Wisconsin, the biggest change might be the size issue. Nowadays they have 330 lb def. tackles and I'm not used to seeing that on a day to day basis.
shane (quincy MA,)
J.C. what was your reaction to tedy bruschis stoke?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:12 PM)
It's always scary when something like that happens. But as a player you can't dwell on things like that. That is how you get hurt. You just have to put it out of your mind when you are playing.
Nick (Buffalo)
Who was one of your idles growing up
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:13 PM)
My favorite football player was Greg Lloyd. One day I was watching a football game and he said if hit somebody they were going to fall down. That was his philosophy! So he became my favorite player.
Charles (Hudson, WI)
Hi Jonathan - As a guard, is it much different playing on the left or right side of the line and do you have a prefernce?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:14 PM)
No preferance. It's just that you have to put the other hand on the ground.
Bill (portland, or)
Hope you don't mind a question from a Buckeye...two parter - what round do you think (or have been told) that you'll go on draft weekend, and who has shown the most interest? I'm kinda hoping you end up with my Browns!
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:15 PM)
As far as rounds go, I don't really know. I want to go on the first day but could be early second. As far as teams, it's like I said before, teams really don't tell you much. You might get a longer look from somebody but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.
bob (nyc)
You certainly would fill a need for the Packers. During your days at Wisconsin did you root for the Pack? Could you invision yourself blocking for Brett Favre?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:17 PM)
I could definately get used to blocking for Brett Favre! But as for being a Packers can, I can't say I am. I've been a Steelers fan since I saw that thing on Greg Lloyd, so I'm not about to jump ship.
Kev (NYC)
Jon, if your NFL team requested a move to tackle later on in your career, would it be tougher to adjust mentally or physically?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:18 PM)
I really don't think it would be that hard of an adjustment. Tackles and guards are similar. I played tackle in practice some, just never in a game. I could play tackle if I needed to.
Jason (Miami)
Did you ever block Antaaj Hawthorne or Erasmus James? If so, who was more of a challenge for you?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:19 PM)
I blocked Antaaj every day and Erasmus every now and then. Antaaj is much harder to block just because he has a bigger body and such great strength .. and a little bit of agility ; )
Joe (Chicago)
What will you be doing on Draft Day?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:20 PM)
I'm supposed to be going home for Draft day. But I might still be in Madison working out. Not sure yet.
Bart (Milwaukee)
Favorite pre-game meal?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:21 PM)
Whatever they served us! Egg and cheese sandwich mostly. I really don't eat that much before games.
Mike (Detroit)
Opps! Have the Detroit Lions called? We need a guard.
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:22 PM)
I did a workout for them before Pro Day. I know you guys are looking.. I hope you pick me up ... I need a job.
Markus (Madison)
Have you ever had a Jin's Chicken or Fish sandwich from the cart in Madison?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:23 PM)
I like the fish sandwich.
shane (quincy MA,)
whats your height and weight ???
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:23 PM)
6'3" around 315
Brian (AZ)
John, Any team you would love to play for in the NFL, or any you would hate to get stuck with??
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:25 PM)
As far as teams I want to play for, it really doesn't matter. I would go anywhere and play. Coming from California to Wisconsin, going anywhere else is no big thing.
Bill (portland, or)
My advice on draft day is to relax - you're going to be working out (and working) an awful lot in the future - take a day to rest and spend time with your family!
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:26 PM)
Yeah, definately. But when I say working out, I just mean that week. I would still go home for that weekend, just not all week.
Matt (NY)
Are you suprised by the lack of attention Athony's getting from the scouts?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:27 PM)
I think Anthony is getting attention. But yeah, I'm surprised he's not getting more press considering what he has done. I think people just forgot about him.
Jason (Miami)
What do you think about the combine? Lately its been the key to drafts, so do you think its overrated? Personally, I think its ridiculous that Antaaj is moving down based on it...
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:28 PM)
I do agree with you on Antaaj. The combine is there to drop your stock. You just have to try and stay focused and not let everything else going on distract you.
Jim (Ft Lauderdale)
Jonathan...are there teams that may better suit your style better than others??
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:29 PM)
Not really. You are either run blocking or pass blocking in any style. It doesn't matter. The difference is really more in the skill positions.
John (New York)
Who is the toughest DL you have had to face?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:30 PM)
Antaaj.
shane (quincy MA,)
do you think the patriots are the 2000z alltime dynasty????
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:31 PM)
The Patriots are a dynasty. They have been winning Super Bowls for a couple years now. If people are calling them a dynasty, I'm not going against it.
Darryl (Memphis)
Steriods have been such a hot topic - do you think there is any problems with it in college football?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:32 PM)
I don't think it's a problem. Schools do test for steroids and it's all random. I don't think there are than many juiced up college football players doing amazing things.
Pablo (Porto Alegre-Brazil)
Jon, hat will you miss most about college?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:32 PM)
Probably my friends. Especially on the team. It's like a big family.
Aja (Altadena)
Have any of the teams that have shown interest in you talked about the possibility of you playing center?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:35 PM)
Some teams have. They ask me if I have played center and I have. I came to Wisconsin as a center and then my red shirt position a guard position opened. That's how I ended up playing guard. I can definately play center though.
Bobby (Alberta)
What's the best advice you've been given about heading to the NFL?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:35 PM)
To not let it get to me and just keep working hard all the time.
Jason (Miami)
How was your bracket man?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:36 PM)
My bracket was OK. I picked UNC to win but a couple teams disappointed me.
Mike (Philly)
Jon, you are a Wisco guy, who will win the Frozen Four: CC, Den, Minn, or ND?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:36 PM)
I can't say I follow hockey. Have no idea who will win the Frozen Four .. if Wisconsin is in it they will win!
Will (Tampa)
Hey Jon, which defense are u looking more forward to playing this year?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:37 PM)
I don't know. Every week you would be playing against stars. So you really have to be on your game or you will get embarassed.
Mike (S.F.)
What is you favorite football memory?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:38 PM)
When I scored a TD in high school! It was a blocked punt that I picked up and took to the house!
Brian (Virginia)
Jon, Are you looking forward to the Rookie Symposium where they talk to you about groupies and such?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:39 PM)
Definately. It's always good to learn something.
Jason (Miami)
Which do you go by-Jon, John, Johnny, Jonathan, or do you have some nickname...?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:39 PM)
A lot of people call me Clink.
Dan (Madison)
Will it be weird going against some of your former Badger teammates in the NFL?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:39 PM)
No. We played really hard at practice. But seeing them and talking to them after the games will be fun.
Dan (Madison)
What's the funniest/weirdest thing a defensive lineman has ever said to you during a game?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:40 PM)
Let's keep it clean.
Phoenix, Arizona
The Dallas Cowboys NEED you. Call Parcells, that is where you belong.
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:41 PM)
Can you call Parcells for me? Tell him to call me. I would love to play for Dallas. I have family in Texas.
bob (nyc)
You played against Braylon Edwards and Maurice Clarett in the big ten. How good were those guys in college, and how do you think they'l do in the pros?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:41 PM)
They are both great players. It will depend on what kind of offense they are put in and how many opportunities they will get to shine.
Nick (Buffalo)
What was your faviorte game this year
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:42 PM)
Probably the Minnesota game. I did play against a high school teammate who was with Central Florida.
SHANE (QUINCY)
how do you feel about being on madden 2006
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:43 PM)
Oh yeah! Definately! I want to see what kind of rating I get.
Erik (Anchorage, Alaska)
I have got to tell you that NCAA 2004 for XBox had you underrated! I think you have more speed than the game shows!
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:43 PM)
Thank you! You are not the only one that feels that way. That's what I was sreaming.
Chris (Youngstown)
In your opinion who has the best running offensive line in the NFL, and would rather pass or run block?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:44 PM)
Pittsburgh has a great OL. Dallas has put together a good one this year. Green Bay has a good OL year in and year out. You name a team. They are all pretty good.
Erik (Anchorage, Alaska)
Clink, can you give a perspective on the 2005 Badger Team? What can Badger fans be looking for?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:45 PM)
You can expect a much younger team than last year. We had a big senior class last year. But they will have a good team, don't worry.
Ralph (Green Bay)
Did you get excited seeing the money that guards like Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle got this year? The interior O-lineman are finally get some love!
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:46 PM)
Yes! Those guys are raising the bar. Hopefully I can get a tiny taste of it. They are great players who have been playing for awhile.
Brian (Virginia)
Do you feel like you could adapt to a zone blocking scheme like in Denver?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:47 PM)
Yeah. That is basically what we run at Wisconsin, it just looks different.
Aja (Altadena)
What do you look forward to most when you think about playing in the NFL?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:48 PM)
Just doing what I've dreamed of doing since I was a kid. Just being able to play the game at it's highest level.
Miami, FL
What do you see the Dolphins doing with the #2 pick...what should they do?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:48 PM)
I think they will go running back. Probably Ronnie Brown.
Kev (NYC)
Do any NFL D-line man scare you?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:49 PM)
No.
shane (quincy MA,)
if you were a baseball player would u rather for the redsox or yankees?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:50 PM)
I'd rather be on the Red Sox.
Jason (Miami)
DUde, could you pull an Eli, and hold out to the Dolphins pick...I dont think Taylorr Whitley wil cut it at RG...?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:51 PM)
Hopefully the Dolphins will pick me up ..
Andy (Philly)
You got to see David Pollack up close in the bowl game this year - is he too small for an NFL DE?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:52 PM)
No. I don't think he's too small. They'll probably have him spread out wide though.
Tim (ohio)
Who in the NFl do you compare yourself against most?
Jonathan Clinkscale (3:54 PM)
Not really. I don't really try to emulate people when I play. I'm just trying to have fun and do what I've been blessed to be able to do. Doing anything else wouldn't be me. I think I have my own style. Thanks for the questions! I was scared I would be talking to myself or that my sister would be the only one asking questions.. I appreciate it. We'll chat again soon!
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