14 BECKETT.COM
What cards of yours this week-
end have you thought were cool or
unique?
“Th e ones with the jerseys in them,
I like those.”
Did you ever collect cards of any
particular players or teams?
“When I was little I used to collect
all types of cards—Rookie Cards, all
the legends and stuff. I had all those
Steelers cards growing up as a Steelers
fan. I used to have Barry Sanders, Jerry
Rice, Randy Moss, Joe Namath, John
Elway, Steve Young, Joe Montana. I
have a good amount still.”
What did you learn playing
behind Saquon Barkley at Penn
State?
“I just watched him take care of the
little things that matter to be a better
player. Watching fi lm and working hard
in the weight room every day. Watching every sprint and every
lift. How he prepares for a game, and taking care of his body.
Nutrition and eating right.”
What are some of your interests outside of football?
“I would defi nitely like to be a speed trainer or position
coach. Help young kids stay off the streets. I’d like to start locally
in the city of Pittsburgh and hope-
fully building it into a big facility.”
Any players you’re looking
forward to playing against?
“Adrian Peterson, Derrius Guice,
Saquon, Ezekiel Elliott.”
For what reasons did the
Eagles coaches say they
drafted you?
“No off -the-fi eld issues was
one. My tape speaks for itself. My
unique ability and style is pretty
diff erent than other running backs
in this draft class. As far as what I
can bring to the table, just running
the ball and catching.”
What style of running back
are Eagles fans getting?
“I’m patient. I have speed, power.
I’m always making the fi rst guy
miss.”
What players still in college should collectors watch
out for the next couple years?
“KJ Hamler, slot receiver. He’s pretty special.”
What will you miss most about college football?
“Th e type of atmosphere you get, and the excitement. Th e
white-out games.”
TJ HOCKENSON,
TE, LIONS
Did you realize mak-
ing football cards was such a big
business and the Rookie Premiere
was such a big organized event?
“No, but it’s cool. It’s been a lot of
fun. You can defi nitely tell how much
work goes into it. You dream about
yourself being on a card one day, and
now seeing it and being able to sign it
is pretty cool.”
How did two Iowa tight ends
make it to the Rookie Premiere in
the same year?
“It’s Tight End U. We’re both super-
happy for each other. It was tons of fun
at Iowa, and we’re looking forward to
keep growing as people and players. It’s
going to be fun.”
What rookie would you choose to build a Rookie Card
collection of?
“All these guys are cool people.
Just knowing them, it would be
nice to have a card of each and
every one of them. You get to
build a personal relationship
with them, and it’s cool to see
them on cards and just be in the
same place they are.”
What cards of yours this
weekend have you thought
were cool or unique?
“Yeah, there have been a couple
that are limited edition and dif-
ferent colors that are pretty sweet.
Th e metal ones are pretty cool.
It’s just a great experience being
out here.”
Did you collect cards of any
particular players or teams?
“I collected a lot of cards when
I was growing up. My brother
collected a lot more than I did, but they were a lot of hockey