

	Volume 1, Number 6

KENDALL LANGFORD

Rookie defensive end Kendall Langford might have been a surprise as the first pick of the third round in the 2008 NFL draft, but Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland had him on his radar at Hampton University for the last two years - going back to his time with the Dallas Cowboys as their director of national scouting.

At 6 feet 6 and 290 pounds, Langford fits the mold of the prototypical 3-4 defensive end, and that's the defensive scheme he played in with the Pirates from 2004-07 when he recorded 236 tackles (110 solo) and 23.5 sacks. When he earned All-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference honors as a senior, he became Hampton's first defensive lineman to be named first-team all-conference three consecutive seasons since former Dolphins defensive tackle Ike Readon was named All-CIAA from 1983-85.

Langford, a 22-year-old native of Petersburg, Va., earned his degree in sports management and is one of the most successful athletes to come out of Petersburg High School already, along with basketball Hall of Famer Moses Malone. "Law & Order" is his favorite television show and he enjoys playing video games in his spare time.

At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., back in January, Langford made a strong impression on coaches and general managers around the league, and he also did well at the NFL combine in Indianapolis.

Langford discussed how much of a benefit it was for him to have played in a 3-4 defense in college, whether he thought he might get overlooked in the draft because of where he went to school, and what his proudest moment so far in the NFL has been, among other things, during an exclusive one-on-one interview with Andy Kent for this installment of First-and-10.

1.

You played in a 3-4 defense at Hampton; how big of an advantage did that give you coming to the Dolphins?
I think it gave me a great advantage, kind of like a head start because I knew what was expected out of my position in a 3-4. Just the whole scheme was comfortable and I fit into the scheme, of course, because I'm a big body. It's similar to what I played in college.

2.

How did you react when you found out you had won a starting job as a rookie?
I was excited and I just went out there to show I could play hard because I wanted to prove myself and validate where I was drafted. I can't remember exactly when I found out but I think it was in a meeting when they revealed the depth chart. I called my parents right away and they come to every home game.

3.

Was there a part of you that was worried you might get overlooked in the draft because you played at a smaller school?
I don't think so. I wasn't worried. I knew I could go in the draft, it was just a matter of when.

4.

You have reached a time where you would be close to wrapping up your college season; have you felt any effects of the so-called rookie wall?
No, and I'm trying to stay away from that. I take care of my body doing the things off the field, in the cold tub and those things. I'm trying to stay away from that wall. We didn't go to the playoffs last year, so I remember this being the week of our last game and I was thinking about getting ready for the draft.

5.

What has been your proudest moment in the NFL so far?
I would say it was my sack of Brett Favre in the season opener. I was thinking all week about going against a Hall of Fame quarterback and I was able to put myself in the position to get the sack and I was excited.

6.

Who has been the toughest offensive lineman you have faced so far, and why?
The big boy from the Ravens, the big right tackle (Willie Anderson), because he was an experienced veteran, he was heavy and hard to move and he used all those veteran tricks. He had it all.

7.

What has been the biggest adjustment going from Hampton University to the NFL?
I would say adjusting to the speed of things. You have to think and react that much quicker than you did in college because you're playing against pro guys.

8.

In what ways do you feel you have improved as a player during the course of the season?
I've improved my knowledge of the game and reading blocks and trying to become an all-around player by watching film and reading my blocks.

9.

Now that you have gone through much of the season, how much of an impact player do you feel you can be in the NFL?
I think the sky's the limit. I'm going to keep working hard this season and during the offseason and I'm going to work hard. I'm just going to keep putting in hard work and I expect good results.

10.

What types of things do you do during the season to take your mind off of football a little bit?
I like to go home, relax, eat a good meal, spend time with my girlfriend and go to bed. Maybe watch "Law & Order."