Lee and Walz: Indians' NFL Prospects

By Christian Hummel | Wednesday, April 22, 1998

Although its a Saturday, they are in the office. Crowded around the table, telephones ringing, beepers buzzing, they scour over intelligence reports which included everything from estimated strength to psychological profiles. These powerful men have sweaty palms recognizing that with their decisions dynasties can be made, or destroyed. Are these Washington insiders? No, they are the general managers, scouts, and coaches on draft day.

While across the country National Football League coaches and staff are huddled in their 'war rooms,' college players will be watching televisision learning either how much money they can look forward to or if they even have a chance at making a NFL squad. In Hanover, Dartmouth's own Lloyd Lee '98 and Zach Walz '98 will be one of many learning if his own hopes at NFL glory will be forthcoming. In anticipation of this event, the Dartmouth Review asked both Lee and Walz for there thoughts on the pre-draft combine which both attended and on the draft.

The Dartmouth Review: What did you think about the NFL combine?

Lloyd Lee: I thought the combine was incredible. There were so many athletes, coaches, scouts, and doctors there that you really get a sense of how big and how much money goes into the NFL and this whole scouting process. It was fun to be there and be in the middle of it all.

Zach Walz: The NFL combine was a great experience. It gives those who participate a chance to meet scores of coaches and managers and sell your personality and athletic ability. As nerve-racking and intense as it was, it was definitely great exposure and a lot of fun.

TDR: How do you think you did compared to the other athletes there?

Lee: I think that I did very well at the combine. Those were the best of the best football players from accross the country and I think that I held my own. I felt as though my results in each test were always in the top 5 people for my position out of about 15 or so.

Walz: I think I stood up well against the other guys in my position. When you end up watching all these big players from Florida State and Michigan on television all the time they come off as a lot bigger and faster than they really are. Not to take anything away from the guys, some of them were the most impressive athletes I have ever seen. But many of them were not as talented as I expected. I think other than my 40 yard dash time which wasn't bad but in the same token not particularly great either, I performed very well. In all the other runnig events my times were tops in my group of linebackers. So I did come away pleased. Nonetheless, everyone there was there because they can run, jump and play football. So you're not going to see too many players that cannot move around well. It was truly a fine group of athletes.

TDR: Did you do anything special to prepare for it?

Lee: From end of the all-star games to the combine, I trained 5 days a week. I would lift 3 days a week on Mon. Wed, and Friday and then run 4 days a week. M,T, TH, F. I just spent a lot of time doing every excercise that we had to do at the combine a million times down in Leverone.

Walz: Basically, my combine preparation consisted of simply going over the drills time and time again and getting them down to the point that I could practically do them in my sleep. Other then that, my weight was questionable as I was too light. So I worked really hard on eating good meals and lifting religiously to put on those extra pounds.

TDR: What do you think of your chances in the draft?

Lee: I think that I have a pretty good chance of getting drafted. But I have no idea where or in which round until it actually happens because the draft is so crazy and nobody can really predict everything.

Walz: From what I've heard from different scouts and coaches I think my chances in the draft are pretty good. I've been told I could be anywhere from a 4th to 7th round draft pick or even free agency. It's hard to say though, because no one really knows until the day of the draft. So much goes on then and so many surprises take place, really anything could happen.

TDR: Do you want to play in the NFL? And if so, where would like to play?

Lee: There is no doubt that I want to play in the NFL. This whole thing didn't come into my mind until about a year ago, but I have been going after this thing 100 percent. Ultimately, it doesn't matter where I end up as long as I end up somewhere, but Minnesota would be nice to play at because I'm from Minneapolis. New York would also be nice because so many of my friends will be there.

Walz: Of course I want to play in the NFL or I wouldn't be going through all this trouble. I don't care where I play as long as I get a shot.

TDR: Do you have any special plans for draft-day?

Lee: I just plan to be at my apartment here with all my friends.

Walz: On draft day I'm gonna just stay at home with my roommates, have a few other friends over, and try to treat it as any other day.

TDR: If football doesn't work out, what do you see yourself doing?

Lee: If it doesn't work out, I would think about coaching or some type of sports management job.

Walz: If football doesn't work out, I really haven't thought of anything else yet. I've put so much effort into trying to go to the next level that I just haven't had time to think about anything else.

TDR: What do you think of Penn's Mitch Marrow [considered by many to be the top Ivy League prospect this year]?

Lee: I think that he is a great athlete with a lot of potential. I know that a lot of coaches feel that way in the NFL because he played well in the Senior Bowl. I think that he will just need to cut down on his injuries which have plagued him the last few years, especially against Dartmouth.

Walz: Mitch is big, strong and fast. I know a lot of teams like him. I never really witnessed him do much in the Ivy League but physical prowess seems to be more important in the NFL. Thats all I can really say about him.

[Note: The draft occurred this past Saturday. Walz was selected in the sixth round by the Arizona Cardinals. Lee was not selected, but has since signed with the San Diego Chargers as a free agent.]

Lee and Walz: Indians' NFL Prospects

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