Kenny Vaccaro - Snap Shots

With the Cowboys move towards the Tampa 2 and talent level at safety PW (Post-Woodson), most fans are aware of Texas 6'1" 215 lb, Kenny Vaccaro. While evaluating a player, a critical tool is to consider revealing snapshots of a players thoughts while they are "in the process" of becoming a NFL player. Combine interviews are a great tool in this regard.

Vaccaro is a total football player who also contributes on special teams

How a player approaches the process of becoming a NFL player gives us an inside look at how effective a player will be making the transition from the collegiate level. Ultimately, how much of your talent you can bring to the field will determine the production level for a team. Does a player understand that there will be a difference in the NFL game or does he think he is so talented the NFL has to watch out for him? Is he confident, cocky or foolish? Did he have access to other superior athletes while growing up that can enhance the NFL learning curve? How fast does he view himself?  Does he understand his weaknesses? Does he believe he will continue to improve with hard work or does he think he is the best now? Is he able to handle duties in the scheme? Does he understand how a defense works and how he can interact with it in order to make plays? Can he be a leader? Below are snapshots of a recent interview Kenny Vaccaro gave at the NFL Combine.

• "Earl Thomas (Seahawks dB drafted 14th overall in 2010) has been my mentor growing up. I have watched him play, and how he plays, since I was in my freshman year, playing hard, going hard on every play, I model my game after him. I work out with his brother Seth every day in Irvine right now."
• "I'm aware the pro game is different, I have to become familiar with the speed and the (different) angles caused by the hash marks being spaced differently."
• "I enjoy being challenged, it broadens my horizons as a player"
• ".... going up against (big strong WR'ers) in practice, all day long, gives me the confidence to match up against big, NFL style receivers."
• "I can play both Strong and Free. I play Nickle, Dime ... and even in some instances I play corner."
• "In practice I line up with the CB's in 1-1 drills so I can test myself."
• "I hope to run in the low 4.5's to 4.4 range" - ed note: Safeties run the 40 on Tuesday
• "Goodwin (Texas WR) is world class speed, he will run away from anyone, I just try and stay with him."
• "Safeties are getting respect now that TE's are turning into freaks. .... You need a Safety that can cover, and come up and hit."
• "I'm versatile, I understand concepts, I can line guys up, I can be the QB of the defense."
• "My uncle (dB A.J. Johnson - drafted 6th round in 1989) ..... just told me to be myself and keep doing what I have done to get here and I will be alright".
• "Have you met with the Cowboys?" - haltingly replies, as if not certain how much he is supposed to reveal "My agent said i'm going to meet with them at their place, I think."

Vaccaro was well spoken, listened to questions and seemed to give fairly thoughtful replies. He seemed to be caught off guard by the directness of the Cowboys question, yet seemed to choose to give what he could, perhaps more than advised. He seemed calm. He was focused. Be interesting to see what time he actually runs on Tuesday. What do the snapshots tell you CowboysNation?

On Twitter: Steven Van Over