What different positions did you play in football while growing up?
J.R. I have always played fullback, surprisingly enough, but the offenses were different back then. I was a tailback who lined up as a fullback, when I was younger; I weighed less so I was faster.
What sports did you play while growing up?
J.R. I played every sport imaginable except baseball. My mother put me in gymnastics when I was four years old and I participated until I was in the fourth grade. I was also involved in swimming, wrestling, basketball and soccer. I played soccer until I went off to college. I wasn't allowed to play football until I was in the sixth grade. I also played tetherball.
What was the biggest transition from high school to college football?
J.R. I had to block people. When I was in high school, we ran the Wing T offense. If I wasn't carrying the ball, I was a decoy or catching a pass. I probably blocked two or three times in high school. When I went off to college, all I was asked to do was block, which was a real culture shock of sorts. It was something that I had to learn in a hurry and I'm still learning.
When did you know that you had the ability to play in the NFL?
J.R. It was always a dream when I was growing up. I always thought I was the best kid in the neighborhood at playing tackle football in the back yard. That is where I lost all of my baby teeth, having them knocked down my throat by the bigger kids. I had a lot of confidence playing football and it seemed to be a sport custom-tailored for me. In soccer, I would get kicked out of games because I was too physical. I would always get a red card, yellow card because I would use my body too much. All of a sudden, the sixth grade came around and I could play football and it was like a dream come true. I had such a dream-like high school football career and then I went to college and all of the confidence I had came crashing down. It was a new challenge and I was asked to do things that I hadn't done before. It wasn't until late in my college career that I started to get that confidence back and think that I could be a viable player in the NFL.
What were your thoughts after being drafted by the historic Oakland Raiders?
J.R. I felt like someone was playing a practical joke on me. I thought for sure it wasn't someone from the Raiders calling me on draft day; I thought it was one of my friends. It seemed to perfect to be true, the Raiders, this team. Of course, growing up in Pennsylvania I was always exposed to the Steeler teams and the great Raider teams. Everyone knows about the Raiders, me included. I really admired their style of play growing up and all the way through. Then here I am playing college football in the Bay Area, I have friends here and I don't get lost driving around and I get drafted by the Raiders and I have an opportunity to stay in a place that I am familiar with. It seemed too perfect to get to play for the most influential figure in the sport today in Mr. Davis and also a trail-blazing young coach in Coach Gruden.
What was the toughest transition from college football to the NFL?
J.R. I think by the time I had finished college, I felt that I had worked out all of the kinks as far as learning a higher level of play. I don't think the adjustment was as difficult as it was from high school to college. I wasn't asked to do anything different when I got here I was in a similar offense while in college. I had the offense engrained in my head so it was not much of a wake up call. I think the speed at which the game is played makes it much more important that one know his assignment so that he can play fast. In order to play fast you must think fast.
What is your most memorable moment as a Raider?
J.R. I think my most memorable moment was my very first professional game. I was garbed in the Silver and Black where we met a feisty Kansas City team for a Sunday night grudge match. We lost that game miserably. The long, tired flight home and the subsequent film sessions the next day was without a doubt the most miserable and lonesome times in my young life. The reason this was so miserable is when I walked out of the film session, my teammates could tell how bad I had played. I decided to use that humiliation as motivation and make a pact to myself to get better every week.
What do you do with your time away from football?
J.R. I spend time with my close friends, many of whom I went to school with and remain in the Bay Area. My house is somewhat a youth hostile where my friends can come and stay. My friends are all incredibly supportive. I am at home studying my playbook, playing strategy games on my computer and spending time with my dog, Hank. My dog is the most savvy and adorable dog. I also enjoy playing guitar, writing lyrics and singing all in the privacy of my home. I will eventually unleash my vocal and musical stylings on the world, but I'm not sure if everyone is prepared yet.
