Safety Thomas DeCoud
Q: When did you get the news today that the Falcons were going to draft you?
A: “I got the call this morning while I was sitting in my room. I saw my name go across the screen and it was kind of a surreal experience.”
Q: Who called you from Atlanta?
A: “Thomas Dimitroff, Mr. Blank and Coach Smith.”
Q: Are you excited about the pick and the opportunity here?
A: “Definitely, I’ve been looking forward to coming to Atlanta ever since I visited the city and saw the facility. I really like the area and I really wanted to contribute to their program.”
Q: What did they tell you they were looking for in the safety and defensive back positions?
A: “Speed and the ability to cover and make plays back there. Also, someone that’s going to come in and make an impact and help out the organization.”
Q: How does it feel to come into an organization that has a head coach that is a defensive-minded coach?
A: “It feels really good. It’s good to have that kind of connection to have a coach that buys into the defensive side of the ball. Being a defensive player, it’s going to help me develop as a player where the head coach is going to be there to help out and keep me on the right track and develop at the right speed.”
Q: How much are you looking forward to playing with guys like Eric Coleman and Lawyer Milloy?
“Those guys are great safeties. I have a chance to come and study under those guys and really get to learn the system. I’ll get the chance to be the best player that I can be and help out as soon as possible.”
Q: Can you describe how you see yourself as a player in your position?
A: “I’m an aggressive safety. I like to hit and play up against the run. I am also very confident in my coverage skills and my ability to cover smaller and bigger receivers.”
Q: Did you play a lot of zone or man coverage at California?
A: “We played a lot of both. Especially in my senior year we did a lot of things in the back end, in terms of your coverage and moving the safeties. It was definitely a great preparation time that I’ll see at the next level in terms of communication and how the safety’s rotate with each other.”
Q: How did you do in run support?
Thomas DeCoud: “I did really well. I led the team in tackles. I feel like that’s one of my strengths along with coverage.”
Q: Do you feel like cornerback is an option for you?
A: "Yes, I’m willing to play wherever I’m needed. If they need me to cover the slot or if they need me to cover the island, I’m willing to do that. I started my college career as a corner. It’s no mystery to me to go out and play on that island. I know what it feels like and it will help me out.”
Q: Can you talk about your skill-set?
A: “I like to be in the run game and bang heads with the guys down in the box. I also love playing center field as well. I definitely feel like I fit that hybrid safety mode.”
Q: Have you done much returning in your career?
“Not at Cal, but I returned punts at high school. I didn’t get my chance to show my skills in college.”
Q: Have you lived on the west coast your entire life and how does it feel to move east?
“Yes. It feels good to see a whole new part of the country. It’s a great experience for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
