Five Minutes With...Jordan Gross

[Montsta]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcsouth/0-13-112/Five-Minutes-With-----Jordan-Gross.html

Amongst all the OMGz teh sky iz falling threads from last nights game, it was nice to read something from a player that was positive. He sure does take jabs at Kalil's athletic abilities, or lack thereof, a lot.

[jpo287]

That was great! Thanks.

[iTzSMITH89 4TDx89]

I'm still working on transcribing tapes from the interviews I did on my tour of NFC South training camps. With our Camp Confidential series completed, I'm realizing I have a lot of leftovers.

That's why I'm starting a new occasional feature called "Five Minutes With ..." For the first installment, we'll use Jordan Gross, who isn't just one of the best left tackles in the league. He's also one of the best quotes and has a great sense of humor.

Gross

When talking with Gross, who is coming off his first Pro Bowl and first time as an All-Pro selection at Carolina's camp in Spartanburg, S.C., a couple weeks ago, he provided both a light-hearted and serious scouting report on what he calls the best offensive line he's ever played on. He gave the standard speech about how right tackle Jeff Otah has a big future and right guard Keydrick Vincent is very solid. Then, he had a little more fun with center Ryan Kalil and Travelle Wharton, while also complimenting them.

Here's what Gross had to say:

"Kalil's an interesting guy. He was born to play center, as far as his athletic ability, because he really doesn't have that much in general terms. Yes, he's quick and strong and powerful, but you get him on the baseball field or the basketball court and he's not the greatest athlete by any means. But he can play center like you're supposed to.

"We play basketball at Travelle Wharton's house sometimes. Kalil's got this absolutely terrible hook shot and he yells "Shaq" when he shoots it and he misses the whole backboard about half the time.

"He can't dribble very well and he sure can't catch or throw, but he can play center very well. That's his one calling in life.

"Travelle's a good guard. I mean he's a really good guard and people don't realize it because he's so quiet. I always tell him he's messing up because he could be governor someday because he's a local guy and a great player.

"Overall, this is a great group of guys and a great group of players. I think this is probably the best O-line I've been on. Hopefully, we can play together for a long time."

[Gman was right]

Did it really take him 5 minutes to say that?

[the greatest]

Kalil's got this absolutely terrible hook shot and he yells "Shaq" when he shoots it and he misses the whole backboard about half the time.

that made me laugh pretty hard

[natty]

[Wither]

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