Chargers Fans: Meet Antoine Cason

San Diego Chargers first-round draft choice Antoine Cason – Conference Call Transcript – April 26, 2008

How much did you know about the Chargers’ interest in you?
“Not much.”

What was your contact with them?
“I didn’t know too much about it. It was just a crazy time. I didn’t really know how it was going to all pan out.”

What do you know about their (Chargers) situation in terms of cornerback and what you expect to be coming in and doing?

“I really don’t know. I talked to the coach and he told me that he was just going to put me in some spots and some situations that will be pretty good, so I feel good about it.”

Are you in Long Beach?
“Yes, I’m in Long Beach.”

Almost the hometown team for you?
“Oh yeah, it really is.”

Did you come to any Chargers games growing up?
“I went to one just this past year. My cousin (Aveion Cason) plays for Detroit. It was pretty cool just to see how they play and all that kind of stuff. It’s an exciting time for me.”

Were you nervous?...Where did you expect to go?
“I didn’t really get too nervous. I stayed calm and just let everything happen. I stayed as calm as I could because there was nothing I could do or nothing I could control. It was just one of those things where I had to just let it happen.”

Was there a team or teams you thought were most interested in you?
“No, I really didn’t know. I didn’t think too much about it because they say those teams that don’t talk to you usually pick you, and this is one of those cases that it happened. I’m just real fortunate to have an opportunity to play.”

What do you think you do best as a player?
“Ball skills. I always play hard. I like to make plays and just overall playing the position.”

Any players on the Chargers’ defense you’re excited about getting to know?
“Definitely. I’m ready to get to know everybody. I’m a team guy and teammates are always important. That’s a big part of the game. I’m just ready to go in there and contribute.”

How many visits did you actually make?
“I made five visits.”

Who were they?
“I went to the Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, St. Louis Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and Atlanta Falcons.”

What does it mean to you to be regarded as a high character guy?
“That means a lot to me. That means I’ve done the right things throughout my career at Arizona and growing up. It’s a testament to my family as well. Growing up with them has been real good and real tough at times. They taught me a lot, and taught me to stay humble. So that also helped. I just take that to the field. I didn’t take that (literally) to the field, actually, I think I have a mean attitude, but just being a good character guy in the community and things like that always help you become a better person. The people around look up to us as athletes. Just being that (kind of) guy there and doing those kinds of things always helps.”

Did you play other sports in high school?
“Yes, I ran track.”

What were your events?
“4x100 (relay) and the 400.”

Tough one?
“Yes, it was a touch race. I don’t think I ever want to run that again.”

How’d you end up at Arizona?
“I didn’t get highly recruited out of high school. I only had four offers and three were in the Pac-10. Arizona was the best situation for me just because of the DB coaches and everything that they’ve done and the DBs that they’ve put out. It just felt right.”

How different is it going to be going against NFL wide receivers?
“I don’t know how it’s going to be. I’m just going to go in there and do what I can do to better myself as a player and get ready for the NFL. But I’m sure it’s going to be a challenge every week.”

What did your parents do in raising you that you think was most important?
“My parents, my grandparents, and uncles and aunts have all been involved in our lives. They just taught us humble beginnings and humble ways. Never get too big for your britches was a common thing. That’s always good to know. They didn’t let me do whatever I wanted. I always had to work for what I wanted to get and what I have. I feel like that has carried over to everything I’ve done in life.”