Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Steven Forgette, OG, Eastern Washington

Courtesy of EWU Athletics

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Steven Forgette, OG, Eastern Washington

Steven Forgette is a very reliable starter for the Eastern Washington football team.  The 6’4, 300 pound offensive guard can play multiple spots on the offensive line.  Forgette has paved the way for several starters in the NFL.  Taiwan Jones, Kyle Padron, and sophmore quarterback Vernon Adams have all benefited behind the blocking of Forgette.  Forgette is a sleeper right now, but when given the opportunity expect him to shine.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Oregon, Oregon St, Washington, and Eastern Washington

Where did you choose and why?

Eastern Washington, only school that offered me a scholarship and an opportunity. I loved the family atmosphere and the competitiveness of the team.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My goals going into my senior year were to improve my skills as a football player and leader, also to win a National Championship.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

Not personally, but my head and position coach have spoken to tons of scouts throughout the season.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I feel that my technique and feet really separate myself from others. I have taken great pride in working on technique through my career. Also, I believe that my pass protection skills also separate me from others.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

When I break down film, I like to watch a full game to get a feel for how the defense plays, runs to the ball, and the overall feeling. As I get a feel, I then look at my match ups or guys that I will be competing against to get a feel for how they are as players. I then look for subtle tendencies that they have along with their strengths and weaknesses to give me an advantage. Finally I look to see what their top moves are in running stopping or pass rushing for D-line, and then how they take on blocks/cuts for linebackers. Throughout the week I go through cut ups and get a feel for their pressures, stunts, and big plays that other offenses had on them. By the end of the week I want to be able to read my competition pre snap, and not think. I feel my film study habits allow me to do that.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

The toughest player I went against was, Alameda Ta’amu out of Washington. He was a great competitor and great player. I played well against him.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle in my life was my sophomore year at Eastern; I broke my leg in the third game and had to miss the rest of the season. I was able to fight and rehab to be cleared in 3 months. I worked as hard as I could to get back to the level I was at. It was a huge obstacle in the sense that it had set me back, and I trained and prepared so hard for that season. But I am happy to say that my last two seasons at Eastern have been injury free and my hard work paid off in that I have no current problems with the previous injury.

What system fits your style of play the best?

In college I played in a spread no huddle offense that also got into some heavy sets and ran power. In my experience in college I feel I can fit into the style of any team, whether is power, zone, or pass heavy.

What is your biggest strength?

Pass Pro, Technique, Footwork, Football IQ

What is your biggest weakness? 

Smaller school prospect

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

Having to play at the FCS level has taught me how to work hard and to prepare the proper way. I have a chip on my shoulder and will do whatever it takes to be the best player I possibly can. I have played against top level talent in the FBS and played really well. I can dominate or hold my own against the best and I have proven it on film. I know I can compete at any level and will work as hard as it takes. The only thing I need is an opportunity and whatever team gives me that opportunity, they won’t regret it.

Growing up, who was your role model?

My role model was my mother. She was a single mom working long shifts to support my sister and I. She always made sure we had everything we needed even if it meant here lacking things. I learned my work ethic from her, and learned that anything is possible if you work hard enough.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

Growing up I have always liked the Seahawks because I am from the Pacific Northwest. But I am a football fan and appreciate every team. My favorite player to watch is JR Sweezy, the right guard for the Seahawks. He was drafted as a d-lineman, then converted to guard, he is under sized and not the strongest guy but gets the job done.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

At this point in my life I have been very fortunate to not have and serious injuries, sicknesses, or deaths in my close friends or family. There has not been a real life tragedy that comes to mind when I read this question.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

I would want to sit at dinner with, Obama, Adam Sandler, and Tiger Woods.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

For my first contract I would have a financial adviser to help me manage my money knowing that the average length of a career isn’t long, and that you make more money on the second contract. However, with my first paycheck I would definitely find someone way to give back to my mother.