Chargers Training Camp Interview: Nick Hardwick
by John (obviousman) on Aug 21, 2009 11:45 AM PDT
in BFTB Interviews
2 comments
How do you feel?
I feel great. I feel healthy, ready to rock
How do you think Training Camp is going? Any better than usual?
It's good. Intensity's up. Guys are focused. There's a good drive. Even when the soreness kicks in, guys are working hard.
Have you noticed anyone hitting that Training Camp wall yet?
You work through the wall. There will be a couple of walls.
What's your favorite tattoo and why?
I like them both, I can't pick a favorite. My favorite is yet to come.
What's your favorite going to be?
I don't know.
Do you have anything else? Or is it just the arms?
It's just the arms. My wife said "Either you're done or I'm done." So I had to choose.
What do you think is different about your approach now as opposed to a year or two ago? Do you think your technique has gotten better? Sharper? Have you picked up something new from anyone else that you think has benefited you?
I'm always looking around the league trying to find subtle techniques. I look at Olin Kreutz, and Kevin Mawae is always pulling out new tricks. I think I steal techniques just like you would at any other job. I'm definitely improving. It's all about understanding of the game and what works and what doesn't work and just refining. A lot of it is muscle-memory, just getting the muscles to fire the same way they have been.
Do you have one guy that you idolized in high school and college, a Center, and said "I want to be him"?
I didn't play until my second year of college and I wasn't a Center until my last year.
What did you play before that?
I was a Guard for one year before moving to Center, but I walked-on so I didn't have a lot of offensive line play. But coming into the league, I always watched film on Kevin Mawae. He was right in his prime then and he's a smaller guy, quick, plays with good leverage and keeps guys off balance. So I picked up good tricks from him.
Do you have any thoughts about Bolts From The Blue? Any tips you want to send our way? Whenever you have something to say, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly.
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Hardwick as a Wrestler
I’ve watched this guy since he was a rookie and he has always had remarkable footwork. I mean great for a little guy, but he’s big. I’ve read he was a great wrestler in college and I think that must have a lot to do with it.
by RTChargerfan on Aug 21, 2009 5:34 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Natural Born Athlete
To not take up football until his sophomore year @ Purdue to being selected in the 3rd round in the NFL Draft to becoming a Pro-Bowler says a LOT @ Nick’s athleticism!
Yes, I’m sure the wrestling experienced helped – but he’s gotta have that DNA programmed “muscle memory” in order to pick up the game so quickly and excel so tremendously.
I really hope he has another stellar season and McNeil bounces back as well. Having three health Pro Bowl offensive linemen anchoring the center to the left will be a big improvement over just one healthy stud like last year.
Yes, the right side has question marks (though I think Forney, as a Pro Bowl alternate in 05, or Vasquez will hold their own @ RG), but if the line stays moderately healthy and if a bigger Jacob Hester is able to turn in to a descent blocker, then LT should put up some strong numbers and help the Bolts do better @ controlling the clock… something we fans know all too well is key to winning in the post season!
by SanJoseBolt on Aug 21, 2009 6:56 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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