Mike Richardson.

Mike Richardson Conference Call Transcript

April 29, 2007

Q: What do you think about playing for Charlie Weis and now Bill Belichick? Do you think it will be a smoother transition?
MR: I know that Charlie [Weis] came from the same organization. I really enjoyed my time here with Coach Weis. I’m really looking forward to becoming a part of the Patriots organization.

Q: How did Coach Weis help develop your game?
MR: His style of coaching is real different than what I was used to, but it definitely instilled a lot more confidence in my play. I felt a lot more confident. That was a great help.

Q: How difficult has it been for you with some of the struggles the Notre Dame secondary has gone through?
MR: We try as much as we can not to dwell on the negative things. We knew we had problems and we had to address them as fast as we can. We just tried to work on the different things to get better in the defensive secondary unit. We made some strides to do that in my time there.

Q: How about what Brady Quinn went through yesterday?
MR: It is real tough to watch someone you have been close to for this amount of time go through something like that, but all in all we knew that he would end up in a place that really needed him and he wanted to go to.

Q: Are you surprised that a player at your level that has put up great stats moves up to the next level and it seems like some people don’t regard them as highly?
MR: Yes, that is tough. I know how people are going to react sometimes. I try to keep a positive mindset through the whole process and hope for the best.

Q: Did you have a round targeted as far as where you might go?
MR: I heard a lot of things, but you never really know in these kinds of things with the draft and what not. I was just hoping for the best possible situation. I’m really glad with the Patriots.

Q: What do you think is the best thing you do as a cornerback?
MR: I think I have a pretty physical presence. I like to tackle. I like to hit. Any area that involves that I am ready and willing.

Q: Obviously, special teams is a way to make the team. Is that something you are open to?
MR: That is definitely something I would like to pursue. I played a lot of special teams early on in my career at Notre Dame and here lately I have played it a little bit. I really do enjoy playing special teams. I’m really hoping that is an area I can play.

Q: Was there a general interest the Patriots placed in you before the draft?
MR: Yes, definitely. I have been getting a few calls. It is a long process. I’m just glad it ended up the way it did.

Q: Did you have an idea of where you would be drafted?
MR: A few people were telling me I would be second day some time. I was just waiting around and hoping for the best.

Q: What are your impressions of JaMarcus Russell after playing against him in the Sugar Bowl?
MR: He is a really good quarterback. He has a big physical presence on the field. That is what you are going to face when you go up against a guy like that.

— ND —