Bucs Q&A: Jeremy Zuttah

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Rutgers OL Jeremy Zuttah on Sunday in the third round of the NFL Draft. Want to get to know Zuttah? Here’s an interview he gave to the media at the scouting combine in February so you can get to know Tampa Bay’s newest lineman.

Is it good to see teammate Pedro Sosa here?

Jeremy Zuttah: Just having somebody here that you already know is a big plus. There's guys you see in the all-star game, but somebody you know for as long as I've known Pedro, it's definitely a relief out here.

What will you bring to an NFL club?

Jeremy Zuttah: I think I bring a lot. The first thing is versatility. My athleticism is at a pretty high level, too.

What position will you play?

Jeremy Zuttah: I don't know. It all depends on the system and what team would take me. In certain systems, I could play tackle, guard or even center.

How have you adjusted to the process?

Jeremy Zuttah: It's definitely different. It's just a strain from the time you get here to the time you leave. They definitely try to bring out the best person in you here just to see who you really are.

What's it like getting physicals from all 32 teams?

Jeremy Zuttah: A lot of the trainers and doctors they'll just start bending you around, and it's a little uncomfortable. But if you're in good shape and everything checks out, it's good.

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Jeremy Zuttah: Strengths are my athleticism, my strength, my versatility. Weaknesses? Umm, I feel I can probably play a little lower at times.

How do you think you will do adjusting to the speed of the game?

Jeremy Zuttah: The only way to adjust is to just go out there and do it. It's going to take time. Just like from high school to college. It's just a whole different speed, and it's just going to take time.

Are you proud of Rutgers program and the way it's blossomed?

Jeremy Zuttah: That's really the reason I went there...to try and do something special there. When I was growing up, Rutgers, nobody wanted to go there. But now we're on the map and we're one of the top programs in the country now.

How would you like to play for the Giants?

Jeremy Zuttah: Oh, definitely. I'd love to play for any team that would give me a chance. Especially the Giants. They just won the Super Bowl and I played my whole career in Jersey, too.

What was it like blocking for Ray Rice?

Jeremy Zuttah: Ray's a special player. He's already great. You just give Ray a little bit of room to work with and he'll make you look great.

What is the origin of the name Zuttah?

Jeremy Zuttah: My parents are from Ghana in West Africa. They moved (to the U.S.) about 30 years ago to come to college.

What is the difference between you and Pedro?

Jeremy Zuttah: We joke around from time to time with each other, but we're definitely not the same type of player. We have different styles and different things we do better. I think I'm more speed and athleticism. He's a great pass blocker with the quick feet.

How do you cope with the defensive linemen at the next level?

Jeremy Zuttah: It's going to be an adjustment phase. You're used to guys being either big and strong or little and fast. Out here, they're both. It's going to take time to get used to, but I'm confident I have all the physical attributes that I'll be able to adjust.

Is it about leverage in the trenches?

Jeremy Zuttah: Yeah. Low man wins.