NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Fabian Truss, RB, Samford

Fabian Truss has grown on me over the past year.  The speedy back who many NFL scouts have compared to “A Bigger Darren Sproles” has been amazing in 2013.  Truss is not just a running back folks, he is an offensive weapon.  Samford uses him on everything, from running the ball, to receiving passes, to both kick and punt returns.  Fabian Truss is number one in the FCS right now with the most all purpose yards.  He has been an animal and several NFL personnel have noticed.  Truss just made it on the Walter Payton Award Watch List for the best FCS player, stay tuned, he will definitely surprise some people this year.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

There were a few teams recruiting me out of high school but not as many because they preferred a larger size running back.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose to play at Samford because first, I respected and admired Coach Sullivan in addition to that, they offered me a full ride and allowed me to keep my position as a running back….it has proved to be the best decision for me so far.

What are your goals for your senior year?

Some of my goals are to lead the nation and the Southern conference in All-Purpose yards and other categories that I participate in such as Kick returner, punt returner and running back.  My team goals consist of winning the Southern Conference Championship, making the playoffs, and winning the national title.

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

I have spoken with a few and they all seem to have interest in the fact that I can catch punts, kicks, and even catch out the backfield.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I think what separates me from others is my consistency, my vision and my versatility. I can run the ball, catch out the backfield, return punts, and even kickoffs. I am also a tough runner between the tackles and have a lot of shiftiness to make plays out of the backfield. I have extremely quick feet and move well in tight spaces.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

As a running back I try to point out the different fronts that the defensive lineman is playing. I watch those guys and look at their rush techniques. I also study the linebackers to find different tendencies on whether they are soft rushers or bull rushers.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

The toughest player I’ve ever face would have to be J.J. Wilcox from Georgia Southern. He was a fast and physical safety that could cover and come down and hit. I believe going up against him made me a better football player.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

I would have to say Darren Sproles. He’s one of those quick, shifty guys who can do it all.

 What system fits your style of play the best?

I would say the spread offense because it involves spreading the field and allowing you to make plays between the tackles along with getting the defense in space. Seeing that the running back position has evolved into more of a hybrid position, I can do a lot more in the spread offense than simply running the ball up the middle.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength would have to be my ability great elusiveness to dodge tackles between the line and in space. I am a powerful shifty back who possess great cutting abilities with excellent vision both as a runner out of the backfield and as a returner.

What is your biggest weakness?

Some may see my size as a weakness but I have capitalized on this since playing little league football up until now. My size is actually a blessing in disguise. I have more agility than the average size running back and the same strength and vision to get the necessary yards.

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

I would say that you would get a hard worker who possesses big play ability willing to play any position to help the team.

Growing up, who was your role model?

I grew up watching Jerry Rice. I played wide receiver until my freshman year in high school. That is perhaps why my catching skills are better than most running backs.

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

My favorite team growing up was the San Francisco mainly because of Jerry Rice. I loved the way Jerry Rice displayed his consistency in catching passes game after game.

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

The most tragic event in my life had to be when my great grandmother passed away while I was in high school. With prayer and help from my parents and close family members, I was able to accept her death and live on. My grandmother was a special lady.

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

First, it would be Jerry Rice seeing that he was one of my role models growing up as a child. The last two would be Michael Jordan and Barack Obama.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

I have not decided what I will purchase with my first check, but my list of things to do will definitely consist of me paying my tithes.