Hey everyone -- Here's the Q&A from today with running back Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers first-round draft choice from Oregon. The Panthers PR Department said Jeff Otah, the team's other draft pick, would not be available for comment, but would be at the stadium Sunday morning to meet the press.
Here's Stewart:
On if he expected to be drafted by the Panthers: Really and truly I didn't know where I was going to end up. When I went to Carolina to get my surgery done with Dr. Anderson, I saw the players and the stadium from a distance from the hotel. I thought to myself that this would be a great opportunity to play here if it was the Lord's will, and obviously it is. I'm just real thankful right now for the opportunity.
On when his toe surgery was, where he is in his recovery and when he will be ready to play: The surgery was on March 12, and the recovery, like Dr. Anderson promised, is going well. I will be starting rehab in a week or so and I will be ready by training camp.
On how much his toe bothered him last season and how did it affect his style of running: With the toe injury it bothered me through the last part of last season. I injured it in the Arizona game, the same game that Dennis Dixon got hurt in. I had to play through it. It is like there are sharp, excruciating pains in your toe every time you plant and run, and being a running back you need that. But I found a way around it to fit my running style. I wasn't able to make the cuts that I can make but I did what I could to make the best out of my running game. I just tried to fight through the pain.
On what was done during the surgery: He went in and reconstructed my ligament. I don't know the exact medical terms for it. He just made sure that my toe was back in line.
On if he thought the toe surgery would affect his draft status: At first I was but as I went around to the team visits the teams knew my situation. A lot of people were saying things about my toe, but really I was just giving it all to God and really trying to not think about it at all.
On his running style: My style of running is just all of the things that a great back has. I'm an explosive, powerful runner. I run north and south but mostly more north. I just try to make the best out of every opportunity when I get the ball, whether it is going around a defender or going through a defender. You have to do what it takes.
On if what he knows about Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams: I watched DeAngelo Williams when he was at Memphis. He was another great back, and I'm thankful for the opportunity to go and learn the ropes from him and to contribute to this team. He's a great back, and I want to be a great back as well. I know there are some veterans on the squad and I'm just ready to get this thing rolling and be a part of this offense.
On his reaction to Carolina selecting tackle Jeff Otah: My reaction was, "Oh yeah, they really want to run the ball now!" That's a big guy right there. The Carolina Panthers have a plan. Running the ball is something that you have to do in this League, and they are definitely getting that instilled in their offense.
On if he has spent much time in the South other than when he had his surgery: That was my first time in Carolina. All my family is from Georgia around Macon and Atlanta. So I am familiar with Georgia but not anywhere else in the South.
On meeting with personnel from the Panthers prior to the draft and his impressions: It was at the combine, and they came down to visit me in Eugene as well. It was Marty (Hurney), and I talked to Coach Fox at the combine, so I thought they were really interested in me. During this whole experience I was just taking it for what it was. Teams were interested, and I'm just glad the Carolina Panthers came along and had faith in my health and that I am going to be a good player for them.
On if he thinks he will be a good fit for the Panthers offense: I feel when it comes to running the ball I can do that. Pass blocking is going to be something that I can do at the next level, but I know that it is going to be much different from the collegiate level.
On what running backs, current and former, he admires: Walter Payton, just his determination when he runs, and on every run that you see on his highlight there is that extra effort. "I am never going to be tackled," and that's the type of mantra that every running back should have or to punish the defender. Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders and a new age running back would be LaDainian Tomlinson.
On being used as a kick returner after doing so successfully in college: I hope so. Returning kicks is another offensive possession. It's an opportunity to get the game rolling for the offense.
On if he can be an impact player like running back Adrian Peterson was a rookie last year: Of course. I don't feel that anyone should have lower standards than being the best you can be. Adrian Peterson did that and above. He also set the tone for running