Want an inside look at what happens when a top prospect goes through the NFL draft process? Former Ohio State star defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock gives his thoughts on the entire process leading up to Draft Day with an unique behind-the-scenes look.
By Richard Cirminiello
Although he was a former All-America defensive tackle at Ohio State, you may not know Quinn Pitcock. He didn’t contend for the Heisman Trophy, like Troy Smith, or bring a crowd to its feet with his 4.3 jets, like Ted Ginn. He didn’t attract national attention by sleeping in a tent, ala Anthony Gonzalez or have a dad, such as James Laurinaitis, who was a former professional wrestler. No, Pitcock was one of the more anonymous, yet vital, cogs in a program that won 30 since he became a starter in 2004. He’s a powerful, 6-3, 295-pound interior lineman with a contagious work ethic and the quickness and athletic ability of many ends. Why should you care? Because Pitcock will be a first-day draft choice in April and is about to turn the coveted twin killing for NFL prospects, getting invites to the Senior Bowl in Mobile and the Combine in Indianapolis.
From now until the NFL Draft on April 28, Quinn Pitcock will allow everyone to get under his helmet and inside his thoughts as he prepares to fulfill that childhood dream of becoming a professional football player.
Feb. 20, 2007
Quinn Pitcock here, and I am back to give you some insight on my adventures thus far. I have been extremely busy preparing for the Combine every day, as well as doing public appearances around Ohio. Just last week alone, I did five autograph sessions – the Ohio State fans are great, and we always get lots of turnout for the appearances. We Buckeyes really do appreciate the loyalty.
It has been a long weekend too, but it’s time to get re-focused on the Combine and the draft preparation. One of the hardest parts of complete physical preparation is executing on a good nutrition plan. We are always so busy, it’s hard to make the time to buy, cook and eat the right way. For the Combine, though, my agents at BTI Sports hired a personal chef to help me follow my nutritionist’s meal plan and avoid those McDonald’s drive-thrus. Jaclyn’s Personal Chef Services in Columbus has helped me tremendously by preparing meals that fit my meal plan perfectly. I get a week’s worth of cooked food at a time, and I simply re-heat the meals and eat according the plan. It is the ultimate in convenience and has made my life a lot easier.
Next time I write will be after the Combine, and I am hoping to report nothing but good news. If you have any questions, email richardc@collegefootballnews.com, and I will be happy to address them in a future blog. Take care. QP
Feb. 5, 2006
OSU Career:
I couldn’t have written a better story for my career at Ohio State.
I came in during 2002 and was a part of the national championship team. I was redshirted, but that gave me the time to develop my skills. I had limited playing time behind great players like Darrion Scott and Tim Anderson the following year. In 2004, I earned a starting DT job that I kept for the next three years. And during my time, we were lucky enough (and worked hard enough) to be able to compete in another national championship game and two more BCS bowl games.
In 2005, I was struggling through the season with a nagging shoulder injury. As soon as we beat Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl, I went into surgery. This was a hard time for me—not being able to lift hard and going through rehab for six months. I wasn’t fully recovered until July of last year, which gave me a month of hard lifting before the start of this past season. I was surprised how quickly I was able to regain my strength and conditioning. And I think I ended my career a good note, being co-captain of a 12-1 squad.
I have built great relationships with my teammates and coaches over the years, and I wish them all the best of luck in the future.
Agent Selection Process:
Picking an agent is a hectic process that took me back to recruiting in high school for college football. You have to have some kind of strategy or else you will get overwhelmed quickly.
First, I met with agents in the spring at Ohio State’s “agent day”. This was my first cut. I felt if these agents took the time to be certified in Ohio and through Ohio State, then they are serious about representing me. Then I tried to figure out what peripheral services (added value) that each agency has that makes them different. However, as I learned in school, services can be copied, and many agencies had the same old sales pitch about integrity. To me, that was just the beginning.
BTI Sports Advisors stood out for me because of its partner Jim Flanigan, who played in the NFL as a d-lineman for 10 years. Having someone to talk with that has experienced the league and truly knows what teams are looking for is a huge plus. Jim has already taught me techniques that I was oblivious to, and his input will truly increase my playing ability. BTI Sports was a medium-sized firm that my family and I felt was big enough to get the deals done, but small enough for individual attention. In the end, of course, it came down to being comfortable with the firm’s partners, Brad Leshnock, Joe Flanagan, Jim Flanigan and Ron Slavin. My family is happy with the decision, and we look forward to working with BTI for many years to come.
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