Northern Illinois’ Scott Wedige participated in last week’s NFLPA AstroTurf Collegiate Bowl in Los Angeles, California. Wedige who started every game during his senior year and is a 2-time All-MAC First Team player, was invited by the NFLPA after his collegiate career.
Wedige was a key member of Nothern Illinois’ solid offensive line, and is mainly the reason for the Huskies ranking top 20 in the nation for rushing offense, total offense, scoring offense, and passing efficiency in 2010. The 6’4” – 310-pound center spoke with ProPlayerInsiders about his learning experience at the bowl game.
PPI: How did you feel when you got word about your invite to the NFLPA AstroTurf Bowl?
S.W.:I was really excited; I had never been to LA. I was excited for the opportunity to showcase my skills, to meet a bunch of great guys, and also get to coached by Kevin Mawae, one of the best centers to ever play the game of football.
PPI: What did you learn from your coaches and teammates during that week?
S.W: To always be learning and never think you know everything. To always continue to try and improve your game, and that you [should] learn from your mistakes so that you don’t make them again. ‘That’s the difference’, Coach Mawae said, ‘from being a good to a great player.’ It’s [about] always trying to learn to add tools to your tool-kit, so that you don’t become stagnant, so that other guys can end up taking your spot, so that your career will possibly be over. Always continue to learn and get better and never get complacent!
PPI: What were some of your goals and expectations regarding your performance during the game?
S.W.: I want[ed] to play assignment-sound football. We want[ed] to run the ball extremely well and not give up any sacks so we can let our quarterback and playmakers do their jobs. The entire O-line want[ed] to play well as a unit; personally, as one guy, you can play well, but if all five guys don’t work collectively as one to achieve a common goal, it won’t really matter and our playmakers that are here won’t have the opportunity to make plays and to make us all look good.
PPI: What sets you apart from other NFL prospects?
S.W.: My work ethic. I’ve always worked hard to watch a lot of extra film, work on my craft, and continue to get better and try to set myself apart from all the other guys trying to make it in this league.
