Name: Michael Catching Jr
School: Davenport
Position: RB
Height:  6’0″
Weight: 221

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

The goals that I set for myself during my final season were to improve in every aspect of my game. From on the field with speed, strength, agility, and presence. I wanted to become a pinball type of runner That wanted to bounce off of tackles, but also burst as if I’m shooting out of a cannon. Off the field I worked to be a dependable teammate and leader that my coaches and teammates could depend on and that ultimately helped me become one of our Team Captains this fall.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches would refer to me as a dedicated and loyal teammate and leader, that is willing to go the extra mile to stand up for my brother. My teammates would refer to me as a compassionate and charismatic player-coach. I was voted as one of our 5 captains this season, that speaks volumes as to how they perceive me.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

To improve my game when watching film, I tend to look at tendencies that I may show that defenders may pick up on. Maybe a false step here or certain stance there where it may be a telltale of what the play might be or what I might do. Second, I look at the personnel and structure of the defenses. Every defense is different on every level and knowing how they attack the offenses they have played will give me a certain level of familiarity, looking at how they run to the ball and/or how they tackle. Do they duck their head? Certain things like that.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

Speed, Discipline, Versatility and Grit. Being a former All-American Track Athlete comes with a certain level of discipline when trying to accomplish that. Everything has to be detail-oriented, the willingness to work and improve has to be there and just having speed is the side effect of all these things put together. The Grit comes in from never wanting to give up on my teammates and the play. Always fighting for that extra yard and always fighting to get back on the field with my brothers after an injury. Lastly, being versatile has always been a component of my style of play. I came into college football as a strong safety, then briefly moving to outside linebacker and concluding my career as a starting Running Back, being successful at each position while also playing simultaneously on all special teams. Fluctuating weight for every position from 195-238 at 6 foot while also maintaining sub 4.5 speed. My forward lean when I run has always helped me gain that extra yard and impose will on defenders.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

This offseason I look to solidify my body with strength and speed training while also mentally learning concepts and sharpening my knowledge of the game. Working on intangibles like explosion and lateral movements with focusing on vertical jumping and decisive and definitive cuts on defenders. My University is centered in my Hometown which allows me familiarity with various training locations with great facilities and tools. Working with my track coach and a few friends that have played pro football to broaden aspects that I may miss on my own. While also trying different positions such as Linebacker and Defensive Back to diversify my game and make me more appealing to scouts.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

My Leadership skills, being coachable, having a positive attitude while always giving maximum effort. My style of play will mesh well with the other players of any organization, but the intangibles that cannot be measured on any test or clock will ultimately affect the team and myself the best way possible. Passing that type of ability and knowledge along a room like minded individuals can and will change an organization.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

I have prepared myself mentally and physically over the last few years as well as surrounded myself with the right support staff to make the best impression possible on any professional organization. I am willing to adjust and play every special team as well as change positions if needed to help the team succeed. These teams will be getting a dedicated individual that has the willingness to learn and improve while always giving exceptional effort and making a positive impact on the coaches, teammates, and community.