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The NFL Draft Bible Player Spotlight Series continues to bring you fresh looks at the college players you need to know. In this edition we caught up with Indiana linebacker Matthew Mayberry, who is gaining notoriety as a speedy linebacker.
What are your official height, weight and 40 time?
I am 6 foot 2 and 240 pounds. The last time I ran a 40 it was a 4.49.
What do you consider your biggest strength?
My attitude and speed! I love the game of football more than anything in the world and take pride in preparing physically, mentally, and emotionally. For a linebacker, I like to think as being one of the fastest out there. I trust my ability and talents that God has given me and just work each and every day to maximize my potential and make a team happy with selecting me. Those two attributes are two of my strongest I would say.
What part of your game have you been working to improve?
I have been working on everything possible. From linebacker drills to catching balls and of course working out and getting bigger, faster, stronger…There is not a day that goes by where I want to be laying in bed at the end of the night wondering what I could have done to make myself better. I like to leave everything out on the field each and every day. There is never anything you can't work on to get better. I take pride in my work ethic!
Where have you been training and how often do you workout to stay in shape?
Right after the season, deciding where you’re going to be training can be a tough decision. After our last game against Purdue, I decided to go down to Ignition, in Ohio where I am at now, and will be training here for a while as well as Florida and back home in Chicago. Ignition is one of the best places around, whether you are getting ready for the combine and pro days or just training to get ready for the season. Ted Borgerding and Clif Marshall really do a great job and really maximize your potential in everything you do down here. We workout six days a week and five of those days we go twice a day.
Who is the toughest opponent/teammate you’ve had to face? How did you fare?
I have faced quite a lot of good players throughout my college career so I can't really pick out just one individual person. Playing in the Big Ten conference you face the best of the best each and every week, and people around the country can see that during these bowl games with how good our conference has done.
 Are there any players that you would compare yourself to? Did you have a favorite player growing up?
I have my own style of game and I’m my own player so I don't really like to compare myself to anyone, but there are quite a lot of players that I watch on film and study. I think Patrick Willis and Aaron Curry are two great linebackers along with the recent Defensive Rookie of the Year, Brian Cushing. All three of those players play with incredible intensity and speed while not being afraid to be physical, which is what playing linebacker is all about. My favorite player growing up was most definitely Walter Payton.
What do you like to do with your free time? Do you have any hobbies?
During my free time I just like to relax, watch movies and hang out with some friends. Most of the time during the time that I do have off, I usually am so tired and spent that I just like to relax and rest my body for the next workout.
What is your favorite football book or movie of all time?
Remember the Titans!
What are your future goals, other than playing in the NFL?
My future goal outside of playing in the NFL is to become a successful trainer, helping kids achieve their dreams that they have had since they were little kids, just like people did for me. I like to give back to people and there is no better way than helping people achieve their dreams and give them all of the knowledge that I have garnered from the great people who surround me each and every day!
Why should an NFL team draft you?
A NFL team should draft me because I will go to work every day and bring that intensity to practice and games every Sunday. I love the sport of football and think there was no better sport created--this is the best game in the world! I love what I do and work very hard at it. I am a positive influence on my teammates and do the right thing outside of football. Outside of all that, I think my football skills speak for themselves on how effective I can be for a team with the mindset of always needing to get better.
* In 2009, Mayberry was a do-all talent for the Hoosiers. He registered 60 tackles including 11 tackles for a loss, 5.5 sacks and three interceptions.
Photos Courtesy of Mike Dickbernd, IU Athletics
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