Anthony, thanks for giving us this interview, I know that the fans at 49erswebzone will really appreciate it! With that, onto the questions!
Q: How difficult has the transition been from a 4-3 defensive tackle to a 3-4 nose tackle?
A: The only difference is where you line up. In the 4-3, you would line up in the gap With the 3-4, you line up head up on the guard or the center. But, after the ball is snapped you play football! So, it is really not a difficult transition.
Q: Do you benefit at all from being a shorter defensive tackle going up against taller offensive lineman?
A: The lower man wins in football because of leverage and I might be shorter than every offensive lineman in the National Football League. I'm only 5' 11", so when I stand up from my stance, I'm still lower than someone who bends and is still 6' 2". So, I try to use it to my advantage.
Q: Who is the toughest guy to beat on the 49ers' offensive line?
A: Hands down Jeremy Newberry! Once he gets those big paws on you it is a wrap no matter what you do!
Q: Do you think you would be better utilized as a defensive end or a nose tackle in the 3-4?
A: As long as I'm on the field, I believe that I can make an impact at end or nose guard, but that is a question you would have to ask Coach Nolan.
Q: What are your impressions of rookie Alex Smith and the other quarterbacks?
A: Alex has a very strong arm and is a very smart football player! I have not seen him try to force a throw that is not there and he seems very comfortable to me. But, I am impressed with Rattay, Dorsey, and Pickett as well. Coach Nolan is going to have to make some tough decisions. All of those guys have been working hard all offseason. They met everyday in the offseason with their position coach and did all kinds of drills, so it really hasn't been much of an OFFseason for them. But, overall I like all of our quarterbacks because they have all put in work.
Q: What are your thought on the addition of Marques Douglas? Do you think he is an upgrade over John Engelberger?
A: I like Marques (even though he is a Sigma and I am a Que LOL). He is a tough hard-nosed worker. He is a crafty veteran and he knows the system already and I know he will make an impact on our team. You would have a hard time trying to compare the two. That is a difficult question and I appreciate your concern, but once again, that is something you would have to ask the big guy Coach Nolan.
Q: How is the competition going between you and Issac Sopoaga?
A: Isaac is a hard worker and he is very, very strong. I'm excited about our rotation because when I'm in the game, I bring something to the table and then when Isaac gets in the game, he will bring something different to the table as well. So, I am excited about having Isaac on the team and I'm even more excited about knowing that at some point Isaac and I both can be on the field at the same time. In addition to Isaac, our rookie defensive tackle is doing a great and admirable job as well - Ronald Fields. So, I think it is safe to say that I am excited about our competition because it is going to make us a better team.
Q: Are there any new wrinkles you can tell us about when it comes to the new defense?
A: Other than Mike Rumph playing safety, my lips are sealed! We would rather show you, than tell you!
Q: Why does there seem to be an awful lot of injuries on the 49ers' offensive line? Are you guys beating them up that much?
A: I really don't know, but I don't question things that I don't have any control over. I just pray to God that no one has any serious injuries, but everything happens for a reason. So, some guys just have to step up, until those guys get back. That's how this business works. No, we are not beating them up, we are all a team and we take care of each other. We are very competitive with each other but we also know that we have a long season ahead of us. So, we try to be smart and take care of each other.
Q: Do you ever look over fan sites like 49erswebzone.com?
A: Yes!! I have the website bookmarked actually!!
Q: Which game are you looking forward to most this year?
A: All of them!! It is a privilege to play this game, and I do not take it for granted. It is a blessing for me to have made it this far, so I look forward to every game God allows me to play.
Q: Congratulations on your engagement! We also hear that you have a website set up for your wedding. Could you tell us a little more about it?
A: Thank You (yes ladies it is true, I am taken)!! My wedding website is hilarious, there are videos and photos and stories about my fiancée and her family and friends as well as mine. It is definitely a must see! The website is andenikaandanthony.com. Sign my guestbook please!!
Q: And finally, where do you see the 49ers finishing this year in terms of wins and loses?
A: Are you kidding? 16-0!! What other way is there to think!!
Thanks a lot Anthony! We really appreciate it.
