Free safety Curtis Taylor was drafted by the 49ers in the seventh-round of the 2009 NFL Draft after having a very successful collegiate career at LSU. TV 49 caught up with him after the first session of organized team activities. Here's the Q&A from that interview.
Q: Curtis, how did everything go for you at the OTAs?
A: It went really well. I learned a lot, (I'm) still in the learning process, working hard every day and just taking it one day at a time.
Q: The rookies have to get up early for workouts, how has that gone for you?A: It doesn't bother me too bad. Early bird gets the worm, we get an early start, but it works out well.
Q: What are some of the things you've been able to accomplish at the rookie minicamp and first session of OTAs?A: Just seeing how fast the game moves compared to the college level, you have to be on your stuff and know your assignments. Guys are good out here, so you have to step your game up.
Q: Have you been getting great advice from the veterans?A: Oh yeah, I've gotten a lot of great advice from the veterans, especially in the defensive back (meeting) room. The guys are really helpful and they look out for you. You can't ask for more than that so they've been a big help.
Q: Has this been up to what you expected or maybe a little bit different?
A: It's been up to what I expected. I knew things were going to be different as far as learning a new defense and picking up the speed of the game and trying to become a pro. I always had the mindset that it was going to be hard and it was going to be difficult, but if you want to become a pro, you have to take that mindset, that approach to try and become better.
Q: Going back to your college career, what was your most memorable moment of your college career at LSU?A: I really don't have one moment. Playing in the National Championship was nice, but just being around all those guys for 4-5 years was great. We were a close-knit family, so my LSU experience was a great moment for me.
Q: Being out in California, what's one thing you miss about home?A: Food. It's a little different out here. But it's pretty good out here, but you can't get past that Louisiana food. I've been enjoying myself, but that's all I can ask for.
Q: Off the field, what do you like to do when you're not playing football?A: Relax. I like to be with my family, but my family is out in Louisiana. But I'm making good friends with everybody out here though, so I just like to relax.
Q: Are you a movie guy? Have you seen any good movies lately?
A: Oh yeah I'm a movie guy, but I haven't had a chance to get out and watch anything. But I might check out one tonight. I heard the new Terminator movie is coming out. I haven't had a chance to check one out, but I really like watching movies though.
Q: How about music, what do you like music-wise?A: Whatever's playing, if I can get into it – I like it. If I can't get into it, I don't like it. I listen to a variety of music, but just whatever gets me going.
Q: Do you have any nicknames we should know about?
A: The only nickname I ever picked up was "Curt-Dog." That was it, I got that at LSU. That's the only one I know of.
Q: What's one thing that you want to see while you're out here in California?
A: I really want to see the Golden Gate Bridge, I haven't been to San Francisco. Hopefully over this break, I'll get a chance to see the bridge or Alcatraz or something like that. We'll see.
