Linebacker Aaron Casey Interview at 2024 Indiana Football Pro Day
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00:00 >> Aaron, when you kind of reflect over the last week or so of your life and
00:03 just kind of look back at it, what's been the biggest takeaway and
00:07 kind of how has this experience been for you?
00:09 >> Yeah, just this last week or so, we're preparing for much for this opportunity
00:14 and this time and this moment, moments here.
00:16 And so as I got into the combine, I wanted to take advantage of the situation,
00:20 take advantage of the opportunity there was to go out there in front of everybody
00:23 and perform there.
00:25 And so especially days like this today,
00:26 a little bit more relaxed for me to go out there and do what I need to do.
00:30 >> Somebody mentioned that maybe you wanted to run a low 4.6, high 4.5,
00:33 and a 4.75, I think.
00:35 I guess your on-field workout,
00:37 what's been your thoughts on how you were there and then, I guess, as well,
00:41 out here today?
00:42 >> Yeah, so I got those numbers based off training,
00:44 like in training my lowest time, 4.64.
00:46 So I was thinking, once I get here, the adrenaline will be going,
00:49 I get the time lower.
00:51 But it was kind of the opposite way for me.
00:53 And I just try to control it, control my breathing and everything,
00:56 to really just dive in and remember my technique and everything and
00:59 do it just feet free out there.
01:02 I improved a little bit today than I did at the combine.
01:05 And then as far as the on-field drills, that's the football part of it.
01:08 So that's the part I'm more used to,
01:10 part of the part that I feel more comfortable doing, and that was all right.
01:14 >> You played with Cam Jones and Micah, who are in the NFL.
01:17 Now, do you talk to them at all as you're preparing for this, for advice or
01:20 things like that?
01:21 >> Yeah, so I get on the phone with Cam every week.
01:23 We're pretty much my brother for the most part.
01:26 Micah, I talk to him every now and then, especially early on in the process,
01:29 just asking him how he handles certain things.
01:32 They're both two guys that I look up to, two guys that set the path,
01:37 do things the right way, and I can feed off of them.
01:40 >> Did you get an official time for the 40 today?
01:42 I didn't get the official, no.
01:45 >> Since the season ended, what some strengths that you've been working on?
01:50 >> Yeah, since the season ended, honestly, it was the first thing first,
01:53 get the body right.
01:54 And afterwards, dive into this type of training for these drills and everything.
01:58 So as far as football, there hasn't been too much of it.
02:01 It's really just now, after this part of the process is over with,
02:06 I can dive more into getting into football things more and
02:11 change gears a little bit.
02:13 >> Reflecting upon your last six years here in Bloomington,
02:15 this being essentially your last official event here at IU, what kind of comes to mind?
02:20 >> Man, it's a long time I put in work here, a long time making friendships,
02:25 making connections with players, coaches, staff, everybody.
02:29 Just coming back, it feels good to grow up here for the most part, it feels like.
02:33 So getting back to see how things are, seeing the new guys come here too,
02:37 excited for them, excited for new opportunities they have.
02:40 And I just wish the best for IU.
02:43 >> What kind of impressions have you seen from this new group so far?
02:46 >> Yeah, so honestly, I haven't really met the guys at all.
02:49 A few guys follow me on Instagram, got to see a little bit of them.
02:53 From my friends, old teammates here, they talk about some guys sometimes, but
02:56 nothing but good things.
02:57 Nothing but good things about the coaching staff and everything.
03:00 So I'm excited to see where it goes.
03:02 >> I got a few interviews in the right with a few teams.
03:07 What was that like?
03:08 I guess the feedback you received so far.
03:10 >> It was great feedback.
03:12 Being able to sit down in front of them and
03:15 kind of pick their brain about how they feel about me.
03:18 And also questions I have for them, allowing me to just see what type of
03:21 program they have, see what they like about me, don't like about me.
03:25 And that type of thing.
03:25 It was really good feedback, really good to have that time to get to know a little
03:30 more information.
03:31 >> What have they said they like?
03:33 >> Like instincts, the way I can move and find the ball in the backfield was one of
03:37 the main things, how aggressive I am on point of contact.
03:41 >> On your side of it, what kind of questions are you asking to those programs?
03:43 You mentioned trying to find a fit, that kind of stuff.
03:46 What are you asking them in those meetings?
03:48 >> It's like what kind of player you guys looking for?
03:50 How can I contribute in my first year to the team?
03:53 What things are you looking for me to improve in?
03:55 Those type of questions.
03:57 >> What do you think kind of separates yourself from another draft comment?
04:00 >> Yeah, I would say my instincts.
04:02 I feel like my instincts allow me to play faster, get to the ball when I need to get
04:06 to the ball.
04:07 And just like I had 20 TFLs this past season.
04:11 So being able to hit the ball in the backfield is one of my strengths I feel like.
04:14 >> Is that a new clothing deal you got the ace sweatshirt?
04:18 >> Yeah, my mom found this online somewhere and had to rock it.
04:22 So yeah.
04:23 >> What teammates are you incredibly thankful to help you get to this point,
04:26 help you grow on and off the field?
04:27 >> Yeah, I would say really the teammates I had when I was a younger guy here at IU,
04:31 like Rayquan Jones, Dame Willis.
04:35 And then also Cam and Micah, they're in the same class as me.
04:38 And so really at the young age, those older guys really took me in and
04:42 they showed me the road, showed me how things are supposed to be done.
04:44 I feel like that really allowed me to be the type of leader I am,
04:47 the type of guy I am in my last couple of years at IU.
04:50 And also, competing with Micah and Cam, growing the whole time here,
04:55 just allowed me, pushed me to go harder, pushed me to do better things.
04:59 And so I'm really grateful for those guys along my journey.
05:02 >> Anything else?
05:05 If not, thanks Aaron.