I feel good about being labeled the new breed of tight end. That's what it is, when you got a guy who can do more than catch the ball, to get extra yardage after catching the ball and make guys miss.
I sit back and watch guys like Heath Miller coming in as a rookie and doing things like he has done, going to the Super Bowl and making plays. That is something to be proud about, a guy who played in the same conference as you. I know I can do it because I have a good work ethic.
They all tell me they?d love to have me. I feel good about being labeled the new breed of tight end.
Antonio Gates is a good player. He's someone I have watched throughout my college career and I like the way he plays. But there are some things when I look at the guy, he does a little better than myself. And (there are) things I do better than him as far as speed, things like that.
I knew if I had a good season I'd probably think about leaving. There wasn't anything holding me back, but I knew if they told me I'd get a first-round grade I was going to leave.
I figured if I could beat this guy, and he's the 12th overall pick, then I had a good shot. I was ready to turn pro right then and there.