All is going well since pro day I've heard from a few teams. Some have high interest! I'm working out for the Patriots this coming Tuesday and have a visit set up with the Houston Texans on the
14th. I'm looking forward to both, and just counting down until the big day. In the mean time I've been down in Orlando training with Tom Shaw staying in shape and on top of my game.

--tlcj

3/17/09

• I ran a 4.28 and a 4.37
• Bench pressed 17 times
• Vertical jump of 39 inches
• Broad jump of 10 feet
• Ran the Pro shuttle in 4.00
• Ran the 3 cone drill 6.90
  

And for the most part I felt good in my drills and caught punts and
kickoffs as well...

The next step is to just keep working hard and to stay focused.

--tlcj

I interviewed Tony Carter a couple of weeks ago and he will be providing us with some regular "journal" updates.  These will be what is going on with him leading up to the NFL draft, throughout training camp and hopefully throughout his rookie season.  Here is his first entry from last week:

2/25/09

Well the process is pretty slow right now, I've just been training hard
down here in Orlando with Tom Shaw at Disney Wide World of Sports. I got
a chance to check out the combine and results, wishing I had a chance to
be there and show all my ability and to run a fast 40 yard dash. But
everything happens for a reason, being a sleeper in this years draft is
something I never though of, but the door is wide open at the corner
spot in my eyes. All I can do is work hard and make sure I'm prepared
when its my turn.

I was sick a little bit this week ate some bad food and threw up a time
or two, but you know it won't hold a true playa' down too long LOL! Other
than that I'm just enjoying life and the opportunity that GOD is giving
me everyday to wake up and do what I love. On my off time I've been
going to a few Magic games and enjoying them. Basketball was something I
played all the time. I have skills, but a little rusty right now since
I've focused on the football training, but plan to shoot the rock pretty
soon lol.

--tlcj

This week, Tailgate365 had the pleasure of interviewing Florida State Seminole corner back Tony Carter as he anxiously awaits the upcoming NFL draft.  Many draft sites peg Tony as a quality corner and could be a real sleeper in the draft.  Major props to Bruno at Empire Sports Agency for coordinating with us on talking to Tony.

TC - I'm working out in Orlando, FL with Tom Shaw.  Some of the other
players I'm training with are Derrick Williams from Penn State, Shawn
Nelson from Southern Miss, some of my teammates from FSU (Drew
Weatherford, Kenny Ingram, Toddrick Verdell), a few guys from Oregon
State (corner back Keenan Lewis, Brandon Hughes) and a corner back from
Cincinnati (Deangelo Smith).

TG365 - What are your workout numbers?

TC - My workout numbers are a low 4.3 in the 40.... 36 inch vertical jump.
10.3 on the broad jump, and time will tell it all on the other
drills...

TG365 - Who was the best player you faced in your career?

TC - I've faced a few good players, so it's hard to just pick out one guy but
if I had to choose one I would say Matt Ryan was the best player I've ever
faced.

TG365 - How much of an honor was it to be named All ACC Second Team?

TC - I must say it's a blessing to be named a part of the all ACC team. I feel
a lot of good players played in the conference this year.

TG365 - What will be the biggest adjustment going from the ACC to the NFL?

TC - The biggest adjustment to me from college to the NFL is the lifestyle. In
college you have people telling you what to do and when to do and now
it's pretty much you on your own with more responsibilities.

TG365 - During your time at Florida State, what was your most memorable game, and why?

TC - I would have to say a moment that will always be close to me is my 1st
game as a red shirt freshman. It was my 1st start and we were playing one
of our rivals Miami. Yes the Canes...and we had lost to them 4 times
straight. It was a Monday night and the entire world was watching. There
was talent all over the field and I was nervous but at the same time ready
to show the nation who I was. To make a long story short, I played a
great game and was defensive player of the game. Not to mention we came
out with a win.

TG365 - When you were growing up, what NFL team did you dream of playing for?

TC - Growing up Jerry Rice was my favorite player and the 49ers was his team
so I wanted to play for them.

TG365 - We all want to know, are you a gamer?  If so, what console and what do you play most?

TC - I play a little bit, I'm a PS3 guy.  Of course I play sports games but I
love NBA 2k9. I'm known for giving whoopings out.

TG365 - Who was your biggest influence while growing up?

TC - Growing up I was raised by my grandma and mom, but my grandma was the
lady who taught me almost everything about life and how to become a good
man. She's my girl and everything I do I think if this is something
she would want for her grandson to do.

TG365 - And now we want to give you a chance to brag a little with a simple question.  Tony Carter, why are you so awesome?

TC - Why me ....TONY CARTER?!? I feel like I can make players better on the
field. I've always been a winner and will continue to improve everyday.
I'm a guy who loves to listen and learn. Off the field I am a man who
treats people with respect. Need I say more ... lol

Thanks again to Tony for taking time out of his schedule to talk, we will be following him through the draft and his rookie season closely!