The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
NFL Combine Q&A: Emmanuel Acho
03.12.2012 | Football
March 12, 2012
Former Texas LB Emmanuel Acho competed at the NFL combine on February 27. He was a top performer among linebackers in the 40-yard dash (4.73, 11th best) and the broad jump (9'10", 8th best). He pulled a quad muscle during his second forty-yard dash attempt and couldn't continue with the remainder of the drills.
How was your experience at the NFL Combine?
It was a good experience to be around a bunch of the best. Essentially, we are next year's NFL working class. To be considered one of the top, not only at your position, but one of the top in the nation, is an honor and a privilege. It was a great experience with a bunch of NFL head coaches, position coaches and general managers. I liked it out there.
What sort of feedback did you receive?
I got a lot of good feedback from a lot of teams seeing me at different positions, whether it is as a "Will" linebacker in a four-three or either linebacker spot in a three-four scheme. They know my versatility and my intelligence, so I got a lot of positive feedback. Now I am just trying to get ready for Pro Day and the NFL Draft.
Did it feel like you were now a professional athlete?
It did a little bit. You are there with a bunch of professional coaches, meeting with the NFL Player's Association, meeting with general managers, head coaches. It is all very official. It is no longer at an amateur level. It is now the cream of the crop. You are with the best of the best. It did kind of turn that corner from being an amateur athlete to being a professional athlete.
How do you feel about your performance?
I am very happy with my performance. Unfortunately, I pulled my quad during the second run of my forty, so I was unable to complete the rest of the drills. However, prior to that it was a great day. I figure my performance was a success as a whole.
How was it spending the time there with former teammates Keenan Robinson and Kheeston Randall?
Kheeston and I were actually roommates, so we were consistently encouraging each other and just helping each other prepare for the day. When I ran my first 40, I had [Keenan] at the 20-yard marker just to give me verbal cues to lift my head up, run, and pump my arms faster. Keenan and I are constantly supporting each other. We traded texts after we left, and Kheeston and I are out here training together. We are constantly trying to support each other to do well.
In what ways did your brother, Arizona Cardinals LB Sam Acho, help you prepare?
He helped me understand what was going to happen, so nothing shocked me. As I put it, he gave me the answers to the test before I had to take it. I was not surprised by anything. I knew the hospital visits were coming and the team tests. Whether they were physical or mental examinations, I knew those were coming and how to prepare for them and how to pass those as well. He helped me tremendously.
What are your plans now until the NFL Draft?
My initial plan was to come back to Austin and prepare for Pro Day in Austin, but since I did pull my quad muscle, I will stay here in Arizona until I am 100 percent, or until Pro Day. Then I will go to Austin for Pro Day, compete at Pro Day, and then stay in Austin and travel from there to different team visits until the draft.
