T0mShane Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Josh Rosen Q&A: UCLA QB on Injuries, NCAA and Post-NFL Goal to 'Own the World' MATT HAYESAUGUST 08, 2017 He hasn't even played 20 career games, and already the football world has been high as the sky and low as the ground on who he is—and, more importantly, who he can be. Josh Rosen, UCLA's strong-armed, free-spirited quarterback, is the No. 1 pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Or he's the next Christian Hackenberg. Josh Rosen is the most physically gifted college quarterback since a guy named Elway. Or he's a social activist with no true love for the game—only the platform it gives him. "I've pretty much heard it all," Rosen says. But who and what to believe? Those Rosen statements were told to Bleacher Report from four different NFL scouts, personnel people in charge of grading one of the most talented yet polarizing college football players in years. All four agree that in all of 19 career games at UCLA, Rosen has displayed off-the-charts ability. None can agree how it will play out over an NFL career. One scout says Rosen will eventually get "bored" with football, turn his sights to "changing the world" and be gone within four years. One says he's the next Aaron Rodgers. One scout says anyone scared off by Rosen's direct and brutally honest personality "should have their head examined—it's football, not your local f--king co-op"—but cautions that Rosen's path could mirror that of Hackenberg: a huge recruit who never got better in college and is now "just a guy" in the NFL. One scout says Rosen doesn't have a love for the game—that he lacks a certain fire and passion. Kim Raff/Associated Press "I don't love the game? Really?" Rosen says. "If I didn't love the game, I wouldn't be out here getting my ass kicked." So begins Rosen's third year at UCLA, one that follows a breakout freshman season and an injury-shortened sophomore season, and one that includes a boatload of questions about a player who will work with his third different offensive coordinator in three seasons this fall. Rosen spoke at length with Bleacher Report this Spring about his time on and off the field at UCLA, his future in football, the collegiate model and much more. Bleacher Report: How's the shoulder? Josh Rosen: One hundred percent. Wasn't major surgery at all. I had a small tear in one of the muscles in the rotator cuff. They didn't actually repair anything. They scoped it, cleaned out the area, drained it and it healed on its own. B/R: Could you have played last year (Rosen played six games before shutting it down)? Rosen: No. It's a throwing-specific muscle. It's like having a tear in your hamstring and doing a hamstring curl. It's just not going to work. If I were playing basketball, I could've played. B/R: You haven't played since October of 2016. Do you miss the game? Rosen: Yeah, a lot. It was awful. The worst part is you see things, you know you can help, but you can't. As a competitor, that just sucks. When someone looks at you and says, "You're done for the season, you're not going out there again," there's no way to explain how that hits you. Sitting out and watching your teammates, your friends, fight play after play and game after game while you can't help gives you some unique perspective. Reed Saxon/Associated Press B/R: Is it humbling? Rosen: It's pretty damn humbling. But really, it's a humbling game even when you're playing. I mean, when you get put on your back by another man, that's the definition of humbling. Think about this analogy: You think you're hot s--t, you go into a bar and you start to talk to a girl and get turned down, knocked out. Think about how humbled you feel. I'm getting knocked out like that play after play, even on a successful play. You know how many times you make a throw, the play works and you're still standing? Not often. B/R: Look at the bright side: You got a chance to heal, maybe catch up on school. Rosen: Don't get me started. I love school, but it's hard. It's cool because we're learning more applicable stuff in my major (Economics)—not just the prerequisite stuff that's designed to filter out people. But football really dents my ability to take some classes that I need. There are a bunch of classes that are only offered one time. There was a class this spring I had to take, but there was a conflict with spring football, so... B/R: So football wins out? Rosen: Well, you can say that. B/R: So that's reality for student-athletes playing at a major university? Rosen: I didn't say that, you did. (Laughs.) Look, football and school don't go together. They just don't. Trying to do both is like trying to do two full-time jobs. There are guys who have no business being in school, but they're here because this is the path to the NFL. There's no other way. Then there's the other side that says raise the SAT eligibility requirements. OK, raise the SAT requirement at Alabama and see what kind of team they have. You lose athletes and then the product on the field suffers. Look, football and school don't go together. They just don't. Trying to do both is like trying to do two full-time jobs. — Josh Rosen B/R: Wait, some players shouldn't be in school? Rosen: It's not that they shouldn't be in school. Human beings don't belong in school with our schedules. No one in their right mind should have a football player's schedule, and go to school. It's not that some players shouldn't be in school; it's just that universities should help them more—instead of just finding ways to keep them eligible. Any time any player puts into school will take away from the time they could put into football. They don't realize that they're getting screwed until it's too late. You have a bunch of people at the universities who are supposed to help you out, and they're more interested in helping you stay eligible. At some point, universities have to do more to prepare players for university life and help them succeed beyond football. There's so much money being made in this sport. It's a crime to not do everything you can to help the people who are making it for those who are spending it. B/R: But those same players go make money in the NFL after being prepared by their college programs. Rosen: Some do, absolutely. What about those who don't? What did they get for laying their body on the line play after play while universities make millions upon millions? People criticize when guys leave early for the NFL draft, and then rip them when some guys who leave early don't get drafted. [They say,] "Why did you leave school if you weren't going to get drafted?" I'll tell you why: Because for a lot of guys, there is no other option. They were either leaving early (for the NFL) or flunking out. To me, that's a problem within the system and the way we're preparing student-athletes for the future away from football. Everyone has to be part of the process. B/R: How is it, then, that some guys graduate in three years? Deshaun Watson graduated in three years from Clemson. So did his roommate, Artavis Scott. Rosen: I'm not knocking what those guys accomplished. They should be applauded for that. But certain schools are easier than others. Gerry Broome/Associated Press B/R: It can't be that simple. Rosen: If I wanted to graduate in three years, I'd just get a sociology degree. I want to get my MBA. I want to create my own business. When I'm finished with football, I want a seamless transition to life and work and what I've dreamed about doing all my life. I want to own the world. Every young person should be able to have that dream and the ability to access it. I don't think that's too much to ask. If I wanted to graduate in three years, I'd just get a sociology degree. I want to get my MBA. I want to create my own business. When I'm finished with football ... I want to own the world. ... I don't think that's too much to ask. — Josh Rosen B/R: Where is football in what you've dreamed about all of your life? Because that's a big issue with some NFL scouts—you know, your love for the game. Rosen: I love the game. I've missed it. I can't wait to play this season. [New offensive coordinator] Jedd [Fisch] is fantastic—a really smart guy who sees the game. This is a big year for us. I don't think I'm making any news saying that. It's important for all of us to play to our potential. B/R: What steps have you taken to reach that potential, because that's another issue with scouts—is he getting better? Rosen: Last year was good in one aspect: It reset everything. Missing a bowl game and getting a month off was just a breath of fresh air. I've been going hard for two years, and it took a toll on my body. That time off gave me the ability to look at things from a biomechanics perspective. Everything is intertwined, and it starts with your posture. Without good posture, your feet flare, your hips crunch, your lower back arches, your shoulders come forward and your head is moving. And those little problems translate to the field and your mechanics. I'm up 15 pounds from last season, and have been working out really hard. I've matured so much physically, and I'm a lot stronger. The thing is, I'm only 20 years old. A lot of people think I'm a lot older. I'm going into my third year, and a lot of guys going into their third year of playing are 21 or 22 years old. I'm still young, my body is still changing. Mentally, I feel much older. You figure s--t out, and don't get your ass kicked as much. I've matured so much physically, and I'm a lot stronger. ... Mentally, I feel much older. You figure s--t out, and don't get your ass kicked as much. — Josh Rosen B/R: How important is what you do away from the field in relation to how you perform off it? Rosen: It's critical. I get eight hours of sleep every night. I'm diligent about it. I came to realize last year that sleep and diet are a must because you can't shortchange them. You can work as hard as you want, but if you don't sleep, your body is not going to regenerate and build muscle. If you don't eat, it's not going to have anything to turn into muscle. Everything after that, that's the whole grind. I don't care how hard you grind, if you don't sleep and eat well, unless you have some absurd genetics—and I've seen some guys who can sleep three hours a day and eat McDonalds every goddamn day and have a sixpack, and more power to them—it's not happening for you. I didn't get those genes. So I have to work a little harder. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images B/R: Clearly you're looking long-term with football. This isn't just something you're doing while you're at college. Rosen: I don't know why [scouts] say things like that. Because I speak about things other than football? Come on. I want to play 15 years in the NFL. I want to be great. I want my team to be great, to win championships. Tom Brady might be able to play three or four more years. That's ridiculous to even think about, and that's the bar. I'll play in the NFL as long as they'll have me, as long as I'm physically able to play. Is that love of the game? B/R: It's almost like you're being asked to prove a negative. Rosen: All I can do is play and lead this team, and what you see on [game tape] is what you're going to get. I'm not defined by football, but I can't imagine my life now without football in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 19 games? Where do I sign up for THAT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kdels62 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I think Luke Falk is gonna be the best QB next year but sign me up for this arrogant douchebag any day of the week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rangerous Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 if he's taking economics then he'll know that coming out early at the no. 1 spot will be better than coming out a year later at some other spot. he'll know the probability of being injured and he'll also know the value of playing in a large market city. i have no opinion on his ability but imo the fact he's coming from ucla vs usc makes him more palatable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Know who else was an arrogant jerk in college? Ryan Leaf. Yes, that Ryan Leaf. To be honest, I have not seen the kid play much, but will be on the look out. I tend to not like PAC qbs. Soft defenses in that conference, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T0mShane Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 8 minutes ago, Scott Dierking said: Know who else was an arrogant jerk in college? Ryan Leaf. Yes, that Ryan Leaf. I'm trying to think of the great QB who wasn't also an arrogant psychopath, especially in college. Coming up empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beerfish Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Darnold, all day and all night. only take the a$$hole if he is way way way better than the other guys, I don;t think he will be. I will say one thing, college football will be watched very closely this year by this fan base. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T0mShane Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 1 minute ago, Beerfish said: Darnold, all day and all night. only take the a$$hole if he is way way way better than the other guys, I don;t think he will be. I will say one thing, college football will be watched very closely this year by this fan base. As awful as this team is, I think we'll be out-tanked and end up with the second or third pick. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbatesman Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Plus he's Jewish, so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T0mShane Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 3 minutes ago, dbatesman said: Plus he's Jewish, so The man is a chaos agent and will bring us the change we need Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lupz27 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Josh Rosen is Jamarcus Russell, Johnny Manziel, and Jeff George all rolled into one if you took all their bad traits only! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Dierking Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 11 minutes ago, T0mShane said: I'm trying to think of the great QB who wasn't also an arrogant psychopath, especially in college. Coming up empty. The fact that you are touting him, major downgrade in my book. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pcola Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I think a lot of Rosen hype is based on potential. His stats are less impressive than both Darnold and Mason Rudolph (based on the top 5 rated guys -Allen and Falk). Not saying he won't light it up this year and prove to be the best one of the bunch, but he is dealing with his third OC already at UCLA. It would be nice if the Jets got the pick of the litter and didn't have to hope the guy that everyone else passed on turns out to be good. FWIW, in the Jets preview on RealGM, they said Darnold is a better QB at this point of his career than Andrew Luck, Jameis Winston, and Mathew Stafford. Sign me up. A QB like that could turn ASJ, Q, Anderson, and Stewart into an elite WR Corp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T0mShane Posted August 8, 2017 Author Share Posted August 8, 2017 2 minutes ago, Scott Dierking said: The fact that you are touting him, major downgrade in my book. Honestly, I can't argue this. My track record with QB crushes is trash outside of Derek Carr. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peebag Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I'll jump on board the Rosen train. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BurnleyJet Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Crazy with a Big Ego, he will fit right in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoot-Face Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Yes, but is he the a$$hole that this franchise deserves? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnnyLV Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Hack is the guy, We just need Bowles to extract his head from his ass this summer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hitman Harris Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 36 minutes ago, T0mShane said: As awful as this team is, I think we'll be out-tanked and end up with the second or third pick. We won't be picking first... Thanks to some pure idiocracy that will reer its head as usual with this wonderful organization Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoJoTownsell1 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Being honest these days gets you in trouble. I like the fact that he doesn't care. If he can sling it, I'd love to have him as our next QB (assuming Hack doesn't show us something). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Crusher Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 44 minutes ago, dbatesman said: Plus he's Jewish, so That's fine but how does he look shirtless? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe W. Namath Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Broadway Jew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetscode1 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 He's smart, articulate and I'd like too see him wear the green & white. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adb280z Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 I don't think he comes off bad in this interview at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larz Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Can only mean he's staying in school Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmat321 Posted August 8, 2017 Share Posted August 8, 2017 Sounds like an a$$hole but not an idiot. A player with a brain. Sign me up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jetspenguin Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I know it's not popular and seen as arrogant but I have NO problem with anything he said. He is brutally honest and has balls...but he hates Trump so Woody won't take his ass. Not a chance.Sent From My Perch Above the SOJF's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T0mShane Posted August 9, 2017 Author Share Posted August 9, 2017 11 minutes ago, jetspenguin said: I know it's not popular and seen as arrogant but I have NO problem with anything he said. He is brutally honest and has balls...but he hates Trump so Woody won't take his ass. Not a chance. Sent From My Perch Above the SOJF's If Woody goes by that metric he's going to have to pick from one of the backup QBs at Liberty U. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuscanyTile2 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I've got his nickname already picked out - "The Chosen One" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nycdan Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Some good reads/watches on him. The two articles disagree on how he plays when the pocket breaks down. But the video shows he's got nice touch on the long throws. Where have I seen that before? Oh yeah, not in a decade here. http://www.drafttek.com/NFL-Draft-Scouting-Reports/Scouting-Report-Josh-Rosen.asphttps://www.profootballfocus.com/news/josh-rosen-is-talented-but-has-major-flaws-to-his-game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thadude Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 I'd rather have Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C Mart Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) 8/8/17, 4:57 PM Josh Rosen needs to stop spouting off nonsense and worry about living up to the hype -- which he hasn't to this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetsfan80 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 2 minutes ago, C Mart said: Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) 8/8/17, 4:57 PM Josh Rosen needs to stop spouting off nonsense and worry about living up to the hype -- which he hasn't to this point. Danny Kanell is the ultimate "pot meet kettle". Dude is always tweeting nonsense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joewilly12 Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 Josh Rosen AKA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gastineau Lives Posted August 9, 2017 Share Posted August 9, 2017 3 hours ago, dbatesman said: Plus he's Jewish, so Please G-d, let the Jet's be saved by a Jew. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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