Name: Mike Noble
School: Texas A&M Commerce
Position: LB
Height: 6-0
Weight: 225
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I set were to start and get put on scholarship at first, after accomplishing that my goal was to be the best player I could be for my team and also being a leading part of one of the best defenses in world. After this season I feel like I accomplished that goal with my defense being in the top 20 of most defensive categories in the first year of being a D1 program.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would call me the guy that knows everything that’s going on and is the most reliable guy for the job. Reliability is huge in this game especially when you get to higher levels and with being reliable you gain coaches and teammates trust. When you have that it frees you up to go make plays because everyone on the team trusts that you know what is going on and that you can go make the plays you otherwise wouldn’t if they did not trust you.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
The first I look for is it the quarterback has a tell for the snap count. Whether it’s a towel grab, a hand flex, or a last look down. The second thing I look at is the percentages of plays in certain personal groups and formations, this is the most beneficial thing for me because it allows me to have a pretty good idea of what kind of play an offense is going to run and I can anticipate plays before the ball is snapped. The last thing I look for are tells from the offensive linemen whether it’s a hand down or up or a lean forward or back. A lot of times the big guys up front don’t have the best balance and need to set themselves up for success and that helps me know pre snap the type of play that is coming my way.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
The biggest thing that sets me apart is that every time I step on the field I am the smartest player on it. I played quarterback and linebacker in high school and I really think that is the biggest thing that helps me play defense. I understand how offenses work and what they are seeing or looking for on defense and this allows me to take away certain things to cause quarterbacks to panic. I also feel comfortable calling plays for the defense and getting everyone lined up correctly I know my job and position well enough to get everyone else in the right spot so that the defense can perform and make plays.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan for the off-season is too improve my overall top end speed and to also increase my overall power in athletic movements. A place I feel like I can excel is on the whiteboard and going over defense. I feel like that’s what will have the biggest impact on my draft stock.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My best trait is the ability to dissect offensive plays rapidly get to the spot that is within the scheme of the defense that puts me in the best position to make plays. My tape shows lots of plays where is looks like I know what the offensive play is and that’s because I did because of preparation during the week and also things I see during the game. I know I can beat people to spots before they get there and after doing my job within the defense I can go make a play. In terms of off the field a team will get someone who is always trying to get better, whether that is extra film study, extra workouts, extra treatment time whatever it is I’ll be doing the most to make myself the best player I can be for the team.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I should be drafted because you’ll get everything I have in me all the time. I love this game and everything it has done for me. You’ll get the hardest worker in every room and someone who can be the smartest person on the field at any given time.