2008 THIRD-ROUND DRAFT PICK
TEXAS HEAD COACH MACK BROWN ON RB JAMAAL CHARLES

Q: Talk about coming here to join a great running back in Larry Johnson.

CHARLES: “I’ll just come in and compete with Larry Johnson. I’ll push him and he’ll push me and we’ll make each other better. I know it will be exciting for me but I guess he would like somebody to push him, too. I’m glad I got picked by Kansas City because it’s not far from home and it’s a great place. I’m just ready to rock and roll.”

Q: Herm Edwards mentioned the possibility of having you return kicks as a way to get on the field faster. Talk about that opportunity for you.

CHARLES: “I can return kicks and I can get on the field and try to contribute. With my speed I can help the team a lot on special teams and I would love playing on kickoff returns so I can get on the field fast. I will try to help my team win by giving them great field position.”

Q: In the course of your career, how has your speed helped you stand out in situations like this where you might be in somewhat of a crowded situation?

CHARLES: “I can separate from people. Many people don’t think I can break tackles but I can break tackles. They just never saw me playing before. I’ve got good speed and can run around people and once I get open in a seam, I can always break for a long run when I get past the second level.”

Q: You had as many catches your senior year as you did leading up to that. Talk about how it all came together last year.

CHARLES: “It came together last year because I knew I was going to be the man, so in the first three games I was doing excellent. The other games I wasn’t getting the ball as much as I was before the three games I played. Then it came around in the Colorado game – I started getting the ball. I guess our coaches believed in what kind of player I was, that I’m a winner and love helping my team out and I don’t like to lose. I think they saw me and started giving me more carries because they knew I could help the team out.”

Q: Most people don’t think you’ll be able to handle a full load as the every down-type back. What do you think?

CHARLES: “That’s just people talking – they never saw me play. Maybe its people that have never played football that say I can’t carry the ball because I’m a speed guy but I love this sport, football, so I’ll do anything. I know I’m not the biggest person but don’t bring me down. I know what I can do; I know I can carry a load. I know I can help my team out.”

Q: Do you see yourself ever being a starter in the NFL?

CHARLES: “Yes, I can see myself being a starter. I know I can be a starter because of the things I can do on the field and I can help my team out and win games. You never know when that long run comes, and we need those long runs. I know I can start in the NFL because I can break the long run and help my team out.”

Q: The Chiefs have had some pretty good luck with Texas running backs. Do you know Priest Holmes?

CHARLES: “I saw him [play] but I don’t really know him, though. I saw him end his career with the Chiefs. I’m going to come up there and try to do the same thing Priest Holmes did.”

Q: Were you the fastest guy on your team at Texas last year?

CHARLES: “Yes, I was the fastest guy.”

Q: Could anyone catch you, coming from behind?

CHARLES: “No. When I get three steps on people, most don’t come from behind me. You have to have a good angle to catch me.”