EMQB Interview: Eddie Royal

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One of the most athletic players on Virginia Tech’s roster, wide receiver Eddie Royal established himself as the premier punt returner in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He also excelled as a kickoff returner and proved to be a dangerous threat running out of the backfield while showing off a strong arm for the option pass. In fact, Eddie holds the rare distinction of throwing a touchdown, catching twelve scoring passes, rushing once for a touchdown and returning three punts for scores during his career. It was also rare to see a receiver become a school’s career leader in all-purpose yards, but he did so by amassing 4,698 of them. And his 1,296 punt return yards established an ACC career-record. Any team looking for the next Devin Hester in the upcoming NFL Draft ought to seriously consider Eddie Royal, who could be his second-coming. I caught up with Eddie for this quick Q&A.

DAVID: As you enter the NFL Draft, Eddie, I think a lot of people are going to compare you to Devin Hester because you can’t underestimate the value of a great punt returner and how he can change a game around.

EDDIE: Devin Hester has helped me out a lot. He’s really shown how important a punt returner is. But the teams I’m talking to like me as a receiver also. A guy like Wes Welker is really in the mold of the type of player I’d like to be at the next level. He’s a great punt returner, but he gets in the slot and he knows how to find those holes in a defense. And he’s very productive. I think it’s important to show teams that you can do everything, that you’re a versatile player. I can return kicks, I can play the slot, and I can play the Z on the outside. It’s been very important to show the teams how much I know about coverages and playing the wide receiver position.

DAVID: Coach Beamer emphasized special teams at Virginia Tech. That had to help you develop into the multi-faceted player you are today.

EDDIE: It was big in the recruiting process. Special teams was big for me in high school, too. I returned kicks and punts in high school. It was important for me. Coach Beamer was the best at it so that was a key element in me going to Virginia Tech. He’s taught me so much. I don’t think the transition to the next level will be that hard.

DAVID: Between the Senior Bowl, the Combine and your Pro Day, what do you feel is the most influential to NFL teams?

EDDIE: I think the Pro Day is big because they really get to work you out. They tell you what to do, what routes they want to see you run. I think the Pro Day is more hands-on for the NFL teams. They get to see you run your routes. It’s not just the 40. It’s not just the bench. They see you out there doing what you do best.

DAVID: Was your Draft prep more work or more fun?

EDDIE: I had a lot of fun. I heard it was going to be a lot of work, but I had fun just opening up to the coaches. I feel like the more they know about me, the higher I’ll go.

DAVID: What was it like after the tragedy at Virginia Tech? It almost seemed like football helped to unify the school.

EDDIE: I think football was a part of the healing process. It helped us all out. It made you not think about it for a while and gave people something to go out and cheer about — something for people to come together and that was great for us.

DAVID: Who has been the biggest influence on your football career?

EDDIE: I’d say Coach Beamer. He taught me how to be a professional — to always be on time, studying film, the importance of being a team player — those little life lessons about football. Coach did a great job of teaching me.