Possible No. 1 overall pick Nick Fairley says he's not a dirty player or a one-year wonder.
As a junior, Fairley had a great season with 24 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks. He was the defensive MVP of the BCS National Championship game and won the Lombardi Award.
But there are plenty of questions about Fairley. He's been knocked by fans for the perception that he's a dirty player. But NFL people have told him, Fairley said, that he plays the game the right way. When he gets on the field, Fairley said he "flips a light switch" and doesn't turn it off until the game is over.
"I don't think I take plays off. I think I play the game as it should be played," Fairley said. "I play at a high motor."
Nick Fairley says he’s not dirty or a one-year wonder
Some of the perception of Fairley taking off plays may stem from a separated shoulder he suffered against Georgia on Nov. 13.
He’ll also have to prove he’s simply not a one-year wonder after transferring from a junior college.
“Coming out of a juco, I didn’t know what it took to play in the SEC,” Fairley said. “I don’t think I was prepared and ready for it.”
What he may have to prepare himself for is being the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Although Fairley said he hasn’t scheduled a meeting with the Carolina Panthers, he “most likely” has one with the Buffalo Bills, who hold the third selection.
When asked if he or quarterback Cam Newton should be taken first overall, Fairley quickly shot back with “Is that a trick question?”
“I’m ready to be any pick,” he said.
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