Draft snapshot: RB Adrian Peterson

In preparation for Sporting News' Draft Preview edition, now on sale, Bradley conducted this Q&A with Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, the top-rated running back in the Pro Football War Room running back rankings.

By Michael Bradley - SportingNews

Q: What was your breakthrough moment as a college player?

A: It was my freshman year against Texas, in the Cotton Bowl. (Peterson rushed for 225 yards in a 12-0 win.) That put me on the map and brought attention to me. It was my first big challenge. Any time you play against Texas you know you'll be going up against great athletes.

Q: What was your favorite moment as a college player?

A: Clinching the Big 12 championship my freshman year. That meant we would be going to the national championship game.

Q: What would your opponents say is the best thing you do?

A: I would say run hard, make extremely good cuts and have the vision to see those cuts.

Q: Why are you better than other players at your position?

A: I dedicate myself and work hard in the weight room and treat every practice as if it were a game. I have the determination and the will to be the best player I can be.

Q: What part of your game will need the most work in the NFL?

A: I have to get my pad level lower. I'll need to get my shoulders low to protect my upper body.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in making the transition to the NFL?

A: I think there will be an adjustment to the speed. The players that I have talked to who play in the NFL say that's the thing they have noticed.

Q: What do your college stats fail to say about you?

A: If you look at the stats and that's it, they don't show me to be one of the best running backs to come through the college game in the last 10 years.

Q: How would your friends describe your personality?

A: Loud, outgoing, crazy. Also laid-back and a real easy person to get along with.

Q: What NFL player are you most like?

A: I would have to say Larry Johnson, but with more speed. We have similar running styles. I don't mind taking contact, like him, and every time he hits the hole, he's ready to score a touchdown. I feel I'm similar to him in that way.

Q: What NFL player can't you wait to face?

A: I don't know if I should say this, because it might make him come after me harder, but Ray Lewis. I feel like he is the best linebacker in the league, and it would be great to go up against a player I look up to. Make sure you put that part in.

Q: What is your favorite play?

A: I like the counter play and the inside zone. They give me the opportunity, with my running style, to hit it at full speed and get a crease to go, or just hit it up in there to get two or three yards every play.

Q: What will you do when you score your first touchdown?

A: I'm going to throw two kisses into the sky. The first is for my Lord and Savior. All the things I have done in my life are through him. The second would be for my brother Brian, who passed when I was seven. I saw him get killed right in front of me. That's something that's pushing me to be a great player.

Q: What is the first thing you'll buy after signing your first contract?

A: I'm going to buy my mother a house and get her settled. I want to buy one for my father, too. For me, I'm going to buy a Bentley, candy-red on the outside and peanut butter inside.

Q: What kind of offense do you fit into best?

A: I think I would fit into an I formation, with a fullback in front of me. He can open some holes for me and give me the opportunity to make some cuts.