Fort Valley WR Ricardo Lockette to interview with Falcons
Fort Valley's Ricardo Lockette said he wants to be drafted by the Atlanta Falcons. (D. Orlando Ledbetter/dledbetter@ajc.com)
INDIANAPOLIS – Fort Valley State wide receiver Ricardo Lockette has met with the Falcons and has an interview with team executives Friday night.
Lockette, of Albany Monroe High, originally committed to Auburn, but was an academic non-qualifier. He elected to attend Fort Valley instead of going the junior college route because of his family ties.
He’s scheduled to graduate and would be the fourth-generation family member to get a degree from Fort Valley.
He’s 6-foot-2, 211 pounds and has blinding speed.
In practice, he’s ran a 4.26 in the 40-yard dash. Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson ran the fastest combine 40-time in 2008 when he ran 4.24.
“I look forward to breaking Chris Johnson’s record this year,” Lockette said.
Lockette hopes to set a new mark. His fastest 100 meters time is 10.24 seconds and his fastest 200 meter time is 20.43 seconds.
“I was a national champion in the 200 meters,” Lockette said. “I was a three-time all-American. I had a pretty good run in football and that landed me here.”
Lockette, who is from the same high school as New England wide receiver Deon Branch, is aware of Fort Valley’s reach NFL tradition. The school has produced NFLer’s Greg Lloyd, Tyrone Poole and hall of famer Rayfield Wright.
–D. Orlando Ledbetter, The Atlanta Falcons beat blog
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72 comments Add your comment
Chris Eagle
February 25th, 2011
3:52 pm
Oh yeah, and current NFL DB Nick Harper is an alum…
Chris Eagle
February 25th, 2011
3:59 pm
@Dumb… Why does the banning of senseless comments and problem IP addresses bother you? I personally welcome it. The one thing I HATE about blogs/comment sections are when they get bogged down with stupidity. All UGA Blogs contain too many dumb comments from rivals. I’d rather see rational comments that stick to the topic.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 25th, 2011
4:00 pm
It was not an exhaustive list of FVSU NFL alums. Just threw out a couple.
We’ll find out if he can catch here at the combine. Don’t know if he can catch, so I didn’t write about his hands.
BigTimeTECHFan
February 25th, 2011
4:46 pm
Julio Jones Bama
Hankerson Miami
Ronald Johnson USC
would be nice.
hbcuclassics.com
February 25th, 2011
4:53 pm
2011 HBCU Classics Top WRs:
1. Raymond Webber, 6′2 218, Ark-PB
2. Ronnie Childs, 6′2, 195, Albany St.
3. Ricardo Lockette, 6′3, 199, FVSU
4. Jeremy Franklin, 6′3, 196, JC Smith
5. Larrone Moore, 6′1, 185, Del. St.
6. Jevaughn Reams, 5′11, 185, Bethun
7. Anthony Mayes, 5′11, 190, Jackson
8. Dexter Manley, 6′1, 185 Elizabeth
9. Joe Hills, 6′4, 204, Tennessee St.
10. Donte Davis, 6′0, 181, Hampton
hbcuclassics.com
1Michael
February 25th, 2011
5:36 pm
Okay, thanks Dr. Warren for all of your insightful information! For those of you that are genuinely interested in what transpired in his interview, here’s a look!
“NFP: What other kind of test results are you looking to put up?
Lockette: “I’ve done 23 reps of 225 pounds in the bench press before. I want to do the most by a receiver. I’m expecting to do a 38-inch vertical leap.”
NFP: Were you expecting to be invited to the combine?
Lockette: “Oh yeah, it’s a dream come true. I’m excited. I can’t wait to show what I can do.”
NFP: Why did you go to Fort Valley State?
Lockette: “I liked the surroundings there. We got a lot of support from the fans. It wasn’t too big and it wasn’t too small. I really enjoyed myself there.”
NFP: What happened with Auburn?
Lockette: “I didn’t make my SAT score, so I went to junior college. It worked out well. Everything happens for a reason.”
NFP: What happened with the offense this year?
Lockette: “Our quarterback went down with an injury and we went with a running back. We ran the Wildcat. I did a lot of blocking. Our quarterback just threw short routes, no deep balls, no posts.”
Isn’t it interesting how when you see the entire context, you have a different perspective?
Chucktown38
February 25th, 2011
5:39 pm
I think this kid can run a faster 40 time than what Ryan can throw one?!
Chipload
February 25th, 2011
6:13 pm
I’d rather have a Wes Welker/Danny Woodhead type. Some body that can get open out of the slot position and get yards after catch. A guy like that will create even more opportunities for Roddy.
bigwildcat93
February 25th, 2011
6:49 pm
I proud too see another FVSU WILDCAT getting a shot! and Dont forget superbowl champ and 10 year vet Nick Harper
The Game Has Changed
February 25th, 2011
6:56 pm
We shouldnt pass on him. He can may a difference. Plus I attended the Valley
johnny too good
February 25th, 2011
8:12 pm
@hbcuclassics.com……. glad to see Ronnie Childs checkin in on your list at number 2. He’s definitely earned it, i’ve had a chance to watch him grow over the years. Childs is a skilled player and has good character. Somebody should give him a look.
http://www.youtube.com/thatsjohnanderson
Nay
February 25th, 2011
10:08 pm
Congrats to him, the amount of work he has put in shows in his performance.. He will succeed either way!! God Bless him and all the players going through this time!
wayne laster
February 26th, 2011
12:48 am
Speed is what we need, I am ok with it. U have to gamble sometimes to find a Gem. We will have him for at least 3 years. I think he may go in the second rd so we may have to trade up. Al Davis sure want let him get pass the 2nd round. lol
KayJay
February 26th, 2011
9:13 am
As an Albanian and a graduate of Monroe High School….I just have to say way to go Ricardo and best wishes. We are in Albany rooting for you to succeed. You have no idea how many people will be glued to the tv this weekend just to see you. Great job!
The Faithful
February 26th, 2011
10:12 am
Already have him a nickname
Lockette the Rocket…goes great with Turner the Burner
Can’t teach speed…get him TD
mtgummibear
February 26th, 2011
10:17 am
Does the name Jerry Rice mean anything? How about Walter Payton? Both Division 1-AA. Just saying….there are Hall-of-Famers in some pretty out-of-the-way places. You just have to find and do your homework before you draft them.
ESPN Runs Down Atlanta Falcons Off-Season Needs – The Falcoholic | atlantafalcons.sportsblogstoday.com
February 26th, 2011
10:25 am
[...] continue reading… [...]
kelvin white
February 26th, 2011
4:20 pm
to all the ones who have’nt seen him catch,you’re in for a real treat.i have seen him catching with one or two hands.
just me
February 26th, 2011
11:10 pm
Here’s a link to a media interview he did today. Enjoy!
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6158928
I’m interested to see how he does at the combine with the football skills drills.
DOL do we know who the other team to interview him was? Where do you think he might get drafted? Or will he be a Rookie Free Agent? Do we know if he missed the 2009 season?
He had 42 catches and 539 career recieving yards with 4 tds according to draftcountdown.com
That could be due to the scheme they were running.
jalex49
February 27th, 2011
5:13 pm
I hope Atlanta gives this kid a shot to see what he can do. I also hope Atlanta goes after one of the free agent receivers that have proven they can spread the field. Atlanta I hope, make the defensive end a priority thru free agency and draft a defensive end in the 4-7 rounds, maybe a “sleeper”.
I am confident that the Falcon organization will make sound decisions and Atlanta will be a better team next year.
Fort Valley Alumni
February 28th, 2011
8:08 am
Fort Valley State also produced Pepe Zellner and Nick Harper.
Dr. EB
March 2nd, 2011
2:22 pm
As someone who has two generations of family members who are Fort Valley graduates, I wish him the best.