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
El Bravo
February 25th, 2011
11:56 am
Hopefully in the second round…
Will
February 25th, 2011
11:59 am
Hey Who Dat; Why not ask a Saints beat writer?
kmilton
February 25th, 2011
12:01 pm
hope the team make the right decision.
Jamaaliver
February 25th, 2011
12:22 pm
Kev, dude. Let’s chill on the animosity.The two (historically) worst franchises in NFL history are both on an upswing with SB aspirations every single year.
I think we can allow a little goodwill between fans until the season starts up.
Busta Cap
February 25th, 2011
12:24 pm
10th!
Supes
February 25th, 2011
12:27 pm
Could be the “speed” WR that we need to step up since Harry Douglas hasn’t been the same since the knee surgery and time missed away from the field.
AthensFalcon
February 25th, 2011
12:27 pm
I would love to add blinding speed to our offense. Maybe 3rd to 4th round.
Dr. Warren
February 25th, 2011
12:30 pm
Seems like another risky Combine star. Please let’s take the Ohio State guy at WR in the 1st round rather than this guy.
Dr. Warren
February 25th, 2011
12:31 pm
Oops. I meant the Maryland guy not the Ohio State guy.
Good point
February 25th, 2011
12:39 pm
Did you mean the divisional winner Falcons? Be careful being critical of teams that are better than yours.
waynester
February 25th, 2011
12:40 pm
He certainly has the key ingredient that we want–SPEED. If he is coachable and can pass the filter give us all the speed we can draft….
Old Flatulent Dawg
February 25th, 2011
12:41 pm
New Orleans Fan…I got your paper bag right here!
Saints Rise UP
February 25th, 2011
12:42 pm
Man I hope we can have a good draft, Orlando do you have any good prospects under the radar?
Tweets that mention Fort Valley WR Ricardo Lockette to interview with Falcons | Atlanta Falcons -- Topsy.com
February 25th, 2011
12:44 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Darrell From Ga and Jared Thorpe, D. Orlando Ledbetter. D. Orlando Ledbetter said: Fort Valley WR Ricardo Lockette to interview with Falcons http://bit.ly/f0cr2e [...]
Old Flatulent Dawg
February 25th, 2011
12:44 pm
New Orleans Fan….out of date I say…some years ago right
Wake Up aint fan
February 25th, 2011
12:45 pm
you are dreaming of two years ago again.
Loganville to Iraq
February 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
Let’s not forget that Eddie Anderson DB/Safety(Warne Robins HS)also graduated from Fort Valley State with a long NFL career with the Seahawks and Raiders.
Saints Rise UP
February 25th, 2011
12:46 pm
48-21
Wake Up aint fan
February 25th, 2011
12:47 pm
your defense did a tremendous job against the seahawks. really stellar performance by porter!
The Grinch
February 25th, 2011
12:50 pm
I’ve never ONCE felt the urge to go on a Saints blog, even to rub it in after an embarrassing loss. You’re simply not important or interesting enough; it would be like kicking a cripple. It speaks volumes about your team and city’s inferiority complex that so many of you spend so much time over here.
Todd - Dacula
February 25th, 2011
12:54 pm
Some of you blogers are ust plain old stupid; ‘can he catch?’… and ‘He got his degree!’.. If he couldn’ catch he would not be no where near the combine… Many guys leave early so doe s a degree matter?
Dr. Warren, does it matter if he’s a Marland or Ohio State guy? Can the kid play? Did you play and or oyu really a doctor?
Come on man… leave all this s$it to the Director of Player Personnel.
Jordan
February 25th, 2011
12:54 pm
What about Titus Young? I honestly would LOVE to have him…
johnny too good
February 25th, 2011
12:59 pm
I’m Golden Ram Alumni, but Ft. Valley has my support on this one, goodluck to ya Lockette
http://www.youtube.com/thatsjohnanderson
Hey Kobe, Tell Me How MyAss Tastes
February 25th, 2011
1:10 pm
I’m just kidding, a tornado is sufficient enough
The Sham
February 25th, 2011
1:18 pm
@HKTMHMAT – that’s a hilarious handle. I don’t know how long they’ll let you use it, but funny none the less!
Cheesehead
February 25th, 2011
1:20 pm
Falcons & Packers will meet again next year, while saints fans are drinking hurricanes & wasting their/our time on a Falcons Blog!
Falcon James
February 25th, 2011
1:28 pm
He just need to be fast enough to get 5 yard down the field and do a comback to a scrambling Ryan. We won’t need a deep threat until Ryan get a stronger arm.
Falcon James
February 25th, 2011
1:28 pm
Maybe he know how to play defence.
F-Troop
February 25th, 2011
1:43 pm
Foot speed is nice but getting separation doesn’t necessarily require it. DBs have 4 secs to cover you in this league and in 50 plays from scrimmage a game you’re only going to go deep 3 or 4x. Like somebody else said – can he catch? can he catch in traffic? can he get open? Those traits are of vastly more importance than a 200m championship.
even if he cant catch very good
February 25th, 2011
1:49 pm
speed is invaluable in other ways…..
special teams
punt returner
kick reterrner
wr
at the least they could put him on ther practice squad to help him develop his catching and route running skills.
you dont come accross too many athletes these days with that mix of athleticism character smarts to let him pass by.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 25th, 2011
1:57 pm
I’m deleting and banning all this Saints nonsense.
Go
February 25th, 2011
2:01 pm
Get us an all world defensive end, a fast rb who can catch, and a good cover corner.
D. Orlando Ledbetter
February 25th, 2011
2:08 pm
Leave this Saints stuff alone so you don’t get your IP address blocked.
chickenman
February 25th, 2011
2:17 pm
3rd round pick possible 2nd if he runs a 4.25 but again juco players with no d1 xp is risky as they come
DC
February 25th, 2011
2:17 pm
We have so many issues…the first round draft pick is important..but I’m curious about the 2nd and 3rd etc rounds..
This Gets Old!
February 25th, 2011
2:18 pm
No Who Dat he’s reporting on players whom the Falcons show an interest. I don’t get why you guys don’t go to your own blog. You guys show an amazing amount of braggadocio within your insecurity. Geaux away.
Mr. Phil
February 25th, 2011
2:19 pm
Totally missed the “Saints stuff” so I have no idea what that’s all about (not that I can’t take a guess) But….
Lockette is the type of player the Falcons need in this draft (assuming he has some hands). A player that nobody knows much about and nobody is talking about but with crazy athletic gifts. Maybe he can be a nice mid draft steal for us.
CMS
February 25th, 2011
2:26 pm
Fort Valley State University is not a JUCO! I swear…some people don’t know jack about football.
Larry
February 25th, 2011
2:30 pm
“…originally committed to Auburn, but was an academic non-qualifier.”
Wow! That’s really scary right there. ANYONE with a double-digit IQ qualifies at Auburn.
Will he understand the plays called or will Matt have to draw his route in the dirt?
Chris Eagle
February 25th, 2011
2:48 pm
Thanks D Led! Great column on the in-state prospect, and an even better call on banning the N.O. nonsense. You ARE the MAN!!!
My brothers attended FVSU, and I remember Greg Lloyd while he was there. They get some good talent from time to time.
BIGBEN42
February 25th, 2011
2:50 pm
This young man sound’s like the he just has speed.Can he catch the ball?Had only 23 catches in college career.
Chris Eagle
February 25th, 2011
2:51 pm
I think Ft Valley is DII… It is definitely not a JUCO. They’ve had a few players to play in the NFL.
Dumb
February 25th, 2011
3:02 pm
DOL your blog is horrible. all you do is ban people… Why even post a blog if we are not allowed to post?
FVSU Alumni
February 25th, 2011
3:04 pm
Thats right FVSU put out great players in the NFL.!!!!! Ya’ll left out “Nick Harper”
CJ
February 25th, 2011
3:06 pm
CMS, knowing whether or not FVSU is a JUCO or not has nothing to do with football. It does however have something to do with football players.
Will
February 25th, 2011
3:12 pm
Thanks DOL!
I think this draft is tailor-made for our need areas…Big play receivers, pass rushing DEs, and change-of-pace RBs. In Dimitroff we trust!
Ron
February 25th, 2011
3:20 pm
D – you wrote about his speed. But NOTHING about him catching the ball. Can he catch? What were his college stats? Is that asking to much of you?
Cinco
February 25th, 2011
3:23 pm
Todd – Dacula — of course a degree doesn’t matter to you. From reading your comment I can tell you’re just as smart as Jethro Bodine: 5th grade education.
Sid
February 25th, 2011
3:44 pm
Darrell, great idea, banning certain IP addresses.
So it looks like a “lockout” is imminent. How’s that Georgia Force looking this year!!!
Bubblehead-Bird
February 25th, 2011
3:45 pm
If he runs too fast at the combine, Oakland will snatch him up 2 rounds before he should be taken. Al Davis is reh-tarded like that.
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.