RaiderRamble.com recently sat down with one of the newest Raiders’ Anthony Cioffi.
The Oakland Raiders and general manager Reggie McKenzie have moved fast to stockpile on undrafted players, one of these players is former Rutgers’ star safety Anthony Cioffi.
RaiderRamble.com was recently able to ask Cioffi some questions and got to know him a little better as he begins to live out his dream of playing in the NFL.
For those in Raider Nation who might not know you too well, what’s your playing background? Where did you grow up? What team and/or players inspired you to play football?
I grew up in Springfield, NJ where I went to the town ever, Kenilworth, NJ to start my playing career at the age of six. I played there for a couple of years until I was forced to leave the town [I was kicked out of the town because I was not going to play for the high school and they wanted only in-town guys to continue to play ] after we won a championship and played in Springfield. I went to Jonathan Dayton High School and started all four years at quarterback and free safety. I was a track athlete and won the state 100m dash, and I also played basketball and made it to two championships.Someone who inspired me to continue to push and model my game after was Eric Weddle.
What do you feel you can bring to the Oakland Raiders as far as talent and skill is concerned?
I can bring a hard-working, “never give up” attitude to the team and a willingness to do whatever I need to do to be on the team. I’m also an avid special teams guy who’s willing to play any position on special teams as well. I’m a ball-hawk who has great ball skills and I’m not afraid to stick my head in and come down to tackle. I’m a smart player who studies film on a daily basis and always wants to know what the other offense is doing.
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The team as it stands now is deep at safety, so would you be willing to play special teams or maybe, play another position altogether?
I would be willing to play special teams right away and I would make a direct impact there but if they need me to move positions that’s fine too but I’m a very versatile player and I’m not limited to one position.
From everyone at RaiderRamble.com we wish Mr. Cioffi a great season and good luck on starting his professional career.
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