Alabama offensive tackle D.J. Fluker prides himself on playing with a nasty streak, bullying defensive linemen with his bulky 6-foot-6, 339-pound frame.
"You make them feel you, you drive them off the ball," Fluker said. "You set the tone and make them aware of you. The fun part of the game is knocking the defensive end down every single play, dominating. I let them know the ball is coming behind me."
A projected first-round draft pick, Fluker said he plays the game with an edge.
"I'm real emotional," Fluker said. "I'm a high-energy guy. I want to be the Ray Lewis of the offensive line. I ain't the one. I'm nasty. I had to turn it up a notch. You got to be aggressive. I used to be a defensive lineman. Now, I get to beat on defensive linemen."
What does Fluker tell opposing defensive linemen?
"Seriously, I'm fixin' to come take your lunch money," Fluker said.
Fluker, who indicated he has a meeting scheduled with the Ravens at the NFL scouting combine, said he looks up to Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome, a Hall of Fame tight end and former Alabama star.
"I've seen Ozzie Newsome a time or two at school," Fluker said. "He's a great guy. He gave me a lot of advice."
Fluker tipped the scales at 355 pounds at the Senior Bowl, but has gotten into better shape now. He bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times.
"It feels great, slimming down, trimming down," Fluker said. "It's a mindset to lose weight. I feel a lot more mobile and I'm moving better."
Ravens hold meetings with Alabama's D.J. Fluker, two other tackles
Baltimore Sun | Feb 23