Adam Young chatted with Ray Buford Jr. about his preparation for the NFL Draft, how COVID-19 has impacted his training and his best memories at NM State. The Aggie defensive back, who logged 54 career tackles, three pass breakups and an interception in two seasons, earned an invite to the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Collegiate Bowl after the season.

Fans can listen to the interview here.
 
AY: How are you still able to train for the NFL Draft, and how creative have you had to get?
 
RB: It's definitely been tough, but I'm keeping it pretty basic right now. Doing my push-ups, my sit-ups, getting a jog in and little bit of cardio. Nothing too crazy like we were able to do before the virus, but I'm sticking to the basics at this point.
 
AY: [Cedric Wilcots II] said he's kind of going back to his childhood when he had to get creative and do the small things - push-ups, sit-ups. Is that what you're doing right now?
 
RB: Yep, that's exactly what I'm doing. That's really all we're able to do right now. I'm doing a lot of bodyweight stuff. If you don't have an in-home gym or weight room, you're stuck to what you have, and that's your bodyweight. I've been sticking with that and keeping it real simple. 
 
AY: Everyone's who's training for the Draft is in the same boat right now. Are you guys bouncing ideas off each other?
 
RB: Definitely. We were trying to figure out which cities aren't so tough on gyms. I had a few guys who asked, "Are the gyms in Las Cruces still open? If so, we'll come out there." They're starting to put their foot down out here, too, and it's for the better. It's to keep everybody safe, which is what we need to do and focus on at this point.
 
AY: You had a really neat experience at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. What was that like for you?
 
RB: It was like a dream come true. I met guys from all over the country who played at different schools. I rubbed shoulders with NFL scouts and top NFL executives. They had the rookies from this past year's draft there, as well, in the hotel with us. I got to talk to those guys about their experience. We had a few speakers there, and you got to learn about how to manage your money and navigate your way through the NFL if you're blessed enough to make it there. It was a cool experience, and it was nice to get out there and compete to see how you stack up against everybody else.
 
AY: You really shined at the Aggie Pro Day. Were you satisfied with your performance there?
 
RB: I was satisfied. I definitely had a few numbers that I didn't hit which I hit in training. I feel like I could always be better, but I can't complain. I was blessed to be healthy enough to compete in it and show what I had. I definitely wish I could've had a few better numbers, but overall I felt it was a really good showing for me.
 
AY: Was there a particular drill where you felt liked you shined better than others?
 
RB: Those drills are real technical, and I was blessed enough to hit my marks and execute in everything that I trained for. The shuttle was one of my better events, and I'm happy that I was able to show that.
 
AY: Which areas of your game have you been working on the most since the end of your college career?
 
RB: I had the opportunity to talk to a few scouts, and they told me what they thought about me and how they would use me if I were on their team. I'm working on all the stuff where they saw flaws in my game and things that they felt they would be able to use in my game. I've been trying to tighten up my flaws and tighten up my strengths, so it's a little bit of both. Getting everything sharp and ready for what's to come.
 
AY: I'm sure NFL personnel always ask you, "What do you bring to the table?" What's your answer when you get that question?
 
RB: I say I'm a very competitive guy and a team guy. We had a lot of good defensive backs here and sometimes guys might play over another. It's never any jealousy, it's never any hate. We're always supporting each other, and I feel that's what I was able to show. I'm not a selfish guy, and I'll support my guys no matter what. When it comes to the NFL, it's a lot more than being physical. It's your mind, it's your character, and I feel like I've been able to show that.
 
AY: Lastly, how would you sum up your time with the Aggies?
 
RB: I definitely enjoyed it. Coming to the Aggies as a junior-college transfer, everybody took me in. I didn't feel like an outsider with my teammates and the fans. Everybody in the Las Cruces community took me in, and I enjoyed that because it didn't feel like I was away from home. Las Cruces became home for me.

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