All-American safety talks about NFL draft, marriage

Reed Doughty is doing everything possible to continue his football playing career after earning Division I-AA All-American honors at the University of Northern Colorado.
Doughty, who came to UNC from Roosevelt High School, recently completed workouts for NFL coaches, scouts and front-office personnel at the scouting combine in Indianapolis, Ind.
With some time to reflect, Doughty is looking forward to the next few weeks, when his future could change.
SGM: You just got back from the scouting combine. Honestly, were you nervous, knowing your every move was being documented?
RD: I wasn’t real nervous. The interviews weren’t bad, and I really have nothing to hide. Sure, the physical workouts leave you wanting to do the best you can, but you can’t get too nervous.
SGM: You ran a 4.65 in the 40. Was that good enough for you?
RD: I wasn’t displeased. I figured I’d run about a 4.5, but a lot of guys ran slower than I did.
SGM: Were the interview sessions tougher than most finals you’ve taken?
RD: Not at all. They’re nothing you can study for. You just have to be you. The questions try to catch you off guard.
SGM: You’ve stepped outside the box and got married while still in college. Who runs the house though, you or Katie.
RD: We both do. We both have different chores that we do. I honestly do the dishes.
SGM: What do you know about detergent? What’s the best?
RD: Cascade. I put it in the dishwasher and it does the work.
SGM: Are you starting to feel some anxiety with next month’s draft coming up and having just completed the combine?
RD: The anxiety comes from not knowing which team I’ll get a chance with. I know I’ll be in somebody’s camp, but it’s a little nerve-wracking not knowing where.
SGM: You’re known as a guy who goes 110 percent, even in practice. In a foot race, who wins, you or UNC wide receiver Andy Birkel.
RD: I’m not sure on who wins in a race. I am sure that I’m tougher than he is though.
SGM: One-on-one, can you outrun him?
RD: I’d do just fine. I will say that I don’t ever remember Birkel catching a pass on me in any scrimmages.
SGM: You’re also known to have high expectations of yourself, but not being a perfectionist or high maintenance. What kind of car are you driving?
RD: A 1992 Honda Accord. And as we speak, it’s being worked on. I can’t get in the driver’s side door. I can tell you that it has over 100,000 miles on it.
SGM: Which CD is in your player right now?
RD: Well, it’s an MP3 player, and I’m listening to Cold Play.
SGM: Have you ever tried to figure out where you stand in comparison with the best defensive backs to ever play at UNC?
RD: Making comparisons isn’t fair. I do know that I have some of the best numbers. I know I finished third best in tackles for a career and fifth in career interceptions.
SGM: How has this semester been, having received your degree and not having to work yet.
RD: Actually, I’m looking forward to supporting my wife instead of her supporting me.
SGM: What is your prized possession?
RD: My dog, Dozer.
SGM: Is there a story behind his name?
RD: He’s a yellow lab, and he’s a solid, square-style body. He looks like a bulldozer.
SGM: Who wins that foot-race. You or Dozer?
RD: Dozer does. I trained him. I trained him to be faster than me.
SGM: If Katie wants to go get a bite to eat, where do you go.
RD: Qdoba or Subway. If it’s a sit-down restaurant, It’d be El Pueblito. We keep them in business.
SGM: If it’s a Blockbuster night, what do you watch?
RD: Action or suspense movies. We just watched “Walk The Line,” and really liked it.
SGM: If you choose television, what’s on at the Doughty household?
RD: Re-runs of Seinfeld or Everybody Loves Raymond. My wife likes to watch re-runs of Friends.
SGM: What, no American Idol?
RD: OK, we do watch that some. I can’t sing though. I love to critique.
SGM: If you daydream, what’s the subject matter.
RD: My family. Having kids and being able to provide for my family. I think about playing catch with kids in the yard.

Samuel G. Mustari covers sports for the Tribune. He can be reached at (970) 392-4437 or via email at smustari@greeleytribune.com

THE BEARS THIS WEEK
• BASEBALL: 3 p.m. Friday at Sacramento State; 2 p.m. Saturday at Sacramento State; Noon Sunday at Sacramento State
• SOFTBALL: 1 p.m. Friday at Wichita State; 10:30 a.m. Saturday, vs. Missouri State, at Wichita State; 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Wichita State; 8 a.m. Sunday vs. Texas Tech, at Wichita.
• WOMEN’S GOLF: All day today at Bobcat Desert Classic, Goodyear, Ariz.
• MEN’S TENNIS: Noon Saturday vs. Missouri-Kansas City, at Centennial Courts; 1 p.m. Sunday at Colorado
• WOMEN’S TENNIS: 11 a.m. Sunday at Wooford (S.C.)