Just mere minutes after the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Forrest Lamp, we spoke with the Western Kentucky offensive lineman to get his thoughts about joining the Bolts:
Chargers.com:First off, congratulations. How does it feel to call yourself a Los Angeles Charger?
Lamp: It's the best feeling in the world. It was obviously stressful yesterday and a little bit stressful today, but we had a really good feeling about the Chargers. When they gave me the call, it was obviously a life-changing moment and I couldn't be happier.
Chargers.com: For fans who didn't see you play at Western Kentucky, what kind of player can they expect?
Lamp:I think they can expect a leader and someone who's going to come in every day. (I will) push everybody else on the team to do the best that they can every single day. I'm an athletic guy who can hopefully help the Chargers win games.
Chargers.com: You now get to protect Philip Rivers. What are your thoughts about that?
Lamp: It's a great feeling! He's been through a lot and I'm just excited to block for somebody who has such a name behind him.
Chargers.com: You also now pave the way for Melvin Gordon, who is fresh off a Pro Bowl season. What is it like to come into an offense with such a potent arsenal of weapons?
Lamp:I'm really excited. I hope I can come in there and be a part of the team quick. We have a lot of weapons down at Western Kentucky, and a lot of my good teammates are great playmakers. I'm excited to get in there and build that friendship and bond. Hopefully we can do the same thing I did at Western.
Chargers.com:How much interaction did you have with the Chargers through this whole process?
Lamp: We had meetings here and there, and some phone calls, but nothing too serious. They came out to my pro day, but I'm so lucky to be out there and be a part of that organization.
Chargers.com:What was that moment like when you're waiting for your phone call and you see a California number? What went through your mind when you were talking to General Manager Tom Telesco?
Lamp: I was sitting in my living room with my family and my agent. We were sitting watching TV and my phone rings with a California phone number. There are a few teams that it could be, but when he said it was the Chargers, I couldn't be happier. It was a life changing experience.
Chargers.com:The AFC West has some pretty good defensive fronts out there. What's it going to be like to battle along the likes of Von Miller, Khalil Mack and so on?
Lamp: I'm excited. Obviously those guys have proven themselves and played for a long time. I have to do the same thing. I know I'm a rookie, but I'm going to come in, prove myself and hopefully I can play with the best of the best.
Chargers.com: You're also joining an offense line that boasts impressive veterans in Russell Okung and Matt Slauson. How eager are you to really pick their brains?
Lamp: I the best part about football. The camaraderie, friendships and the teammates that you have. I'm excited to get in with those guys, learn from them and soak up as much as I can. I did the same thing at Western when I was a freshman; I learned from all the older guys. It was the best thing to do.
