Thank you for sending in your questions for outside linebacker
Q: Parys, What is it like to be coached by Mike Singletary? Does it seem to be stressful or is it more motivating that you have insight from a guy who did it as good as anyone? Does he still give the linebackers special attention after being moved to head coach? – Steve B. Merced, CA
A: It’s really an honor being coached by someone who has accomplished what he’s accomplished. There’s always motivation, because you know you’re being coached by someone who’s had a ton of success. I wouldn’t say that he gives the linebackers more attention. He gives advice to the linebackers because he has experience as a linebackers coach, but he’s motivating all of the players on our team and he walks around practice checking out each position group.
Q: Hey Parys, I was just wondering what being a Niner means to you? Thanks for your time. Go Niners! – Trevor
A: It means a lot to me. When I grew up, Jerry Rice was one of the best players in the NFL and he was from Mississippi – my home state. I was a 49ers fan back then because of that. So it’s special to be here. Looking back at what the organization has accomplished, it’s a big deal for me to be a part of the 49ers.
Q: Hey Parys, My question to you is, out of all the linebackers in the league what player most reminds you of yourself? Good luck this season. – Niners21win2006@aol.com
A: I really don’t think about things like that to be honest. I don’t worry about comparing myself to other people. I just go out on the field and play to the best of my ability.
Q: What was the best thing about growing up in the Deep South (Mississippi)? –Robert Sessions
A: To me, growing up in the South gives you that special kind of hospitality. You work hard for everything, because everything you get is a blessing. Growing up in Mississippi taught me a lot, especially the part of Mississippi I grew up in and how I grew up. I was working hard with my grandfather and I grew up with my grandparents who raised me with my mother. My roots are from the South and I’ll always have love for where I grew up. As a matter of fact, I was just arguing with some of my teammates about who came from a better city.
Q: Dear Parys, I just wanted to say congrats on your contract extension. I'm happy to see you getting extended to be on the 49ers for a couple more years. I think you had a breakout season last year and it's great to see good players such as yourself get noticed for you hard work. I just want to know how do you feel about getting the contract extension? – John burns
A: I was excited about it, because it lets me know the 49ers have faith in me. This organization believes in me and they want me here. Knowing that, it makes me want to go out there this season and play that much harder.
Q: With all the talent at linebacker for the 49ers, besides being the best defense in the league, what individual goals have the linebacker squad come up with for the upcoming 2009 season? – Jared Wright
A: As far as our goals are concerned we want to set the tone for the team. We want to be leaders. Each and every game we want to go out there and dominate and that’s what we focus on. That’s what we always focus on, dominating and playing smart and playing physical.
Q: Hey Parys, Which one of your fellow teammates do you get along with the most? Also, which one has the nicest pad? – Matt Heyl San Jose, CA
A: Oh man, I get along with all my teammates. I hang out a lot with
Q: Hey Parys, Do you think the pass rush has improved from last season, why or why not? Thanks and nice job last season. – Mike, Norwalk CT
A: Our pass rush has improved tremendously. We have great pass rushers on this team, who can get after the quarterback. I don’t think our pass rush was that sloppy last year once we got rolling. Once we started playing as a true 3-4 defense, we had a lot of success. I know our pass rush will continue to improve.
Q: Parys, What is it like to step on the grass at Candlestick Park and what is the best memory you have playing there so far?
A: The best memory I have was the last game of last season against the Washington Redskins. That’s the last game we played so that’s the last thing I remember and we won! Stepping on the field at Candlestick Park is special. You know you’re playing on a field where a lot of guys have done great things for the game of football. To be on the same field as them you look at it like it’s a privilege.
Q: Parys, What are the changes that coach Manusky did to stabilize the defense and do you expect more changes this coming season as far as scheme goes? – Erich Borjas, Pleasanton, CA
A: Basically we simplified our scheme and he let us do what we do best. He let guys go after the quarterback and let us play football. A bunch of us have been playing together for some time now, so we’ve been in this defense for awhile and we can play a lot faster now. It was just getting comfortable with the defense. Now that we’re more comfortable we can play better and faster. There may be some slight changes here and there, but hey, I just go out there and do what I’m coached to do. I can’t say that there’s going to be more changes, the coaches are putting everything together for the upcoming season. No matter what, we’re going to give it 120 percent on whatever play they call.
