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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Riley Reiff ready to give Detroit Lions instant contribution wherever needed




Detroit Lions rookie offensive lineman Riley Reiff thanked team president Tom Lewand for helping to get his deal done this morning during a press conference on Monday.

By Anwar S. Richardson

July 23, 2012

Detroit Lions first-round pick Riley Reiff officially signed with the team on Monday, and was at the team's practice facility this morning.

Reiff, along with rookies and injured players, were required to show up today, but there was no media access for any of those sessions.

Instead, Reiff spoke about his new contract, and competing for a starting position, during his press conference today. Below is the majority of Reiff's media session:

Q: How important was it to get this deal done and get into camp on time?
A: It was really important. I wanted to be here when the rookies reported. It got done. I want to thank my agent (Neil Cornrich), Tom Lewand, and the Ford Family for getting it done.

Q: Was there any doubt that it would get done?
A: I don't know. I just listen to my agent. He told me it was ready to sign, and I signed it. I'm happy to be here, and I'm glad to be here.

Q: When did you get into town?
A: I got in last night.

Q: What were you thinking about on that drive?
A: Just getting ready mentally to get in here and start working again. Just thinking about some stuff.

Q: Did you have a good feeling it was going to get done this morning?
A: Yeah. I head some things that it possibly might get done. Like I said, I'm happy it got done this morning.

Q: With what has happened with this team in the offseason, like Aaron Berry getting released, what are your thoughts about stepping into this environment now?
A: I just worry about myself and trying to help the team anyway I can. I know we got some great veterans here. They're great leaders. I try to take after them, their work ethic, and the time they put in.

Q: Do you look forward to the competition this week?
A: I'm just coming in here getting ready to work, putting in the plays, film sessions and stuff, and trying to help the team out anyway I can.

Q: What would it mean to you to start in week one?
A: Like I said, if I do, or if I don't, I'm just here to work right now and put in the time.

Q: How much better of a football player are you now than when you stepped on this field for rookie minicamp? How important was the offseason program for you?
A: It helped out a lot, getting to work with the coaches, the veterans, the strength coaches. I think getting better, and continuing to work. I still got to get better.

Q: What's your sense of how much guard you will play in camp, and how much right versus left tackle?
A: I really don't know. I'm just here to work hard. Wherever I can help the team, I'll help the team.

Q: Did you play any guard in the spring here?
A: No.

Q: Have they talked to you at all about playing some guard this fall?
A: Not yet.

Q: Is there a part of you that looks forward to blocking for Matthew Stafford, a rising star in this league?
A: Absolutely. Football is what I love to do. Blocking for a great quarterback like Matt, or whatever, any chance I can get to help the team, I'm going to try to do it as hard as I can, and as well as I can.

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