In today's "Five Minutes with Roob," Reuben Frank chats with Eagles running back Corey Clement:
Roob: I've got to ask you. Do you know who the last undrafted Eagles rookie to have a touchdown run 15 yards or more?
Clement: Is it a trick question? I don’t know.
Roob: It was Ted Wegert in 1957, that’s 60 years ago. He had a 27-yard touchdown run.
Clement: So that means I get a chance to chase him and get one longer?
Roob: Yeah, go for it this weekend. What was it like to score a touchdown Sunday with all of your family and friends there and contributing to a win?
Clement: It was awesome. For any kid who grew up with big dreams and aspirations, keep striving. I always pictured myself to be in big-time moments and that's why I never get nervous in any type of situation because of how I practice. I've got to thank the guys around me and the organization for preparing the players and everybody around us for these moments we need to seal the deal for.
Roob: You came in from Day 1 at OTAs like you were a draft pick. Do you think having that kind of mindset has helped you so far?
Clement: I always had the mindset that when I walked through those doors, whether I was drafted or not, I was given an opportunity. Everybody could be cut at any point, so why not use being undrafted as fuel? We are all on the same playing field. I haven’t looked back since.
Roob: It has been a dream few months for you. You had to get to camp, make the team, make the 46-player roster and get carries. How do you stay even-keeled doing all of this in your hometown?
Clement: I think it is about the maturity of the game and knowing the right from wrong. Keeping the right people around me is important and keeping the right mindset. I approach each day trying to improve something in my game whether it is how I break off my routes and pass blocking. Doing the little things.
Roob: Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor has said a lot about you and how much of an influence you have had on him as someone who came from a Group 1 school in New Jersey. What is your relationship like and how gratifying is it to see him have success?
Clement: It is nice to see him having so much success. He is another humble character to come out of New Jersey. I gave him all of the advice and success that I could. Now he is at Wisconsin taking over the run game and is keeping the South Jersey pride going. I’m proud of him and I know he wants to keep getting better as he matures.
Roob: Have you ever had the chance to meet Wisconsin football legend Ron Dayne?
Clement: The only time I got to meet him was at Wisconsin and I was able to see his Heisman picture. He is one of my good friends and each time I go back to Wisconsin he always shows me love.
Roob: South Jersey is the cradle of running backs with guys like Franco Harris coming out of there. It must be nice to continue that tradition?
Clement: For sure. Especially doing it here in Philadelphia. I am happy to be doing it with a great group of guys and being humbled and thankful for the opportunity the organization has given me.