Q: Welcome and congratulations. What are your thoughts on being selected as a New England Patriot?

BS: I'm very excited. It's definitely a team I always wanted and I look forward to being part of the team and helping win games.

Q: Did you root for the Patriots? Why did you like them?

BS: Yeah. The way they do things and the way their organization is run.

Q: At the combine you had some shoulder issues and a knee issue. Is that all good now?

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BS:** Yeah, I'm fine. It's not a big deal. I'm a ball player.

Q: What was your contact like with the Patriots throughout the process?

BS: I met with them for interviews and just worked out.

Q: During the pre-draft process where you weren't able to compete at the combine, what was the process like talking to teams when you weren't able to physically work out? Did you get a sense that teams were still able to gauge what type of player you were?

BS: I wasn't worried about it. When you get me on the board that's when I shine. I'm a ball player. I'm a smart guy and that's what I pride myself on. I wasn't worried about the things that could possibly hold you back because they didn't.

Q: The Patriots are returning the same starting offensive line for the third consecutive season. Do you have a chip on your shoulder? Does that excite you to go in and have to compete?

BS: I just want to come in and compete for a job and go to work. That's all I'm worried about. Not going to predict that I start, I just want to play ball.

Q: You played both center and guard and mostly center towards the end of your career at FSU. Do you have any preference on the interior line?

BS: It doesn't matter. I'm just here to play ball. That's all it is.

Q: Can you give us an idea of the situation that occurred with your finger? It was almost amputated. What went into that and how was it prevented?

BS: It was a few years ago. It's done with now. I'm healthy so we don't need to talk about it anymore.

Q: Are you familiar with Logan Mankins or any of the other guys on the offensive line?

BS: Yes, I've heard of them.

Q: Are you a fan of Mankins or any of those guys?

BS: Oh yeah. I'm a fan of the Patriots offensive line. I am. I watch a lot of ball and [Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Rick Trickett] Coach Trickett at Florida State showed us a lot of film on them. It's kind of ironic that I ended up here but I'm very happy and very proud.

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Q:** Do you still have the beard?

BS: Yeah, I do.

Q: Midseason form? Preseason form?

BS: It's just growing. I will probably trim it up. I've got a job now so I've got to be professional.

Q: Have you been up to the Boston area before other than playing for Florida State? Have you seen the area at all?

BS: No I haven't. Despite a little bit at Boston College and now this.