In continuing with our record-setting number of posts today, here is what UCLA wide receiver/safety Matthew Slater had to say with the Boston media after being taken by the New England Patriots in the 5th round today.

What was your reaction when you heard the news?
“Thanks again for having me. I was very shocked, obviously, and very ecstatic. I’ve been waiting for this day, to have this opportunity all my life. Watching my dad play growing up and just developing a love for the game. I was just so, so happy and so extremely blessed to be in this situation.”

Did you anticipate being drafted today?
“I had heard numerous different reports from different teams, but I wasn’t sure. I wasn’t sure how the draft was going to play itself out, but I’m a strong believer and I have a strong faith so I knew that whatever it was, I was just hoping I would just get an opportunity and things would work out the way they were supposed to. To be drafted and to be drafted by this team –in my opinion the best team in the NFL– it’s just humbling, very humbling and I feel very honored.”

What are your memories of watching your dad [Hall of Famer Jackie Slater] play?
“The thing that sticks out most in me is the way he worked. It wasn’t necessarily the games; the games were great and you get to see that and everybody sees that on Sunday, but I saw the things about my dad that people didn’t see: the blood, sweat and tears that he put into this game and how he prepared and the respect that he gave to the gave of football and I think that’s something he has passed on to me.”

What was your contact with the Patriots prior to the draft?
“To be honest with you, I hadn’t had any contact with them. I had one phone call exchange where they asked me a few questions, but I had gone and visited several other teams and I wasn’t sure if the Patriots had very much interest in me. I wasn’t sure at all. And with the draft, there’s no telling what could happen; anything is possible. I was just surprised but excited and thankful at the same time.”

To read the rest of the Q&A, head over to Reiss’s Pieces.