Revolution first-round draft pick Andrew Farrell
On if he thought he would be going to the Revs after the club secured the first overall pick from Toronto FC via trade…
Andrew Farrell (AF): You know what, honestly, I was looking forward to that. I kind of stayed away from the mock draft and the media and all that last night. I heard about the trade but I didn’t know necessarily know why or what was going on. Obviously, you want to be the first guy off the board and New England is a great organization to be a part of. I’m very thankful for that to happen.
On getting drafted…
AF: I was excited. It’s been a fun time here at the Draft and also at the Combine. A new journey began with New England and they gave me the option to start (at) a fresh and new place. I was excited. I’m glad my family came here and all my friends and coaches came to support me and supported me back home. I’m very excited for the new beginning.
On his versatility and where he thinks he would fit in best with the team…
AF: I think defense for me - I think it might be outside back, right back. I played center back for the longest time, at the highest level that I’ve played at. I think the transition to right back won’t be too hard – I’ve played that in college and throughout my life. Wherever the coaches want to play me, it’s their call. I have no preferences. I’m excited to get to Arizona on Monday with the guys.
On the pressure of being the first overall selection in the SuperDraft…
AF: Obviously there’s pressure when going to a new team. You want kind of to meet the guys and they all know how everything works. I think there’s pressure for everybody. A new season starts and everybody’s getting ready to start playing. Obviously there’s pressure for me to perform, especially being a rookie, and I’m excited to show what I can do on Monday when we go out to Arizona and start working hard and training with the guys.
On Jay Heaps’ plans for him…
AF: When we met down at the Combine it wasn’t specific, it was just kind of to get to know me, how I am off the field. Obviously they saw me, my agility, and said I could play either outside back or center back and that’s helpful. They said they don’t know what exactly their going to play me at or where they’re going try me out at, so I guess I’ll find out soon enough. I’m just excited for the opportunity.
On when he found out he was being picked by New England…
AF: I didn’t know until they called my name. Obviously you hear your agent say it’s a lock or that they’re going to pick you. I wasn’t positive until they said, ‘from the University of Louisville.’ I guess they could have called my teammate, Greg Cochrane, but I didn’t think they needed a left back. I’m just thankful for them picking me and I’m ready for the new beginning.
On the Revs’ push to return to the postseason…
AF: I think that for this organization to be successful, I can bring some speed on the outside if I play outside back. I can bring depth within the center back and outside back spots. Sometimes things don’t work out but this is a new season and I think everybody starts new. Hopefully we make the playoffs and go from there.
On the coaching staff believing in him…
AF: That’s why I was excited. When they believe in you and they think you can be ready and step in and make an impact. Obviously it is confidence boosting when the coaches at the next level think you can play and keep up with the veteran guys on the team and in the league. Everybody has to learn some things and I’m looking forward to meeting the guys and learning from the veterans and seeing what they can do to help me improve my game.
Revolution second-round pick Donnie Smith
I met with Jay Heaps and his staff at the Combine. I really liked them and we had a great conversation. New England was a place I really hoped I'd get drafted. I couldn't be more grateful for the opportunity.
Revolution second-round pick Luke Spencer
I'm so thankful. I wasn't expecting to be taken in the SuperDraft to be honest. I thought I was more a Supplemental (Draft) guy. I want to thank my coaches and teammates at Xavier, and my family most of all for being there my whole playing career. I'm really just thankful. I was really excited when I went to the Revolution's own combine and showed well.
Revolution second-round pick Luis Soffner
I’m absolutely honored and excited to be chosen by the Revolution and to get to play in MLS. It’s a dream come true and I’m excited to get out there and looking forward to doing my part.
