Question and answer with South Carolina cornerback Captain Munnerlyn, the Panthers' seventh-round draft choice (216th overall).
On his reaction to being drafted by the Panthers: It was a great reaction. I smiled when I saw the 704 number come up on my phone, because I knew that was the Panthers area code. I said, "Oh man, that's Carolina calling." And I saw they had the next pick. He said, "Are you ready to be a Panther?" and I said, "Oh, yeah!" It was exciting because I played college ball at South Carolina, and that's only like an hour away. It was exciting to hear my name get called. I'm ready for it, ready to take my game to the next level.
On the possibility of playing a role in the Panthers' return game: I hope s because I like to do all of the special teams. I don't have a problem with it. I hope they are looking for a return guy. I feel like I can help the team out in that situation.
On playing cornerback for the Panthers: I talked to the DB coach. He told me he has two guys (Chris Gamble and Richard Marshall). Ken Lucas is gone. I don't know if they are looking for another guy to play that third corner or what but I am going to do what they want me to do. I'm going to work hard. If I can help them out at corner, I hope I can, then I'm going to do it.
On where his name came from: My momma promised my grandmomma that she could name the last child. I was the boy of the family, and she named me Captain. Her great grandfather was named Captain, so I got named after my great-great grandfather. My sisters and brothers have normal names. I got the odd name. In the beginning it was kind of rough. Kids used to tease me a little, but it fits my personality, because I feel like I'm a leader.
On what it was like to play defense for Coach Steve Spurrier: It was fun to play for Coach Spurrier. He gave me an opportunity to play college football. Playing on the defense, I had two different defensive coordinators. It was fun to play on and learn two systems. I feel like I can do anything. I learned a lot at the University of South Carolina, and they helped me out a lot.
