*How well do we know the men who make up the Packers roster? Even the most ardent fan - the one who studies every play, knows the 40-yard-dash time of every prospect, is at every practice during training camp - most likely is familiar with what the players of the Green and Gold do on the field.
Packers.com is taking a look at some of the off-the-field interests of the players who you cheer for during the football season. This is a chance to get to know the players through a series of questions and answers, some football-related and others having nothing to do with the gridiron.
It's time to get to know... Junius Coston.*
The Packers may have only activated guard/center Junius Coston for 14 games in 2005, but they expect bigger and better things from the second-year player in 2006.
They see Coston as well-suited to the Packers' new offensive scheme, emphasizing zone blocking. At 6-3, 317, Coston has the size, speed and agility to execute double team blocks and hit the first defender that approaches his area. He cannot wait to learn the ins-and-outs of offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski's playbook.
"I'm definitely excited about it," Coston said. "It fits my style of play a lot better than last year's."
The coaching staff likes the versatility he brings to the offensive line. Coston played both tackle positions during his first two years at North Carolina A&T before starting all 13 games at center during his junior year. As a senior he started nine games at center and two at right tackle. During his first year in the NFL, the fifth-round draft pick received his only action at left tackle -- three snaps during Week 5 -- but the Packers believe he can play either guard or center.
This multi-position player recently sat down with Packers.com to tell us how he got around without a car, why he likes Kobe Bryant and what happens when you do not pick up doughnuts for the veterans.
Packers.com: What was your first job?
"Believe it or not, my first job was here. I always tried to concentrate on just playing sports -- always. So it was year-round for me. Football and basketball -- that's what I was always doing."
What was your first car?
"The Cadillac Escalade. I got it right before I was drafted. "
How did you get around before that?
"I was walking. Everything was on campus. If I (needed a ride), I had my friends."
What about in high school?
"I didn't have (a car). I had to use my Dad's Dodge Intrepid."
What were you like in high school?
"I sort of stayed to myself a lot. I was just known as a big football player. Everybody knew who I was."
Do you have a nickname?
"All my family calls me 'J,' and everyone else calls me 'Juice.'"
Who was the greatest influence on your life?
"My father because me and my three younger brothers all lived with my father when my parents split up, and he just kept it together. He actually worked. He was in the Navy. I mean we didn't have everything growing up, but we always got us what we needed."
When did you realize you wanted to play professional football?
"When I was about seven or eight, and I used to sit and watch football with my father like 'Monday Night Football.'
What is your best asset as a football player?
"My athletic ability. What I'm working on now is for my technique to catch up."
How do you feel when you walk through the Hall of Champions on your way to the locker room every day?
"I feel blessed just to be here. When I first got here, I couldn't believe I was here in legendary Lambeau. I feel blessed every time I just walk into this building."
Has a practical joke been played on you in the locker room?
"When I first got here, me and (William) Whitticker and Chris White didn't get the doughnuts one time for the veterans. So they threw our clothes in the cold tub and wrapped our phone in oil."
If not for football, what would you be doing professionally?
"Personal trainer."
What was the last movie you've seen?
"'Madea's Family Reunion.' It was pretty funny. I liked it."
If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be?
"Jerry Rice. I'd like to pick his brain because of his work ethic and all of that."
What is your favorite...?
... food?
"Cheeseburger."
... book?
"To tell you the truth, I don't read novels and books too often. I more read magazines and stuff like that."
... magazine?
"Sports Illustrated."
... non-sports hobby or way to relax?
"Probably just go home and just relax with my wife (Kourtney) and just chill and watch TV."
... video game?
"Madden '06."
Do you play as the Packers?
"I usually play with all of the teams. I don't really have a team?
Who was your favorite athlete to watch in any sport?
"Well, it was Michael Jordan because I used to like basketball a lot. Right now, believe it or not, I think it's Kobe Bryant."
Why Kobe?
"I'm just a Lakers fan, and ever since he came to the Lakers, I think he's been great. I just like to watch him play."
What's on your iPod?
"A lot of things. I play Jay Z a lot. I actually like listening to a broad range of music. I also like listening to groups like Linkin Park. I try to keep my options open."
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
"Me and my wife went to St. Thomas on our honeymoon. I actually want to go back there because we had a really good time. I really did. I might take another trip there before training camp."
