Linebacker Aaron Maybin was the Bills’ first-round pick in 2009. Maybin, a first-team All-American at Penn State, was drafted 11th overall and appeared in all 16 games last season. He is projected to start at outside linebacker this season.

The management team put together an exhaustive search for the next head coach of the Buffalo Bills, and that man is Chan Gailey. What are your thoughts on your new coach thus far?

Maybin: “I love Coach Gailey and the attitude he has brought to this team. He’s a blue-collar coach that has proven over his career that he knows how to win. He’s a no-nonsense kind of guy, but he definitely has brought a new energy to the team that has us ready to play with an attitude we didn’t have before. It’s very exciting.”

With the transition into the 3-4 defense, you are now projected to transition from a DE to an OLB. How will this transition help your performance on the field?

Maybin: “I believe that I am now in the position to best serve this team and our defense. I play best when I am allowed to play in space and rush the passer from different angles and positions. This new

defense allows me to do that. By isolating our rushers in one-on-one matchups, we can now take advantage of our speed and quickness.”

Being a former first-round pick yourself, what advice would you give new Bills RB C.J. Spiller as he enters the NFL?

Maybin: “Just to work as hard as possible and never to allow himself to get discouraged. The kid is talented; he knows that. He’s going to be a very productive player for us. All he has to do is stay humble and consistently improve.”

What do you think of the defensive additions your team made on draft day? It looks like they are getting much bigger on that side of the ball.

Maybin: “I think our front office did a great job of building the foundation for the future of this new defense. They picked up some solid players that will fit in well for us.”

Coming from a decorated collegiate program like Penn State, what do you take from your days there and being coached by the greatest college coach of all time in Joe Paterno?

Maybin: “My work ethic. One thing Penn State will teach you how to do is work harder than you think you can work. That attitude has taken me far.”

It is well known that former Penn State LB Lavar Arrington is a good friend and mentor to you. How did that relationship start and what are some of the things he helps you with both on and off the field?

Maybin: “It started years ago when I was in middle school. That’s Big Bro right there. We both have always had a lot in common from our parents being in ministry to how we played the game. We just connected. LaVar has been there to see me through a lot in life, and I consider him family.”

There are a lot of doubters out there right now about your team being competitive in the AFC East. What do you say to those that think the Bills will finish last in the division and miss the playoffs for the 11th straight year?

Maybin: “We welcome the doubters. They will only make the story greater once we write it. All I’m going to say is, don’t count out the Bills!”

Lastly, what can you tell Bills fans to expect from you and your team in 2010?

Maybin: “A new season. A new mission. A new swagger … Mayhem!”

– Maybin is permitted to attend rookie mini-camp this weekend because he has less than two years of NFL experience. His participation speaks volumes about his dedication to right this ship and get off to a fast start at his new position — starting OLB in the new 3-4 scheme installed by new defensive coordinator George Edwards.

This kid has all the intangibles to become a star in this league. He was born to play the rush OLB in this defense and I believe he will thrive in it. Bills fans have waited a long time to find a guy who can wreak havoc in the opposing team’s backfield. They have finally found their man.

As Maybin put it, Bills fans are in store for some flat-out “Mayhem.”

You can follow Maybin on Twitter @AaronMaybin58 and on AthleteTweets.com.

You can follow us on Twitter @BillsBlogBlitz and e-mail us with comments/questions. Keep it locked here on Blog Blitz for all the latest news coming out this weekend from One Bills Drive on the first 2010 mini-camp.

– TERRY LONG
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