2015 NFL Draft: Laken Tomlinson excited to join Lions, play alongside Larry Warford

After being picked by the Detroit Lions in the first round on Thursday night, Duke offensive guard Laken Tomlinson spoke with the media. Here's a look at what he had to say:

First, a tweet from the man himself:

.@TideNFL Can’t express how excited I am to be part of the Blue & Silver. Ready to do work in #OurColors! #Spon pic.twitter.com/ehauVqK7hk

— Laken Tomlinson (@laken77) May 1, 2015

On how he heard the news and his reaction to being picked:

Caldwell called Tomlinson first and Tomlinson said he was speechless for about the first minute.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) May 1, 2015

Laken Tomlinson said he could barely speak the first minute he was on the phone with the #Lions. "I was in so much shock." #DETpick

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson said he was in such shock during call with Lions, could only manage "yes sir" "no sir" "yes ma'am" and "no ma'am"

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 1, 2015

Laken Tomlinson on when he got the call from the #Lions: "I was blinded by emotion ... I was overwhelmed with joy"

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson: It's really been a tremendous night. Said walking across the stage tonight "deeply impacted my life."

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 1, 2015

Asked Laken Tomlinson if he's having a draft party tonight. "No. I got work to do." Said he's just going back to his hotel with family

— Dave Birkett (@davebirkett) May 1, 2015

On getting to play alongside Larry Warford:

Laken Tomlinson says he "looked up so much to" Larry Warford. #Lions #DETpick

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson has modeled his style on Warford's somewhat. Talking footwork and that he's studied Warford and looked up to him.

— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson says he's researched and tailored his game around Larry Warford and is excited to now get to practice and play with him.

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) May 1, 2015

On how much contact he had with the Lions before the draft:

#Lions G Laken Tomlinson: Had contact with Lions at Senior Bowl, met with Jeremiah Washburn. Had no idea they were so interested in him.

— Paula Pasche (@paulapasche) May 1, 2015

On his high-school commute and playing soccer growing up:

Tomlinson's talking about how commute to his high school in Chicago. About 1.5 hour commute each way by foot and bus.

— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 1, 2015

Laken Tomlinson going through his high school commute, walk to the Red Line in Chicago, get off at Addison, then Addison bus to Lane Tech.

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015

Laken Tomlinson: "I was a soccer guy. That's all they had in Jamaica." Didn't know much about football when he moved here. #DETpick #Lions

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson, much like Ziggy Ansah before him, grew up playing soccer abroad. But kept growing, was encouraged to try football

— Kyle Meinke (@kmeinke) May 1, 2015

On where his name originated from:

Laken Tomlinson said the origin of his first name: "My mom watched a TV show in Jamaica.." He said it means "off the lake." #Lions #DETpick

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015

On his post-football plans:

Laken Tomlinson said he does hope to be a neurosurgeon after his NFL career. "I don’t think that’s any time soon."

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson said teams in pre-draft process asked about his interest in academics vs. football. Told them he loves football.

— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) May 1, 2015

On his strengths as a football player:

Tomlinson says he thinks his strengths are his leverage and wearing guys out.

— Carlos Monarrez (@cmonarrez) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson: :I play with 125 percent effort and I'm going to wear my guys out."

— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) May 1, 2015

Laken Tomlinson said he believes he plays with good pad level and "light on my feet." He's also going to "wear my guys out." #Lions #DETpick

— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) May 1, 2015

Tomlinson: "I'm one hell of a player."

— Tim Twentyman (@ttwentyman) May 1, 2015