Jan. 20, 2012

Michigan State fifth-year senior wide receiver B.J. Cunningham, the school's all-time leader in receptions (218) and receiving yards (3,086), will represent the East in Saturday's East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. NFL Network will televise the 87th East-West Shrine Game at 4 p.m. EST.

Following Thursday's practice, Cunningham participated in a Q&A with msuspartans.com.

Q: You have received a lot of positive press from this week's workouts at the East-West Shrine Game. Can you provide us with a practice update and what kind of feedback you have received from the East coaches?

A: I've been working hard all week. As you know, I take great pride in my work ethic. I've been catching the ball well, and I think I've surprised some scouts with my route-running ability. I came down here to showcase my work habits and do what I do on the football field.

Q: The Michigan State coaches always admired your work ethic. Is there any added pressure in practice this week knowing that every move you make is being evaluated?

A: You definitely have to take that into consideration and concentrate on doing all of the little things. If someone else catches a pass, I make sure I head up field to throw a block. If I'm wide open and the quarterback chooses to go somewhere else with the football, I can't pout. Now, football is a business. When I step onto the field, my business suit is my uniform. If something goes wrong, I have to keep my head up and not let one bad play bother me.

Q: With a short week of practice, how difficult is it to develop any type of rhythm, chemistry with the East quarterbacks?

A: The first day was rough because it's difficult to get into a rhythm with the quarterbacks. It's an all-star game, so it's a challenge for both teams. With every position group, guys are trying to get accustomed to playing with each other. There are a lot of talented players here at each position. We're getting a lot of reps in practice, so we'll find a way to make the passing game work.

A: I feel like I made my greatest improvement from my junior to senior year. I knew what I had to do in the off-season and that was to concentrate on all the little things, and I believe that's where I improved most - in the attention to detail. I focused on getting off the line of scrimmage, my route running and blocking. I also became a faster player, so my confidence really grew throughout the course of the season. All of the hard work really paid off as I developed into a consistent playmaker.

Q: You'll have an opportunity in Saturday's all-star game to improve your NFL Draft status. Have you established any personal goals?

A: I'm looking forward to going out there Saturday and showing people that I can make plays against some of the best college players in the country. I hope to showcase my all-around skills. I want to consistently catch the ball, gain some yards after the catch and show the scouts that I love to block in the running game. If I do those things, I'll open some eyes and improve my draft stock. I know the scouts will be watching and grading every move I make.

Q: Can you identify some of your East teammates who have impressed you in practice this week?

A: One of the guys who has definitely caught my attention is Illinois wide receiver A.J. Jenkins because he consistently makes plays. Another guy who has impressed me is Miami tight end Chase Ford. He has caught every ball thrown in his direction. On the defensive side of the ball, Coastal Carolina corner Josh Norman has stood out. He probably had seven interceptions in the first three days of practice. We've got some playmakers on the East roster, so look out.

Q: Can you describe the special relationship you developed with Kirk Cousins over the last five years at Michigan State?

A: Kirk Cousins and I really grew together as football players. We began to develop our special bond as a couple of 18-year-olds on the scout team. Each week, we were the opponent's feature quarterback and receiver. All of those reps with the scout team transitioned to the game when we finally got our chances.

I'm truly fortunate because Kirk really helped me get to where I am today, preparing to play in the East-West Shrine Game. That's my guy. We have helped each other put ourselves in a position to have the opportunity to play at the next level, and that's what teammates do for each other.