Behind The Scenes

Some of what you haven’t seen in QB Camp’s Gruden vs. Gruden

http://youtu.be/8jgOuEjLT1g

Since joining ESPN as a contributor two years ago, comedian Frank Caliendo has entertained viewers with his note-perfect impersonations of sports figures, particularly ESPN commentators and analysts.

Last spring, Caliendo’s take on ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.’s mannerisms was widely praised. Earlier this year, his four-minute spoof of the acclaimed 30 for 30 film series featured Caliendo as 11 different personalities, including some of his Sunday NFL Countdown colleagues.

“Gruden’s QB Camp” premieres

Jimmy Garoppolo, Eastern Illinois
Fri, May 2 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU
Aaron Murray, Georgia
Mon, May 5 at 5 p.m. ET on ESPNU

Since the fifth season of Gruden’s QB Camp began airing this spring in anticipation of the NFL Draft, Caliendo’s impersonations of the show’s host have been spotlighted. Sporting a blond wig, an enormous faux Super Bowl ring and Gruden’s trademark manic enthusiasm about all things football, Caliendo has produced a series of amusing segments.

But thanks to QB Camp producers, Front Row has the cherry on top of a Spider 2Y Banana split: outtakes from a segment featuring Caliendo’s Gruden interviewing the man himself.

In the video above, watch as the real Gruden invokes the names of ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter and NFL star Andrew Luck as he quizzes the comedian on the nuances of a favorite formation and play.

Why does Northern Illinois quarterback Jordan Lynch remind the faux coach of NBA superstar LeBron James?

See the “mock” Gruden trade barbs with the real Super Bowl-winning coach.

The Gruden versus “Gruden” segments were taped the same day Fresno State prospect Derek Carr visited the QB Camp production studios at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla. The next airing of the Carr episode is slated for Saturday (5:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2). Full schedule of 2014 QB Camp shows. Read a recap of Gruden’s April 29 NFL Draft/QB Camp conference call.

Watch the full Gruden versus Gruden segment below.

Outtakes video provided by Zach Budman; Front Row version produced by Josh Lander

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