Sept. 1, 2004
If you could open and run any kind of restaurant, what kind of food would you serve and where?
A soul food restaurant and I would open it up right here on Georgia Tech’s campus. I would serve nothing but macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, good old soul food that my mom used to make. I think it would do well in Technology Square, when the football players come around.
If you were elected to be the President of the U.S. tomorrow, what would be your first act?
Pay college athletes.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
That I am a nice guy and I love little kids. I plan on owning my own daycare.
What would be your ultimate Sports Center highlight?
I can’t say catch the game winning touchdown, because I have already done that before. I would say, throwing a touchdown, receiving a touchdown, and then throwing the game-winning touchdown in the same game. So two passing touchdowns, but one is the game winning.
If you could communicate with any type of animal, which would you pick?
Dolphins. They just always seem happy and chipper.
If you had to exchange wardrobes with someone on the team, whose clothes would you want?
Anyone but Chris Woods, because he wears the same thing everyday.
Tell about one visible scar…
I got a scar over my right eye in middle school. Right before a football game we had a pep rally. After the pep rally we started playing basketball. Both me and a teammate were going after a ball. We both bumped heads and got a cut over our right eye in the same spot.
If you could relive any single family outing in your life what would it be?
When I was in middle school and my family and my church went to Busch Gardens in Kings Dominion. That was the best time of my life. We all just had a good time. We were there for a week and everyone had a good time while they were there.
If you could have season tickets for any team, sitting in any place in the stadium, which team would it be and where would you sit?
Right now I guess it would have to be Philadelphia. The Philadelphia Eagles on the fifty-yard line because they have Donovan McNabb and T.O. (Terrell Owings) now.
What is the nicest compliment that you have received?
I’ve been told I have nice eyes.
When your Tech days are over, how would you like to be remembered?
As a guy who was a hard worker. A guy that showed respect and feelings for everyone. A guy who didn’t quit.
Who has had the greatest influence on your athletic career?
One of my old high school coaches. He influenced me because when I was a freshman I was playing varsity. I got pulled up to play quarterback. He told me I wasn’t good enough to play quarterback. Ever since then I excelled at quarterback and excelled at everything I have done. When I have set my mind to do it, I have done it. I think back to him telling me I’m not good enough to play this position or not good enough to do this, that puts it in my mind that I can go out and do anything.
If you could teach any subject/thing, what would it be?
I would teach math because it’s my favorite subject. I would teach it to little kids. Kindergarten math or first grade math.
When I was a youth growing up, I pretended to be like…
Jerry Rice. That’s my favorite receiver. He’s the best.
If you were forced to give up all of your possessions but one, what would it be?
Probably my shoes. I have to keep my shoes. I’ve got so many. I mean your wardrobe and everything starts with your shoes. I just love shoes.
What is your best non-athletic talent?
I’m very good with kids. I’m tender hearted with kids.
What one thing makes you smile?
A cute girl.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from being a college athlete?
Time management. They teach you that when you get here, especially being a football player. You wake up around 7 or 8 in the morning and you don’t get back to your room until 7 or 8 at night. You have to manage your time to balance football and all the other stuff involved with college.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Pray. I say a prayer before every game. Before and after every game.
What is the best thing about being a college athlete at Tech?
You get to meet all kinds of people and you get to put a smile on the fans faces. Walking out on that field and you hear the fans cheering and you know you put a smile on their face.
What has been the most memorable game that you have been a part of?
Last year against Auburn and the touchdown catch I had. That’s the most memorable game I have had so far.
What won’t you miss about being a college athlete?
The year-round workouts and the year-round school. It’s nonstop. You have the season, then the off-season and then the summer. It’s basically year round. Other than that, everything else is fine.
If you could have the largest collection of one thing, what would it be?
Probably shoes. All types, all kinds. I love shoes.
What is your all-time favorite meal?
Thanksgiving. You have the turkey, the dressing, cranberries, the chicken, the rice and gravy, plus all the pumpkin pie.
If you were a pro wrestler what would your name be?
Mark “the Great”. I watched wrestling a lot back at home. Me and my mom used to watch wrestling all the time. I used to watch it a lot back home in high school, but I’m to into it anymore.
What was your favorite Halloween costume growing up?
Superman. We would make our own costume. Get a shirt and put the “S” on it for Superman, tie a sheet around your neck and have our own costume.
If you could make one thing come true for a friend what would it be and for whom?
I would say my brother. I wish he had a chance to play college ball. I would help him to know he is good enough to play on the college level.
What team would you add to the schedule?
I would add South Carolina. I am from South Carolina. That way we would have a chance to beat Clemson and South Carolina and I could say I beat both of my hometown teams in the same year.
