Aug. 30, 2005
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I’m more laid back than most people might think. I’m a funny guy and I think you have to be that way if you’re going to play football at the college level. You can’t be serious all the time.
What would be your ultimate Sports Center highlight?
I would have to say scoring a touchdown. Guys that play on the offensive line don’t really get any chances to score. Picking up a fumble or catching a deflected pass and running it in for a touchdown, or maybe pitching it to one of the other guys on the O-line would make a great highlight. I think just seeing some offensive lineman score a touchdown would be great.
If you had to exchange wardrobes with someone on the team, whose clothes would you want?
Actually, it would have to a former player, Kyle Wallace. He was probably the best dresser I’ve ever known.
Tell about one visible scar…
I have a scar on my leg from fishing in Florida. I slipped on some rocks, landed on my feet in the water, but as I was flying through the air, oyster shells on the rocks sliced me up and I have these scars on my leg from that.
If you could relive any single family outing in your life what would it be?
I went to Disney World with my parents when I was really young. I remember that I had a great time, and it’s a trip that really stands out. My favorite ride was the teacups, but I was really too young to remember anything else.
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?
The Atlanta Falcons on the 50-yard line, just because they’re the most exciting team to watch in the NFL right now. You never know what’s going to happen, especially with Michael Vick running like he does.
Who has had the greatest influence on your athletic career?
It would be a tie between my father when I was younger, and my position coach, Coach D’Alessandris, while in college. He’s done a lot because I came here not knowing anything, and everything I’ve learned has come from him.
If you were forced to give up all of your possessions but one, what would it be?
My Jack Russell terrier.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from being a college athlete?
To cherish the moment. It feels like I showed up as an 18-year-old freshman just the other day and now, I’m already on my way out the door. Time does fly by and I try to just stand back and enjoy what I’m doing.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I’m usually very quiet. I don’t really like to talk to anybody. I like to keep very much to myself and focus as much as I can on what I’m about to do.
What is the best thing about being a college athlete at Tech?
You have the best of both worlds. I get the chance to play major college football while getting a top college education. It’s a nice mix and you can’t find very many schools where that’s the case.
What has been the most memorable game that you have been a part of?
It would definitely be last year’s Clemson game.
What won’t you miss about being a college athlete?
I won’t miss waking up early when you don’t want, practicing in the heat, and the little things that you have to put up with. I also won’t miss football camp, two-a days, and the feeling you get right before you start camp.
What is your all-time favorite meal?
It would be a caesar salad, steak and baked potato, and some cheese cake. That’s my perfect meal.
What team would you add to the schedule?
Texas.
Besides Bobby Dodd Stadium, what is your favorite stadium to play in?
I like playing at Clemson.
Favorite musical artist:
Metallica would be one of my favorites.
Favorite TV show:
Right now, I can’t stop watching CSI.
Who is the person you would most like to meet (dead or alive)?
Donald Trump, because of what he’s accomplished. I think it’s very appealing and something you can admire.
Who is the athlete you most admire?
Lance Armstrong, because of all the things he’s accomplished and the adversity he’s been through.
If you could play any other sport at Tech, what would it be?
If I could throw the shot put in track, I think that would be pretty fun.
Besides playing in the NFL, what are your plans after college?
I’d like to go into some type of sales position, possibly pharmaceutical or real estate. It would have to be a sales job where I could deal with people all the time instead of just sitting at a desk.
Has it been hard to change positions from guard to tackle this year?
It’s different. I started off playing tackle, then I moved to guard. I think it’s harder to move from guard to tackle than it is to move from tackle to guard. They’re totally different positions but since I’ve played tackle in the past and I played right guard too, and now I’m moving to right tackle, it’s not as big of a difference. If I had to move to the left side and switch positions, it would be a big deal.
How did it feel to be named to ESPN.com’s all-Bowl team last year after the Champ Sports Bowl?
It was nice to be recognized. The whole experience of playing in that bowl and the area we were in was great.
Name a professor that has had an impact on you here at Tech:
Michael Salomone. He’s an International Affairs professor who always made the subject matter very interesting. He’s very realistic and is more concerned with you familiarizing yourself with the material and actually learning.
