Oct. 28, 2005
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
“Most people don’t know that I’m an artist and that I can draw really well.”
What would be your ultimate Sports Center highlight?
“I’d like to throw the winning touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson against UGA.”
If you had to exchange wardrobes with someone on the team, whose clothes would you want?
“Eric Henderson. He’s an exciting dresser and wears all types of colors and brands of clothes.”
Tell about one visible scar…
“During my freshman year, I broke my thumb and also tore a ligament. It was an old high school injury that I re-aggravated and I thought I had been playing with a badly jammed thumb all this time. I had to have surgery and that’s why I have a scar there now.”
If you could relive any single family outing in your life, what would it be?
“My mom used to take me and my brother to the ball park all the time and since she played softball, she taught us how to play baseball. Those types of family outings really meant a lot because I grew up without a dad and my mom was always there for us.”
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?
“I’d like to have tickets for the Philadelphia Eagles’ games because two of my favorite players are Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens. I’d have to sit as close as I can to the sidelines because I’d love to hear what Owens says during games.”
Who has had the greatest influence on your athletic career?
“I have more than one person and I have to name them all because they’ve all been influential at different points in my life. First, my mom, because she’s such a strong person and never lets anything get to her. My high school coaches Alexander and Lee always motivated me. If I set certain goals, they’d always push me to exceed them. And since I’ve been at Tech, Coach Heppler and Coach Geis have been great, positive influences for me.”
If you were forced to give up all of your possessions but one, what would it be?
“I’d have to keep my bible. When you have a bad day or things aren’t always going your way, reading the bible takes your mind off of all the things that are going on in the world and gives you a different perspective on life.”
What is your best non-athletic talent?
“My artistic ability.”
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from being a college athlete?
“I’ve learned that you should never take anything for granted. As athletes, we tend to complain because we have so many responsibilities with academics and playing our sport, but we have to remember that a lot of people would die to be in our shoes and to be in our situation.”
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
“I usually go around to different guys in the locker room and write some words on the tape around their wrists. I write Dawan Landry’s hometown on his tape and I write GOD and MOM on my tape. MOM not only stands for my mother but also Mind Over Matter.”
What is the best thing about being a college athlete at Tech?
“The best thing is the relationships you establish on and off the field with the students and players.”
What won’t you miss about being a college athlete?
“I will actually miss it all. I liked getting up early to go work out, the feeling that you get when fans look up to you during Fan Photo Day, and everything else that comes with being a college athlete.”
What is your all-time favorite meal?
“Since I’m from the Gulf Coast, I really enjoy eating any type of seafood, especially when my grandmother cooks it.”
If you could make one thing come true for a friend, what would it be and for whom?
“I had two great friends, Jason McBeth and Tremaine Moore, who started at linebacker and tight end in high school. They were great prospects and had all the talent in the world but didn’t have the grades.”
Favorite musical artist:
“I like the old school Earth, Wind, and Fire.”
Favorite TV show:
“I like Sports Center, just because it’s a sports show.”
Latest music CD that you’ve bought:
“Lyfe Jennings. He reminds me of Barry White with a raspy voice and just sings the truth.”
Who is the person you would most like to meet (dead or alive)?
“God.”
Who is the athlete you most admire?
“I admire Shaquille O’Neal. Every time that you see him, he just seems like a great teammate and a family-oriented guy who has a great attitude. He has all the reasons in the world to carry himself like he’s above everyone, but he’s level-headed and is a very positive person.”
Besides playing in the NFL, what are your plans after college?
“I’d like to get back into baseball and possibly get into art school. I’ve never taken an art class but because it’s a talent that I’ve picked up from my aunt Rea, I’d like the chance to pursue that. Another thing that I want to do is become a sports agent.”
Name a professor that has had an impact on you here at Tech:
“Dr. Lloyd Byars. He makes you speak in class and gets you away from being shy. He’s had a lot of experiences in his career and there’s nothing you can get past him. He tells it like it is and you have to respect that.”
