How does it feel to be healthy?
It feels really good. My legs feel good. I'm trying to take care of my body and get ready for a long season. I'm just preparing
my mind and my body right now to go through the season strong.
One of the big developments of fall camp has been your move from cornerback to safety. How is that position different
for you, and how has the adjustment gone?
One thing I've noticed is it's a lot more physical in the box. You're dodging linemen, taking on blocks and stuff like
that. I'm not really used to that, but I think I've adjusted pretty well. I've always had kind of a physical style of play,
so it hasn't been too big of a transition. It's just a lot different reading what's going on inside the box. That's one of
the big changes.
You're also expected to be a big part of the Miner special teams this fall, returning kickoffs and punts. Are you excited
about that?
I always look forward to getting my hands on the ball. So any opportunity I get I try to make the best of it, whether it's
punts or kickoffs or returning an interception. I'm going to work hard for it. I love running with the ball.
You've probably been hearing people say that you're too small to play cornerback your whole career, now you're playing
safety which is an even bigger position.
Yeah, it's kind of like proving myself all over again. I've been lucky enough to have a guy like Bob Sanders (Indianapolis
Colts) who I got to watch a lot last year. He has kind of inspired me since I've playing safety. Guys have kind of been joking
around calling me Bob. I try to emulate his style of play. He is real physical, fast and he's like a cornerback playing safety.
I kind of feel like I fit in his shoes and bring his style of play.
It's kind of ironic that with the position change you still have the same position coach in Jim Clark, who coached the
cornerbacks last year and is now in charge of the safeties. How has your familiarity with coach Clark benefited you?
It has made the transition easier. He was my coach for the first three years I was here, then I switched to coach [Allen]
Johnson in the spring before going right back to coach Clark. We have a good relationship. We understand each other, being
together for so long.
What did you get out of your redshirt year last season?
I had a great opportunity to sit back and learn how to support my teammates from the sideline and become more vocal. It
also allowed me to learn the game from another perspective, being able to watch things develop. I was able to study the offense
and how they ran their routes, and I think it helped my game out a lot.
How do you like this new defense?
I love it. I'm looking forward to seeing it in action. We haven't really been turned loose yet and hit another colored
jersey. We're all looking forward to that Buffalo game [on Aug. 28] to see how the defense pans out.
You are now one of the most experienced members of the defense. How can you help out the rest of the guys on the team
with your knowledge?
One thing I like to pass down to the other guys is composure. Bad things are going to happen. No matter what -- whether
we're up, down or it's a close game -- as long as you're composed and you do your job and stay focused, you'll be all right.
Have questions about me, my football career at UTEP,
or about FAMF1RST?
|
