Interviewer: Your journey has been quite remarkable, reaching this point. What lessons have stood out the most to you in these recent years?
Interviewee: Honestly, transitioning between schools has been surprisingly smooth for me, especially in terms of football. As you mentioned, three different schools in three years is quite unusual. Each school had its own coaches, playbooks, and systems. However, what I’ve come to realize is that while the terminology may vary, the core concepts of plays remain largely the same across teams. Whether it’s inside zone, outside zone, or counter plays, the fundamentals remain consistent. Understanding this made it easier for me to adapt, particularly when I arrived at TCU and had to learn a new playbook under a new offensive coordinator. Despite the changes, the essence of the plays remained familiar, and it was mainly about understanding the terminology and my role within each play based on the defensive front we were facing.
Interviewer: Balancing the role of a leader as a seasoned college lineman while being relatively new to TCU must have been challenging. How did you navigate that?
Interviewee: When I enter a new environment, my approach is to show through actions rather than words. It’s about earning respect through hard work and dedication. Whether it’s pushing myself during workouts or striving to excel in every aspect of training, my aim is to demonstrate my commitment to the team. This mindset served me well at Jackson State, where despite being new, I quickly earned the trust of my teammates and was appointed team captain within a short span. Transitioning to TCU, where there were established leaders from their recent national championship run, I had to adjust and focus on supporting the existing leadership while also being ready to step up when needed. Over time, I earned the confidence of my teammates and coaches through consistent effort and dedication to our shared goals.
Interviewer: Could you share your experience at the Shrine Bowl?
Interviewee: Participating in the Shrine Bowl was a great experience, particularly because it was conveniently located near my training facility in Frisco. It provided an opportunity to meet with representatives from numerous NFL teams and showcase my skills beyond what they may have seen on tape. Meeting face-to-face allowed me to convey my passion for the game and demonstrate my understanding of football concepts. Coming from a Division II background, every opportunity to prove myself at a higher level is invaluable, and the Shrine Bowl provided a platform to do just that.
Interviewer: Your academic background in criminal justice is intriguing. What led you to pursue that field?
Interviewee: My interest in law and justice began at a young age when a teacher remarked on my argumentative nature and suggested I’d make a good lawyer. This notion stuck with me throughout my academic journey. While initially intending to pursue pre-law, circumstances led me to major in criminal justice at Angelo State. However, when I entered the transfer portal, completing my degree became a priority. Jackson State offered the opportunity to continue my education while also providing a platform to showcase my football talents. Graduating with my degree in pre-law from Jackson State was a significant achievement, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s at TCU.
Interviewer: It must have been gratifying to see the success of Coach Prime and other Jackson State alumni at Colorado.
Interviewee: Absolutely, witnessing the accomplishments of Coach Prime and my former teammates at Jackson State was rewarding. Despite facing challenges, we made significant strides as a team, setting records and making our mark in school history. Seeing players like Shedeur Sanders excel at the next level validates our collective efforts and showcases the talent nurtured at Jackson State. While it’s bittersweet to watch from afar, I take pride in their achievements and remain grateful for the experiences we shared.
Interviewer: Regarding your future aspirations in law, it’s interesting to note that several NFL players have pursued legal careers post-football.
Interviewee: Indeed, my goal of becoming a lawyer is a longstanding commitment. It’s a promise I made to myself and my family, one that I intend to fulfill once my football career concludes. While football is a tremendous opportunity, I see it as a stepping stone towards my ultimate goal of practicing law. My dedication to this path remains unwavering, and I look forward to the day when I can transition into a legal profession.
Interviewer: How do you unwind outside of football?
Interviewee: During the season, I value spending time with teammates, fostering camaraderie both on and off the field. Whether it’s watching film together or engaging in team activities, building strong bonds is essential. Currently, my focus is on training and preparation for the next phase of my career. My days are filled with workouts and recovery routines, leaving little time for leisure. However, I find fulfillment in the pursuit of excellence and remain dedicated to my craft.
Interviewer: If I were an NFL general manager considering drafting you, what would you want me to know about you?
Interviewee: You’d be getting a relentless competitor who approaches each day with determination and grit. My journey to this point has been characterized by perseverance and growth, and I intend to carry that mindset into the NFL. I’m committed to continual improvement and will seize every opportunity to contribute to the success of my team. My work ethic, coupled with a genuine passion for the game, sets me apart as a player who’s ready to make an impact at the highest level.
