Friday 09/22/2017
Note: The following appears in the Boston College gameday football program. To purchase a copy of the program while supplies last, send a check for $7 to Clemson Athletic Communications; P.O. Box 31; Clemson, SC 29633 with your return address.
Q. What compelled you to want to play at Clemson?A. When I visited my sister, Marie, while she was attending Clemson, I came to my first Tiger football game, and I knew this was where I wanted to play.
Q. What influence has yoga had on your game?A. Yoga has really helped me control my breathing and remain calm before kicks.
Q. How did your experience as a walk-on impact you?A. I had to work extremely hard to get where I am today, and I’m a better person and player for it.
Q. What has been the biggest kick of your career?A. The 46-yarder that I made with five minutes to go at Florida State last year was the biggest kick of my career, because it came in such a critical situation.
Q. What has it been like to play for Dabo Swinney?A. I’ve loved it. I respect that man so much. He cares just as much about how a player is as a person as he cares about how he is on the field.
Q. Do you have a pregame ritual?A. I do the same exact thing prior to each game, from running laps to stretching to kicking field goals. It’s a very detailed process.
Q. How do you handle the pressure that comes with being a placekicker?A. I always reassure myself before every kick that I can make it. Obviously, handling the pressure takes some getting used to. Yoga has really helped me.
Q. Together with P.A.W. Journey, you helped orchestrate a trip to Haiti this past spring. What are your takeaways from that?A. I went to Haiti for the first time when I was in high school, and P.A.W. Journey helped me to fulfill a dream of going back with my teammates.
Q. Who was your childhood football idol?A. I’m from Pittsburgh, so I looked up to former Steeler wide receiver Hines Ward. He was a great competitor who always had the respect of his teammates.
Q. Who is your biggest inspiration in life?A. My older brother, Steve, who kicked for South Carolina, is my biggest inspiration. He has gone through a lot in life, but he has always kept a positive attitude. I’ve always respected him for that.
Q. How did playing soccer while growing up help your performance in football?A. The aggression and wherewithal that I picked up from soccer has benefited me in my football career.
FAVORITESActor – Tom HardyAthlete – Justin TuckerClass – Materials & Methods of Construction IDrill – TacklingFood – My mom’s chicken salad sandwichMovie – The Dark Knight RisesMusician – KygoRestaurant in Clemson – Osaka ExpressSport other than football – SoccerTelevision show – Game of Thrones
December 8, 2024
