Saturday 10/07/2017
Note: The following appears in the Wake Forest 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 drew you to the Clemson program during the recruiting process?A. I loved the family atmosphere here. I also fell in love with the offense because it’s very similar to the one that I was a part of in high school.
Q. How have you improved since joining the Tigers?A. When I got here, I was more of a route runner. But since then, I’ve learned how to block people and play in the box.
Q. What is the mindset for the offense this season?A. We’re a hungry, focused group. Last year was great, but we’re a new group with a lot to prove.
Q. What has it been like to play for Dabo Swinney?A. It’s been a blast. He’s a personable guy and he’s a player’s coach. He’ll do anything for his players.
Q. How has Danny Pearman impacted your game?A. He has impacted my game a lot. He’s taught me how to block people, and I owe him for that.
Q. What did you learn playing behind Jordan Leggett?A. I learned a lot from watching Jordan as he prepared throughout the week, from studying film to treating each day as another opportunity to improve.
Q. How do you set an example for younger players?A. Coach Swinney says that right is always right. I try to do what’s right all the time and lead by example.
Q. Do you have a pregame ritual?A. Quiet time is big for me. I love to get alone outside and feel what the atmosphere is like before games.
Q. What is the best football advice you have received?A. My high school coaches taught me that the low man wins. I learned that when you get to this level, you’re not going to be stronger than everyone, so you better have good pad level.
Q. Who have been your main inspirations in life?A. My parents have been my biggest inspirations. I’ve been blessed with two great parents who raised me right. My uncles have also been great role models.
Q. Your parents were successful college track athletes. How have they helped you with sports?A. Having them as a resource was very helpful to me when I was playing sports in high school and going through the recruiting process.
Q. Former Heisman Trophy winner Herschel Walker is your uncle. What impact has he had on your career?A. He watches every one of my games and texts me after each one, too. So he’s a really big supporter.
FAVORITESActor – Denzel WashingtonClass – Public speakingClemson football tradition – Tiger WalkFood – PastaFootball memory – Winning the national titleLift – Clean & jerkNFL player – Travis KelceProfessional athlete – LeBron JamesRestaurant in Clemson – Tokyo Sushi GrillSport other than football – Basketball
December 8, 2024
