How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
I was over looked in highschool by most D1 schools so most of my interest came from D2 and D3 schools and I had multiples offers from both levels but around the end of my senior season UMHB came to my school and had interest in me and it really went from there. I took all my visits and I enjoyed and saw my brightest future at UMHB and it was the best choice.
What gives you an advantage over other athletes at (rename this to your position)?
Centers are the smartest and the leaders of the group and of the offense period. I encompass both of these traits. I was the captain of my team and of my unit this past year I’ve always been one so it’s a natural position for me to be in. I also graded at a 91 this season so I’m very keen into the game and being as perfect as I can.
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
It means everything knowing the game inside the game and understanding your opponent and what he does in certain situations can truly put you ahead of the game and make you stand out. Also as a center I have to know my position as well as all my linemen and understand the concepts to call out the correct calls.
How does being a (rename to your position) reflect itself in your personal life?
I am an engineer major so trust me the weak do not last in this major it’s difficult on your mind every day and does not get easier as you go further in your studies. As a center that’s exactly how it is strenuous more on your mind than anything because I can’t mess up just like the engineer whose building that bridge can’t mess up.
How would you describe your work ethic?
I enjoy the process more than the product the journey more than the destination. I understand I am undersized, over looked, any team who takes me will probably be taking a chance on me and that’s ok that makes my work ethic go harder because I know these factors and it just adds more fuel to my fire day in and day out when I train.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
My coaching staff at UMHB are all great men who don’t just coach to win games and pad there stats, they coach because the love the game and they love us. They make it hard for us daily because in life it doesn’t get easier it just gets harder and we have to get used to that. Being mentally tuff to get through all of life’s trails and tribulations it will face you with.
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
Definitely my biggest accomplishment is winning 2 national championships and being a 3X All-American.
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
I saw the page on twitter and then I was DM’d on twitter and it went from there.
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
I feel it’s the best way for me to get my name out there and take the next step in accomplishing my dreams.
What do you hope to show people at the combine?
I hope to show my talents and show coaches from all leagues that my size doesn’t mean I am not good enough. I’ve been told this my whole life but if you look at my track record it shows for itself and ask any my coaches past or present I’m worth it.
What was your Major?
Mechanical Engineering
Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
It’s hard to just say one I’ve had many great influences in my family but it would have to be both my parents showing me unconditional love and support through everything.
If not football, then what?
Football has been plan A in my life forever but my dad always told me have a plan b just In case so if not football I’ll be an engineer making good money.
If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
I would take away world poverty if possible it’s just ethically wrong to have people not knowing where their next meal is coming from.
What is something unique about you that people would find interesting?
I have a hole in my left leg and a cousin who is my twin.
If you had the opportunity to play another sport professionally, what sport would you choose?
It would be boxing or wrestling.
Are you involved in mentoring, a charity or do you “give back” or ”pay it forward” in your community?
I’ve always been involved in my community in many ways but consistently I was a mentor at my university for all freshman and football freshman, I feed and clothe the homeless with my church, I volunteer at my old pewee team organization as a concession stands employee, and referee pewee games in temple and belton area.
