How’d you end up at your current school? What was the recruiting process like?
I was not heavily recruited coming out of high school back in 2015. In fact, the only choices I had were between Dean College (MA) which was a junior college at the time and Anna Maria College (MA) a Division III school. The process was a learning experience for me because all I knew was Division I or bust. Needless to say, I chose the junior college route. Without getting too lengthy, I’ve spent one full year at Dean College before moving back home to Southern Connecticut State University where I walked on to the program in 2017.
What does being a student of a game mean to you?
What being a student of the game means to me is that you are in tune with the fundamentals of the game and any given position that you play. Watching film/videos on those that are in the position that you want to be in and studying what works for them and how you could use it in your game. For example, me being a “power” edge I like to watch guys like Khalil Mack, and see what it is that makes him successful in the game. In short, basically studying ways to further develop your game.
What do you consider to be one of the more important things you learned from the coaching staff?
DO YOUR JOB! This is something that you would hear at every level of football from peewee to the pros. It’s a basic saying but it holds weight. If you do your job the plays will come to you. If you don’t do your job you run the risk of being out of a gap, losing contain on the edge, or not reading your blocks correctly. In turn, taking yourself out of the play more often
What would you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your sports career so far?
I would say my journey is an accomplishment in itself. I was a late bloomer having started my football career at the age of 13 in 8th grade and making my county’s all-star as a “Raw” prospect. Moving on to high school where I’ve played numerous positions, lettered for 4 years, as well as being a two-time team captain. Unfortunately, in college I’ve only played in 8 games in 3 full seasons before calling it quits. Most recently I have played the past two years in semi pro football where I became a two-time all star and led the team in sacks last season with 8.5. I’m 25 years old, I feel fresh, and I am not finished yet!!
How did you hear about the National Scouting Combine?
I first heard it from a couple of my college teammates at Southern CT. ST. Sidney Jones who went on to become an indoor pro football player & Kwadir Delgado-McIntyre. It was also suggested by my semi-pro coach Rick Istavan a.k.a Coach Hulk and he is the reason I am here today training for this opportunity and I thank him for that.
Why did you choose the National Scouting Combine?
I chose the National Scouting Combine for a couple of reasons. The first reason being, is that everyone in both of the semi-pro leagues I’ve played in would always suggest at least trying to expand my options and see what’s out there while I’m still young. Many of which would jokingly say “why are you wasting your time with semi-pro?”. The second reason, I’ve always known within myself is that once I was able to figure out that mastering the fundamentals will always reign supreme vs. only relying on pure athleticism, I would be able to hang with the best of them but I needed someone to shine light on me. I feel the National Scouting Combine could do exactly that.
Who is or has been the most influential person in your life?
Outside of my parents who have been outstanding in supporting me not only throughout this journey but for my entire life. Coach Rick Hulk has been the most influential and inspiring person in my life. I’ve never had a coach that supports me and that cares about the best interest of the team as much as I do. He has taught me how to be a student of the game, and that technique/skill would always triumph over athleticism. Outside of the line he would always express tough love and it may sound off but he’s like a second father to me. Again, I thank him for opening my eyes to the National Scouting Combine
If you could make a positive impact on all of society what would it be and why?
Growing up in the inner city I’ve always noticed the younger kids looking to me as their big brother. If I had the funds to do such, I would give back to all of the boys and girls clubs and the school in my city. I would give those kids that come from unstable households the outlets that I never had in athletics, academics, etc. such as camps, tutoring, and big brother/little brother programs to show them that you could be whatever you want to be and let them know that the saying is not a cliché but the truth if you put in your work and dedicate yourself. There are many things I would do to give back to society but to list them all would require at least a two page response. All jokes aside, this is number one of the top 5 things I would do to make an impact on society. Never forget where you come from and always be a blessing to those you hold near and dear to your heart.