First off, congratulations on getting drafted by the Maulers. Can you describe the process that got you included in the USFL draft?
I went to the CGS Scouting Combine in Texas and ran the 40 for them there. Did regular Pro Day type stuff for them too. After that they sent me a contract to enter the draft.
Were you surprised the Maulers drafted you?
I was surprised – definitely. I didn’t communicate at all with them before. They just talked to my agent, but I didn’t know that. I guess he wanted to surprise me!
What was your college career path that brought you to this point now?
I played linebacker at Sacramento State College – it’s a JUCO college. I had to have hernia surgery though and missed some games – like five-to-six games. I ended up transferring to Friends University. The coach there wanted me to play defensive end, so I put on weight. That was all new to me – that first year there didn’t go as planned. I only had two sacks.
My Senior year, I understood the competition better. I think going to play in the NAIA I underestimated the competition. There are still some very good players there. I figured when I got there no one could compete with me. But I worked harder and got in better shape and ended up having 14 1/2 sacks and led the country in tackles for losses.
After that Senior year what do you think held you back from getting more NFL attention?
I talked a lot to scouts. They told me they think I have what it takes. I have the speed and power to play. It’s just the level of competition I played at. I think the Friends University tag hurt in terms of getting NFL notice, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.
I’ve been jumping from camp to camp – hub camps – just looking to get noticed.
Your dad also played briefly in the NFL and elsewhere professionally. How has he helped you t prepare for pro ball?
He helps me get ready mentally for games and even practices – helping me in breaking down film and players and how to exploit a players’ weakness.
You can play tackle and nosetackle – any preferences on your part?
Defensive tackle is my preference but as long as I get on the field it really doesn’t matter to me. Either way I’m still going to get the job done. My goal is to lead the league in tackles for losses.
Do you look at this opportunity at all as a step towards getting to the NFL?
I’m really just focused on the moment right now. The NFL is every football player’s dream – we all want to get there. But right now I have to focus on the moment. Of you overlook today and look too much at tomorrow, you can mess everything up.
Have you spoken to the players or coaches yet? Know any of those other guys or even been to Pittsburgh?
I don’t know any of the players or coaches no. We’ll be speaking soon though. And I’ve never been to Pittsburgh either. So it’s all new!
How does it feel to get to this point of playing pro football after the work nit took to get here?
It feels good to be recognized. I’m just celebrating today and then looking forward to getting to work. It feels
Lastly, what should fans know about you and your interests outside of football?
I’m just a God-fearing family man. My family has always come first over everything. I love football and outside of that I don’t do too much outside of spending time with my family.