Tell me about your first year of Charger football.
I was recruited as a receiver and went through camp as a receiver, but they moved me from receiver to defensive back before the season started. Typically, coaches try to redshirt freshmen so that you can learn the offense and not be put against juniors and seniors. With injuries and things not going right for other players, however, it was just time to go for it.
The coaches always say that if you’re going to help the team, they want to put you in.
Pretty much every freshman assumes they’re going to be redshirting, even in Division I. I expected to be redshirted. I was kind of excited, but my first game was against Grand Valley. They’re a powerhouse. Knowing that I was going against them was a little daunting but it was cool to start out by going against one of the best teams in the conference.
How long have you been playing football?
I’ve been playing since third grade, starting in a youth football league back from where I’m from. My Dad never played football and always wished he had, so he really pushed me to do it. At the time I thought it was fun, so I just kept playing it.
What qualities do you think make a great football player?
I think being able to overcome adversity and determination are qualities of a great football player. You also have to be trustworthy and loyal. Because the team has to count on you, you have to be accountable and committed.
What’s been your favorite part of playing Charger football?
Hillsdale is a school with a very rich tradition. We’ve been playing football for 124 years and to be a part of it is awesome. They’re all great guys going here.
What would you describe as your greatest strength and greatest weakness?
My greatest weakness for football would probably be my height, I’m 5 feet 4 inches. Against Grand Valley, I was going against a player that was 6 feet 4 inches.
My greatest strength would be my speed. I’m close to being the fastest guy on the team.
How do you prepare for your position?
It’s all about timing, you have to time your jumps better and have different techniques against defensive backs who are taller. When we watch films we learn what the receivers’ tendencies are, but success also comes from experience and what coaches tell you to do. Every day we watch something on the opponent. It starts Monday before the game, always a week in advance. It’s a combination of coaches, your experience, and film.
What are your personal goals for yourself this season and what are your goals for the team?
For personal goals, I want to help the team win. Whatever they need me to do, I’ll do it. I don’t want to drop any passes, less than five drops over the season, that’d be good.
For team goals, obviously we want to win. Making it to GLIAC championships and playoffs would be great.
What are your future goals with regards to football?
I want to play football as long as possible. We’ll see what happens if there’s a possibility of going professional, I would definitely consider it, but I would never leave college early. I value my education over playing professionally, because that will only last me a few years. My career goal is to enter the field of forensics.