By Julia Cohan
Q: If you were to describe Arizona Football in one word, what would it be and why?
A: Discipline. We’re a very disciplined team, especially being under Coach Rod. We know that we’re not the most perfect guys meaning we can’t go out there, play badly, and still win. We have to be a disciplined team on both sides of the ball.
Q: What did you like best about playing for the Arizona Players Program?
A: What I liked best about playing for Arizona was the friendships I made. Just knowing that I have people who stand behind me and who have my back, especially the coaches, players, and the ZonaZoo. Running out through those fireworks and seeing the Zoo going crazy is amazing.
Q: What was your favorite memory you have while on the gridiron?
A: I think playing with my brother my freshmen year is my favorite memory. He’s the real reason why I came to Arizona. I had other offers, but I turned them down to come play here with my brother. Other than that my first touchdown against UNLV in our first game this season was very memorable.
Q: Can you describe your contributions to the team over your career here?
A: I was a really good scout team player at the beginning of my career. Once they found out that I could contribute to the special team, Coach gave me the opportunity to play on there. Just this past year, my senior year, I had to step up and be a running back for the team.
Q: What did you learn from Arizona Football that you can take to the real world?
A: We all have these qualities that are able transfer over into the real world, called transferrable skills. For example, hard work, teamwork, and things of that nature ultimately translate well into a business or a classroom environment.
Q: Being a walk on means you maybe had to work a little harder than most people on the team. Can you explain what it took to get you where you are today?
A: I knew that being a walk on meant I wasn’t going to be looked at in the same way as the guys who were on scholarships and playing were. I had to get my attention in the weight room, first by getting bigger and stronger. Then I had to carry it out onto the field with scout team. Working hard in the weight room and carrying that onto the field is what got me to where I am today.
Q: Did you ever feel doubt? How did you overcome it?
A: I definitely felt doubt in myself. Spending the first two years not playing on scout team made me feel like I wasn’t apart of the team. It wasn’t until Coach Rod and the other coaches came in and gave me a chance on special teams, and a scholarship, that I starting feeling like I was really apart of this team. I was actually playing and I felt good to be apart of those wins; I finally felt like I had a role in all of it. By getting that chance in the first place, all my doubt has gone away.
Q: What coaches or players made an impact you during your time here?
A: Pretty much all the running backs before me, especially Ka’deem Carey, Daniel Jenkins (DJ), and Kylan Butler (KB). They were my mentors, especially DJ. Coming in my freshmen year my brother was there, but once he left, DJ really took me under his wing. As far as the coaching staff, Coach Rod and Coach Magee were the only ones who really gave me a chance here. Like I said before, them putting me on my scholarship was truly a blessing for me.
Q: Do you still maintain close relationships with them?
A: Oh yeah, definitely. Especially the coaches since I have to stay on their good side. KB works here now, so I see him everyday. I talk to DJ all the time, especially before every game when he sends me a prayer. I talk to Ka’deem now and then and even though he’s busy, we still find time to talk.
Q: What is your goal for after college?
A: My goal is to not just get a job, but to start a career. I definitely want to have a plan B just incase football doesn’t work out, and I do. Anything with my Animal Sciences major is something I’d like to continue pursuing. I love animals and definitely plan on working with them in the future.
Q: What kind of legacy do you hope to leave behind after your final year at Arizona?
A: I want people to remember me as the walk on who was a hard worker, who had to earn his scholarship.
