When did you start playing football?  I started playing football in the third grade (8 years old).

 

Who has had the greatest impact on your career?  My mother and father.  My mom wouldn’t let me quit the football team in fourth grade and that’s why I’m where I am today.  My dad drives 10 hours from Michigan to watch the home games and he rarely misses an away game.  My family is so supportive and everything I do is a reflection of their character so I try to make them all proud.

 

What is the best part of being a college athlete?  Being able to play the game that I love a little while longer and learning new skills from football, on and off the field

 

Who are your favorite sports heroes?  Barry Sanders, Lynne Swann, Jerry Rice, Jack Lambert, Michael Jordan, and Chauncey Billups.

 

What is the highlight of your sports career?  At Lafayette my sophomore year when I caught a third and long fade on the final drive that set up a game-winning TD.

 

What is the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?  Becoming a freshman again, paying my dues, and earning the right to play.

 

What opposing schools do you most look forward to competing against?  I am 0-3 vs. Lehigh in my career.  I am very much looking forward to playing them.  Every league game is huge though.

 

Who is your biggest fan?  Ma & Pops, I have to find them in the stands before every game.  They always let me know when they get there and where they are by my dad’s whistle and my mom’s “woo woo” (it’s the only loud sounds she can do).

 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a Colgate athlete?  Priorities and how to manage all the things I have to do in the day.

 

As a role model to young athletes, what advice can you give?  Have and show passion in whatever arena in your life, be it sports, business, family, or school.

 

What are three words that describe you?  Hippie (from my teammates), nerd (from coaches), and Family-Man.

 

Name one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?  That I play the guitar and sing (or I try at least).

 

MTV or ESPN?  ESPN.

 

What CD’s are in your stereo right now?  Jack Johnson “In Between Dreams,” Ben Harper “Live From Mars,” Sublime, Citizen Cope “Every Waking Moment,” and Matt Wertz Everything In between.”

 

What is your favorite home-cooked meal?  My mom’s spaghetti and meat sauce, chili, and dry chicken because it means that I’m home.

 

What has been the most challenging class you’ve taken at Colgate?  Organic Chemistry was quite a challenge.

 

When you were a kid, what did you tell people you want to grow up to be?  The basics: Astronaut, Firefighter, NFL or NBA player (whichever one I made it big in naturally), or Park Ranger.

 

Why did you choose Colgate?  My sister Malissa played basketball here at Colgate and was the Patriot League tourney MVP in 04’. Watching her play those four years, it made me fall in love with Colgate and I jumped at the chance to come here when it was offered to me.

 

If you could play any other sport what would it be?  Basketball.