As a senior captain, what do you feel that you bring to the team in the locker room and off the field?

I like to think of myself as a guy that the younger players in our program can look up to and aspire to be like. I’m not the most vocal leader but when I need to address the team and get them going, I do. I like to lead by example with my play on the field and also around the Lafayette community in general.

What are some of your best experiences as a significant contributor to the team throughout your college career?

Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is winning the championship last season at Lehigh. That was one of the best sporting moments I’ve been a part of throughout my entire life and being a big contributor towards the success of the team makes it that much more special.

What are some of your goals as the team heads into Patriot League play for your senior season?

We want to keep the trophy in our house, so that’s the main goal for me. Do as much as I can to help us win the league and gain a birth to the playoffs. For myself, I think that if we continue to do well as a team the accolades at the end of the season will all fall into place. We are just focused on winning another championship.

What was recruiting like, and how did you decide on Lafayette?

Recruiting was a pretty stressful time and there are a lot of decisions to be made. I didn’t know what Lafayette was until they came to my high school. My final decision came down to Lehigh and Lafayette and after visiting both schools for a weekend I fell in love with Lafayette and all of the people here. I knew that I could spend my next four years at this school after my visit.

What kind of advice would you give to younger student-athletes at Lafayette?

Enjoy every moment you have here and take advantage of it. Don’t let any opportunity slip by. This school has so much to offer, never forget that. Four years goes by way too fast. Take it day by day and take it all in. For me, these have been the best years of my life and I have enjoyed every single moment. I hope to make this last year the most memorable.

Who has been the most influential figure throughout your football career?

Without a doubt, my mother. She single handedly raised my sister and I and she is the rock that holds everything together for me. She is all of my motivation and I can truly say without her I wouldn’t be in the spot I am today. She is my biggest motivator and always encourages me to do my best. She has not missed a single game in my career and I know I always have her in the stands. Even after a loss I know I can leave the locker room and find her to cheer me up.

Do you have a pre-game ritual or a favorite pump-up song?

I am not a big ritual guy or anything. I don’t do certain things before every game consistently. I am a really self-motivated person and I don’t need any music or yelling and screaming to get me going. One song that does get me fired up though is New Noise by Refused, which is played in the movie Friday Night Lights.

Are you concerned about concussions or the other injury-risks playing halfback?

As a football player you really can’t be concerned with injuries or anything. It’s part of the game and you know the risk you are taking by playing it. I don’t think about those kinds of things.

What’s your favorite post-game meal?

A big steak would definitely be my favorite meal. My mom had one cooked up for me after the game this past weekend. But, overall after the games at the tailgate all of the parents do a great job with preparing delicious food for the team. Everything up there is awesome.

Who on the team has surprised you with their performance so far?

I think the defense as a whole has surprised me the most. Learning an entirely new system in the offseason is a big challenge and our guys have embraced it and are playing great. I have a lot of confidence in them and with Coach Link’s new defense. I really like what they are doing for the team.

Favorite NFL Player? Team?

My favorite player is probably Jamaal Charles. He is such a versatile guy whether he is running the ball or catching it. I really like how fast he plays the game, super fun to watch. Unfortunately my favorite team is the Jets. It has been pretty tough being a Jet fan these past couple of years.

Any post-college plans to keep playing football?

That’s where all my focus is going towards right now. It’s my dream to play in the NFL and I am gunning for the chance. If it all works out and I get picked up by a team next spring, I will be giving it my all to achieve my dreams and try to make it last as long as possible.