Central Square Redman
I was talking to a few schools out of high school such as Syracuse, Buffalo, Pitt, Toledo, and a few smaller schools
2) Syracuse seems to be recruiting a lot more locally now. Do you wish they had started that a few years ago?
Yeah it would of been nice but then if that happen I wouldn't been a starter in the Fiesta Bowl.
3) How did you end up at Erie Community College ?
I messed up with the Clearing House coming out of high school and they contacted me when they found out.
4) How did you end up at West Virginia ? Anyone else recruiting you after ECC? Well not getting too much help leaving ECC I sent tapes out and by that time it was past signing date but coach Trickett was excited about me coming and walking on their and had a spot for me, telling me that I red shirt the first year, work hard and I'll get that scholarship.
5) How was it playing for coach Rich Rodriguez?
Intense
6) How do you think it will be playing for coach Bill Stewart?
Just fine, he is a great person and hard working, great coach. He gels the team real well
7) Your media guide bio was rather short. Do you think you came out of left field and turned some heads?
Yeah, well unless you're a die hard West Virgina fan or my family you probably didnt know who I was. Im just glad I got the chance to show people that I can play.
8) How did it end up that you started in the Fiesta Bowl after playing 8 games with no starts during the regular season? Have many butterflies before the game? Well the kid that was infront of me hurt his ankle and around Christmas time I started reppin with the "one's" but i didnt tell any one not even my parents because I didnt want to syke myself out. Butterflies werent as bad as I thought. I mean in front of 70,000 fans against one of the best teams in the country was more excting than anything, and after a few plays and I rode the D-end past me and Pat went for 20 yards. I had the mind set "alright, I'm going to do this all game".
9) Bleacherreport.com had this to say about you in the Fiesta Bowl "By halftime, it was clear that the WVU O-line was manhandling the Sooners defensive front, partly thanks to new right tackle Stephen Maw" What do you think of that?
Puts a big smile on my face! Taking nothing from the Sooners, big fast and athletic. I just played my game.
10) Do you feel like you are a favorite to start in 2008?
I'm here to help the team out and they will make the right choice on who is playing the best.
11) How was it playing with semi-celebrity Owen Schmitt? Is he as tough as he seems?
He is tougher than he seems! And yet a nice guy. He's the type that will be their for you for anything, and yet one bad man.
12) What's your forecast for the 2008 Mountaineers?
One step at a time, Big East champs
13) Will you miss Steve Slaton in 08 or can someone step into his shoes?
Yeah its hard to replace a man of Slatons status b/c at anytime you know he can do something special with the ball, but we will do our best to fill those big shoes and Noel looks like he is up for the challenge.
14) Pat White has 39 TDs rushing and 35 passing, is he a better passer or runner? Is it easier to pass block or open holes for him?
It might look like he is a better runner overall but this man is an amazing QB, his arm is very impressive. On the blocking part I would have to say open holes b/c if you're pass blocking you have the chance he might step up and make a play and your back is to him so sometimes its hard to judge it and help out and go with it.
15) White wasn't highly regarded coming out of high school either. Do you both feel disrespected and do you carry that onto the field?
Not at all.
16) Hows life in West Virginia ? Miss the CNY area?
Love West Virginia, the fans are second to none and a beautiful area. I do miss the CNY but Im doing alright.
17) What's in store for you after the 2008 season?
We'll see..