What are your expectations/goals for this season?

Our expectations and goals for this year are to be better than we were a year ago and make strides to becoming a better team and unit. In the end we want to win games, but that’s not always going to be picture perfect. If we put ourselves in a position to win games, that’s all we can ask for.

How did you approach this season differently?

I didn’t approach this season any differently than I have approached any other season. I have tried my best to be better, smarter and stronger to help win games for this team.

How much have you seen yourself develop both mentally and physically in the offseason?

As far as the offseason goes, we all worked so hard in the weight room in the offseason to get bigger and stronger because that is such a crucial part of this game. Everyone worked their butts off to get stronger. We all watched a lot of film as well to keep up with the mental aspect of the game. You can give your team such an advantage on the field with your football IQ and being able to quickly diagnose a defense and make the correct decisions.

Do you see the same with the overall team?

Our team is a brotherhood and a unit. No one gets down on anyone else and everyone has each other’s back. We have come so far together and we are better for it.

Do you run into any complications when balancing your school work with your sports schedule?

If I told you balancing the school work and the work on the field was easy, I would be lying. It’s tough. You have to set your priorities straight and get the work done. If that means not watching TV that day or not taking a nap, then you have to do it. It’s nice to have a year done with to reflect on what worked well last year with balancing the two.

Do you feel pressure to repeat the success your team had last season?

There is outside pressure on us, I am sure. We do not let that affect us as a team, though. We play for the guy next to us and do not worry about anything else. People can think what they want. They have no idea what it is like.

What are you looking to improve about your overall game?

I am trying to personally become a better leader on and off the field and improve my mental IQ on the field with film sessions and making better pre snap decisions and recognition of fronts and coverages. I would love to be faster and throw the ball better as well. I can use improvement in all aspects of my game. I am not one to settle and I will do anything to get better.

What are you doing to make those improvements?

Film is such a huge tool I utilize with coach.

What do you feel your personal strengths on the field are?

I feel like I am a leader on the field but I can be better. It helps when there is someone that the team can trust to make good decisions and turn to when they have questions or are concerned and I want to be better at being that person.

If all goes well, how far do you see your team going this season?

We can go as far as we want to this year. It’s all up to us and how hard we want to work and execute our plays.