Kansas State Wildcats College Football Pregame Quote, 12/28/2022

On what it means to play in a New Year’s Six bowl: It mean’s a lot to me. This is my sixth season here and it’s kind of been an upward grind the entire time. So to just be a part of the program the last six years and get to see it grow and develop the way it has, and to be where we are right now playing in the Sugar Bowl, it’s something we don’t take likely. We’re very fortunate.

On what’s been the most important thing he learned during bowl prep: Just trying to stay focused. Bowl prep is a tough time, with all the events going on and especially in a city like this. You have to still know what you’re here for and stay locked in and stay working.

On how he’s seen younger teammates grow over the past season: I think the young guys have grown immensely. When you look at a guy like Damian (Ilalio), or even Uso (Seumalo) who I still consider a young guy, they’ve grown a ton in the way they play, their knowledge of the game, just their overall football IQ has improved greatly. I think they both have great futures ahead of them.

On the first thing that comes to mind when playing in the Sugar Bowl: It’s an elite game. It’s always a battle between two really good teams, so we’re super excited to be a part of it.

On the lack of opt-outs from both teams going in to the Sugar Bowl: I’m not one of those guys projected high (in the draft) like that, so I can’t really speak from a personal stance or anything, or even what I would do if I was one of those guys. I think it’s a tough spot, but I respect guys wanting to finish with their team. I think that speaks a lot about the state of their programs and the culture they have, the culture we have. Guys wanting to finish what they started.