Vanderbilt Commodores College Football Media Day Quote, 07/19/2022

On being able to play and live in Nashville:

Nashville is a great city. There are a bunch of great opportunities around there. It is a good city with good music and good food — just really good.

On which of his teammates on the defense have stood out this offseason:

Several guys have impressed me. Ethan Barr and Kane Patterson have both impressed me coming in. Kane is coming in from Clemson, and he is a big, strong guy who brings intensity to the rest of the defense. Ethan is communicating more and more. He is a smart player and is really getting better. Jaylen Mahoney, Justin Harris and also that defensive line are all getting faster and stronger, so I’m excited to see how we play.

On being a student-athlete at Vanderbilt:

It is tough but it’s fun. The rumors are true. Class is hard at Vanderbilt. It’s a really strong academic institution, but it’s a great opportunity to play football and get a great degree as well.

On defensive ends coach Jovan Haye:

He’s a funny dude. He played at Vanderbilt and played in the NFL as well, so he’s been in our shoes before. He’s a funny guy. I always say that he is a kid at heart. He will talk about video games and stuff. It is fun having him around and being able to pick his brain. He has been in our shoes, and it is great having him around.

On the development he has seen in Head Coach Clark Lea since he was hired:

I think it is just him focusing on the details and being more of a head coach and being relatable. He’s still, in my opinion, one of the greatest linebacker minds in the country. He’s really close with the defense, and I am close with him. I go pick his brain and talk ball all of the time. He teaches me the little things to help me better my game. He also played at Vanderbilt as well, so it’s just great having someone who has been in my shoes before.