Virginia Tech Hokies College Football Media Day Quote, 07/21/2021

60 solo tackles, unbelievable. Tell me about the pride you take not only in tackling but getting the guy down on your own.

I take a lot of pride in tackling, of course. I think it’s more about me always trying to get to the ball, be the first one at the ball, just running full speed, always trying to get the ball out, anything, just things like that.

As one of the returning starters in this secondary, what can you say about the back of the Virginia Tech defense, how you assess the entire secondary?

I’m very excited for our secondary actually. We got a lot of guys back. We got a lot of guys that got a lot of experience over the last year. We got a lot of guys moving around. We got a lot of depth, much more depth in our safety room, our cornerback room. I’m just excited to get started.

Last year the Hokies ranked 10th in scoring defense and 12th in total defense. Those are not Virginia Tech quality numbers. How do you get better defensively? What has to happen for Virginia Tech to get off the field more often this year?

Last year was a lot going on with really every team. I would say we just got to come back. We got a lot of guys back. A lot of guys missed a lot of games last year, had to sit out, a lot of young guys got thrown in the fire and had to play. I think that actually helped us in the long run. A lot of guys picked up experience. That’s really it.

You’ve worn Coach Beamer’s No. 25 jersey twice in your career. What has that meant to you?

It means a lot. We take a lot of pride in special teams, Beamer ball. It means a lot to be acknowledged and for the coaches to choose to put me in the 25.

When we look at video of you, still photographs, you seem to have both a business side of you on the field but also you’re not scared in showing that big, flashy smile. Given you seem to be having so much fun, what is it about you that propels the business side and that big smile?

I think when I step on the field, it’s always business, of course. I always try to have fun with my guys, especially at practice. Don’t want to have nobody down. We always try to make it fun, make it exciting. I carry it into the games as well.

You open up against North Carolina, an extremely explosive offense. Talk about some of the challenges that you’ll face.

They are a very talented team. I haven’t really gotten into it all the way yet. I’ve been focusing on the summer. We’ll get there when we get there.

Last year 81 tackles, 60 solo tackles. That is impressive. Describe how last season’s numbers and performance gets you ready for this year.

It got me prepared a lot for this year. For me to see what I could do last year, lead some of the leagues in tackles. It’s just been exciting for me to get ready for next season.