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The University of Mississippi Athletics
ASK DEUCE, PART VII
10/4/2000 | Football
Oct. 4, 2000
Q- I am 14 and I play wide receiver on the Harrison County ninth-grade football team. I know that you play running back, but I was wondering if you could give me some tips on catching the ball?
- Tyler Smith, Saucier, Miss.
A- The main things is to concentrate and look the ball all the way into your hands. As a running back, I take great pride in not only being a good runner, but being able to catch the ball and make plays.
Q- We all know about your successes on the playing field, please tell us about your success in the classroom. Also, besides playing football, what do you plan to do in the future?
- Penny Wilbourn, Morton, Miss.
A- I realize how important my education is to me. I know that I will not be able to play football my whole life, so I have worked really hard on my school work. My grades are good and I will be graduating from Ole Miss in December with a degree in Criminal Justice. When I am done with my football career, I would like to put my degree to use by being a U.S. Marshall or something along those lines. I love to travel, and I think I would enjoy that kind of work. If that does not work out, or even if it does, I would definitely like to try and start my own business and test my entrepreneurial skills.
Q- With this being you senior year, how do you want the Ole Miss fans and the nation to remember you as a college player?
- Chris Ladnier, Jackson, Miss.
A- I would like to be remembered as one of the best players to ever play the game. I would like them to remember my talent, but more importantly, as a player that loved to play the game. I would also like to be remembered as a great team-player. I am not going to have my name in front of a lot of national records, but hopefully, that will show just how much I put the team before myself.
Q- How does it feel getting all this national attention? Also, could you please comment on David Cutcliffe as a coach.
- Chris Ladnier, Jackson, Miss.
A- I feel very honored to be receiving this much attention. We put in a lot of hard work and preparation each week to get ready for our games, so it is nice to get some attention for the jobs we have been doing. As for Coach Cutcliffe, he is definitely a hands-on coach. He is there for us as a coach and as a friend. He teaches how to be better players on the field and better men off the field.
Q- You can make so many things happen on the field. Does it ever bother you when you have to return a punt and then try to get right back on the field for offense? I can imagine it might take a few plays to catch your breath. Is this your decision or the coaches?
- Craig Cannon, Tupelo, Miss.
A- Sometimes if I get a good punt return, I am a little out of breath and need a minute to get my legs back. If that is the case, I may sit out the first few offensive plays of the next series, but that is a decision that both the coaches and myself make together. It also depends on the situation. They may have it in their plan to have someone else out there or they may want me out there, and if I can go, I'll be ready.
Q- What are you favorite things to do in and around Oxford? What will you miss most about Ole Miss after you graduate, besides football? Thank you and best of luck!
- Kelly Kenney, River Ridge, La.
A- My favorite thing to do here in Oxford is just hang out with my friends. You are only in college once, so I just like to hand you with my friends while I still can. I think I will just miss the overall atmosphere at Ole Miss once I am gone. Ole Miss is a very special place and I will definitely miss being here.
Q- How do you get all your homework done before your games?
- Clay Mangrum, Sarah, Miss.
A- It is really important to stay focused on your school work throughout the week so that when the weekend rolls around, you already have your work done. School is definitely the most important thing and should come before football. Make sure that you have everything taken care of must be a priority. I usually try to plan it so that I get all of my homework done ahead of time so I will not get behind when we travel on the weekends. There is plenty of time during the week to do homework, so there are not any excuses for not getting stuff done on time.
