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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Ask Deuce, Part III
9/12/2000 | Football
Sept. 12, 2000
Q: Les Horvath, the 1944 Heisman winner from Ohio State was a personal friend of mine and he really sparked my Heisman interest. Now, I annually watch the race quite closely. What do you feel will be the most important factor or factors in your pursuit of winning the Heisman Trophy?
-- Karey Lavin, Las Flores, Calif.
A: First of all, I think I need to go out and play well. I don't worry about the numbers game. I just need to go out and play and do the best that I can for my team. I need to make big plays in big games and help our team to as many wins as possible. I also think character factors into it some, so being involved in the community has importance as well. It will also be important for me to show that I am a good leader and role model for my teammates.
Q: You are a role model to scores of people and children are especially influenced by you. As a mother of an 11 year old, I would like to ask you what advice you would give to children living in today's world about meeting the challenges of everyday life?
-- Patricia Lee, Brandon, Miss.
A: I would advise kids to obey their parents. Parents have experienced a lot more of the world than their kids have, and what they say matters. Parents usually give the best advice. I would also tell kids not to be easily influenced by their friends. They should always remember to be themselves and do what they think is best.
Q: I was very excited to hear you were returning to the University for your senior year as this is a great example for young men and women in Mississippi. Are you still glad you made this decision and how are you enjoying your senior year up to this point?
-- Baker Cunningham, Little Rock, Ark.
A: I definitely think I made the right decision in deciding to come back to Ole Miss for my senior year. I'm getting an opportunity to mature more both as a person and as a football player. I will be earning my degree and that is something I will have with me the rest of my life. By returning, I am also giving myself opportunities that will help me grow as a person and learn things that will help me throughout life.
Q: Having spent the summer in Costa Rica, what did you enjoy about your experience abroad and more importantly, what did you learn about yourself?
-- Charlie Hohorst, Lafayette, La.
A: I enjoyed getting to be in a different enviroment. It was really neat to have the chance to see another culture and experience their way of life. While I was there, I learned how to be more patient. I learned that nothing is given to you in this world and that everything must be earned. And I also realized you should not take anything for granted.
Q: Hi Deuce! This is your sister DeShundra! I have three questions for you....First of all, who is your role model and why? Second, whom do you base your game on and why? Last, What was your life like before you became famous?
-- DeShundra McAllister, Lena, Miss.
A: Well you should know the answers to these questions, but I will answer them for you anyway! (1) My mother, Cornelia, is my role model. She is such a strong woman. She raised me and my siblings, as well as a few of my cousins. She has constantly been teaching us and leading us to do our best. I have always wanted to be the best person I can be and I owe her for that. She has always been someone I can count on.
(2) I do not model my game after one person, but a combination of three. I look up to Walter Payton for his physical presence and his spirit that he carried into each game. I like how Eddie George runs the ball and takes the mentality into every carry that he is not going to be tackled. And last, I like the versatility of Ricky Watters.
(3) I will always be the same, whether people know who I am or they don't, I will always live my life the same way. So really as far as I am concerned, things have not changed all that much.
Q: What is your biggest fear?
-- Mallory Chandler, Decatur, Ala.
A: I always want to be successful, so I would say my biggest fear would be to fail or have others be disappointed in me. I know this season in particular, a lot of people's hopes and dreams are riding on my shoulders and I do not want to let anyone down.
Q: On Friday nights before a home game, what does the team do in final preparation for the game on Saturday?
-- Darrell Blaylock, Wellington, Fla.
A: We usually do some film study to get one last look at the other team. Then some guys have a prayer group. The rest of the night we basically just try to relax by watching television, listening to music or something like that.
