Highlights: South Carolina football players meet with the media ahead of Wofford game
South Carolina football players Kai Kroeger, JuJu McDowell, Debo Williams, and Alex Huntley met with the media on Tuesday to preview the Wofford game and discuss a variety of topics. Here are some of the highlights from each player.
Punter Kai Kroeger
— On Ray Guy semifinalist nod: It’s a great honor, but mainly focusing on helping the team win.
— “Best four years of my life” coming to South Carolina. He would come back again if he could.
— NFL is the goal, but looking into getting into the Secret Service or FBI professionally.
— Always been interested in military and law enforcement, has family friends in law enforcement. “It’s my calling.”
— Still have some things he wants to achieve, some things the team wants to achieve.
[GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days and 50% off first year]
Running back Juju McDowell
— On final home game of his career: Been reflecting on trial and tribulations over the season, reminiscing about the memories the team has made this season.
— Knew once LaNorris Sellers pitched it to Rocket Sanders on the game-winning touchdown against Missouri that he would be able to get into the end zone.
— Knew he had to give Nyck Harbor a good pitch on the kickoff reverse. “It worked out pretty good.”
— On turnaround from 5-7 last year: Trust between one another, holding each other accountable. “You go out there to die for one another.”
— Sellers is constantly making plays. “The best in the nation.” He always has everyone on the edge of their seats. Proud of him for the poise to go down the field and put together the winning drive.
— On future plans: Wants to play at the next level, wants to keep pursuing his ambitions.
— On favorite team-produced media: He really loves the Gamecock Walk videos and family-based videos on the creative media pages.
[Win two tickets to the South Carolina-Wofford football game]
Linebacker Debo Williams
— On scouting Wofford: “A good FCS team, they get better every week.”
— Growing up, wanted to dominate. Wants team to bring that energy.
— “For mediocre people, it’s human nature (to overlook Wofford).” Continuing to prepare.
— Hadn’t thought about it being his last home game, didn’t realize until about 10 minutes ago.
— Most impressive thing Sellers did last game: “The last drive. I call him LaSavior.”
— On Kyle Kennard’s performance: “What he’s been able to do this year, it’s incredible.” He’s taken advantage of his opportunities.
— Fred Johnson is an “athletic freak.” Can’t wait to watch him grow his game.
— On future plans: Wants his own TV show. “That’s what I want to do, for sure.”
— On his Jeff Gordon shirt: “I like the shirt.”
– On favorite team-produced media: Has to be singing the Fantasia song. “That’s gotta be my favorite.”
Top 10
- 1Live
CFP Top 25
College Football Playoff rankings revealed
- 2
12-team CFP bracket
How the College Football Playoff looks right now
- 3Hot
Skipping SEC title game
Lane Kiffin says coaches prefer sitting out
- 4
Deion Sanders
Prime calls out On3
- 5
Five-star portal'ing
Alabama LB announces plan to transfer
[See the Gamecock discussion on The Insiders Forum!]
Defensive tackle Alex Huntley
— “It’s crazy to think about” it being his last home game. Wants to finish with a bang.
— On future plans: Try to stay open to ideas, keeping everything open. “Having people I trust guide me into that next step.”
— Everything the team does, giving everything they’ve got. That’s the mentality they want to bring.
— On favorite memory: The Tennessee game is up there, “I’ll remember that forever.”
— On Sellers: “South Carolina has a great future ahead with him at quarterback.” Lots of praise for Sellers.
— Attacking Wofford the same way, “no matter who lines up,” have to have the same routine, same everything.
— On defense’s improvements: It’s a mix of returners and new guys that allowed the defense to play so well this year. “No hesitation.” Every member of the defense has the same mentality.
— On post-Columbia plans: Wants to explore, it’s not a goodbye, but it’s sentimental because this is his people, being from Columbia.
— On Kennard: Came in ready to work, came in with a great mindset. “He’s a pro.”
— On favorite team-produced media: “Shoutout to the creative team, they’re the best in the country.” The white-water rafting video was really fun.
— All the older guys before him, now he’s the old guy, “full circle moment … I’m just grateful.”