TEN QUESTIONS WITH...

How much are you looking forward to this Saturday's 1 pm game versus Marshall - your final homecoming game at UB Stadium?
This is as good as it gets. For me, it's special because this is probably one of the few games that my mother will be at. Marshall always offers the best competition, so I love to play them. All of that, along with the fact that this is my final homecoming game, makes it especially meaningful.

After some early struggles this season, your team has been competitive against Mid-American Conference opponents like Akron and Central Florida. How significant has it been to play close games with teams such as those two?
It's a learning process each week - we find out where we need to improve and what we need to work at. Even in the areas we've been successful, we've got to continue to improve as the season goes along.

After your career at Buffalo is complete, how neat will it be to look back and say you squared off against the likes of Byron Leftwich, Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Turner?
It says a lot for the conference. In the last couple of years, the MAC has gotten a lot more national recognition - in part because of players like that. Some day, I'll definitely tell my kids that I played against those guys - many of whom will play in the National Football League.

Do you feel that there needs to be more patience from fans and media regarding UB's progression at the Division I level?
Yes and no. We've been at this level for five years now, so it's time for us to step up. Recruiting classes will continue to improve year-in and year-out, and the talent level will increase. That layover of talent will build the program. It does take time, but with the players we have now we must play better.

What is your role as the middle linebacker in defensive coordinator Thurmond Moore's defense?
As the captain of the defense, I make the defensive calls and a lot of the defensive checks. I try to make sure that the guys in front and to the side of me are lined up in the proper positions. It's a lot responsibility-wise, but it's also fun.

What types of things are you looking for after the ball is snapped?
The more you can see, the better linebacker you will be. As far as I'm concerned, you can't key on one guy and know what's going on. I try to key on three guys in an area, which helps me to better figure out what is going on.

You've always had a tendency to record tackles for loss - starting with six of that variety during your freshman season. From your perspective, what does it take to make that type of play?
Instincts and aggression. You need instincts to know what is going to happen and then aggression to go after it. When you see it happening, there's no waiting - you pull the trigger and fly into the backfield.

Last season you ranked second on the team in tackles, despite playing a portion of the season with a cast on your left hand. How did that injury affect your play?
It was more of a mental issue. Of course it was a little harder to tackle, but it also helped me improve as a tackler because I was forced to use more of my body - I couldn’t just reach out and tackle as much with just one free hand. Now, it's a lot easier with both hands available. I feel a lot better knowing that I'm not hindered by anything.

Along with Mike Garofalo, you are the only Bull to be named a two-time captain in UB's Division I era. What does that mean to you and how important is your role as a team leader?
When I was younger, I looked up to the older players and the captains for guidance on the field. I feel like I have to provide that now - sort of a spark for the defense on the field and for the other areas of our team when I'm on the sidelines.

What type of a leadership role do you play off the field?
I try to offer the same kind of guidance as far as school goes - what to do and what not to do. The toughest semester is the first one as a freshman, so I try to help a lot of guys get through that. I offer help in whatever way possible.

-The "10 Questions with…" feature is compiled by Geoff Nason.