For me, when I grew up, I was always in the projects. Money ... it was always a problem for us family wise. I feel like [now that] I'm taking on this opportunity, now we won't have any financial problems for the rest of our lives. |
I consider it more of a challenge than a risk. My knee is getting better. I will be ready for the NFL Combine [in March] and team workouts. The people at FSU have been great to me. |
I felt like it was the best decision for me. Still, to this day, my mind hasn't changed. |
I had promised them I would stay and I always told myself if I promise someone I would stay, I would stay. But it was a family decision and they understand. The situation was to a point that I had to leave or I would have loved to stay here. |
I started dreaming of this when I first started playing football, back when I was 4-years-old. It's always been a dream of mine. So now that my dream is knocking at the door, I might as well go ahead and open it. |
I think this is a big draft for Florida State. |
I want to be able to help my family out. I've talked to my family and the coaches and I feel like this is the best decision. |
I'm not worried about [just starting one game]. My family needs my help, and I'm doing what is right for me. |
My family is not doing too good. That's the major reason I was leaving. I talked to coach Bowden during practices and he was real supportive. That meant a lot to me. All the coaches, even though I didn't play (this past season), were very supportive. |
My knee feels great and I have been working extremely hard to get myself ready to play again. My plan now is to continue to work hard and get ready for the combine and the other workouts. I feel like I am ready to play at the next level. |
Sometimes you stop and think about what could have been. But all eyes are on the future now. (The four of us) and a lot of other guys are focused for the next step. |
That wasn't a part of it. It was just trying to take care of my family. |
They did a tremendous job. They have me ahead of schedule. |