In His Words: Sam Craft

Note: The Sam Craft "In His Words" feature first appeared in the Tigers Football GameDay program Nov. 23 when Memphis hosted Houston.

In this feature, senior Sam Craft took the microphone to talk about his Memphis career – the ups and downs. Here is Craft in his words:

(On his time at Memphis)
I'm not the young kid that I came in as. Being able to grow here in the city that I grew up in. Being a big fan of Memphis. Being able to become friends with the guys that I came in with and the guys that came here after me. Being able to lead our guys and helping them know what to expect in the college atmosphere and how to be responsible has been everything. Memphis showed me a lot of things – how to take care of business on and off the field. Playing ball was probably the second-best thing to happen to me. Becoming a young adult is probably the best.

(On playing basketball at Memphis)
That's an experience of a lifetime. I played basketball and football my whole life. Coming into the recruiting process, I didn't know if I wanted to play football full-time or basketball full-time. Coach (Justin) Fuente and Coach (Josh) Pastner gave me the opportunity to play both and once I knew that, I was very excited about it. Once I got the chance to play basketball, it was unbelievable. I just tried to take every moment and let it sink in. I really miss playing basketball just because I played my whole life. I still love the game, just like I love football.

(On facing adversity with his injuries)
When I first hurt my back and I had to sit out the rest of the season, it hurt me. I was down on myself, and I didn't know if I wanted to play anymore. The love of the game helped me get over that hump to give it another try. The next year came, and I tore my ACL. That was a big disappointment. All of those injuries helped me in the long run. It reminds you that nothing is promised to you and that you have to work for everything you get.

(On suiting up this season)
It's crazy because this year hasn't been perfect for me. I started the year with injuries, and I didn't perform the way I wanted to because of the injuries. To just be back on the field again, I am having a lot of fun. I am enjoying it, and I enjoy helping the young guys when they need it.

(Advice to younger players)
Just don't stay down. I feel like the more you doubt yourself and stay down on yourself, the worse things can get. My dad always said there is someone doing worse out there than you right now. Take advantage of the chances that you get. Take advantage of the opportunities that you get. Don't take it for granted. You'll never know when it's the end.

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