University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Tigers Football Q&A: Joseph Dorceus
Dec 21, 2018 | Football
Redshirt sophomore talks about earning a scholarship, playing on offense in goal line packages.
NOTE: The Joseph Dorceus Q&A first appeared in the Tigers Football GameDay program Oct. 13 when Memphis hosted UCF.
Q: Last spring when you were awarded a scholarship, did you know anything was up beforehand?
A: Coach (Mike) Norvell told me I was going to do some community service, and my brother and I were asked to be there. So, we're at home getting dressed and thinking we're going to a community service project. When we got there, I learned it was about me getting a scholarship. It was crazy.
Q: When you walked in the room where you were awarded a scholarship, at what point did you realize this wasn't a community service trip?
A: When I walked in, I didn't see any teammates, so I sort of knew it was something different. I walked in the room, and Coach addressed me. I saw the cameras there, and I knew something was up.
Q: When head coach Mike Norvell said, "you're on scholarship," what were your feelings at that moment?
A: What went through my mind is that I earned it. It's like getting a promotion at a job. It's something you work for. When you get it, it's something that you earned. Now, I have something else I have to chase, to go earn.
Q: This year, the coaching staff added you to an offensive package as a lead blocker in the backfield on goal line situations. When the coaches approached you about this, what were your thoughts?
Q: Your brother, Doroland, was a running back here at Memphis. Did you get any offensive backfield "tips" from him?
A: I played running back in high school. I learned to approach the hole as if I'm running the ball and don't slow down.
Q: How old were you when your family went through Hurricane Katrina in 2005? What do you remember about it?
A: I was 8-years-old, and I remember it vividly. It was total chaos. The water was rising, the lights were out, and food was scarce. It was a battle (to survive). I look at it as we overcame an obstacle, and we're here today.
Q: Your brother attended Memphis. Were you always going to follow your brother here?
Q: What kind of recruiting "pitch" did your brother give you on coming to Memphis?
Q: Last spring when you were awarded a scholarship, did you know anything was up beforehand?
A: Coach (Mike) Norvell told me I was going to do some community service, and my brother and I were asked to be there. So, we're at home getting dressed and thinking we're going to a community service project. When we got there, I learned it was about me getting a scholarship. It was crazy.
Q: When you walked in the room where you were awarded a scholarship, at what point did you realize this wasn't a community service trip?
Q: When head coach Mike Norvell said, "you're on scholarship," what were your feelings at that moment?
A: What went through my mind is that I earned it. It's like getting a promotion at a job. It's something you work for. When you get it, it's something that you earned. Now, I have something else I have to chase, to go earn.
Q: This year, the coaching staff added you to an offensive package as a lead blocker in the backfield on goal line situations. When the coaches approached you about this, what were your thoughts?
A: It was awesome. I'm a contact person; I like contact. When they told me about it, they said I was going to be a blocker. Having the opportunity to block for my teammates and lead them to a touchdown is incredible. Seeing the smiles on their faces is all that I need.
Q: Your brother, Doroland, was a running back here at Memphis. Did you get any offensive backfield "tips" from him?
A: I played running back in high school. I learned to approach the hole as if I'm running the ball and don't slow down.
Q: We don't want to let the "cat-out-of-the-bag," but is there a play in the goal line package for you to get the ball instead of being the lead blocker?
A: Hopefully, it will happen. I'll be looking forward to it. I always want to score touchdowns whether on offense or defense. When I get that chance, I'll try to make the best of the opportunity.
Q: How old were you when your family went through Hurricane Katrina in 2005? What do you remember about it?
A: I was 8-years-old, and I remember it vividly. It was total chaos. The water was rising, the lights were out, and food was scarce. It was a battle (to survive). I look at it as we overcame an obstacle, and we're here today.
Q: Following Hurricane Katrina, you moved around a lot. How did your family make it through all the changes?
A: God and being close with my siblings. We're a close-knit family, and nothing can break us apart. We spent a lot of good family time together during those months, and that helped me get through it all.
Q: Your brother attended Memphis. Were you always going to follow your brother here?
A: I wasn't highly recruited, so whichever school recruited me that's where I was going. I had my sights set on Memphis for a while.
Q: What kind of recruiting "pitch" did your brother give you on coming to Memphis?
A: He said that all they did here was work, and it's a brotherhood. He said I'd love it here.
Q: What do you like about the city of Memphis?
A: They're behind us. We appreciate the fans, and they're always with us. You can't ask for anything more than that.
Players Mentioned
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