Tigers Football Q&A: O'Bryan Goodson

Note: This Q&A with O'Bryan Goodson first appeared in the Aug. 31 Memphis Football GameDay program when the Tigers hosted Ole Miss.

Q: What did you do this season to take your play to the next level?

A: I made the decision that I wanted to be a better player. I wanted to improve my game. I had the strength part down, but I wanted to add speed and size. I decided to lose weight so I could play longer. I wanted to be on the field for more plays and increase my plays per game.

Q: You battled an injury in the off-season. How were you able to remain disciplined when the injury sidelined you?

A: It was very difficult because you're sitting around waiting to get cleared. When you're waiting to get cleared, you have to watch what you eat and watch how many times a day you eat. You have to make sure you're putting good things in your body to make sure you can do what you want to do.

Q:  How much weight did you lose?

A: From the time I made my decision in January, I've lost almost 25 pounds. I didn't want to be just a big nose guard anymore. I want to be a versatile player that everyone knows I can be. I made my decision in January and trusted the process.

Q: You were already a leader on the defensive line. What is going to make you better in 2019?

A: Because I've worked on my speed in the off-season, my goal this year is to get to the quarterback more. I want to rush the passer and get to the ball. I feel that's going to help our defense more. The defense now is built for getting off the ball and making plays, and I feel I will be able to contribute even more.

Q: What makes you stand out from other players?

A:  Just my ability to go to the extra mile and do things a lot of people wouldn't do. Some guys would be satisfied just being a 300-pound guy and being known for that. I want to be known for more than just stopping the run. I also want to be known for rushing the passer.

Q:  What adversity did you overcome to play football at this level?

A: I had to overcome people saying that I was too short to be a defensive lineman, especially to play big-time college football. I've heard that from the time I stepped foot on the high school field and when I was recruited by the larger schools. They told me I was too short to play. I want to show them you can be short and still be a great college defensive player. The best defensive lineman in the NFL is 6-1 and 285 pounds. I'm not trying to be like him; I want to create my own standard.

Q:  How do you prepare for a game?

A: Game week is really more of getting to know your opponent –   studying the offensive line and backfield and getting to know who they like to get the ball to in different situations. I use the week to work on the mental part of my game.

Q:  Which part of the game is more important: physical or mental?

A:  I believe the mental side is more important because everyone has talent and everyone can go out there and muscle through a game. However, if you study the game, it'll slow down for you. You then see things a lot quicker, and that allows you to play faster.

Q:  How do you balance life being a student-athlete?

A:  You have to sacrifice some things. You have to sacrifice staying up late to get your rest and get through the next day. You have to make sure you eat well and put good things in your body. Sacrifice is something you have to do on a daily basis.

Q:  What is something you want to be remembered by?

A:  As the guy who gave it everything on the field. He would do anything the coach would ask him to do, and he was just a stand-up guy.

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