1 00:00:05,400 --> 00:00:08,000 Speaker 1: Welcome into the lounge, presented by DraftKings. We're fired up 2 00:00:08,039 --> 00:00:11,560 Speaker 1: today to have David Ajabo joining us, and David, I 3 00:00:11,560 --> 00:00:14,440 Speaker 1: want to set the scene here a little bit, just 4 00:00:14,480 --> 00:00:16,640 Speaker 1: to take listeners and viewers kind of behind the curtain 5 00:00:17,880 --> 00:00:21,439 Speaker 1: around here. At this time of the year, it is quiet. 6 00:00:21,520 --> 00:00:26,079 Speaker 1: You can hear the echoes in the hallway. However, you 7 00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:29,639 Speaker 1: have been here I think every day since basically the 8 00:00:29,680 --> 00:00:32,520 Speaker 1: season ended. So it's basically been you, me and Cliff 9 00:00:32,560 --> 00:00:40,680 Speaker 1: hanging out here. Bracer. Yeah, so is how is it 10 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:43,880 Speaker 1: being here when it's quiet, when there's hardly anybody here? 11 00:00:43,920 --> 00:00:46,920 Speaker 1: And why have you stuck around and decided to stay 12 00:00:46,920 --> 00:00:47,880 Speaker 1: here this entire time? 13 00:00:48,159 --> 00:00:51,519 Speaker 2: Yeah? Man, I mean, like you said, it's quiet, Bronson, 14 00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:54,640 Speaker 2: mess is very nice just to work man, and uh, 15 00:00:55,320 --> 00:00:58,120 Speaker 2: just being this whole facility, and we're all blessed to 16 00:00:58,160 --> 00:01:00,040 Speaker 2: be here, you know, So I gotta take advantage of you, 17 00:01:00,040 --> 00:01:02,400 Speaker 2: you know, every second I have here. You know, you 18 00:01:02,400 --> 00:01:04,280 Speaker 2: know our days are numbered in this league. We all 19 00:01:04,319 --> 00:01:06,840 Speaker 2: know that. So I'm just trying to take advantage. And 20 00:01:07,040 --> 00:01:09,480 Speaker 2: the reason I'm here, honestly is my flight actually got 21 00:01:09,480 --> 00:01:13,440 Speaker 2: canceled back home to Scotland, and I just take that 22 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:15,960 Speaker 2: as a sign from God man, and for me to 23 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:18,880 Speaker 2: just stay here and work, continue working and build towards 24 00:01:19,120 --> 00:01:22,280 Speaker 2: a very successful season so I can contribute to the 25 00:01:22,319 --> 00:01:23,360 Speaker 2: team as much as possible. 26 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:29,000 Speaker 3: Now obviously, so you've been working. You look great. 27 00:01:29,880 --> 00:01:33,560 Speaker 4: Do you ever remember being this eager for a season, 28 00:01:33,600 --> 00:01:37,320 Speaker 4: Because I know Ravens fans are eager to see you. 29 00:01:37,640 --> 00:01:41,360 Speaker 4: I wandered from you just compare to other season. How 30 00:01:41,400 --> 00:01:42,800 Speaker 4: eager are you for this season? 31 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:46,199 Speaker 2: Man? I'm so eager man, And honestly, just a group 32 00:01:46,240 --> 00:01:48,560 Speaker 2: of guys we have here, man, just to I want 33 00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:50,760 Speaker 2: to go to battle with them. That's really how I feel. 34 00:01:50,800 --> 00:01:55,040 Speaker 2: I got great leaders, you know, we got just great enthusiasm. 35 00:01:55,120 --> 00:01:56,880 Speaker 2: So I just want to make sure I'm ready to 36 00:01:57,320 --> 00:02:00,760 Speaker 2: play my part, you know, and help this legend organization. 37 00:02:01,320 --> 00:02:04,480 Speaker 1: All right. So, if you were to read any article 38 00:02:04,600 --> 00:02:07,360 Speaker 1: or listen to any podcasts about the off season practices, 39 00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:10,120 Speaker 1: everyone always asks like who looks good? Who's standing out? 40 00:02:10,160 --> 00:02:11,519 Speaker 1: You know, we get that question all the time, who's 41 00:02:11,520 --> 00:02:13,760 Speaker 1: looking good in practice? And your name was basically at 42 00:02:13,760 --> 00:02:16,360 Speaker 1: the top of all those lists that you stood out 43 00:02:16,600 --> 00:02:19,040 Speaker 1: at stood out through all these officers and practices of 44 00:02:19,120 --> 00:02:22,560 Speaker 1: TAS Mini camp, that you impressed a lot of people. 45 00:02:23,080 --> 00:02:25,880 Speaker 1: How did you feel that you did during these officers 46 00:02:25,919 --> 00:02:27,520 Speaker 1: and practices, Man, I. 47 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:29,919 Speaker 2: Just I mean it was my first time pretty much 48 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:30,720 Speaker 2: being full. 49 00:02:30,960 --> 00:02:32,639 Speaker 1: So your first time seeing you practice. 50 00:02:32,320 --> 00:02:36,000 Speaker 2: Exactly exactly, so y'all, you know, all the coaches really 51 00:02:36,000 --> 00:02:39,480 Speaker 2: getting a full glimpse of you know, one hundred percent me. 52 00:02:39,720 --> 00:02:42,679 Speaker 2: So I mean to get used to it pretty much, 53 00:02:42,720 --> 00:02:46,080 Speaker 2: you know. And I feel great out there, feeling off, 54 00:02:46,120 --> 00:02:48,160 Speaker 2: you know, me and Dafe doing our thing, you know, 55 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,040 Speaker 2: and building chemistry our whole line honestly, you know, I 56 00:02:51,120 --> 00:02:53,399 Speaker 2: mean not just singing us out. You know, we're doing 57 00:02:53,440 --> 00:02:56,200 Speaker 2: our thing, and most important, we're having fun out there. Man. 58 00:02:56,600 --> 00:02:58,400 Speaker 2: It makes it easier when you're having fun, you know, 59 00:02:58,600 --> 00:03:02,639 Speaker 2: just smiling, you know. And coach Chuck, Chuck smith Man 60 00:03:02,639 --> 00:03:05,240 Speaker 2: you a big part of that. He came in just 61 00:03:05,280 --> 00:03:08,160 Speaker 2: he just allowed us to be ourselves, man, and use 62 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:11,120 Speaker 2: the tools that God gave us to play this game. 63 00:03:11,480 --> 00:03:13,799 Speaker 1: Yeah, when you say having fun like that's that was 64 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:15,560 Speaker 1: one of the things that stood out to me. You 65 00:03:15,560 --> 00:03:19,919 Speaker 1: brought an energy and like for second year player kind 66 00:03:19,960 --> 00:03:23,040 Speaker 1: of a first year player and like, but you carried 67 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:25,800 Speaker 1: yourself like with some swagger and some confidence and like 68 00:03:25,840 --> 00:03:27,600 Speaker 1: you weren't afraid if you would make a play in 69 00:03:27,639 --> 00:03:29,640 Speaker 1: the backfield, like you let people know about it, and 70 00:03:29,680 --> 00:03:31,840 Speaker 1: like I liked that, Like I thought that energy brought 71 00:03:31,880 --> 00:03:35,840 Speaker 1: something extra to practice. And was that always? Like is 72 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:37,400 Speaker 1: that how you played at Michigan? Did you kind of 73 00:03:37,440 --> 00:03:39,560 Speaker 1: carry yourself with that confidence and a little bit of 74 00:03:39,560 --> 00:03:41,120 Speaker 1: trash talk? Like is that just how you are? 75 00:03:41,520 --> 00:03:45,040 Speaker 2: Got too many football? Man? You feel me in a 76 00:03:45,560 --> 00:03:47,760 Speaker 2: I just love the aspect of you know, it's either 77 00:03:47,800 --> 00:03:51,080 Speaker 2: you get God or you get somebody else you feel me. 78 00:03:51,120 --> 00:03:53,400 Speaker 2: There's no in between. So you either win or lose, 79 00:03:53,920 --> 00:03:55,600 Speaker 2: you know, so when you win, you let him know 80 00:03:55,720 --> 00:03:57,360 Speaker 2: you feel me, and then when you lose, you try 81 00:03:57,400 --> 00:03:59,800 Speaker 2: and get your get back. So yeah, it's a competitive 82 00:04:00,160 --> 00:04:02,400 Speaker 2: you know. Like I said, we played kids sport, man. 83 00:04:02,440 --> 00:04:04,520 Speaker 2: You know, you gotta have fun with it. You know, 84 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:06,560 Speaker 2: it's just now we're getting paid for it, you know, 85 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:09,160 Speaker 2: so you just got we take that paid part out 86 00:04:09,160 --> 00:04:11,680 Speaker 2: of it. We're playing you know what pee wee people 87 00:04:11,720 --> 00:04:14,520 Speaker 2: play the peewee football, So just have fun with. 88 00:04:14,480 --> 00:04:14,839 Speaker 3: It, man. 89 00:04:15,120 --> 00:04:18,560 Speaker 4: Yeah, now, full disclosure. My son in law went to 90 00:04:18,600 --> 00:04:20,719 Speaker 4: Michigan and my daughter went to Michigan. 91 00:04:20,760 --> 00:04:23,720 Speaker 1: That's what they meant I did tell David, I'm going 92 00:04:23,760 --> 00:04:32,560 Speaker 1: to hire State fans. I'm gonna sit out this part 93 00:04:32,560 --> 00:04:33,520 Speaker 1: of the conversation here. 94 00:04:40,760 --> 00:04:43,480 Speaker 4: So I saw you play a lot because my son 95 00:04:43,480 --> 00:04:46,160 Speaker 4: in law watches every Michigan you know, and I love 96 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:49,480 Speaker 4: you at Michigan. But it seemed like that last year 97 00:04:49,520 --> 00:04:55,400 Speaker 4: there you just blossomed. And so now coming here having 98 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:58,040 Speaker 4: the same defensive coordinator, Mike McDonald just want to know, 99 00:04:58,480 --> 00:04:59,560 Speaker 4: take me back to that year. 100 00:04:59,680 --> 00:05:02,360 Speaker 3: Why do you think you exploded like that? 101 00:05:02,440 --> 00:05:06,400 Speaker 4: And do you see a similar situation here with the Ravens. 102 00:05:07,360 --> 00:05:10,560 Speaker 2: I mean, honestly, again, I'm happy you brought up Mike McDonald. Man. 103 00:05:10,640 --> 00:05:14,159 Speaker 2: He has a scheme that really like enables, you know, 104 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:16,440 Speaker 2: enables us, you know. And let me talk about us 105 00:05:16,480 --> 00:05:20,640 Speaker 2: specifically as the edges to you know, be versatile, you know, 106 00:05:20,760 --> 00:05:22,800 Speaker 2: use our moves, you know, and kind of you know, 107 00:05:22,960 --> 00:05:25,720 Speaker 2: just be free and be ourselves, you know. And then 108 00:05:25,800 --> 00:05:29,200 Speaker 2: with the addition of coach Chuck smith Man and his 109 00:05:29,320 --> 00:05:33,400 Speaker 2: wisdom and you know, his energy, Man, the sky's the limit, honestly, 110 00:05:33,600 --> 00:05:36,880 Speaker 2: So yeah, it's coach Mike Man. His scheme is what 111 00:05:36,960 --> 00:05:38,480 Speaker 2: allows us to be ourselves. 112 00:05:38,920 --> 00:05:40,440 Speaker 1: I remember when you got drafted and Mike was on 113 00:05:40,440 --> 00:05:42,080 Speaker 1: the phone like that seemed like an emotional moment for 114 00:05:42,160 --> 00:05:42,960 Speaker 1: you and him. 115 00:05:43,040 --> 00:05:47,080 Speaker 2: Yeah, not for sure, because honestly, you know, with the injury, 116 00:05:47,120 --> 00:05:49,320 Speaker 2: a lot going on, you know, from falling out of 117 00:05:49,360 --> 00:05:51,640 Speaker 2: the top ten to you know kind of you know, 118 00:05:51,800 --> 00:05:54,960 Speaker 2: just with my family now second rounds coming, second rounds, 119 00:05:55,040 --> 00:05:58,440 Speaker 2: kind of sliding and then getting that call when the Ravens, 120 00:05:58,480 --> 00:06:01,200 Speaker 2: I was like, oh wow, you know, hearing coach Mike, 121 00:06:01,240 --> 00:06:03,599 Speaker 2: I was like, okay, like just felt like home, man, 122 00:06:03,640 --> 00:06:05,440 Speaker 2: you feel me because I'd just seen them. We were 123 00:06:05,560 --> 00:06:08,760 Speaker 2: just winning championships together, you know, taking a field, going 124 00:06:08,760 --> 00:06:11,880 Speaker 2: to war together. So man, it was emotional, man, you know, 125 00:06:11,920 --> 00:06:14,520 Speaker 2: and just knowing that, like I got kind of a 126 00:06:14,520 --> 00:06:17,320 Speaker 2: family here, you know, like take aside the business in 127 00:06:17,360 --> 00:06:20,560 Speaker 2: the football part. Really got a family here, and uh yeah, 128 00:06:20,600 --> 00:06:22,279 Speaker 2: I'm just excited to keep it going. 129 00:06:23,200 --> 00:06:25,920 Speaker 1: In terms of the scheme, like when Mike got there 130 00:06:25,960 --> 00:06:29,000 Speaker 1: to Michigan, did you feel like, oh, I'm gonna this 131 00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:31,160 Speaker 1: is gonna be a big year for me. Did you 132 00:06:31,600 --> 00:06:33,560 Speaker 1: expect to have i mean, had double digit sacks and 133 00:06:33,560 --> 00:06:34,840 Speaker 1: all of a sudden you're one of the guys that's 134 00:06:34,880 --> 00:06:36,760 Speaker 1: going to be It's being mentioned as a top ten 135 00:06:36,880 --> 00:06:39,760 Speaker 1: pick and all this stuff, like did you kind of 136 00:06:39,920 --> 00:06:42,520 Speaker 1: feel that way going into the season, Like, what was 137 00:06:42,520 --> 00:06:44,719 Speaker 1: your mindset going into that last year at Michigan. 138 00:06:45,120 --> 00:06:47,599 Speaker 2: Oh, I knew, you knew. I knew. One of the Actually, 139 00:06:47,760 --> 00:06:50,800 Speaker 2: this is a very pivotal moment. Coach Mike actually in 140 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:53,400 Speaker 2: one of our walkthroughs, he pulled me to the side 141 00:06:53,440 --> 00:06:56,560 Speaker 2: and said, hey, look, come here. He said, we're gonna 142 00:06:56,720 --> 00:07:00,400 Speaker 2: have fun. You're gonna get tempa sex and get out 143 00:07:00,440 --> 00:07:04,080 Speaker 2: of here. I just said, I say no more. I swear. 144 00:07:04,200 --> 00:07:06,120 Speaker 2: He told me that quick. And that was one of 145 00:07:06,160 --> 00:07:09,560 Speaker 2: the few conversations we like really had where I was okay, like, 146 00:07:09,720 --> 00:07:12,800 Speaker 2: there's a bigger vision to this. And ever since, I 147 00:07:12,920 --> 00:07:14,760 Speaker 2: just trusted his vision because you know, he don't he 148 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:17,360 Speaker 2: didn't want to control, so he already sees you know, 149 00:07:17,720 --> 00:07:20,360 Speaker 2: you know everything you know from high up. So when 150 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:23,000 Speaker 2: he sat down aside, cool, like, I know what's about 151 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:25,480 Speaker 2: to go down because you gotta trust you know, the 152 00:07:25,520 --> 00:07:28,360 Speaker 2: coaches who trust you. So when he sat down, all right, 153 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:31,360 Speaker 2: you know, let's do that's awesome. Yeah, that's awesome. 154 00:07:31,760 --> 00:07:33,680 Speaker 4: As you mentioned, you know, you felt like you're coming 155 00:07:33,720 --> 00:07:36,760 Speaker 4: home when the Ravens drafted you. But I mean, you 156 00:07:36,760 --> 00:07:40,760 Speaker 4: don't have the typical NFL player story. You know, you're 157 00:07:40,800 --> 00:07:44,400 Speaker 4: a long way from home. So Garrett, he shared with 158 00:07:44,440 --> 00:07:46,880 Speaker 4: me this article where someone interviewed your father and they 159 00:07:46,920 --> 00:07:49,760 Speaker 4: said they asked him if when you were ten, ten 160 00:07:49,840 --> 00:07:52,040 Speaker 4: years old, someone told you that you were going to 161 00:07:52,080 --> 00:07:55,480 Speaker 4: be an NFL player, he would have said, what's the NFL? 162 00:07:55,720 --> 00:07:55,760 Speaker 1: Like? 163 00:07:57,240 --> 00:07:57,800 Speaker 3: What was it? 164 00:07:57,960 --> 00:08:01,080 Speaker 4: Like? When did you first when the NFL first come 165 00:08:01,120 --> 00:08:03,640 Speaker 4: on your radar or wasn't even on your radar until 166 00:08:03,640 --> 00:08:04,560 Speaker 4: you got to America. 167 00:08:05,760 --> 00:08:08,280 Speaker 2: Like truth be told, I really didn't even know about 168 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:11,880 Speaker 2: football till I came to America. You know, you know, 169 00:08:11,920 --> 00:08:15,400 Speaker 2: you hear about Tom Brady, the legends, But to really 170 00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:17,600 Speaker 2: say I knew about football, I really didn't. You know, 171 00:08:17,640 --> 00:08:20,680 Speaker 2: I knew the celebrities in the game, and so even 172 00:08:20,720 --> 00:08:22,480 Speaker 2: when I came to America, it wasn't until you know, 173 00:08:22,800 --> 00:08:25,000 Speaker 2: I met Da Fae and got to playing and seeing 174 00:08:25,080 --> 00:08:27,600 Speaker 2: him do his thing, I was like, okay, football, like 175 00:08:27,760 --> 00:08:29,920 Speaker 2: you know, he could he could do something with this. 176 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:33,360 Speaker 2: And so yeah, it's very very new to this day. 177 00:08:33,480 --> 00:08:36,120 Speaker 2: I'm sure my mom only knows one or two things 178 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:40,320 Speaker 2: about sack and touchdown, you know, and so yeah, it's 179 00:08:40,400 --> 00:08:42,720 Speaker 2: a new thing, you know, and that's why we're trying 180 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:44,920 Speaker 2: to grow to sport knowing for myself, my family, both 181 00:08:44,960 --> 00:08:47,280 Speaker 2: so people back home to Scotland who might not even know, 182 00:08:47,360 --> 00:08:50,080 Speaker 2: and just overseas in general, you know, because it is 183 00:08:50,360 --> 00:08:52,640 Speaker 2: a foreign sport, you know, American football, you know. 184 00:08:52,840 --> 00:08:56,360 Speaker 1: So, so you were born in Nigeria, then when you're seven, 185 00:08:56,440 --> 00:08:59,440 Speaker 1: you moved to Scotland and then when you're fifteen you 186 00:08:59,480 --> 00:09:01,440 Speaker 1: come to you the state's a good to Blair Academy 187 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:05,600 Speaker 1: in New Jersey, just boarding school, yep. And tell me 188 00:09:05,679 --> 00:09:08,960 Speaker 1: about that transition of coming to the United States, Like 189 00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:11,360 Speaker 1: was that something that you wanted? Like how did that 190 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:12,640 Speaker 1: all come about? 191 00:09:12,840 --> 00:09:16,200 Speaker 2: Yeah? So, honestly, I was just kind of like a 192 00:09:16,280 --> 00:09:20,400 Speaker 2: dream big man. So I would watch like Lebron Kobe 193 00:09:20,440 --> 00:09:23,720 Speaker 2: and uh yeah, I really did. I had hoop dreams. So, like, 194 00:09:24,400 --> 00:09:26,839 Speaker 2: you know, I start off playing soccer, so I was 195 00:09:26,880 --> 00:09:29,280 Speaker 2: like kind of like nimble, and that got bigger and 196 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:30,960 Speaker 2: I was like like taller. I was like, okay, let 197 00:09:30,960 --> 00:09:33,920 Speaker 2: me switch to basketball. And that's why I started, you know, 198 00:09:33,960 --> 00:09:36,079 Speaker 2: watching all them and just kind of dreaming big and 199 00:09:36,440 --> 00:09:39,320 Speaker 2: so at the age like fourteen, you know, I just 200 00:09:39,320 --> 00:09:42,760 Speaker 2: start emailing schools and uh, just trying to like ask 201 00:09:42,760 --> 00:09:44,560 Speaker 2: them to give me a chance, pretty much. And uh, 202 00:09:45,080 --> 00:09:47,559 Speaker 2: me and my brother made like a little mixtape of 203 00:09:47,640 --> 00:09:49,680 Speaker 2: just like the highlights I had, so we could attach 204 00:09:49,760 --> 00:09:53,440 Speaker 2: that to the emails. You know, some didn't respond, some 205 00:09:53,559 --> 00:09:55,880 Speaker 2: give me a little you know, phony response, and then 206 00:09:55,960 --> 00:09:58,440 Speaker 2: you know one or two actually gave me a chance. 207 00:09:58,480 --> 00:10:01,760 Speaker 2: And you know, God blessed me with Blair Academy because 208 00:10:02,000 --> 00:10:05,400 Speaker 2: you know, i'sa a very prestigious school, and the opportunity 209 00:10:05,440 --> 00:10:07,440 Speaker 2: they gave me, you know, obviously put me in the 210 00:10:07,480 --> 00:10:08,800 Speaker 2: position I am now. Interesting. 211 00:10:08,840 --> 00:10:12,400 Speaker 1: So you basically you make a basketball highlight tape and 212 00:10:12,480 --> 00:10:14,280 Speaker 1: you wanted to go to you and you just felt 213 00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:15,920 Speaker 1: like going to the United States would offer you the 214 00:10:16,240 --> 00:10:18,559 Speaker 1: ability to take that dream to the next level. 215 00:10:18,640 --> 00:10:21,559 Speaker 2: Yeah, so, I mean back home, we see America's like 216 00:10:21,880 --> 00:10:25,040 Speaker 2: the land of opportunity or just like more more exposure, 217 00:10:25,160 --> 00:10:27,439 Speaker 2: you know, at least in the sports industry. You know. 218 00:10:27,880 --> 00:10:29,480 Speaker 2: So that's why I just want to take that next 219 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:32,280 Speaker 2: step and you know, just further my game and just 220 00:10:32,360 --> 00:10:34,960 Speaker 2: at least let me get a chance to chase my 221 00:10:35,080 --> 00:10:38,199 Speaker 2: dreams to go pro. And the one thing, I'm nine 222 00:10:38,240 --> 00:10:40,360 Speaker 2: jer and all the nine Jerns out there, no school 223 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:44,000 Speaker 2: comes first, so my parents let me know I needed 224 00:10:44,000 --> 00:10:47,800 Speaker 2: my education. You know, sports. It don't go sports in school. 225 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:50,360 Speaker 2: So that's why I need to be a prestigious school 226 00:10:50,400 --> 00:10:53,480 Speaker 2: who took education, you know seriously. And then of course 227 00:10:53,640 --> 00:10:56,440 Speaker 2: my grades had to be tip top, had to be 228 00:10:57,320 --> 00:10:59,800 Speaker 2: you know before I could even mention leaving, you know, 229 00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:00,920 Speaker 2: have to be tip top. 230 00:11:01,040 --> 00:11:04,160 Speaker 1: So interesting, and so you you get on a plane, 231 00:11:04,160 --> 00:11:06,960 Speaker 1: you fly across the ocean and you're in the United 232 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:09,600 Speaker 1: States of fifteen years old, three thousand miles away from home, 233 00:11:09,720 --> 00:11:12,440 Speaker 1: Like what is that? What is that transition? Like when 234 00:11:12,480 --> 00:11:14,920 Speaker 1: you're learning a new place, you're I mean you're making 235 00:11:14,920 --> 00:11:16,920 Speaker 1: new friends, which a lot of people do at that age, 236 00:11:16,920 --> 00:11:19,400 Speaker 1: but not coming from a whole different country, and then 237 00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:22,439 Speaker 1: your support system of your family is back in Scotland. 238 00:11:22,679 --> 00:11:24,920 Speaker 2: I mean, man, it was tough, man, I'll be lying 239 00:11:24,960 --> 00:11:27,640 Speaker 2: by I said it was easy. You know, I'm a 240 00:11:27,679 --> 00:11:29,839 Speaker 2: mama's boy. You feel me so not being able to 241 00:11:29,880 --> 00:11:33,000 Speaker 2: see your mom's you know, as much. I probably see 242 00:11:33,040 --> 00:11:35,280 Speaker 2: them maybe once if I was lucky, twice a year 243 00:11:35,920 --> 00:11:39,640 Speaker 2: for like two weeks. So it was tough, man. But uh, 244 00:11:39,679 --> 00:11:42,200 Speaker 2: like I said, my dream came first. I made his decision. 245 00:11:42,240 --> 00:11:45,080 Speaker 2: I brought it to my parents. Really, yeah, I'm saying 246 00:11:45,280 --> 00:11:47,959 Speaker 2: had I literally told my people, like, hey, I want 247 00:11:47,960 --> 00:11:49,920 Speaker 2: to take to the next level. And I started doing 248 00:11:49,920 --> 00:11:52,679 Speaker 2: the research, and you know they didn't say, hey, go 249 00:11:52,720 --> 00:11:55,080 Speaker 2: to America. Of course, my mom wanted to keep me 250 00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:58,600 Speaker 2: in Scotland right right. I was fifteen, So you know, 251 00:11:58,679 --> 00:12:00,840 Speaker 2: I just want I knew that I made the decision, 252 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:02,880 Speaker 2: so I had to kind of put my emotions to 253 00:12:02,920 --> 00:12:05,959 Speaker 2: the side and just work. You know, even now, I 254 00:12:06,040 --> 00:12:08,760 Speaker 2: told you I missed my flight got canceled. That means 255 00:12:08,760 --> 00:12:10,600 Speaker 2: I'm only going to see my family, you know once 256 00:12:10,640 --> 00:12:13,320 Speaker 2: this year. You know, God blessed the London game, you know, 257 00:12:13,360 --> 00:12:15,840 Speaker 2: so I'll see him, but only see my family once 258 00:12:15,880 --> 00:12:19,120 Speaker 2: this year. But yeah, you know, put the emotion to 259 00:12:19,160 --> 00:12:21,520 Speaker 2: the side and just work, That's all I know. 260 00:12:21,960 --> 00:12:24,600 Speaker 4: So you get there and you're playing ball and then 261 00:12:25,040 --> 00:12:29,840 Speaker 4: Odafe makes it switch to football. How much did him 262 00:12:29,880 --> 00:12:33,040 Speaker 4: doing that influence you to do the same. 263 00:12:33,840 --> 00:12:36,080 Speaker 2: That's truly my brother man. You know, I've been following 264 00:12:36,120 --> 00:12:39,480 Speaker 2: him since I got to America. Honestly, I've seen him 265 00:12:39,480 --> 00:12:41,880 Speaker 2: have a lot of success in his first year of football. 266 00:12:42,640 --> 00:12:44,840 Speaker 2: You know, I'll fight out, sirs, shoot, I could do 267 00:12:44,880 --> 00:12:49,720 Speaker 2: the same, you know. And but I didn't realize what 268 00:12:49,760 --> 00:12:52,320 Speaker 2: I was really getting myself into, you know, because people 269 00:12:52,440 --> 00:12:54,360 Speaker 2: like Man you got to hit with your head. And 270 00:12:54,400 --> 00:12:56,679 Speaker 2: I was like, oh, you know, because Ben Man, you 271 00:12:56,760 --> 00:12:59,880 Speaker 2: came from basketball, where you know, you hit somebody, fouls, 272 00:13:00,320 --> 00:13:04,439 Speaker 2: Soccer you bumt somebody, yellow card all that. So now football, 273 00:13:04,480 --> 00:13:07,040 Speaker 2: if you don't hit, you're not playing, you know. 274 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:07,760 Speaker 1: So I was. 275 00:13:08,280 --> 00:13:10,600 Speaker 2: I didn't really know I was getting myself into by news, 276 00:13:10,640 --> 00:13:13,240 Speaker 2: I see my better, you know, get right off it. 277 00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:16,520 Speaker 2: So I gave it a chance and you know, found 278 00:13:16,559 --> 00:13:17,200 Speaker 2: success too. 279 00:13:17,600 --> 00:13:20,840 Speaker 4: Did you ever think about going with him? Depends stay there? 280 00:13:21,280 --> 00:13:23,440 Speaker 4: How did How did Michigan come about? 281 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:26,640 Speaker 2: So yeah, honestly I really did. And uh the sole 282 00:13:26,720 --> 00:13:28,720 Speaker 2: reason I went to Michigan was I all to create 283 00:13:28,760 --> 00:13:32,200 Speaker 2: my own legacy, man, because uh, in Blair Academy, you 284 00:13:32,240 --> 00:13:35,520 Speaker 2: know much respected. I was kind of like under that 285 00:13:35,679 --> 00:13:40,120 Speaker 2: feit like following him David's doing what fe doing. Love, 286 00:13:40,400 --> 00:13:41,880 Speaker 2: I ain't no pride to you know what I'm saying, 287 00:13:41,880 --> 00:13:44,520 Speaker 2: no ego because I know day he did it. And uh, 288 00:13:45,160 --> 00:13:47,400 Speaker 2: but now you know I got something going for myself. 289 00:13:47,440 --> 00:13:49,920 Speaker 2: You know, I could have followed him continue that whole 290 00:13:49,960 --> 00:13:52,360 Speaker 2: you know, he following that fit. But I was like, 291 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:54,520 Speaker 2: you know, let me go, let me branch out, do 292 00:13:54,600 --> 00:13:56,880 Speaker 2: my own things, and you know, go be legendary somewhere else. 293 00:13:56,920 --> 00:13:59,280 Speaker 2: And uh, you know, still in the Big ten. So 294 00:13:59,320 --> 00:14:02,120 Speaker 2: we've seen each other and you know, I see how 295 00:14:02,120 --> 00:14:04,480 Speaker 2: God work. Now we're back back here together, you know, 296 00:14:04,600 --> 00:14:08,240 Speaker 2: right where we started. So when when our separations made 297 00:14:08,240 --> 00:14:12,120 Speaker 2: a legacy in our respective schools, come here and God 298 00:14:12,200 --> 00:14:13,840 Speaker 2: will and make a legacy here. 299 00:14:14,760 --> 00:14:17,320 Speaker 1: How quickly did you pick up football? Like, tell me 300 00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:19,600 Speaker 1: your first practice? So you're put on the paths. So 301 00:14:19,720 --> 00:14:22,560 Speaker 1: do you feel like confident and comfortable? Are you completely 302 00:14:22,600 --> 00:14:23,360 Speaker 1: lost out there? 303 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:27,000 Speaker 2: Man? I was so lost. I really didn't know what 304 00:14:27,040 --> 00:14:30,480 Speaker 2: I was doing. Shout out coach Sailor because he on 305 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:32,800 Speaker 2: my head coach at the time. He really like just 306 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:34,800 Speaker 2: he was easier to me. He ain't put too much 307 00:14:34,840 --> 00:14:38,080 Speaker 2: pressure on me. And uh he made it simple. He said, look, 308 00:14:38,080 --> 00:14:41,200 Speaker 2: you see that quarterback, go get him, Go get that guy. 309 00:14:41,800 --> 00:14:43,560 Speaker 2: He's like, and I'm telling you, like, it was to 310 00:14:43,600 --> 00:14:45,840 Speaker 2: the point where I was literally not trying to regard 311 00:14:45,920 --> 00:14:47,520 Speaker 2: the guy in front of me. I was just so 312 00:14:47,760 --> 00:14:50,680 Speaker 2: focused on getting that quarterback, you know, or running back, 313 00:14:50,760 --> 00:14:53,000 Speaker 2: you know, and just getting the ball, which I think 314 00:14:53,040 --> 00:14:55,160 Speaker 2: that's where you know, it translates to my game in 315 00:14:55,200 --> 00:14:58,520 Speaker 2: Michigan with forced fumbles because I was just focused on 316 00:14:58,560 --> 00:15:01,800 Speaker 2: that ball. I was not trying to kill no quarterback. 317 00:15:01,880 --> 00:15:04,360 Speaker 2: I was just a seeball, like getball, you know. So 318 00:15:05,160 --> 00:15:07,240 Speaker 2: you know, I just keep thinking simple man and uh 319 00:15:07,480 --> 00:15:10,480 Speaker 2: you know again shout out coach sailing and you. 320 00:15:10,400 --> 00:15:11,600 Speaker 1: Start getting offers pretty quick. 321 00:15:11,680 --> 00:15:15,480 Speaker 2: Right. Oh so the crazy part is again shout out 322 00:15:15,680 --> 00:15:22,280 Speaker 2: putt man, so fay might before I even put on 323 00:15:22,320 --> 00:15:25,960 Speaker 2: a helmet. In fact, my first helmet was a Rutgers helmet. 324 00:15:26,640 --> 00:15:29,720 Speaker 2: My second helmet was a Maryland helmet. Then my third 325 00:15:29,720 --> 00:15:32,360 Speaker 2: head was the Blair Academy. Okay, so I went on 326 00:15:32,520 --> 00:15:36,760 Speaker 2: two visits college visits before ever stepping off football field. 327 00:15:37,400 --> 00:15:39,560 Speaker 1: Just because what they're like, the size, speed, the remit. 328 00:15:39,600 --> 00:15:40,960 Speaker 1: They saw you get off the bus. They're like, this 329 00:15:41,000 --> 00:15:42,040 Speaker 1: is a guy that want we want. 330 00:15:41,920 --> 00:15:44,640 Speaker 2: To again, like dat fe did it? You know? I 331 00:15:44,680 --> 00:15:47,200 Speaker 2: was like the up and coming I want lie me 332 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:51,480 Speaker 2: Dat Fey my boy and this guy Justice we hold 333 00:15:51,480 --> 00:15:56,120 Speaker 2: a record for the four by one uh relay. So 334 00:15:56,280 --> 00:16:00,200 Speaker 2: they were seeing me, yeah, and I handed back to 335 00:16:00,240 --> 00:16:02,880 Speaker 2: each other so you know, we put on film where 336 00:16:02,920 --> 00:16:05,560 Speaker 2: it's all kid like, we need some freaks kind of moving, 337 00:16:05,640 --> 00:16:09,240 Speaker 2: and so that hype and buzz going around, Uh, you 338 00:16:09,280 --> 00:16:12,560 Speaker 2: know the East Coast is what. Yeah, you know, got me, 339 00:16:13,160 --> 00:16:14,200 Speaker 2: got me going crazy. 340 00:16:14,240 --> 00:16:18,680 Speaker 1: So even before you're playing football, you're getting visits. It's crazy. 341 00:16:18,840 --> 00:16:21,600 Speaker 2: Yeah. And then after my first season, I had I 342 00:16:21,640 --> 00:16:25,880 Speaker 2: think like thirty five offers. Wow, wow, yeah, it's blessings man, 343 00:16:26,120 --> 00:16:27,000 Speaker 2: its blessings. 344 00:16:27,240 --> 00:16:30,320 Speaker 4: Now obviously I know how close you and Dafail are. 345 00:16:30,400 --> 00:16:33,120 Speaker 4: And then you know he played in Cobs with guy 346 00:16:33,160 --> 00:16:36,720 Speaker 4: like Michael Parson's is you know, I have a feeling 347 00:16:36,800 --> 00:16:39,520 Speaker 4: like you know that you you're just not thinking about 348 00:16:39,600 --> 00:16:43,000 Speaker 4: being a good player, that you're thinking about being you know, 349 00:16:43,520 --> 00:16:47,120 Speaker 4: a guy like you know, like when people say your day, 350 00:16:46,760 --> 00:16:47,800 Speaker 4: they know who. 351 00:16:47,720 --> 00:16:49,600 Speaker 3: You're talking about. Am I right on that? 352 00:16:49,640 --> 00:16:52,560 Speaker 4: And do you feel like with such a late start 353 00:16:52,680 --> 00:16:55,280 Speaker 4: that means that even though when people say, well you're 354 00:16:55,320 --> 00:16:58,040 Speaker 4: still learning that the potential that you have is maybe 355 00:16:58,120 --> 00:17:00,000 Speaker 4: higher than God's been playing this game, They're. 356 00:16:59,800 --> 00:17:03,560 Speaker 2: All, yeah, man, it's all about learning, man, And the 357 00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:06,760 Speaker 2: fact that I'm at this level so early, you know, 358 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:10,520 Speaker 2: it just shows how much more growth I have, you know, 359 00:17:10,560 --> 00:17:13,680 Speaker 2: I'm at the highest level and I you know, kind 360 00:17:13,680 --> 00:17:17,080 Speaker 2: of just started. So I'm really just excited. You know, 361 00:17:17,200 --> 00:17:20,720 Speaker 2: just keep learning, man, Like I said, legendary organization, got 362 00:17:20,920 --> 00:17:23,760 Speaker 2: hell of hell of a coach, coaching staff, and I'm 363 00:17:23,800 --> 00:17:26,560 Speaker 2: just ready to learn and honestly, like you said, reach 364 00:17:26,720 --> 00:17:29,600 Speaker 2: my potential. You know, there's so much to get out there. 365 00:17:30,080 --> 00:17:34,159 Speaker 1: So obviously the disappointing part of your story was the injury, 366 00:17:34,359 --> 00:17:37,080 Speaker 1: which we all know you talked about it plenty of times. 367 00:17:37,359 --> 00:17:40,360 Speaker 1: How did how long did it take you to mentally 368 00:17:40,400 --> 00:17:42,280 Speaker 1: recover from that? Oh? 369 00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:44,720 Speaker 2: Nah, man, I was. I told myself I was only 370 00:17:44,720 --> 00:17:48,000 Speaker 2: gonna cry once and that was as soon as I 371 00:17:48,080 --> 00:17:51,520 Speaker 2: tore it. And then after that, Uh, coach her my 372 00:17:51,680 --> 00:17:55,280 Speaker 2: strength coach shout out Coach her. You know he he 373 00:17:55,800 --> 00:17:57,920 Speaker 2: just taught me his mentality of man, you just gotta 374 00:17:57,960 --> 00:18:00,720 Speaker 2: get it done. You know, all that motion, you know 375 00:18:00,920 --> 00:18:03,399 Speaker 2: it really won't get it done. So how am I 376 00:18:03,400 --> 00:18:05,200 Speaker 2: gonna fix my keys? How am I gonna get back? 377 00:18:05,240 --> 00:18:07,880 Speaker 2: How am I gonna? Like? You got to think progressively? 378 00:18:07,960 --> 00:18:11,720 Speaker 2: You know, emotions don't really get things done, you feel me? So, 379 00:18:12,680 --> 00:18:15,600 Speaker 2: uh yeah, I was on it. I mean I flew 380 00:18:15,640 --> 00:18:18,200 Speaker 2: out the next day got my surgery the next day, 381 00:18:18,280 --> 00:18:21,120 Speaker 2: so within three days I was back on the track 382 00:18:21,119 --> 00:18:22,080 Speaker 2: to recovery. 383 00:18:21,840 --> 00:18:24,280 Speaker 1: Interesting, you know, so you just wanted to get like 384 00:18:25,000 --> 00:18:25,920 Speaker 1: I just want to get it done. 385 00:18:26,119 --> 00:18:29,359 Speaker 2: Just go Look, man, I ain't crying and sobbing and 386 00:18:29,359 --> 00:18:32,480 Speaker 2: the film Bathfeet, so I won't fix the leg, you know, 387 00:18:32,560 --> 00:18:34,800 Speaker 2: And that's just the harsh reality for some people. So 388 00:18:34,960 --> 00:18:38,160 Speaker 2: I I did my little crying, you know, and then 389 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:40,120 Speaker 2: I was like, how can I get back as quick 390 00:18:40,160 --> 00:18:43,040 Speaker 2: as possible? You know, God willing, you know. I came 391 00:18:43,119 --> 00:18:46,560 Speaker 2: back that same season, you know again, and I got 392 00:18:46,600 --> 00:18:49,679 Speaker 2: my first sack, first force fun in your first debut. 393 00:18:49,800 --> 00:18:52,360 Speaker 2: All that I came back and uh, because I got 394 00:18:52,359 --> 00:18:53,679 Speaker 2: it done. I just I worked. 395 00:18:53,880 --> 00:18:56,159 Speaker 1: It's interesting like hearing your mindset on that, cause I 396 00:18:56,240 --> 00:18:58,600 Speaker 1: even remember, like you would walk around the practice field 397 00:18:58,600 --> 00:19:00,560 Speaker 1: with the boot on before, like when you first got here, 398 00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:02,320 Speaker 1: and a lot of guys like when they're hurt, like 399 00:19:02,320 --> 00:19:05,119 Speaker 1: they're just not on the practice field they're rehabbing or whatever. 400 00:19:05,480 --> 00:19:07,560 Speaker 1: But like it's just I remember seeing you out there 401 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:09,080 Speaker 1: for the first couple of times, and it just seemed 402 00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:11,560 Speaker 1: like you like you knew where you wanted to get to, 403 00:19:11,880 --> 00:19:15,280 Speaker 1: and like just even being on the field was like 404 00:19:15,720 --> 00:19:18,040 Speaker 1: seemed like that was something that was important to Yeah. 405 00:19:18,240 --> 00:19:21,320 Speaker 2: Man, look you got to visualize it too, man. I 406 00:19:21,359 --> 00:19:24,399 Speaker 2: didn't want to just you know, sit back and you 407 00:19:24,440 --> 00:19:27,520 Speaker 2: know kind of again like sob and feel bath myself. 408 00:19:27,600 --> 00:19:29,800 Speaker 2: Like now, I was up on that boot to the 409 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:31,879 Speaker 2: point where, you know, Cush Hobbs was getting mad at 410 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:34,200 Speaker 2: the medical staff for letting me walk around so much. 411 00:19:35,000 --> 00:19:36,439 Speaker 2: But I told them that's what I want to do. 412 00:19:36,600 --> 00:19:36,760 Speaker 3: Man. 413 00:19:36,800 --> 00:19:39,680 Speaker 2: You know, obviously with the safety protocols, I just want 414 00:19:39,720 --> 00:19:41,800 Speaker 2: to be out there and be with the guys, you know, 415 00:19:41,880 --> 00:19:43,840 Speaker 2: feel out this to walk because if I'm being real, 416 00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:45,919 Speaker 2: I was kind of in a cast for a little bit. 417 00:19:45,960 --> 00:19:48,080 Speaker 2: I couldn't actually walk crutches. So as soon as I 418 00:19:48,119 --> 00:19:50,359 Speaker 2: got in the boot and I was ready, man, I 419 00:19:50,400 --> 00:19:55,080 Speaker 2: was ready. I could I start running, but I I 420 00:19:55,160 --> 00:19:56,760 Speaker 2: just did it the right way, you know. But I 421 00:19:56,800 --> 00:19:59,280 Speaker 2: was just just eager, man, you know, to get back 422 00:19:59,320 --> 00:20:00,480 Speaker 2: to work. Awesome. 423 00:20:01,000 --> 00:20:03,160 Speaker 1: I also like what you said, this is a last 424 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:07,080 Speaker 1: injury question, because you said at during the off season 425 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:08,919 Speaker 1: one of the press conferences, You're getting a bunch of 426 00:20:08,960 --> 00:20:11,200 Speaker 1: questions like this, and You're like, I'm just done talking 427 00:20:11,240 --> 00:20:14,400 Speaker 1: about it, and like and your mind, your mindset. It's 428 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:16,040 Speaker 1: just kind of interesting to hear, like your mindset is 429 00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:18,840 Speaker 1: looking forward. You're not looking in the past, and you're 430 00:20:18,880 --> 00:20:20,480 Speaker 1: carrying yourself that way. You don't want to talk about 431 00:20:20,480 --> 00:20:21,639 Speaker 1: it anymore. You want to just move past it. 432 00:20:21,840 --> 00:20:24,360 Speaker 2: I'm tired of it, man, Like you know, I don't 433 00:20:24,400 --> 00:20:26,399 Speaker 2: want it to It's gonna be part of my story, 434 00:20:26,440 --> 00:20:28,359 Speaker 2: but I don't want that to one day think about 435 00:20:28,359 --> 00:20:31,560 Speaker 2: a jobaway, think about achilles or thinking about injury, like 436 00:20:31,640 --> 00:20:34,879 Speaker 2: I've never been injured before. You know, God been protecting me, 437 00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:37,560 Speaker 2: so you know this is honestly, I think this is 438 00:20:37,600 --> 00:20:41,560 Speaker 2: what God did to bring me back to comfortability, you know, 439 00:20:41,680 --> 00:20:45,240 Speaker 2: with coach Harball, coach Mike da Fit, you know, just 440 00:20:45,280 --> 00:20:47,720 Speaker 2: the people I know. So I know it is God's plan. Man. 441 00:20:47,800 --> 00:20:50,520 Speaker 2: So I'm not thinking about it as something man. He 442 00:20:50,640 --> 00:20:53,359 Speaker 2: lies millions. Man, he fell out of the top ten. 443 00:20:53,720 --> 00:20:56,560 Speaker 2: Guess what, I'm still playing football. You know, I'm gonna 444 00:20:56,560 --> 00:20:58,880 Speaker 2: get what I need to get, you know, So I'm 445 00:20:58,920 --> 00:21:01,760 Speaker 2: tired to hear about the injury and uh, you know, 446 00:21:02,280 --> 00:21:05,200 Speaker 2: just put in my past and move forward, get to work. 447 00:21:05,560 --> 00:21:08,320 Speaker 4: Yeah, earlier he said, you know, I'm looking forward to 448 00:21:08,359 --> 00:21:10,840 Speaker 4: going to war. With these guys and you know, talking 449 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:14,400 Speaker 4: to you ro Kwan a few weeks ago, Marl, and 450 00:21:15,359 --> 00:21:18,200 Speaker 4: I'm getting a feeling like, yeah, that the defense has 451 00:21:18,280 --> 00:21:21,040 Speaker 4: kind of an edge, a special kind of edge this year, 452 00:21:21,119 --> 00:21:24,160 Speaker 4: that you guys know you can do something special and 453 00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:26,240 Speaker 4: that you really just want to. 454 00:21:26,400 --> 00:21:27,359 Speaker 3: Prove prove it. 455 00:21:27,560 --> 00:21:30,960 Speaker 4: Are you feeling that too being around those guys and 456 00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:32,360 Speaker 4: get ready to be around them every day? 457 00:21:32,640 --> 00:21:35,280 Speaker 2: Yeah? Man, I'm telling you. We all feed off each other. Man, 458 00:21:35,280 --> 00:21:38,280 Speaker 2: it's a different type of And I felt to Michigan too. 459 00:21:38,480 --> 00:21:42,120 Speaker 2: I really knew we're about it, like do what we did? 460 00:21:42,280 --> 00:21:45,679 Speaker 2: Like you just feeling when everybody's clicking, you know what 461 00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:47,960 Speaker 2: I'm saying, and how fast we were having the locker 462 00:21:48,040 --> 00:21:50,119 Speaker 2: room now and we just gotta put it on paper, 463 00:21:50,160 --> 00:21:52,800 Speaker 2: you know, can't talk too much. That's that's how people 464 00:21:52,800 --> 00:21:54,199 Speaker 2: get caught up. Don't talk about it. 465 00:21:54,280 --> 00:21:54,480 Speaker 3: Man. 466 00:21:54,560 --> 00:21:56,760 Speaker 2: When when the past come on, you know, when the 467 00:21:56,840 --> 00:21:59,560 Speaker 2: lights come on, showtime, go put on the show? You 468 00:21:59,560 --> 00:21:59,879 Speaker 2: feel me? 469 00:22:00,359 --> 00:22:04,720 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's awesome. And so with you as a like, 470 00:22:04,800 --> 00:22:07,720 Speaker 1: I just look think ahead to the season and I 471 00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:10,439 Speaker 1: just think that like who knows how the season like 472 00:22:10,480 --> 00:22:13,000 Speaker 1: the expectations. But I look at you and what I 473 00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:15,280 Speaker 1: saw in practice during the off season. I'm like, this 474 00:22:15,320 --> 00:22:17,159 Speaker 1: guy could get double. It's just acts this year. Like, 475 00:22:17,320 --> 00:22:19,920 Speaker 1: who knows, we'll see, but like I think that that 476 00:22:20,200 --> 00:22:23,640 Speaker 1: that potential exists. What are your expectations for this year? 477 00:22:25,280 --> 00:22:28,639 Speaker 2: I mean, man, if we're talking just factually, like double, 478 00:22:28,760 --> 00:22:30,960 Speaker 2: this is all I know. You know, I won't played 479 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:34,320 Speaker 2: one season Michigan, so my only thing is Okay, we're 480 00:22:34,359 --> 00:22:37,560 Speaker 2: gonna get it. I'm gonna just carry that through you feel, mean, 481 00:22:37,680 --> 00:22:39,800 Speaker 2: just to keep it as short and brief as possible, 482 00:22:40,400 --> 00:22:42,800 Speaker 2: you know, I just just go get get the ball, 483 00:22:42,920 --> 00:22:46,439 Speaker 2: get the quarterback, win games, you know, And uh, I 484 00:22:46,440 --> 00:22:49,080 Speaker 2: don't I don't like putting numbers on things. I don't 485 00:22:49,160 --> 00:22:52,320 Speaker 2: like you know, putting out It's a team sport. I'm 486 00:22:52,320 --> 00:22:54,639 Speaker 2: gonna do what I need to do to help this 487 00:22:54,720 --> 00:22:56,600 Speaker 2: team win, go all the way. 488 00:22:57,400 --> 00:22:59,560 Speaker 4: How much is taken you know when training game starts, 489 00:22:59,560 --> 00:23:01,960 Speaker 4: I mean you'll be taking reps you know, again some 490 00:23:02,080 --> 00:23:03,160 Speaker 4: really good offensive line. 491 00:23:03,200 --> 00:23:04,639 Speaker 3: And how much does that help you? 492 00:23:04,640 --> 00:23:06,800 Speaker 4: You know, you got guys like Morgan out there, Ryannie. 493 00:23:07,240 --> 00:23:09,920 Speaker 4: How much does that sharpen you, especially being a young 494 00:23:09,920 --> 00:23:12,000 Speaker 4: player who obviously is still growing. 495 00:23:12,640 --> 00:23:15,320 Speaker 2: I mean, man, it's an is a blessing. You know, 496 00:23:15,720 --> 00:23:18,680 Speaker 2: these guys made a lot of money and rightfully so, 497 00:23:18,920 --> 00:23:22,320 Speaker 2: you know, so going against vets like that it only 498 00:23:22,359 --> 00:23:25,000 Speaker 2: gets me better, you feel me, and so that when 499 00:23:25,040 --> 00:23:27,400 Speaker 2: I go against people you know less than them, hopefully 500 00:23:27,400 --> 00:23:30,560 Speaker 2: it should be food, you know. So it's just it's 501 00:23:30,640 --> 00:23:33,880 Speaker 2: day by day, just grinding against really really good players. 502 00:23:33,920 --> 00:23:35,600 Speaker 2: And you know, I'm excited. 503 00:23:35,520 --> 00:23:39,920 Speaker 1: You mentioned the London game. Obviously that's not home exactly, 504 00:23:39,960 --> 00:23:42,080 Speaker 1: but it's close, you know, and I'm sure you're gonna 505 00:23:42,080 --> 00:23:44,000 Speaker 1: have a ton of family there. I know we were 506 00:23:44,000 --> 00:23:45,040 Speaker 1: talking about tickets one time. 507 00:23:48,119 --> 00:23:48,800 Speaker 2: Everybody cover. 508 00:23:49,440 --> 00:23:51,480 Speaker 1: Yeah are you when you found out that game was 509 00:23:51,520 --> 00:23:52,679 Speaker 1: on the schedule? Were you fired up? 510 00:23:52,760 --> 00:23:55,040 Speaker 2: I was so happy, man, because, like I said, I 511 00:23:55,040 --> 00:23:57,760 Speaker 2: don't get to see my family often and I'm a 512 00:23:57,760 --> 00:24:00,560 Speaker 2: family guy, man, So when I knew, you know, I 513 00:24:00,560 --> 00:24:03,159 Speaker 2: could play in front of my family, all my family people, 514 00:24:03,280 --> 00:24:05,320 Speaker 2: you know, the people to come down from Scotland. You know, 515 00:24:05,560 --> 00:24:09,320 Speaker 2: my UK supporters an't down down south to England. It's 516 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:12,280 Speaker 2: just like, man, again, God's playing. This is my first 517 00:24:12,280 --> 00:24:14,960 Speaker 2: full season in the NFL and I'm going back to 518 00:24:14,960 --> 00:24:17,840 Speaker 2: where I'm from. Like, what's a coincidence about that? You know? 519 00:24:18,000 --> 00:24:20,960 Speaker 2: So I don't ask no questions. Man, I know everything's 520 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:23,080 Speaker 2: for a reason, and just keep my face strong. 521 00:24:23,480 --> 00:24:25,119 Speaker 1: I saw I remember last year. I think maybe it 522 00:24:25,160 --> 00:24:27,640 Speaker 1: was round Thanksgiving or Christmas. You had your family here 523 00:24:27,720 --> 00:24:30,120 Speaker 1: and they came out to a practice, and like seeing 524 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:33,240 Speaker 1: all of you together, it was just it was I 525 00:24:33,240 --> 00:24:35,639 Speaker 1: think sometimes you forget about what you're saying, which is 526 00:24:35,680 --> 00:24:37,720 Speaker 1: like you just don't get the opportunity to see them 527 00:24:37,880 --> 00:24:41,200 Speaker 1: like once a year, you know, and seeing I remember 528 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:43,679 Speaker 1: taking pictures of you guys after practice and interacting and 529 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:45,439 Speaker 1: like that just seemed like a pretty special moment for 530 00:24:45,480 --> 00:24:48,720 Speaker 1: them to be in an NFL practice, And I mean, 531 00:24:49,200 --> 00:24:51,800 Speaker 1: like you were joking about maybe even to them, it's 532 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:54,320 Speaker 1: like what is all this like that it's probably a 533 00:24:54,359 --> 00:24:56,600 Speaker 1: little bit shocking even to them to come and see 534 00:24:56,600 --> 00:24:59,960 Speaker 1: that environment. But it was cool. Yeah, it's cool to see. 535 00:25:00,119 --> 00:25:01,959 Speaker 2: No, No, it was really good to have them. Uh. 536 00:25:02,240 --> 00:25:05,320 Speaker 2: And I don't know if they know, you know where 537 00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:08,439 Speaker 2: or like how many legends have come through here, but 538 00:25:08,480 --> 00:25:10,719 Speaker 2: I think they just having to be around me, you know, 539 00:25:10,920 --> 00:25:13,520 Speaker 2: and vice versa, and of course just be on the 540 00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:17,000 Speaker 2: team and see what they're soying and the family members 541 00:25:17,080 --> 00:25:20,120 Speaker 2: doing and hopefully get them up up here as much 542 00:25:20,160 --> 00:25:22,760 Speaker 2: as possible. But they got their own lives to live, 543 00:25:22,840 --> 00:25:26,040 Speaker 2: you know. Same way. I can't just disappear and go 544 00:25:26,040 --> 00:25:28,200 Speaker 2: go chilling Scotland for a couple of weeks. They can't 545 00:25:28,240 --> 00:25:30,840 Speaker 2: really come down here like that. So any anytime I 546 00:25:31,440 --> 00:25:33,680 Speaker 2: have to see them, you know, I cherish it. 547 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:37,160 Speaker 1: Last question for me, how hard did you push Terrell 548 00:25:37,240 --> 00:25:38,679 Speaker 1: slugs to try to get number fIF. 549 00:25:40,760 --> 00:25:45,320 Speaker 2: I knew my place, man, Don't ask your question, get 550 00:25:45,359 --> 00:25:49,680 Speaker 2: your answer, keeping keep it moving, you feel me. I'm 551 00:25:49,720 --> 00:25:52,359 Speaker 2: a rookie. You gotta earn it. You know everything earned 552 00:25:52,359 --> 00:25:55,080 Speaker 2: in this league, you know, so you know a legend 553 00:25:55,160 --> 00:25:57,159 Speaker 2: like that, you can't play around with that. Now. At 554 00:25:57,280 --> 00:25:59,919 Speaker 2: end of the day, you make the number. You know, 555 00:26:00,000 --> 00:26:03,160 Speaker 2: a number don't make you so shoot. If I ball 556 00:26:03,200 --> 00:26:05,880 Speaker 2: out of ninety, maybe I might be a legendary number. 557 00:26:05,880 --> 00:26:08,359 Speaker 2: I don't need to worry about fifty five. So you 558 00:26:08,400 --> 00:26:09,680 Speaker 2: know everything having for a reason. 559 00:26:09,960 --> 00:26:11,480 Speaker 1: Awesome man. Well we can't wait to see what you 560 00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:14,040 Speaker 1: do this year. It's been a fun watching you this offseason. 561 00:26:14,119 --> 00:26:16,120 Speaker 1: I think big things are in store, so appreciate the time. 562 00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:19,080 Speaker 2: God bless man, thank you so big. 563 00:26:19,119 --> 00:26:21,920 Speaker 1: Thanks to David Jabo for stopping by the Seat Geeks Studio. Also, 564 00:26:21,920 --> 00:26:23,080 Speaker 1: we want to give a shout out to our friends 565 00:26:23,080 --> 00:26:25,679 Speaker 1: at DraftKings because they had the official sports betting partner 566 00:26:26,040 --> 00:26:28,160 Speaker 1: all the Baltimore Ravens and it has a limited time 567 00:26:28,240 --> 00:26:30,720 Speaker 1: offer that you don't want to miss. Here's what you 568 00:26:30,760 --> 00:26:33,560 Speaker 1: need to do. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app today and 569 00:26:33,560 --> 00:26:36,000 Speaker 1: when you do that, Cliff use the promo code flock. 570 00:26:36,040 --> 00:26:38,159 Speaker 1: If you're a new user, you can get a deposit 571 00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:40,840 Speaker 1: bonus of up to one thousand dollars that's only at 572 00:26:40,960 --> 00:26:43,119 Speaker 1: DraftKings and get that done today. You need to be 573 00:26:43,240 --> 00:26:46,520 Speaker 1: over twenty one and physically present in Maryland to play. 574 00:26:46,560 --> 00:26:50,320 Speaker 1: For help, visit MD gambling, heelp dot org or call 575 00:26:50,520 --> 00:26:53,040 Speaker 1: one eight hundred Gambler. So shout out to our friends 576 00:26:53,040 --> 00:26:55,760 Speaker 1: at DraftKings and Cliff. I just really enjoyed the conversation 577 00:26:55,800 --> 00:27:00,440 Speaker 1: with David Man. I mean, this guy. I love Histue. 578 00:27:01,760 --> 00:27:05,800 Speaker 1: I love the confidence that he has. I think also 579 00:27:06,320 --> 00:27:09,840 Speaker 1: his perspective, like this is a guy who's had a 580 00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:13,480 Speaker 1: wild road, Like we talked about highs and lows, and 581 00:27:14,080 --> 00:27:15,879 Speaker 1: I just think he's got a really good head on 582 00:27:15,920 --> 00:27:17,440 Speaker 1: his shoulders. I'm excited to see what he does. 583 00:27:17,760 --> 00:27:22,280 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean obviously very engaging, very self motivated, you know, 584 00:27:22,359 --> 00:27:25,720 Speaker 4: talking about him being here just working, grinding every day. 585 00:27:26,440 --> 00:27:28,560 Speaker 4: I feel like, yeah, he feels he got ribs kind 586 00:27:28,560 --> 00:27:31,560 Speaker 4: of of his rookie year, and he's so eager to 587 00:27:31,600 --> 00:27:35,359 Speaker 4: get on the field, and yeah, we're all just I think, 588 00:27:36,000 --> 00:27:39,280 Speaker 4: fascinated by what he might be able to do what 589 00:27:39,320 --> 00:27:42,200 Speaker 4: he did at Michigan, just immediately a guy who hadn't 590 00:27:42,240 --> 00:27:47,720 Speaker 4: played much high school football becoming a star. He's a 591 00:27:47,760 --> 00:27:49,200 Speaker 4: getting off the bus type guy. 592 00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:50,240 Speaker 3: I mean, you look at him. 593 00:27:50,400 --> 00:27:52,840 Speaker 4: You put twenty two guys at the park and you 594 00:27:52,840 --> 00:27:54,399 Speaker 4: don't know anything about him, He's going to be one 595 00:27:54,400 --> 00:27:57,440 Speaker 4: of the first guys picked. I mean his whole demeanor 596 00:27:57,880 --> 00:28:02,159 Speaker 4: it exudes athleticism and confidence, and I think that, you know, 597 00:28:02,200 --> 00:28:05,440 Speaker 4: with a team like the Ravens, which has lofty goals, 598 00:28:06,119 --> 00:28:08,760 Speaker 4: I think he's going to add juice to the defense. 599 00:28:08,880 --> 00:28:12,720 Speaker 4: He's flies around the field, plays with a lot of enthusiasm, 600 00:28:13,160 --> 00:28:16,159 Speaker 4: going to get an opportunity to make an impact, and 601 00:28:16,240 --> 00:28:18,520 Speaker 4: I think he's fully ready to take advantage of it. 602 00:28:18,640 --> 00:28:20,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, Like to that question I asked about having fun 603 00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:23,480 Speaker 1: like he does for a guy that has really not 604 00:28:23,920 --> 00:28:28,119 Speaker 1: played much, he doesn't act timid at all, and I 605 00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:29,800 Speaker 1: like that, Like, I think you kind of need that 606 00:28:30,480 --> 00:28:33,840 Speaker 1: edge as a pass rusher, Like you can't be standing 607 00:28:33,880 --> 00:28:37,320 Speaker 1: across from these great tackles and be timid and be scared. 608 00:28:37,520 --> 00:28:40,480 Speaker 1: Like that's not the way Ravens defensive players operate, and 609 00:28:40,560 --> 00:28:43,120 Speaker 1: like he embodies that, and I think that, like, I 610 00:28:43,120 --> 00:28:45,320 Speaker 1: think that that is going to bring some juice to 611 00:28:45,360 --> 00:28:49,000 Speaker 1: this defense. Yeah, and I know, you know, we spent 612 00:28:49,080 --> 00:28:51,600 Speaker 1: time talking about whether the Ravens could add a pass rusher, 613 00:28:51,760 --> 00:28:54,600 Speaker 1: and that's a question justin Houston's still out there all that. 614 00:28:55,160 --> 00:28:57,160 Speaker 1: Do they end up bringing somebody else in? Maybe, But 615 00:28:57,200 --> 00:28:59,680 Speaker 1: I think part of the reason that they haven't is 616 00:28:59,680 --> 00:29:02,200 Speaker 1: because there's real confidence in a Jabo and like what 617 00:29:02,320 --> 00:29:04,640 Speaker 1: he can do and the expectations that he has for 618 00:29:04,720 --> 00:29:07,000 Speaker 1: himself and the team has from this year or high. 619 00:29:07,080 --> 00:29:09,200 Speaker 4: Yeah, that was interesting too what he said about being 620 00:29:09,240 --> 00:29:12,640 Speaker 4: back in Michigan with Mike McDonald and Jory pulled aside, like, 621 00:29:12,720 --> 00:29:15,120 Speaker 4: hey man, you know you're the guy, go get it. 622 00:29:15,440 --> 00:29:18,440 Speaker 4: He did, like Mike could see the potential that he 623 00:29:18,520 --> 00:29:21,160 Speaker 4: had and really felt it was going to happen. That 624 00:29:21,240 --> 00:29:23,960 Speaker 4: made a Jaba feel even more that it was going 625 00:29:24,000 --> 00:29:27,680 Speaker 4: to happen. I think it's really fascinating how he ends 626 00:29:27,760 --> 00:29:31,840 Speaker 4: up here with Oway and Mike McDonald. I mean, what 627 00:29:31,840 --> 00:29:35,640 Speaker 4: are the odds of that happening? Very slim. So he's 628 00:29:35,640 --> 00:29:39,720 Speaker 4: in a perfect spot. I feel already with guys he 629 00:29:39,840 --> 00:29:42,800 Speaker 4: knows in the defense that he knows, and now he 630 00:29:42,840 --> 00:29:45,240 Speaker 4: has an opportunity to play. He doesn't have a whole 631 00:29:45,280 --> 00:29:47,120 Speaker 4: bunch of vets in front of him. It's like, hey, 632 00:29:47,480 --> 00:29:51,440 Speaker 4: go play. And he's really taking it seriously. He's not 633 00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:53,960 Speaker 4: taking it for granted. He's taking it seriously. 634 00:29:54,040 --> 00:29:55,440 Speaker 1: Yeah, Like I think that's part of the reason that 635 00:29:55,480 --> 00:29:58,400 Speaker 1: he's here. Like days are short and their days are numbered, 636 00:29:59,480 --> 00:30:01,200 Speaker 1: and I think thinking it feels like he has something 637 00:30:01,240 --> 00:30:03,480 Speaker 1: to prove. We got to get Mike on the podcast 638 00:30:03,480 --> 00:30:06,600 Speaker 1: and ask him what conversation he's pulled away or a 639 00:30:06,680 --> 00:30:09,360 Speaker 1: joba aside this year and told him, you know, what 640 00:30:09,960 --> 00:30:11,480 Speaker 1: are you saying to him? You see double dog your 641 00:30:11,520 --> 00:30:14,520 Speaker 1: sacks again this year? Like, what what is that conversation 642 00:30:14,560 --> 00:30:16,600 Speaker 1: that he's gonna be talking about a couple of years 643 00:30:16,600 --> 00:30:16,920 Speaker 1: from now? 644 00:30:17,120 --> 00:30:19,360 Speaker 4: Yeah, I mean, you know, you know, Mike, I think 645 00:30:19,520 --> 00:30:22,360 Speaker 4: like it's the low key things, but you look at 646 00:30:22,720 --> 00:30:24,680 Speaker 4: the him and also Aidan Hutchinson. 647 00:30:24,760 --> 00:30:27,680 Speaker 1: That I mean, those two guys in Mice one year 648 00:30:28,080 --> 00:30:31,000 Speaker 1: who like those guys weren't like a job on a 649 00:30:31,160 --> 00:30:33,680 Speaker 1: Hudgson weren't mentioned, is like top five picks. 650 00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:35,120 Speaker 3: Before he got there, before he got there. 651 00:30:35,480 --> 00:30:36,000 Speaker 2: It's true. 652 00:30:36,640 --> 00:30:39,240 Speaker 4: I mean, that's just that's what happened. And they're doing it, 653 00:30:39,760 --> 00:30:43,040 Speaker 4: you know, playing in the Big ten. So yeah, it 654 00:30:43,760 --> 00:30:45,600 Speaker 4: is interesting. I mean, he's not gonna give away all 655 00:30:45,600 --> 00:30:49,440 Speaker 4: the States secrets. But Mike has a clear vision. I 656 00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:52,959 Speaker 4: feel for those two guys, every really everyone on defense, 657 00:30:53,040 --> 00:30:57,160 Speaker 4: but he knows a Jabo so well, having already worked 658 00:30:57,160 --> 00:31:00,320 Speaker 4: with him. And even though it was a shame that 659 00:31:00,600 --> 00:31:02,560 Speaker 4: a job I didn't get to play much last year, 660 00:31:02,560 --> 00:31:05,120 Speaker 4: he also had a chance to kind of sit back 661 00:31:05,240 --> 00:31:09,800 Speaker 4: once absorb what the Ravens do, really get a feel 662 00:31:09,920 --> 00:31:13,400 Speaker 4: mentally for it. And so now he's out there physically, 663 00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:17,000 Speaker 4: even though it's like his rookie year, he had that 664 00:31:17,120 --> 00:31:20,040 Speaker 4: kind of red shirt year in the NFL to prepare 665 00:31:20,080 --> 00:31:22,400 Speaker 4: himself for this year. So in the long run, even 666 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:24,840 Speaker 4: though it was painful for him not to be able 667 00:31:24,880 --> 00:31:27,880 Speaker 4: to play, it might actually help him because when he 668 00:31:27,880 --> 00:31:30,320 Speaker 4: gets out there now in the second year in his defense. 669 00:31:30,600 --> 00:31:31,960 Speaker 3: I think he's just ready to fly around. 670 00:31:32,040 --> 00:31:35,120 Speaker 1: Yeah, and I think, as I said, his perspective on 671 00:31:35,160 --> 00:31:37,600 Speaker 1: all of this good, Like he firmly believes it all 672 00:31:37,640 --> 00:31:39,719 Speaker 1: happened for a reason, Like I'm on right where I'm 673 00:31:39,760 --> 00:31:42,040 Speaker 1: supposed to be, I got drafted where I'm supposed to be. 674 00:31:42,600 --> 00:31:45,240 Speaker 1: Like the twist and turns and the ups and downs, 675 00:31:45,280 --> 00:31:46,920 Speaker 1: like it all has led to a point where he 676 00:31:46,920 --> 00:31:50,440 Speaker 1: feels like he's ready for a big season. And I 677 00:31:50,440 --> 00:31:53,360 Speaker 1: think he's gonna have one. I really do. So it'll 678 00:31:53,400 --> 00:31:55,760 Speaker 1: be interesting to see him in training camp and I 679 00:31:55,800 --> 00:31:58,520 Speaker 1: can't wait. So as always, you can email us the 680 00:31:58,560 --> 00:32:01,320 Speaker 1: lounge at Ravens dot NFL dot net. We'd love to 681 00:32:01,360 --> 00:32:04,640 Speaker 1: hear your questions, So sending those questions. Training camp is 682 00:32:04,680 --> 00:32:08,000 Speaker 1: right around the corner here. Uh, you know, guys, pretty 683 00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:09,440 Speaker 1: soon a job was not gonna be the only guy 684 00:32:09,520 --> 00:32:11,640 Speaker 1: walking around here. It's gonna be a very busy place. 685 00:32:12,120 --> 00:32:12,280 Speaker 2: Uh. 686 00:32:12,360 --> 00:32:15,800 Speaker 1: The players are coming back, so it's uh, it's it's starting. 687 00:32:15,880 --> 00:32:17,960 Speaker 1: You know, you're starting to see more faces and more 688 00:32:18,000 --> 00:32:20,120 Speaker 1: guys are back, and so it's gonna be a very 689 00:32:20,120 --> 00:32:22,480 Speaker 1: busy place over the next week and we're gonna be 690 00:32:22,480 --> 00:32:24,520 Speaker 1: here bringing you all the coverage throughout training camp, so 691 00:32:24,800 --> 00:32:26,880 Speaker 1: stay tuned for some more fun stuff to come. Thanks 692 00:32:26,960 --> 00:32:29,400 Speaker 1: for listening and for watching. We'll talk with you again soon.