Nov. 11, 2005

Throughout the 2005 Golden Eagle football season, a player from the offense, defense and special teams will sit down for an interview with Southern Miss Athletics Media intern Mallory Haynes on what you need to know about Southern Miss football.

This week's spotlight focuses on tight end Shawn Nelson, linebacker Wayne Hardy, and center Robby D'Angelo.

How do you feel about the season so far?

"We've had some ups and downs. I feel like we could do a few things better like executing. I trust my team and have a lot of faith in them. I think that we are doing a good job. We're not satisfied; we always want to do better. We want to get a championship."

Being a younger member of the team, who do you look to for knowledge?

"George Batiste."

What is your favorite team in the National Football League?

"Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

If you could describe yourself in two words, what would they be?

"Athletic and sweet."

What do you think makes you such a tough match-up for opposing defenses?

"I'm real athletic and fast. I play hard and do the best I can."

What was the first sport you played before football?

"Basketball."

Were you good at playing basketball too?

"Yes, I was."

How do you feel about this week and only having four days in between games?

"It's real tough, but we've got to set our minds on the game and get ready for Sunday."

What are your feelings about the game against Marshall?

"It was a close game. We had to do what we had to do to win the game. We gave out in the fourth quarter, but I think overall we did a good job."

How do you feel about your move from offense to defense during the spring?

"It's one of the best things that has happened to me since I've been here. It made me feel more comfortable, switching from offense to defense."

Do you like playing one more than the other?

"I really enjoy playing linebacker better than fullback. I feel like I can help the team more as a linebacker."

What attracted you to USM and made you want to play here?

"The family environment. Everyone sticks together here. Southern Miss offers a good opportunity to have a good academic career."

Explain to USM fans what goes on in the locker room at half time?

"We get fueled back up. It depends on whether we're up or down. If we're winning, we try to approach the second half like it's a 0-0 game. If we're down, we try to find a way to get motivated so we can come back out and take the lead. Basically, we go over what we did wrong in the first half try to fix it."

What do you like about being a linebacker and its advantages compared to other positions?

"I like linebacker because the spotlight is on you. The linebacker gets the defense going, and it gives you a chance to showcase your talent."

Being a USM football player, what is one of Southern Miss' traditions that carry on from year to year?

"We're always tough. We don't get anything easy; we earn what we get. Defense is a big tradition here. We always have a good defense."

Do you have any superstitions?

"I try to do the same routine every week...wear the same shoes, the same wrist band, and everything."

You were awarded the team's most improved defensive player award by the coaching staff. How do you feel about receiving that?

"That made me feel good. When I played fullback, I felt like I could do more. I moved to defense in the spring, and it was a big change. I felt like the coaches were proud of me."

When you're walking around campus, do you feel like people look at you like "the big man on campus" because you play football?"

"Some people stereotype us like we go around thinking that we're everything. I go to college like I'm an ordinary student; I don't think of myself as being better than anybody."

How do you feel about being a starter on the offensive line this year?

"We have a good offensive line this year. We came together well over the offseason, and being a part of that is a good feeling."

What do you think is your most important job as center?

"Getting everybody on the same page. As far as center goes, you have to direct the offensive line. You have to watch extra film and put in the extra time. Getting everyone on the same page during the practices and the games is the biggest thing you've got to do."

Which magazine do you prefer, Sports Illustrated or ESPN the Magazine?

"Sports Illustrated."

How hard is it for a team to play a game on Tuesday, recover from that game, and be prepared for another game on Sunday?

"It's going to be difficult, but as long as we get in here and put in the time, we'll be alright. You've got to put the game behind you; don't dwell on being tired. You can't think about having to get in late and waking up early for class. You put it behind you and get ready for the next game."

Since you are out on the field day in and day out pushing people around and getting hit, is there anything that you do to relax?

"I play video games and hang out with friends. I watch t.v. and spend a lot of time on the couch."

What team do you wish USM could play that is not usually on the schedule?

"Ole Miss."

You are expected to step up and be a solid contributor this season. How do you plan to do that?

"I've got to do my part...put in extra time on the field and off the field."

Do you play any intramural sports?

"No."

So far, what has been your best moment on a football field?

"The TCU game my freshman year. That was an exciting game to be a part of."