Q&A Session: Justin Madubuike

Question: What are your goals for your junior season?
JM: As a team, we want a national championship, a SEC Championship, to win every game, to be attentive every day and trust the coaches. As for me, I'm not worried about what I want to do, because I believe that with team success comes individual success. So, I'm not going to worry about what I'm going to do because we, as a team, are trying to be the best we can be every week and take one day at a time. That's all we can do.
 
Q: Do you take more pride in pass rushing or run stopping?
JM: Pass rushing is the exciting part; that's what everyone wants to do. That's what gets your mama off the bed saying 'Woo that's my son!,' but stopping the run is just as important. I believe I take pride in both, while trying to be an all-around player, locking into my keys and doing my job every play.
 
 
Q: What's your favorite thing about Coach Fisher?
JM: His drive for us to be the best that we can be. It's his spirit, love for the game, love for his players and love for being great. It draws you toward him when he persistently says every day 'be great' and we realize we have no choice but to be great. He builds that standard for us to be the best that we can be. It's not easy, but he drills it to us every single day to the point it becomes a part of us.
 
Q: In what other ways has Coach Fisher had a great impact on you?
JM: He believes in me. He says things that shock me, like 'you can be the best in the nation.' He reassures you by working you as if you are what he believes you to be. That's the way Coach Fisher motivates me and my teammates. Bringing in guest speakers to give us inspiration, like Eric Thomas, he was great. Eric Thomas was one of the best speakers I've seen. I used to watch his videos when I was in seventh and eighth grade, so seeing him in person was surreal and very powerful. I appreciate him coming to see us and giving us his time.
 
 
Q: What's your least favorite thing about fall camp?
JM: I'd say it's the heat. It's probably the hot sun burning your skin, making you all dark, making you keep up with the hydration and causing all the complaints of the heat. I love football and being around my teammates and coaches. I love playing the game and the relationships you build, for example when you're getting water and people spray water on you because it's hot. Those are the little things that people lose sight of, but I always remind myself those are the things I really like.  
 
Q: What's your favorite football memory?
JM: I'd say it has to be my first sack in my collegiate career, it was against Clemson. I think it was the first 3rd down of the game, I was in at the zero, made a little swipe left at the center, skipped over the guard's leg so that I didn't trip and cleaned up Kelly Bryant. That has to be my favorite because it was my first sack. My freshman year I never got a sack; I just compiled a bunch of tackles. I always wondered 'when am I going to get a sack,' and the fact that I did it in that fashion, I think that's pretty cool for a sack. I'm looking forward to building more favorite moments though.
 
 
Q: What offensive lineman on the team would have the best chance guarding you?
JM: I go against Colten Prater, Jared Hocker, Dan Moore Jr., young Kenyon Green and all five of them really. I'll say maybe Hocker, because I go against him the most. I'm a three-tech, meaning Hocker is usually on my side. Hocker has jumper cables for hands, because when he gets a hold of you he is not letting you go. He will dig you into the dirt. It could be Hocker or Prater, but all five of them are great players. I love those boys.
 
Q: What do you do in College Station when not playing football?
JM: I get some wings from Buffalo Wild Wings, go home to watch some movies and chill while listening to some music. I also read quotes, watch inspirational videos and watch funny videos like Wild'n Out on MTV, because it's something that makes me laugh and feel good.
 
Q: What's your favorite restaurant in town?
JM: I'm from McKinney where there's a Buffalo Wild Wings at every corner. I like wings and live right by Buffalo Wild Wings so it's more convenient for me. However, I like other places, too. Red Lobster used to be my favorite place! Maybe I just outgrew it or ate everything on the menu, but at the moment, I don't know what my favorite restaurant is. As I'm growing in age, I'm growing in what food I like more. It's always changing.
 
Q: What's some of your favorite music artists?
JM: I love Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, but I don't have a favorite one. There are so many great artists out there. Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson make me feel good and put my mind at ease. I also like Nipsey Hussle, Jay Z, Nas and Drake. Drizzy Drake, Champagne Papi that's my guy! Drake has to be in my top three for sure with Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye. Those are legends.
 
 
Q: What was your favorite sports team growing up?
JM: Growing up I liked the Boston Celtics. My favorite color was green, because my older brother said his favorite color was Blue. I liked the color blue as well, but I didn't want to have the same favorite color. So, instinctively I said 'well, my favorite color is green,' because green is like grass, money and similar to blue in that they're both part of the earth. Also, I loved Ray Allen, Eddie House, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. I loved the Celtics and Lakers always going at it, over and over again. As far as football, I have to go with the Cowboys since I lived near Dallas.
 
Q: Who is your favorite athlete?
JM: I like Kobe [Bryant], but I have to go with the King, LeBron James. I like his force on the court, his charisma and he cares for his teammates and his fans. He's a walking, talking icon of greatness and inspiration. Shaquille O'Neal, as well, because he was so dominant. He's another great athlete that inspires others.
 
Q: What aspirations do you have after college?
Madubuike: I want to be the best I can be. I could write out all these goals of what I want to do and say what I want to say, but at the end of the day, are you going to put the work in? Are you going to take one day at a time? Are you going to prevent distractions from getting to you? If so, you're going to achieve being the best you can be. If not, you had a chance to be great.