Aggie Football Q&A: DeMarvin Leal

Sophomore DeMarvin Leal, a disruptive and versatile contributor on the defensive line, sits down for this week's Aggie Football Q&A. 
 
Why did you choose to come to Texas A&M?
 
Coach Price is a legend in my eyes and ever since the eighth grade I've always wanted to come here. The academics here are great and that was the one thing that stood out to me during my recruitment.
 
How would you describe Coach Price and what is your favorite thing about him?
 
He's demanding and wants everyone to pay attention to the details. He wants everything done the right way. If you become unfocused or fall off the trail of the right way he will get you back on track and focused. He expects you to be successful and demands a lot. 
 
What's the best thing Coach Price barbecues and where does it rank in the barbecue you've had?
 
Everything is good, there's nothing that man cannot barbecue. It's the only BBQ I eat, if he cooks it I am there.
 
Who have you learned the most from since you have been here and what have you learned?
 
Easily Micheal Clemons, he's shown me a lot from how to be focused, to work hard and be dedicated.
 
How do you try to be a leader for your teammates?
 
I started following Mike [Clemons]. My thing every day is to try to be better than Mike. No matter who it is or what position, I'm competing to get to the ball or get to the tackle, it doesn't matter what it is I just love to compete. To be better, I have to compete and I have to make those around me better while I'm trying to progress myself.
 
What do you hope to accomplish this season?
 
I want to try to be a game-changer and get to the quarterback more, stop the run more, just make more big plays for the team. I want to get a lot more sacks.
 
Who is the toughest person on our offensive line to go up against and what makes them tough?
 
Kenyon Green and Layden Robinson, they're light on their feet and very strong.
 
During the pandemic what was a TV show or movie you watched the most or got really into?
 
I love to watch shows and movies, I have probably watched everything on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime, I'm not committed to just one. If it was on it then, I watched it. My favorite show is Teen Wolf, but I don't run into many shows that I don't like.
 
Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
 
I have looked up to and modeled my game after JJ Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Aaron Donald and Ray Lewis. Ray Lewis has always been determined and he doesn't care who you are, he is going to go right through you and knock your soul out of your body. JJ Watt works hard and he shows that hard work gets you where you're at. 
 
Do you have any pregame rituals?
 
The night before the game everyone else eats sandwiches or whatever, but I eat straight fruit and I drink water, have a protein shake and that's about it. In the mornings I talk to my mom, she used to always give me a note before the game when we're walking into the locker room, but now she just sends it to me. In the locker room, I like to listen to music and watch highlights.