University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Getting To Know Your Golden Eagles
11/9/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 9, 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 offensive lineman Neal Mead, defensive lineman Tom Johnson, and kicker Darren McCaleb.
In the trenches with Neal Mead
Neal Mead"> How hard did you have to work to earn a starting position this season and how do you feel about accomplishing that?
"I had to work really hard. I worked harder this summer in the weight room and really tried to step up."
You have already earned your degree in coaching and sports administration. How do you plan to use your degree when you leave USM?
"I'm in my first semester of graduate school right now. After finishing that, I want to coach for a little while and eventually be an athletic director."
What is your favorite game day meal?
"Spaghetti."
Do you have any superstitions?
"No, I'm not superstitious."
What would you say is your mission out on the field?
"Just to play as hard as I can and do what I can to help the team win."
How will you remember your days here at USM?
"Playing here at USM has been so much fun, so I will remember how much fun I had here."
Which opponent do you look forward to playing the most?
"I don't really look forward to any certain opponent."
Lightful conversation with Tom Johnson
Tom Johnson"> How does playing junior college football differ from you experiences playing at USM?
"It helped me out a lot. The game is a little quicker than junior college, and when you come up here you have to adjust quicker."
If you could choose any other position to play, what would it be?
"Linebacker because you get to make more plays; you get plays designed for you. So, linebacker because you make more stats."
What is your game day ritual?
"I am very superstitious, so I do everything the same. I listen to the same music and do the same routine."
Does it make a difference to the team if a game is televised or not televised? Does it affect your performance or make you more nervous?
"Oh yeah! You have the whole world watching you. It makes you play harder and with more intensity. I think it has a big effect on performance."
What do you think is the greatest sports movie of all time?
"Friday Night Lights."
What does it mean to you to be a Golden Eagle?
"Tradition, tradition, tradition. Tradition for defense and everything. Everybody before was so good, and to keep the tradition is probably the greatest thing about being a Golden Eagle."
Who do you admire most on the team?
"Trevis and Kevis Coley. They come out, and they play 100% everyday all day."
What team do you wish USM could play that is not normally on the schedule?
"Probably Ole Miss and Mississippi State because everybody thinks that they are on top. I think that if we had the opportunity to play both of those teams, we would have a great chance of beating them."
Breaking records with Darren McCaleb
You have set or tied several school records this year such as the highest percentage in a single season. Does that make you feel any pressure out on the field?
"I don't think it hurts the pressure any. It's definitely what I came here to do...to be successful. I am very happy that I got the chance to do this."
If you weren't playing football for USM, what would you do with all of your extra time?
"I can't think of doing anything else but playing football here. Sometimes we take it for granted, and we really don't respect what we have. Sometimes you just have to sit down and think how good we've got it even though we work year-round."
What exactly runs through your mind when you are stepping up to kick?
"Don't miss. Beat the pressure. It's just like an ordinary kick in practice you just can't let the pressure get to you."
What kind of music pumps you up?
"Rap. All of it; anything crazy."
Who do you look up to on the team?
"Trevis and Kevis (Coley). They're pretty much the best football players I've ever been around. They're just real quality guys, real good guys."
If you could describe yourself in two words, what would they be?
"Hard worker."
You had quite a game against East Carolina going 4 for 4 on field goal attempts. What are your thoughts about setting a new school kick scoring record with 15 points in a single game?
"It's awesome. I'm blessed to get that many opportunities. I know that when I get out on the field I want to make good of the opportunity that I do have. I try to make everything...period."
