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CHERUBINI CHIMES IN
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One-on-One with the Pirates
Monday, August 23, 2010

By Ron Cherubini

Travis Simmons

By Ron Cherubini
©2010 Bonesville.net
All rights reserved.

Travis SimmonsHaving to play opposite of an all-star corner might be a bit daunting. That is unless you are in your own right a stellar performer. Senior cornerback Travis Simmons has been part of one of the league’s best cornerback tandems – paired with junior Emanuel Davis. Simmons, who is no stranger to fame of his own, has a knack for making big plays in big games. He was the MVP of the Hawaii Bowl as a sophomore and has evolved into one of the best at his position in the country. Add to that an engaging leader, and you have the type of player who not only changes games with plays but inspires teammates. 

Travis was kind enough to sit down for a chat with Bonesville to share his insights on the upcoming season.

Q: What can Pirate fans expect from our defense this year based on what you are seeing on the field through summer?

A: Fans can expect an attacking, fast defense that runs to the football and plays extremely hard.

Travis SimmonsQ: Is it possible to reload rather than rebuild?

A: Yes, I definitely think we can reload because of the talent that is out here. We have some guys out there who are very talented. Some of them have not been in as many games as others, but they are working hard. So, yes, I think we can reload rather than rebuild this season.

Q: Who on the defense do you expect to be a star/stud this year that wasn’t a starter last year?

A: You know, we have a few of them out there, but I would have to say, Steve Spence. He’s paid his dues and done a great job out here and I expect him to be real good. He’s smart and he’s physical. We expect everyone out here to step it up, but I think Steve is stepping it up already and is going to make a big impact on this defense.

Q: Who on this team do you most respect as a player and why?

A: I would say probably Dustin Lineback, the linebacker. You know, he was a walk-on and he went through a lot to get to the spot he is at now. He has been working extremely hard and is a good, good linebacker. He just overcame a lot of obstacles to become a great player and I really respect that.

Q:  Are you and Emmanuel Davis the best corners in Conference USA?

A:  I don’t want to say that we are the best, but I think we could be. We’ve played together for awhile now and we’ve had a lot of success in our years together with the back-to-back championships. I think we definitely have the chance to be.

Q: What has changed for you this season? What is expected of you this season that was not expected last season?

A: Being a leader on the defense. With the guys here last year, that wasn’t really expected of me. And, I need to be more productive. Last year my production dropped off a little bit there and I need to be productive the entire season.

Q: What receiver on our schedule do you most look forward to locking up on this season? 

A: Demaris Johnson at Tulsa. He is really good and will be a guy who we need to shut down this season. He led the nation in all-purpose yardage last year so I am really looking forward to covering him.

Q: Personal goal for this season?

A: Of course, to win another conference championship and to be extremely productive all season.

E-mail Ron Cherubini

Ron Cherubini Archives

08/30/2010 12:59 AM

 

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