FALL CAMP Q&A: David Roach
8/7/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
"It's a smaller campus atmosphere, so you have more one-on-one attention with your professors. You also get to know a lot of your classmates and other students by seeing them a lot every day."
What would you say is the best part about playing for Coach Patterson and what he means to you?
"I like his intensity because it's like a ripple effect. You put a small pebble in the water and it ripples out. He ripples throughout the whole team. He makes everybody have that intensity when they step on the field."
Tell us about the camaraderie on the team. It seems like the players really enjoy being around each other off the field.
"It turns us into a family. We're always up here and spend many hours preparing and practicing together. I think (former TCU safety) Jeremy Modkins said it once, `We work together. We sweat together. We bleed together. So, we might as well hang out together.' I like that statement."
When you look at where you are from the time you came in as a freshman to where you are now, do you believe you're a different player?
"My knowledge base is so much more than when I was a freshman. I came in here with wide-open eyes, and now I'm starting to learn the system. I like to be able to pass my knowledge on to the younger guys who are here now because I know what they're going through."
What about the maturity level you've acquired during your time at TCU?
"I've matured so much. You come in from high school as a boy. The football program and academic staff help turn you into a man. Everybody helps you to grow up and mature as an individual."
How special is it to know that you already have your degree in hand and are working on your Master's? "It lets me know that I'm staying focused, and I'm on the right path. I'm just going to keep on moving forward. I'm not there yet, but I'm on my way."
