June 15, 2006

Junior offensive lineman Jamon Meredith figures to be a key contributor for the South Carolina football team in 2006 after seeing extensive action as a sophomore in 2005. He started four games at right tackle and is a likely candidate to start at that same spot this year. As impressive in the classroom as he is on the field, the sport and entertainment management major earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll in 2005. He visited with USCsports.com this week to talk about a variety of topics from offseason conditioning to World Cup soccer and video games.

Describe your offseason so far. What has a typical day been like for you?
“I wake up early, usually between 5:00 and 5:30 and go run with the team. I’m taking summer school classes, so when we finish our runs, I go home and get ready for class. After class, I’m back at the stadium working out usually.”

What has been the biggest difference between this offseason and last offseason?
“The biggest difference has been the intensity level. The workouts that Coach (Mark) Smith has us doing are more intense than last year and the team is more motivated. We had a little bit of success last year, but a lot of the guys who are back this year feel like we should have done better and if we continue to work hard during these offseason workouts and get into good habits now, then we know we can do better this year.”

Who have been some of the leaders during offseason workouts and what has made those players leaders?
“There have been two kinds of leaders during these workouts. There is the kind of leader who leads by example and there is the kind of leader that leads vocally. I’d like to think that I have been one of the leaders by example because I haven’t missed any of the workouts and I work hard every time I am out there and hopefully people feed off of that and it raises everyone’s level. Some of the younger guys have actually stepped up as vocal leaders, which is cool. Dakota Walker has been one and so have some of the younger skill guys.”

Have any of the newcomers caught your eye?
“We haven’t really seen a lot of the newcomers because they don’t get here until July, but Jasper Brinkley is someone who will make a difference. His brother Casper just got here and he will be good too.”

How do you view your role on this team in 2006 and what are you looking to bring to the team?
“I’m just trying to solidify my spot at right tackle and help provide good protection for Blake Mitchell. We know that if we give Blake a little bit of time, he can complete passes and make plays, so that is the biggest goal. Just be a good player for this team and help the offense run smoothly. If that happens and we get things going, the wins will come and post-season honors and awards will follow. It would be nice to be recognized for doing well, but ultimately, I want to do what I can to help us win.”

Have you been following the soccer World Cup at all?
“No, I haven’t watched it. I’m not really a big World Cup fan or a soccer guy.”

Are you a video gamer?
“Oh yeah. I’m looking forward to the new college football game coming out this summer. I played the last one a lot, but I haven’t played as much recently because I’m looking forward to the new version coming out.”

Do any of your teammates play, and who are some of the best?
“Matt Raysor is probably the best at the college football game. Him and Lemuel Jeanpierre. Those guys can play with any team and win. I’ve seen Raysor play as a Division I-AA team and beat some of the other guys playing as big schools.”

Which of your teammates have been some of the biggest influences on you since coming to Carolina?
“A lot of the older guys who are gone now influenced me. Na’Shan Goddard and Jabari Levey were two of the guys that I looked up to.”

What was your “Welcome to the SEC” moment?
“I’d probably say mine came late in the Auburn game last year. I got to sub in and I went up against Stanley McClover and that was the first time that I had ever gone against a good player like him in a game. He didn’t beat me or anything, but just being out there against a player at his level let me know that I was here and it was time for me to step up.”

What were some of your reasons for coming to Carolina and what have you seen since coming that reinforces the notion that this is the place for you?
“I wanted to stay in-state and I just knew I wanted to go to Carolina from the beginning. What I like about it now that I’m here is the closeness of the team. We are like brothers. Sometimes we disagree on things but in the end it’s always fine and we all stand up for each other.”