Aug. 21, 2007
SAN DIEGO - The 14th in a daily series during fall camp, get to know freshman, tight end Alston Umuolo.
GoAztecs.com: What have been your impressions of fall camp?
Umuolo: Practices have been going really well. We're given a lot to learn the first few days of camp and my head was swimming, but as camp has gone on I've adjusted. The entire camp has been a lot of fun for me.
GoAztecs.com: How has the position change from wide receiver to tight end been?
Umuolo: I've needed to step my game up to another level since switching positions while also getting use to the speed of the collegiate game. In high school, where I was a receiver, I was the man and now here in college, I have to start from scratch. I'm willing to do that and I believe I've been adjusting well.
GoAztecs.com: Is there a particular aspect to the position of tight end that you've been working on?
Umuolo: I would say my blocking. Going from wide receiver to tight end is a big jump. It's a lot different blocking corner backs to now blocking linemen. I've really had to concentrate on my foot work. I feel I've been getting better as camp has gone on.
GoAztecs.com: What is your favorite high school moment?
Umuolo: My favorite high school memory is going 14-0 at Centennial High and winning the state championship as senior at the Arizona Cardinals' new stadium in Glendale, Ariz. It was great to get the nice ring that comes with winning the title. The first game of the playoffs was quite a challenge, but after that we came on and played liked we practiced all year.
GoAztecs.com: What do you like most about San Diego?
Umuolo: The weather is terrific hear. I really like that here in San Diego we're going through camp in manageable heat and not the 110 degree temperatures like back in Phoenix.
GoAztecs.com: What has it been like working with Aztec quarterback Kevin O'Connell in camp?
Umuolo: Kevin is probably the best quarterback I've ever played with. I really love playing with him because he is a great leader. He brings a lot of experience and has been a great teacher for the freshmen.
GoAztecs.com: What was your favorite sports team growing up in Phoenix?
Umuolo: I love the Suns. I've been a big Suns fan since birth. When they lose it feels like I lost.
GoAztecs.com: What are some of the things you do to relax?
Umuolo: I like hanging out with friends and going to movies. I also like going to amusement parks and riding roller coasters.
GoAztecs.com: What was your team's recent trip to La Jolla like?
Umuolo: It felt really good to break away and go out as a team. It was a good opportunity for me to get to know everyone and for the team to bond.
GoAztecs.com: What are you looking forward to most about classes starting next Monday?
Umuolo: I'm looking forward to the new atmosphere. Moving from high school, where you are considered a young-adult, to college, where you are an adult, is exciting. I'm also looking forward to seeing how I adjust to being away from home.