April 29, 2011
Heading into the fall 2011 campaign, head coach Bobby Wilder's deepest position will be the wide receiver unit. Eight players are going to be competing for starting positions in the Monarchs' inaugural year in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and among Monarchs will be rising senior Prentice Gill.
Transferring from Los Angeles Harbor College last spring, Gill made an immediate impact ranking as the Monarchs' second leading receiver in the fall of 2010. Gill made 41 catches for 686 yards, averaged 62.4 yards per game, and became the first Monarch to crack the 100-yard receiving mark. At the end of 2010, he had three 100+ yard games including a career-high 154 yards at Monmouth, as well as 133 yards against #14/16 Cal Poly and 100 yards vs. VMI.
Q: ODU was in all three losses last season. If anything, what did you take from those game?
A: When we loss it was because we didn't finish games, so I think we learned if we finish games we can beat anybody.
Q: You are from LA, what made you come to ODU?
A: My interest level came from a former teammate of mine. When I took a trip here, it was a lot better than all the other trips I took. I always told my parents I had to get out of LA in order to graduate college.
Q: What are some differences between ODU and LA?
A: It's a lot more relaxed out here. In LA it's always busy.
Q: Last season you were one of the best playmakers on the team, how are you looking to continue that success this season?
A: Just making plays. I think the main thing about having 100-yard games and things like that is being able to control yourself when you know the play is coming. If I do that again this year I will be fine.
Q: Coach Wilder uses the term PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) often. What does it mean to you?
A: To me its more of keeping a positive mental attitude and not just having it. I've always had trouble with staying positive when things go wrong, so for me that's what PMA means.
Q: What types of drills have you been doing to improve for this upcoming season?
A: Speed work is going to be the biggest factor for me this year. The faster you can play the better you play. We carry the sled around to help us get that burst for the first 10 yards up the field. I've never ran track before so coaches are also working on my form.
Q: What do you know about the CAA?
A: Its the best defensive conference in FCS football. I feel like we are just as skilled as almost every team in the CAA at the skill positions. A lot of people say we're not mature or experienced enough. But I feel we have more experience because we have kids who have been playing since their freshman year while other schools have players that don't play until junior or senior year.
Q: What are your expectations heading into the fall?
None of us are going to be nervous when we jog out of that tunnel or travel to that first game at Delaware. We want to win every game and win the CAA.
Q: What do you see your role as on the team this season?
A: To still make the plays I made last year and bring a more mature role to our receiving core. They want me to become more of a leader this year and that's what I'm working on.
Q: What do you think about the depth at wide receiver as it relates to competition on the team?
A: We are all so close to each other and want each other to do well but at the same time we all want to make a play to stand out. That's just competition. I feel like we all bring something different to the table. Sometimes there is tension in the air because of the competition but we're mature about it.
Q: Tell us something about one of the quarterbacks that we don't know about him.
A: DeMarco is the most free person I've met. The game could be on the line, we're on the sideline, and while coach is talking, DeMarco is leaning to the side joking with me about something. Not in an aspect where he doesn't take it serious, but he doesn't like everybody to be tight.
Q: What are your hobbies away from the football field?
A: Playing video games. I really like NBA 2K11. I play basketball and lift.
Q: Favorite NFL team?
A: Dallas Cowboys
Q: Favorite Player? Why?
A: DeSean Jackson. I like his confidence, he feels like nobody can guard him.
Look for more Monarch Football Q&A's this summer following final exams.