Every Friday, ODUSports.com will do a Q&A with a member of the ODU Football team. Today's Q&A is with sophomore linebacker, TJ Ricks.
Q: What was it like to play in all 12 games last year as a freshman?
A: Last year it was fun to get a new experience, because I red-shirted my first year so I didn’t really get the college atmosphere and to see all the fans cheering. It was really surreal to me.
Q: Why did you choose Old Dominion?
A: I chose ODU because they had my major and they have a winning tradition here and I wanted to be a part of that.
Q: How long have you been playing football?
A: I’ve been playing football since I was six years old.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: Both my parents. They are both very strong people and they have guided me in the right direction.
Q: Have you always played linebacker?
A: In high school I played linebacker my first three years, but they transitioned me to defensive end my senior year. I also played tight end and wide receiver.
Q: What is the most difficult job of playing linebacker?
A: Reading the keys. Reading the linemen and getting your hands off of them, because if they get their hands on you first, you pretty much lose that battle.
Q: How does it feel when you force fumbles on the other team?
A: It feels great. My teammates really set it up for me. In the game versus Middle Tennessee, Fellonte had hit the running back and the ball came loose and I went in there and took advantage of it.
Q: Does your family come to most of the games?
A: My parents come to all the home games and they travel to the away games as well. They are coming to the game this weekend at Western Kentucky. They went to the games at Rice and UTEP. They will pretty much be at all of them. They are very supportive.
Q: What is one thing you would want with you on a deserted island?
A: My X-box and a TV.
Q: If you could have a superpower what would you choose and why?
A: It would either be super speed or super strength.
Q: Who is the funniest person on the team?
A: Sandy Chapman or David Washington. It’s between those two. They are kind of the class clowns.
Q: What has been your favorite football moment?
A: I would say the Liberty game last year. That was a good game for us. We came back from a deficit and came back to win the game on Homecoming.
Q: As a native of Hampton Roads, where is your favorite place to hang out in the 757?
A: Peninsula Town Center in Newport News.
Q: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I can draw pretty well. I took art classes in high school and I did pretty well in those.
Q: What is your favorite food?
A: Chicken Alfredo.
Q: Who is your favorite artist?
A: I like Kendrick Lamar.
Q: Who might we find in your pre-game playlist?
A: You’ll find Meek Mill, Kendrick Lamar, some Lil’ Wayne, Drake, a little bit of everything.
Q: If you could go back in time to change one thing what would it be?
A: It would probably be all the games I had in high school. I would go back and try to help the team make the playoffs and win the championship.
Q: Who are your favorite NFL, MLB and NBA teams & why?
A: I like the Atlanta Falcons, because Michal Vick used to play there and he is from Newport News and I watched him growing up. I like the Miami Heat because Dwayne Wade is my favorite basketball player and I don’t follow baseball that much but I would say I am partial to the Yankees.
Q: Do you have a favorite TV series you love to watch?
A: It would probably be ‘Family Guy’ or ‘American Dad’.