ODUSports.com will have Q&A interviews with student-athletes throughout fall camp. Today's Q&A is with redshirt junior running back, Josh Marriner.
Q: Why did you choose ODU?
A: Coming out of high school, ODU was probably the main school I wanted to consider. It is close to home, so I knew my family could come watch me play. I’ve known Coach Wilder since I was in high school, and my brother, Brandon Addison, is on the team. I felt like my heart has always been here.
Q: Favorite thing about Hampton Roads?
A: My favorite thing is the love that we share. When you come into the airport you see that big love sign. The communities here really love football and they love the other people. Growing up in Western Branch, I was really able to appreciate that.
Q: What is your major?
A: I am going to be in graduate school and majoring in public administration.
Q: What are your career plans?
A: I want to work for the city one day and hopefully open up my own business.
Q: Favorite movie?
A: My favorite movie is actually The Lion King. It was my favorite movie as a child, and it still is to this day. It teaches so many life lessons such as: how to overcome adversity even when your parents aren’t there, to fight through everything and to trust in your friends who are by your side.
Q: Favorite music artist?
A: It is between Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. They are both very active in the community, especially the black community. I love that Kendrick speaks a language that many people do not choose to speak in his lyrics.
Q: Favorite NFL team?
A: The Minnesota Vikings.
Q: Favorite athlete?
A: Adrian Peterson. I got to meet him in sixth grade, and he has been my favorite athlete ever since.
Q: What is on your pregame playlist?
A: There is a lot of different music ranging from EDM to rap music to hip hop and even a little bit of gospel in the beginning.
Q: Favorite part of gameday?
A: Coming together as a team and going against another opponent is my favorite part. After all the hard work, getting to go play as hard as you can and celebrate with your teammates is one of the best things ever.
Q: Favorite vacation spot?
A: I would probably go to Japan.
Q: Favorite place to eat on campus?
A: I would have to say Raising Cane’s.
Q: What are your goals for the season?
A: Individually, I just want to be the best player I can be in all aspects. As a team, we want to go undefeated and win the C-USA East and make it to a postseason game.
Q: Best part about being a running back?
A: I love the physicality. We are able to get physical on every play. I can deliver a blow and then make a big play. It is a very versatile position. I can truck stick someone and then run for 80 yards and show that I am elusive as well.
Q: Any gameday rituals?
A: I pray to God on the sidelines and then just go out there and execute.
Q: How excited are you to play on the same team as your brother?
A: It is amazing. I would have never imagined that we would be playing at this level together. We have been on the same team since middle school and high school.
Q: Who is someone you look up to and why?
A: My father. He has taught me many different values. He was a great track athlete in high school, and he has always encouraged me to play football. He always pushes me to do my best in the classroom and on the field. Besides that, he has just been a great father.