Plyler Interview: Brian Staley

Brian Staley runs the ball in the 2000 state title game for Aiken.

by TigerNet Staff - Mon Jan 20 12:06:27 GMT-04:00 2003

Did you make a decision?

Yes. I committed to Clemson today (Sunday). I felt that was a good choice for me. I always wanted to go there. I decided a couple weeks ago that I was going to go to Clemson. I talked it over with my parents. They felt it was a good choice so I said why not go ahead and do it today.

What is your height and weight? How did you do this season?

I’m 5-10 175 or 180 and right now I am running a 4.37 forty. I did pretty good at junior college. I feel good about going down to play at Clemson. I think I have that type of speed and ability to go down there and play. The season went real well. I think I ended up with nine interceptions and I think that’s number one coming out of junior college right now. I think I did pretty good.

When did you win the Juco National title?

We won it last year. We had a great team last year. We had a good team this year.

How did you do your freshman year?

My freshman year I had 10 picks.

What makes you a great corner?

My speed and how well I adjust to the ball. I’m a very good competitor. I love to compete for the ball. Whenever it’s thrown up I feel like it’s my ball. My cover speed and how well I cover.

How did your time at Georgia Military prepare you for college?

I learned you can’t take anything for granted. You have to come out and play hard. Sometimes you are going to get beat but you have to look over that and go to the next play. There are a lot of great players out there. You can’t just take it for granted you are the best player on the field. You have to practice hard every time you go and play hard on the field.

What do you need to work on?

My jam technique. I need to get on that a little harder. Once I get my jam technique down I think I will have the complete package to play in the ACC.

What are the coaches tell you about playing time?

Coach Lovett is talking about me coming in and playing right away. They lost Brian Mance so they recruited me to come in and fill his shoes. He did a great job. They want me to come in and get started and go to work from there.

Do you prefer man or zone?

I love man. To me I feel if you put me in zone you are taking away from my ability and what can I do. I’m comfortable in man. I have confidence I will be able to cover this guy one on one. I feel great about man. I’ll play zone. You have no choice but to play zone if it is called. I play zone like it’s man any way.

Did you take any other trips?

I went to Nebraska. It was a great visit. I had a good time. They guys down there were great. But I didn’t see myself down there. What really made my decision not to go down there was I have a son, and I wanted to be close to him. I want to be close to him so he can see me play. I loved it down there. It’s a great place but I felt like if I had went down there I wouldn’t have any time with my son so I felt Clemson was the place for me. Also I always wanted to go to Clemson out of high school. So that made it even better. My dream came true.

Are you going to South Carolina this weekend?

No. I’m going to cancel that visit. I don’t want to waste their time or mine when they know they are not going to get me.

When does the year end at Georgia Military

I’ll be out of there the end of April, the beginning of May.

What was the final factor in your decision?

My son. I want to stay in touch with him. Also the coaching staff down there. Coach Rick Stockstill and I have been good friends since my 10th grade year in high school. That’s the guy I wanted to play for.