MOBILE, Ala.  – University of South Alabama football offensive lineman Tremain Smith recently sat down with USA Athletic Media Relations to discuss the season as well as life off the field.

What are some challenges of playing offensive line at this level?
“The mistakes you make are more noticeable when you make them. And the players are bigger, stronger and faster than in high school. But if you make a mistake you have to keep going.”

What is your role as a senior on the offensive line?
“I try to lead by example; I don’t say too much. I just try to do the right thing and be a role model to the younger guys.”

What has the transition to the spread offense been like as an offensive lineman?
“There is a lot more pass protection as opposed to just run blocking all the time. But he [offensive coordinator Robert Matthews] keeps it simple as far as the assignments.”

What has it been like playing under (offensive line) coach (Robert) Matthews?
“He takes the time to really explain things to you; he simplifies things. He will tell you what you have to do, and if you have questions he will answer them for you.”

Describe what it was like making your first career start at N.C. State.
“I felt like coach gave me an opportunity to get my first start at a high level. He came to me and said, ‘This is what you wanted,’ and I tried to take advantage of it.”

How did you benefit from the offseason conditioning program?
“It made me a better all-around player. I have gotten stronger and quicker.”

What are some of your favorite moments from your Jaguar career to this point?
“The win at Texas-San Antonio last year in double overtime was a nice experience. And things like signing autographs for fans. I’ve never been exposed to that. It makes you feel special.”

What do you like about playing in front of Jaguar fans?
“They are involved in the games. Where I am from, there wasn’t a lot of interaction from the fans. But we have great fans that are fun to play for.”

What factored in your decision to come to South Alabama?
“I was recruited by Alabama State out of high school, but they rearranged their staff and just dropped me. My cousins, E.J. and Eli [Smith], were coming down here. I told my head coach and a few days later coach [Bill] Clark was in the office talking to me.”

What do you like to do in the locker room to prepare for a game?
“I just think about the fact that I am blessed with the opportunity that I have right now. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity, so I just take it all in and give thanks. I sometimes listen to music; I’ll listen to Rick Ross.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your playing career?
“My brother [Travis], because he tells me you never know when it is going to be your last play so you just have to go as hard as you can. I call him the day after our games and he will tell me what I did wrong. He always coaches me up when he watches me play.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?
“During the season, I like to sleep. In the offseason, I might play the Xbox a little – either NCAA Football or NBA 2K. I don’t do too much.”

What do you want to do when your playing career is over? What are you majoring in?
“I am majoring in interdisciplinary studies. I want to be a social worker and work with foster children.”

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).