MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama senior wide receiver Corey Besteda recently sat down with USA Athletic Media Relations to discuss the upcoming season as well as life off the field.

How did your experience at quarterback (as a senior in high school) help you when you made the transition to wide receiver?
“It allowed me to get experience with the signal calling, and just the fast, up-tempo of the spread offense. But I understand how the quarterback thinks – who he may throw it to. The transition was difficult at first, but I got used to it with practice and reps.”

How did you injure your ankle last season? How was the rehab process?
“I had surgery on my ankle in the spring. I hurt it against North Carolina State last season on a go-route. Their guy pushed me out of bounds and it popped when I stepped on this little slope on the sideline. I played the whole year with a ligament torn in it. I am still rehabbing it. It’s about 85-90 percent, but when game time comes I will be 100 percent.”

How has the program evolved in the last four seasons?
“We have more leaders now. This year’s seniors, we were all part of the first recruiting class. We’re more mature. It’s all about business.”

How did the last couple of seasons prepare you for this season’s schedule?
“We were kind of getting the feel of it that first year when we played prep schools and junior colleges. Now we have tougher competition; it was all in preparation for this year.”

What do you like about playing in coach Matthews’ offense?
“You spread the ball, and you never know who is going to get it. As a receiver you like it because you have more opportunities to get the ball thrown to you versus a run-first philosophy.”

What has it been like playing for coach (Jerry) Mack? How has he helped you improve?
“He just brings the best out of you, although he will be hard on you sometimes.”

What do you like about playing for coach Jones?
“I love coach Jones. He is cool and laid back. He’s cool, but he’ll get on you too.”

What strides do you feel the offense has made from spring training through camp?
“We are more disciplined. We still have minor busts, but they are fixable.”

How do you see your role among the receivers?
“I bring life to the team. I joke around a little in the receivers’ room to get a smile on everybody’s face. Everyone is usually serious and tired in the morning, so I’ll just tell a little joke.”

What are some of your personal goals this season?
“I haven’t thought of any, but I want to be a top-three receiver on our team. And of course I would like to be all-conference. I have a chip on my shoulder. I want to get at least 700 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns.”

What are some things you want the team to accomplish in your last year with the program?
“I want to win a conference championship and a bowl game. I want to win the bowl game, not just get there.”

What has it been like to be able to continue your education and football career so close to home?
“It has been good. I can visit my family at any time. When you hear 251 (area code) you don’t think of Jackson, Alabama – you think of Mobile. But we’re 251 too.”

What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I like playing video games. NBA 2K and NCAA Football are usually what I am playing.”

What are your plans after your football career is over?
“I just feel like I should help people. I am majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in human services.”

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