MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama defensive end Theo Rich recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss the season, as well as life off the field.

Rich set a school game-record for sacks (3.5) in last weekend's Homecoming win over Georgia State, and ranks second in the Sun Belt Conference with six sacks this season. The Portal, Ga., native leads the team in tackles for loss (7.0) and sacks (6.0) entering this weekend's contest with Troy.

Why did you play only one year of high school football?
"I had a sinus infection my sophomore year, and was in the intensive-care unit at the hospital for three weeks. They told me I wouldn't be able to play for a while until everything cleared up, but then I got cleared going into my senior year."

When did you realize you wanted to play college football?
"I put a lot of focus into playing hard my senior year. I only had four games of film, but after that everybody just started calling. I had some local people telling me I had a better chance of playing football than basketball, and I just decided I would go ahead and try it. I wasn't getting too many big-time looks in basketball. And I also felt like I could dominate in football too, so I went with it."

How did you decide between playing offense and defense at the college level?
"It really was decided for me. I wanted to play tight end because I was a receiver in high school as well. But defensive end is okay. I got used to it."

What factored into your decision to sign with North Carolina State out of high school?
"I committed early, so I didn't go through the whole recruiting process. I didn't get to go on visits to any other schools."

How did you benefit from a season in junior college?
"I went to junior college out of shape, so I played the three technique and defensive end. I really can't say that I got that much better, but when I came here I feel like I improved greatly with (assistant) Coach (Freddie) Roach."

What factored into your decision to come to South Alabama?
"Coach (Brian) Turner and Coach Roach recruited me, and I just believed in what they were telling me. It made me want to come play for them."

What was your impression of Coach Jones when you first met him during the recruiting process?
"He was really cool and not too uptight. I didn't realize he was the head coach when I first met him because of how relaxed he was. He just showed me that he was a good person to be around."

What are some things Coach Roach has done to help you improve?
"I have improved my technique and learned how to play the game at the position under Coach Roach. He will tell you things that will help you beat an offensive lineman most of the time."

How has the strength and conditioning program made you a better player?
"I feel stronger and more in-shape. And I feel a little quicker on the field than I was last year."

What has led to some of the defense's success this season?
"First, everyone has put a lot of hard work into it. We have good team chemistry, and everyone has bought in to the coaches' philosophy of playing fast and physical while doing their job. We get to the ball. We fly around, and we are physical."

What do you like about playing for defensive coordinator Travis Pearson?
"I like to be able to drop into pass coverage, but I like the way he puts the blitz packages together."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I like to watch movies – any type of action, thriller or autobiography-type movies."

Did you set any personal goals before the start of the season?
"I really didn't set any personal goals. I just want to make sure we win the conference championship. My main focus is to help the team and play to the best of my ability."

What would it mean to you to help the program reach its first-ever bowl game?
"It would mean a lot to me. It would be an accomplishment I could look back on for the rest of my life."

What does the team need to do in order to reach the program's first-ever bowl game?
"As for the defense, I feel like we just need to eliminate mental errors, keep playing hard and take it one play at a time."

What do you want to do when your football career is over?
"I am majoring in interdisciplinary studies. I want to go into coaching at the high school level somewhere or get into physical therapy."

What do you need to do improve for the next level?
"I just want to make sure I finish strong and keep doing extra work to make sure I stay where I need to physically to get through the remainder of the season. I feel like I can play outside linebacker or defensive end if I make it to the next level."

What are some things you do well at your position?
"I set the edge well, and I feel like I put good pressure on the quarterback on passing downs."

Who are some players you liked to watch play when you were growing up?
"I was a basketball player growing up. I didn't watch too much football. I liked Michael Vick and I looked up to Justin Houston who is a linebacker with the Kansas City Chiefs."

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