MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama tight end DeMarrion Buford-Hughes recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss his senior season, as well as his previous years with the program.

Buford-Hughes, a native of Mobile, has one reception this season which went for 18 yards as well as two tackles as a member of the Jaguar special teams. He caught his first touchdown as a Jag in last year's Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, an 18-yard reception in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter to draw USA within six points of Bowling Green.

What factored into your decision to transfer from Mississippi College to South Alabama after the 2011 season?
"I was going to go to Jackson State to play with my brother so we could have another year playing football together, but their APR score was too low. I talked to my dad and he told me to do what was best for me, because I didn't want to go there for a whole semester and not play football. So I called Terrance (Timmons) and he told me I should come on to South Alabama. I was here for about two weeks and I didn't hear anything from the coaches. Raymoné Wiggins was at Mississippi College with me – he went to Memphis – and his roommate had (former Jaguar wide receivers) Coach (Jerry) Mack's number. I called him up one day and told him I wanted to walk on. I met him about two days later, and it went from there."

What do you like about playing tight end?
"It's a better matchup for me. I'm probably just as strong as linebackers and faster than the safety; it's a better matchup."

How do you like blocking as a tight end?
"Coming from receiver, you don't really like blocking – you just want to catch the ball all the time. But moving to tight end, you have to block so I am used to blocking now."

What is it like playing college football in your hometown?
"It's good because my family gets to see me. My mom is at every JagWalk, right by the gate before we walk in. My aunt is there too, so it's good that my family gets to come see me play all the time."

Describe your first career touchdown in last year's bowl game.
"I thought I was about to come out and (former tight end) Wes (Saxton) was going to come in. We were around the 25-yard line, and I was waving to Wes and he told me to stay in. I got the call and then ran the route and saw the ball in the air; I didn't expect it to come to me. It was crazy. It was a blur after that, but it was a great experience. That was one of the first games my dad had been able to come to in a while, so it was good to be able to do that in front of him and all of my family. And my little brother was there, he is about two years old now, he got to be there as well. It was a fun experience."

How have you improved since you came to USA?
"At the tight end position, just blocking itself – being a more willing blocker. I didn't want to block to start with. I wanted to run around and catch passes. My hand-eye coordination has improved; I have been working on that."

How important is your role on special teams?
"I feel like it's very important. I play Jag on kickoff, and you have to be one of the fastest guys down there on it. I take pride in that, being the fastest guy down there trying to make plays. I'm trying to make every tackle on punt every time."

What is your leadership role as a senior who has been in the program for three years?
"I think a lot of the younger guys look up to me, and anything they need I try to help them out any way I possibly can."

What do you like about playing under (tight ends) Coach (Richard) Owens?
"He has actually played the position at the highest level in the NFL. I'm trying to get there one day, possibly, and he can teach me anything I need to know about that."

What do you want to do once your football career is over?
"I will graduate with my degree in sports management on December 12. I want to be a personal trainer, so I want to get my certification in personal training. I would like to open a couple of gyms, and then just relax after that."

How have you benefitted from the offseason conditioning program?
"Bringing (offensive coordinator) Coach (Bryant) Vincent in, he talked to the strength and conditioning staff and everything is more up tempo. We always had something going where we were constantly moving, so it gets you in better shape. This is probably the best shape that I have been in since I have been here."

Describe the team's depth at tight end.
"It's our deepest position. We are competing every day. Gerald (Everett) is probably going to be a draft pick either this year or next year. (Braedon) Bowman will get invited to a camp, and we have James Bynes who is sitting out this year but he will be a good player next year."

What has your experience been like at USA?
"It's been an up-and-down roller coaster with all the position changes, but I have enjoyed being here."

When you look back on it, what are going to be some things you remember about your playing career?
"Definitely the touchdown in the bowl game, and all the relationships I have built with these guys around here."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I pretty much just like to work out and chill with my friends."

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).