University of South Alabama football defensive lineman Randon Carnathan recently sat down with USA Athletic Media Relations to discuss the season as well as life off the field.

What went into your decision to come to South Alabama?
“It was the way coach [Bill] Clark recruited. He showed he really cared. If they really want you, they will show it. I am happy with my decision. I have met a lot of people. I love South Alabama.”

What are some strengths of the defense?
“Our run defense is one of our strengths. But we can be great when we do both – stop the run and the pass. We haven’t played a complete game yet. Sometimes we make some mental mistakes. It’s tough, but you have to be mentally focused. We’re more experienced now – we get it.”

How has [defensive line] coach [Brian] Turner helped you improve since you came to South Alabama?
“He has helped me tremendously. If I would have known what I know now, I would have been 10 times a better player. That’s how much I have improved since I hooked up with coach Turner from my freshman year until now. I have grown a lot – I feel like I have really improved on my pass rushing.”

What has the transition to defensive end been like?
“It takes a lot off of my body. I’m not as banged up as I was after a game at three technique. I don’t have to worry too much about a double team on the edge. But you are playing with your eyes more on the edge. As a three technique, you are thinking about coming off the ball. You’re in the trenches, you can’t be soft. But it’s not like that on the end. I’m going against tight ends that may be taller than me but weigh less than I do. At three technique, I was going against bigger guys on the line. I have transitioned to it pretty quickly. It’s not that hard, really.”

How did you end up on the kickoff return team?
“There was a group of defensive linemen that got put on special teams early on. But I have fallen in love with kickoff return because once you set up that wedge, you get to go punish somebody.”

How have you benefited from the offseason conditioning program?
“I am stronger, and as physical and explosive as I have ever been at South Alabama. We had to do drills as a defensive line before workouts this offseason. We have done it in the past, but did it as a defense. That has helped me tremendously.”

Who has had the biggest impact on your football career?
“Coach Turner has had the biggest impact on me. It’s just the way he coaches. He’s not a coach who is going to tell you to do something and not give you an explanation as to why you are doing it. It helps you understand things by him doing that. I’m a better player since I got here.”

When did you start playing football? How old were you?
“I couldn’t play pee wee football because I was too big. I started playing in the seventh grade when I was in middle school.”

What do you want to do after you are done playing football?
“I’m majoring in leisure studies, but I want to be a sports agent. I will more than likely work with football but wherever it goes, it goes.

What do you like to do away from football?
“As much as we do with football, I just like to go to my room and sit back and watch television. I like to chill. There is a lot going on during the season. When I get to take a nap, I get it. But I’ll play more video games in the spring, and just play basketball.”

Where did the nickname “Dancing Bear” come from?
“I think it came from [linebackers] coach [Kurt] Crain. It had to do with the way my feet were moving when I was coming down the line. Ever since then, everybody has been calling me D.B. which stands for Dancing Bear. It pretty much stuck with me. It’s not too hot or anything, but everybody has their nicknames.”