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

What are some of the challenges of playing guard?
“You are between two other people, so there are a lot of bodies in there when you are playing. That can become difficult at times. And you are going against probably the biggest people the defense has to offer – the defensive tackles every play. But other than that, it’s not too bad.”

How demanding is the position on you physically?
“It’s pretty physical. You have to hit somebody every play, every down. That takes a toll on you after a week of practice then the game. Just the whole grind of a football season is pretty demanding.”

How did the offseason conditioning program help you prepare for this season?
“[Strength and conditioning] Coach [Justin] Schwind had us prepared with the running and helping us just get bigger, stronger and faster. It helped a lot this year. I’m finally seeing the whole cycle after being in the program for a full year. I lost a lot of weight – just cut down and got quicker. I feel quicker and more agile. I can get on the second level quicker. This offseason I need to build up my strength.”

How important is trust among offensive linemen?
“That is almost everything, because you are with them 90 percent of the time. Trust is really all you have. You have to just know they are going to be there for you in the different schemes we run. We hang out a good bit away from the field. We go out to eat and really just socialize with each other and bond.”

What has been like playing with the upperclassmen on the offensive line?
“I really look at film and see how they go about things. They take what [assistant] coach [John] Turner teaches us and put their own spin on it. I am seeing how they can make it their own – they play their own style. I’m just taking bits and pieces of what I see them do on film and try to add it to my game. I’m learning a lot from them.”

How has coach Turner helped you improve since you joined the program?
“Coach Turner critiques every little thing and it seems nitpicky, but at the same time if you correct the small things then it will make you a better player. I have been taking hold to that. At first I didn’t get it, but now I see that I am becoming a better football player by doing the little things right.”

What effect have your parents had on your career?
“They support me 100 percent. They try to make every game they can. They always call me to check and see how things are going. They are a big part of my career. If I ever get down and out, I can always call mom or dad and just get another word of encouragement. But they play a big part.”

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
“I can’t really pick one, but the veterans on our offensive line took me under their wings and now I am starting to see things myself. They still give me little tips, but they just make me feel like one with them.”

What experience did you gain by playing in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic?
“I felt like I played pretty good competition my senior year against South Panola and Oak Grove and other teams. But being able to see the highly-recruited players and practice against the Mississippi players and play against the Alabama guys, it opened my eyes that I was in the mix. I hadn’t been recruited that heavily, but playing against them I thought that I was right there with them. It gave me a little hope and drive to be the best I can be, even though I wasn’t recruited that heavily. It was just a fun experience, and I am glad I got to do it.”

Did staying close to home factor in your decision to come to South Alabama?
“It played a small part. In high school, my parents always came to every game. I always knew they were there, and I wanted to be close [to home] so they could come watch me play.”

What was it you liked about South Alabama?
“The coaching staff is a lot like the coaching staff I had in high school. They all just kind of fit, and it had a family-style feel to it. When I came, I felt like it was just a branch from home – it just felt like the right place to be.”


How old were you when you first started playing football?
“I was eight or nine years old when I started playing. I played offensive line then too.”

You played baseball in high school. How was that experience?
“I really liked it, but my high school coach talked me out of it. He told me to look and see how many 300-pound baseball players there were in Major League Baseball. That kind of steered me away from baseball.”

What do you like to do when you’re not playing football?
“I like just hanging out with my teammates. We mainly just play video games and go out to eat.”

As a business administration major, what type of business would you like to run in the future?
“It really doesn’t matter. At first, I wanted to go back home and open a business where I could stay in the community and maybe coach football. But I just want to own a business and be my own boss.”

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).