MOBILE, Ala. – University of South Alabama football tight end Grant Powell recently sat down with USAJaguars.com to discuss his time at South Alabama, what he has learned from playing multiple positions and who the biggest influence on his life has been, among other things.

Powell, a senior from Germantown, Tenn., has been a member of the South Alabama roster since signing with the Jags out of high school prior to the 2012 season.  He has played on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and this season made the switch to tight end.  In four games, he has two receptions for 38 yards, including his first touchdown reception against Louisiana-Lafayette.

Now in your fourth season here at South Alabama, how have each of those seasons helped you progress to this point?
"It's been different for me every season.  I've always played a different role and it's all brought me to this place and I think our team is in a great spot.  The program has completely changed since I first arrived here."

During your career at South, you have played multiple positions and on both sides of the ball.  How did that experience develop you and what have you taken away from it?
"In life you're going to face adversity and that's the way I've looked at it.  It's provided me a new opportunity to prove myself and I've never gone into any situation with a bad attitude.  The change definitely has kept things interesting and I never really get bored with anything because I'm always switching things up.  It's helped me in life, because you never know what's going to happen and it's brought me to where I am today.  It's been a blessing for me."

Having played on both sides of the ball here at South Alabama, which side do you prefer to play on?
"I get asked that question a lot.  I love playing defense because of the physicality.  I got to start a couple of times and play on the [defensive] line.  I never thought that I would be the guy with my hand in the dirt.  

"I would probably have to go with tight end as my favorite position just because I enjoy playing offense since I've played on that side of the ball more.  I get to show a little bit more of my abilities and it's just a little more fun."

What do you like about playing in offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent's scheme?
"There's always something new in it.  He's a brave guy.  He was my quarterback coach my first two years here.  He's very laid back, but he really wants to throw the ball and that's what I like about playing for him.  He's a very smart coach and he has the offense playing at a high level right now.  Everyone enjoys playing for him."

What are some of the strengths of the offense?
"I would have to go with the offensive line first.  They do a great job.  Coach Richard Owens has done something different with those guys this season and it's very unique.  I would also say that our receiving core is a strength.  We have a tone of athletes at that position and guys who work hard.  Our running backs have also played well this season.  We have five guys we can rotate in and I don't think we've had that depth since I've been here.  They all know what they are doing and they are extremely gifted."

What are some of your personal goals that you set for yourself this season?
"My number one goal going into the season was to earn my spot.  I was a new guy coming into the position.  There were guys who were already very established and I was coming in there.  My main goal was to play on offense.  I've always just been on special teams and I just made it a point that I was going to take care of myself and do my best to get into that spot and help my team out."

What are you wanting to do after your football career is over?
"I'm going to try the whole NFL thing and at least give it a shot.  If nothing else, I get myself in the best shape of my life over that three month period.  It may happen and it may not.  You can't miss something that you never had.  After that, I'll just go into the working world and live life."

What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I'm a big beach person.  My parents recently moved to Orange Beach, Ala., and there is nothing I like to do more than get onto a boat, hang out on my friends and fish."

Who has had the biggest influence on your life?
"I would probably have to say my dad.  He's been through a lot in his life.  Growing up, he wasn't as privileged as me and my siblings were; he did a great job of raising us and giving everything that we could've possibly desired and need.

"He had struggles during his life.  He was highly recruited out of high school in Baldwin County.  He went to Ole Miss and didn't end up starting until halfway through his senior season and he ended up making a name for himself.  It's crazy that even to this day when we go up to Ole Miss, everybody still knows him.  He always taught me to keep my nose to the ground and just worry about yourself, and that bad things are going to happen, but everything happens for a reason."

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