Freshman Focus: DT Pearlie Graves
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The beginning of fall camp also signifies the official arrival of Texas Tech's 2009 signees, one of the most heralded signing classes in the program's history. In recognition of this fact, we will focus on a new freshman every day through the end of fall camp.
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Up next? Defensive tackle
Pearlie Graves out of Tulsa (OK) East
Central. Arguably the defensive bell-cow of the Red Raiders' 2009 signing class,
Graves appears to be a lock to be in the defensive line rotation this season.
IS PRACTICE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE LIKE?
"Hell yeah, my body hurts and I'm tired but, in the end, it's going to be
worth it because your just going to better yourself."
WHERE DOES COACH SADLER HAVE YOU LINING UP?
"I'm playing three-technique right now."
HOW HAVE THE OLDER GUYS UP FRONT HELPED YOU?
"My whole team, the whole defense I can look to my left or right and ask someone
a question and know that they will help me out."
LOOKING BACK, WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM YOUR HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
CAREER?
"My junior year, I took a fumble recovery 52-yards to the house."
DO YOU HAVE A PREGAME RITUAL?
"My coach in high school used to tell me before each game to 'Release the
Beast' and I just repeat that over and over in my head."
DO YOU HAVE A NICKNAME?
"Oh, King Kong, baby!"
DURING THE RECRUITING PROCESS, WHAT PARTS OF THE PROGRAM WERE YOU THE
MOST IMPRESSED WITH?
"Being at home and I knew it would be a great place for me to get
pushed to do my best and be a good asset to the team."
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE OR STORY BEHIND YOUR CHOICE OF JERSEY NUMBER (95)?
"It was just a random number they gave me."
WHO IS THE FUNNIEST GUY ON THE TEAM??
"I got to say Sandy Riley that dude is a comedy man, but I would give myself
some votes for being pretty funny."
WHAT'S YOUR STRONGEST ATTRIBUTE AS A PLAYER?
"I'm a good motivator and I like to push people to be their best."
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO WORK ON THE MOST DURING FALL CAMP?
"Work to keep my hands low and I need to work on my speed."
HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES OR CHANGES AFTER SPENDING THE SUMMER
GOING THROUGH THE OFFSEASON PROGRAM WITH BENNIE?
"Oh man, that dude preached it all. He said if you don't want to work, then
don't come here, but yeah I got a lot stronger."
WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT OF THE SUMMER FOR YOU?
"That summer workout with Bennie Wylie."
HOW HAS YOUR ADJUSTMENT TO LIFE IN LUBBOCK BEEN SO FAR?
"It's been great, it's a great atmosphere and I feel like I'm at home and I
feel really comfortable with everybody."
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN TOWN?
"Freebirds."
HAVE YOU DECIDED ON A MAJOR?
"Undecided."
WHAT CLASS ARE YOU LEAST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS FALL?
"I got to say all of them (laughing)."