11/17/03

K.T. on the Edge
with Tillman Holloway

	Tillman Holloway

Kalen Thornton is a talented and explosive fourth-year defensive end who has taken on a leadership role on the defensive line in 2003. In his regular series, "K.T. On the Edge," Thornton brings fans interviews with his teammates from his perspective, "on the edge." The Dallas native is a candidate for the Ted Hendricks Award, given to the nation's top defensive end.

We've got talented fifth-year senior, Tillman Holloway – the Monster of the Mayhem, also known as T-Hollo, and Trench Warrior, who's coming off a great senior season. Describe how the season has gone, how we've turned it on, and how you want us to finish as a team.
I want to finish out, play well against A&M and finish out the season well. If we do that, we'll be in the BCS, and that's how I want to go out. I haven't been to a BCS bowl game yet, and I'd like to get there.

You're a senior leader, but I've also heard you're quite the instigator, what can you tell me about some of your actions on the offensive bus. Me and Tubbs, we're the instigators on the defensive bus, but what can you tell me about how you do it on the offensive bus?
I just think that people's true characters come out when you get them all riled up, and sometimes I like to see what players we really have on this team. Sloan (Thomas) gets riled up really easily, whereas you have somebody like Roy (Williams), who keeps his cool and is calm and collected. I just try to mix stuff up. Bus rides are usually really long, so I just try to have fun.

You're known as somebody who likes to get after it and push the limits on the field, too, what is your response to that?
You do what you can to get the job done, whatever it takes. The reason I'm like that is that is from my freshman year. Coach Nunez and Coach Brown put me on the offensive line in front of Casey Hampton and Shaun Rogers, and I just had to find my own way to block them, because there's no way I could have, regardless. I just learned how to play that way, so I've just kept playing that way.

I can relate. I remember the days going against big Leonard Davis. That first day he hit me in my chest, and I think I went back 10 yards, it's not a good feeling. But, you recently got married, how has that changed your life and how is it going?
It's awesome. It's the best decision I've ever made. I couldn't be happier with the whole situation, and she's just awesome. She's just like an island – I go home every night and I get away from football, and it's like I have two different lives. I love it because that life is pure enjoyment.

I also know you're a finance major, like myself, but you're also one of the most talented offensive linemen in the country. What are your goals after this year?
I hope to play in the NFL. I love football, and it's a goal of mine. I'm just going to follow that path as long as I can and see what football has for me next year. I'll work hard in the offseason and see what happens.