NM- Talk about your experience this weekend as you were on campus for the Bearcats 45-24 victory over Indiana. What coaches have you been in contact with from the University of Cincinnati?
“The atmosphere this weekend was something special. It was my first time taking in a game at historic Nippert Stadium and I was really impressed. The student section was going crazy, and it was a really special place to be. Throughout the visit the recruiting staff made all of us recruits very welcomed and showed us a great time. I really appreciated the hospitality. It was great to see coach Fickell and the rest of the staff lead the Bearcats to a huge win over a Big Ten opponent. There is something special happening in Cincinnati and I would defiantly love to be a part of it. Since attending camp back in June, I have been able to speak with running backs coach Darren Paige and other members of the recruiting staff,” said Wolford.
NM- It was your first time at Nippert Stadium, with that being said what stood out to you the most about gameday?
“Definitely how involved the fans are, the stadium was absolutely rocking on third downs. The stadium is also one of the coolest I have ever been in, just due to the location as it sits right in the middle of campus,” said Wolford.
NM- Knowing you’re a running back, where you able to sit and talk to coach Paige or any of the running backs on the team while on campus?
“I was able to speak with Michael Kopay, who is now on the recruiting staff after playing the last four seasons at Cincinnati. We only talked for a short period of time however, he welcomed me to campus and we conversated for a bit. I briefly spoke to Coach Paige the following day and thanked him for having me on campus and congratulated him on the big win vs Indiana,” said Wolford.
NM- Now lets talk about your junior season a little bit, how was the season been going for you, I have seen you been lighting up the field. Talk about what is next for you and how you are progressing as you head into conference play?
“We played a very challenging non-conference schedule against some of the most respected and storied programs in the state. We have a lot of talented players on our team and our coaches do a great job of preparing us for the game ahead. Our program is really just built on toughness and fighting through adversity, and this year we’ve faced a good bit of adversity and been able to push through it, take a look at what we did wrong and learn from it, then incorporate that into getting better for next week. For me personally, I’ve just been trying to make the most of every opportunity I get. Each game is a new opportunity for me to showcase my abilities and hopefully impress college coaches. But aside from all of the recruiting stuff, my main focus is going out each week and giving it my all for my team and coming away with a victory. We not only want to win a league title, but also make a long playoff run and go after that Regional Title and compete for state, so each week is a new challenge and I just want us to go out there, get better and make plays on Friday night,” said Wolford.
NM- Awesome man, it’s great to play those respected and tough opponents for many reasons. Talk about your game a little bit for people who don’t know you, what aspects do you bring to the table as a running back?
“I think my biggest assets are my versatility and speed. I’m able to run the ball out of the backfield and also line up out wide and catch balls, then make plays out in open space. I’m best out on the perimeter when running the ball, and I’m looking to gain more weight and muscle and develop more as an inside runner. I want to be a complete package, an all-purpose type of back,” said Wolford.
NM- I like that answer! Who are some players you model your game after. Cincinnati has a history of development running backs the recent years between guys like Mike Boone, Mike Warren and Jerome Ford?
“I think as an overall player, my game reflects that of Deebo Samuel. You’ll see him line up in the backfield, slot, and even out wide. I think he represents the kind of player I want to be,” said Wolford.
NM- Awesome talk about what coaches should expect from you as a player as you make the next step of your career to the college level, what things are you looking to improve on to make that jump.
“One thing I can guarantee a coach can expect at the next level is my absolute best effort. Football is my passion, and I will always give it my all no matter the circumstances. I will play any position and do whatever I’m asked to do, because I love the sport, not just the hype and being recruited. I’m constantly lifting weights and training speed and agility, so I will continue to do that. Getting bigger is my main focus if running back is the position, I end up playing in college. With more size, I think I can develop into a much more dominant inside runner. Ever since I’ve become so passionate about the sport, after each season I take some time to evaluate what parts of my game need work, then I take the necessary steps towards bettering that part of my game,” said Wolford.
NM- My final question for you is what’s next for you! What visits do you plan to take next if you have any lined up?
“The only thing that’s locked in right now is that I will be visiting Kent State tomorrow. I plan to visit some more MAC schools and am really just looking to go wherever I’m invited to. I want to see all the schools I can and really just take in the process,” said Wolford.
