When we get to talking about college football, of course, nil transfer portal.

When we get to talking about college football, of course, nil transfer portal.

All these things come up in a negative way, but there are so many things and so many factors that go into it. So I'm gonna ask the questions that you guys really want to know, because we got a special.

All these things come up in a negative way, but there are so many things and so many factors that go into it. So I'm gonna ask the questions that you guys really want to know, because we got a special.

Guess up for you guys. Today.

Guess up for you guys. Today.

We have Aiden Chiles, the man who's going to be the starting quarterback over for the Michigan State Spartan's next season. Men who transferred from Oregon State. Kid I've known, great kid, great family, and everything in between. So you guys make sure that you like subscribe, tell a friend about the Unaffraid Show, and most importantly share this is the Unaffraid Show.

We have Aiden Chiles, the man who's going to be the starting quarterback over for the Michigan State Spartan's next season. Men who transferred from Oregon State. Kid I've known, great kid, great family, and everything in between. So you guys make sure that you like subscribe, tell a friend about the Unaffraid Show, and most importantly share this is the Unaffraid Show.

Let's get to it.

Let's get to it.

Now. We are joined by Aiden Childs, quarterback for the mid Michigan State Spartans. Man is now sophomore from southern California, out there doing this thing out there at East Lansing and transferred from Oregon State over there.

Now. We are joined by Aiden Childs, quarterback for the mid Michigan State Spartans. Man is now sophomore from southern California, out there doing this thing out there at East Lansing and transferred from Oregon State over there.

Aiden, Welcome to the show.

Aiden, Welcome to the show.

Man, appreciate you, Thank you for having me.

Man, appreciate you, Thank you for having me.

Who would have thought that, like two years ago, we were we were at fish you trying to figure out where you were gonna be and then the season in and now you're gonna be the starting quarterback for Michigan State.

Who would have thought that, like two years ago, we were we were at fish you trying to figure out where you were gonna be and then the season in and now you're gonna be the starting quarterback for Michigan State.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Man, it's different for sure because like I remember, first time I met Emelu and Damon and I was with Fish. I think I had like three four offers and I ain't know where I'm gonna go.

Man, it's different for sure because like I remember, first time I met Emelu and Damon and I was with Fish. I think I had like three four offers and I ain't know where I'm gonna go.

But yeah, it's it's for sure. It's a change, man. It's cool though, It's a good change.

But yeah, it's it's for sure. It's a change, man. It's cool though, It's a good change.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So I want to go back to the recruiting scene for a minute, because recruiting has changed since the advent of the transfer portal, and you've been on both sides of it, where where as a recruit, where you're gonna go depends on what happens in the transfer portal, and then you shifted the landscape by where you went in the transfer portal. So going back to high school and recruiting, what was your recruiting process like, and you know, going from you know, transferring schools then being a full time starter at Downey.

So I want to go back to the recruiting scene for a minute, because recruiting has changed since the advent of the transfer portal, and you've been on both sides of it, where where as a recruit, where you're gonna go depends on what happens in the transfer portal, and then you shifted the landscape by where you went in the transfer portal. So going back to high school and recruiting, what was your recruiting process like, and you know, going from you know, transferring schools then being a full time starter at Downey.

Well, first of all, the transfer, you know, I never got a fair opportunity, so I had to go find a fair opportunity. So I went to Downey, didn't play a full season to my senior year, but I started getting offers like junior summer, summer year going into my senior year. And for me, I'll tell everybody, like, the recruiting process was terrible. I hated it because I hated talking to coaches all day. I didn't realize I didn't have to talk to them, but I just felt like I had to.

Well, first of all, the transfer, you know, I never got a fair opportunity, so I had to go find a fair opportunity. So I went to Downey, didn't play a full season to my senior year, but I started getting offers like junior summer, summer year going into my senior year. And for me, I'll tell everybody, like, the recruiting process was terrible. I hated it because I hated talking to coaches all day. I didn't realize I didn't have to talk to them, but I just felt like I had to.

You know. But I hated that. And then.

You know. But I hated that. And then.

Well, but like I mean, it was also fun at first, you know, getting a few offers here and there, but then you start getting multiple and then it's just like, yeah, I don't I don't want to talk to all of you guys, Like sometimes I don't have interest in these schools, but you want to listen to him.

Well, but like I mean, it was also fun at first, you know, getting a few offers here and there, but then you start getting multiple and then it's just like, yeah, I don't I don't want to talk to all of you guys, Like sometimes I don't have interest in these schools, but you want to listen to him.

Don't want to be rude, you want to burn the bridge. So but I mean, overall, chose in Oregon State.

Don't want to be rude, you want to burn the bridge. So but I mean, overall, chose in Oregon State.

It was it was simple because they would always school that really gave an opportunity to start as a freshman. So it really came down to them. It came down to them Kansas State and you and I won on my Kansas State visit.

It was it was simple because they would always school that really gave an opportunity to start as a freshman. So it really came down to them. It came down to them Kansas State and you and I won on my Kansas State visit.

Yeah no, so I remember you committed to Oregon State. And then after you committed was when you know your ranking started to fly up.

Yeah no, so I remember you committed to Oregon State. And then after you committed was when you know your ranking started to fly up.

You end up in the All American Game.

You end up in the All American Game.

And and there was a bunch of coaches And tell tell me about after you committed to Oregon State and then prior to the early signing period, who were some of the coaches that showed up at Downy and tried to get you to flip?

And and there was a bunch of coaches And tell tell me about after you committed to Oregon State and then prior to the early signing period, who were some of the coaches that showed up at Downy and tried to get you to flip?

It was a few Oregon actually stopped.

It was a few Oregon actually stopped.

Dilly Ham stopped, So that was but I was surprising because Dilleham he recruited me pretty hard.

Dilly Ham stopped, So that was but I was surprising because Dilleham he recruited me pretty hard.

Yeah, it was for sure.

Yeah, it was for sure.

I remember Notre Dame, Michigan, U Dub kept calling Florida, and I think Ohio State called once or twice. But the schools that really pressed was Another Dam and and you Dub.

I remember Notre Dame, Michigan, U Dub kept calling Florida, and I think Ohio State called once or twice. But the schools that really pressed was Another Dam and and you Dub.

So being that those both of those schools have a higher quote unquote prestige level than Oregon State, what made you State committed to Oregon State? And and really coach Jonathan Smith too.

So being that those both of those schools have a higher quote unquote prestige level than Oregon State, what made you State committed to Oregon State? And and really coach Jonathan Smith too.

Really it was coach Smith. At the end of the day. I liked I liked how he you know, how his process was.

Really it was coach Smith. At the end of the day. I liked I liked how he you know, how his process was.

He was a walk on in college and ended up playing football four years, playing on scholarships.

He was a walk on in college and ended up playing football four years, playing on scholarships.

And also the fact that Oregon State.

And also the fact that Oregon State.

Is like an underdog school, you know, I mean, I didn't see myself going another Damn, I'm not a Catholic and I just don't feel like I could be a part of that program. No, no offense in him at all, Like I love the program, great program, but yeah.

Is like an underdog school, you know, I mean, I didn't see myself going another Damn, I'm not a Catholic and I just don't feel like I could be a part of that program. No, no offense in him at all, Like I love the program, great program, but yeah.

That's just not for me. And then you dub it.

That's just not for me. And then you dub it.

Was just a lot of controversy with that, with that topic, I mean within my family and everybody, and I think organ State was the best fit for me. I felt like I could grow there and also on the school that gave me an opportunity to start as a true freshman. So I really had to take that in consideration and just move on with it and be like, yeah, okay, I can I can grow here.

Was just a lot of controversy with that, with that topic, I mean within my family and everybody, and I think organ State was the best fit for me. I felt like I could grow there and also on the school that gave me an opportunity to start as a true freshman. So I really had to take that in consideration and just move on with it and be like, yeah, okay, I can I can grow here.

So so how was that transition because you enrolled early and then here comes dj O and now going from having a chance to start as a freshman, what was your mindset when he committed to Oregon State, being that you were told initially that you were gonna have a chance to start.

So so how was that transition because you enrolled early and then here comes dj O and now going from having a chance to start as a freshman, what was your mindset when he committed to Oregon State, being that you were told initially that you were gonna have a chance to start.

I mean that opportunity to start as a freshman was never taken away from me. Like I still competed with DJ like like I was gonna play, but initially I'm not gonna lie like I didn't. I never told DJ this, but I was mad. I was sick.

I mean that opportunity to start as a freshman was never taken away from me. Like I still competed with DJ like like I was gonna play, but initially I'm not gonna lie like I didn't. I never told DJ this, but I was mad. I was sick.

I was like, hey, they really brought it in.

I was like, hey, they really brought it in.

I'm not like, but after getting to know DJ and like playing with him and being on practiced sidelines with him and everything, he's a great dude, and I'm so happy. I'm so happy for him and grateful for him, because I tell everybody without him that without that role model in that position that's had that experience, I probably couldn't be the player I am right now without him.

I'm not like, but after getting to know DJ and like playing with him and being on practiced sidelines with him and everything, he's a great dude, and I'm so happy. I'm so happy for him and grateful for him, because I tell everybody without him that without that role model in that position that's had that experience, I probably couldn't be the player I am right now without him.

So I'm really grateful for him.

So I'm really grateful for him.

So what are some of the things that you got a chance to learn from him? Because he's a guy who was at Clemson and well highly touted coming out of high school. You know, people were excited about him. It didn't go the way that he wanted. Then he ends up at the Oregon State you know, plays pretty well. What were you able to learn and gain from him?

So what are some of the things that you got a chance to learn from him? Because he's a guy who was at Clemson and well highly touted coming out of high school. You know, people were excited about him. It didn't go the way that he wanted. Then he ends up at the Oregon State you know, plays pretty well. What were you able to learn and gain from him?

I mean, like, well, my year, I played every third drive, so I'd watch him first two drives and I'd go in and he tell me what to look at and tell me what he sees and what I should do when I see certain things.

I mean, like, well, my year, I played every third drive, so I'd watch him first two drives and I'd go in and he tell me what to look at and tell me what he sees and what I should do when I see certain things.

And but overall, just his experience really helped me.

And but overall, just his experience really helped me.

You know, like he had all the he was in the film room all the time, watching film, he was in the weight room extra all the time.

You know, like he had all the he was in the film room all the time, watching film, he was in the weight room extra all the time.

And also just him being able to understand the game so well.

And also just him being able to understand the game so well.

So him coming off and telling me what he sees, it just taught me so much that I probably wouldn't I definitely wouldn't have learned if he wasn't there. So it just it it really excels excelled my game because I can go out there and see the same stuff he seeson.

So him coming off and telling me what he sees, it just taught me so much that I probably wouldn't I definitely wouldn't have learned if he wasn't there. So it just it it really excels excelled my game because I can go out there and see the same stuff he seeson.

It was easy to mean I was quick because he just told me about it. So yeah.

It was easy to mean I was quick because he just told me about it. So yeah.

So so now you let us in on what we all knew was that you.

So so now you let us in on what we all knew was that you.

Played every third drive?

Played every third drive?

What was the At what point time did you know that that was gonna happen during the season.

What was the At what point time did you know that that was gonna happen during the season.

At the beginning of the season, they I was told that I was gonna play no matter what.

At the beginning of the season, they I was told that I was gonna play no matter what.

I was going to be a true freshman. Yeah, okay, Russia.

I was going to be a true freshman. Yeah, okay, Russia.

I didn't know how I was gonna look until week four when he started. I thought, you know, Coach Smith thinking we're gonna blur everybody out. You know, we played it put me in at the end of the game. I mean, yeah, that's yeah. But no, so at the end of week four. Oh, beginning week four he put me in the game.

I didn't know how I was gonna look until week four when he started. I thought, you know, Coach Smith thinking we're gonna blur everybody out. You know, we played it put me in at the end of the game. I mean, yeah, that's yeah. But no, so at the end of week four. Oh, beginning week four he put me in the game.

Uh at Washington State.

Uh at Washington State.

No, I didn't play watching I played was that week for week five? Then was the week five? Yeah, okay in Utah. Okay, my fault.

No, I didn't play watching I played was that week for week five? Then was the week five? Yeah, okay in Utah. Okay, my fault.

We five Utah played the third drive and I didn't do so well. Not gonna lie, but hey, we'll get over that. But yeah, so we five. I knew for sure that I was gonna play every third drive.

We five Utah played the third drive and I didn't do so well. Not gonna lie, but hey, we'll get over that. But yeah, so we five. I knew for sure that I was gonna play every third drive.

And then I.

And then I.

Think week six I asked him again. He was like, yeah, just from now on, you just gonna keep doing that. I was all right, and DJ was cool with it. That's why I'm so greatful for DJ, because, you know, him being so later in his career, you don't have to be cool with that, you know, like, yeah, exactly. So I really appreciate DJ for being cool with that too, because he was like, it was like, hey, let's do it all right, bet?

Think week six I asked him again. He was like, yeah, just from now on, you just gonna keep doing that. I was all right, and DJ was cool with it. That's why I'm so greatful for DJ, because, you know, him being so later in his career, you don't have to be cool with that, you know, like, yeah, exactly. So I really appreciate DJ for being cool with that too, because he was like, it was like, hey, let's do it all right, bet?

Yeah?

Yeah?

And what was it like so being that you knew that you weren't going to red shirt and you ended up throwing, you know, for a few hundred yards for touchdowns, no picks, rushing for another one hundred yards. Where was the value in that versus the additional year because now you're a sophomore going into when you're when you're gonna start at Michigan State.

And what was it like so being that you knew that you weren't going to red shirt and you ended up throwing, you know, for a few hundred yards for touchdowns, no picks, rushing for another one hundred yards. Where was the value in that versus the additional year because now you're a sophomore going into when you're when you're gonna start at Michigan State.

Yeah, I mean sometimes I think about it, like if I read shirt it, it would be for sure.

Yeah, I mean sometimes I think about it, like if I read shirt it, it would be for sure.

But I'm actually grateful for it.

But I'm actually grateful for it.

I got the experience I needed and now like I have that ability to start like last year. Maybe if I didn't get that experience, I don't know what I would look like right now. So I'm I'm grateful for it and I'm I'm really fine with it because I'm playing it. I'm playing three years anyway. That was That's all our goals. You know, we all want to leave, go to the league. Yeah, I definitely did.

I got the experience I needed and now like I have that ability to start like last year. Maybe if I didn't get that experience, I don't know what I would look like right now. So I'm I'm grateful for it and I'm I'm really fine with it because I'm playing it. I'm playing three years anyway. That was That's all our goals. You know, we all want to leave, go to the league. Yeah, I definitely did.

Yep, I did, and I got a chance to leave after my my junior year. But I think that that experience of being able to play Utah at cal UCLA, at Arizona who was super good this year, and then at Colorado, Washington at Oregon, Like, where where was your favorite place to play at aside from men core valence last year?

Yep, I did, and I got a chance to leave after my my junior year. But I think that that experience of being able to play Utah at cal UCLA, at Arizona who was super good this year, and then at Colorado, Washington at Oregon, Like, where where was your favorite place to play at aside from men core valence last year?

M I liked.

M I liked.

I liked when we played at Arizona. I don't know, it wasn't I like Colorado. Actually, I'm lying, I like Colorado. It wasn't the fact that it was just like the biggest crowd. I just like they was just they didn't like us. That's what I like, you know.

I liked when we played at Arizona. I don't know, it wasn't I like Colorado. Actually, I'm lying, I like Colorado. It wasn't the fact that it was just like the biggest crowd. I just like they was just they didn't like us. That's what I like, you know.

I just liked that.

I just liked that.

So yeah, that intensity, that rivalry.

So yeah, that intensity, that rivalry.

Yeah, I didn't really play in any like big crowds. Like we didn't play at dub didn't play in the Rose Bull did I played. I didn't play at Austin. Actually they let DJ finish that game all. Yeah, but Austin that that atmosphere is different. Yeah, yeah, we played it this year.

Yeah, I didn't really play in any like big crowds. Like we didn't play at dub didn't play in the Rose Bull did I played. I didn't play at Austin. Actually they let DJ finish that game all. Yeah, but Austin that that atmosphere is different. Yeah, yeah, we played it this year.

It's different.

It's different.

Oh yeah, yeah, because they because the crowd.

Oh yeah, yeah, because they because the crowd.

And I try to explain this to people, is that you've been to a bunch of different stadiums as a recruit and then playing in them like that. There's a few places on the West Coast that respond like SEC stadiums and all of that stuff, and Oregon is.

And I try to explain this to people, is that you've been to a bunch of different stadiums as a recruit and then playing in them like that. There's a few places on the West Coast that respond like SEC stadiums and all of that stuff, and Oregon is.

One of them.

One of them.

And so when when you were at Oregon State, so obviously the rumors about coach Smith started swirling.

And so when when you were at Oregon State, so obviously the rumors about coach Smith started swirling.

Towards the end of the season.

Towards the end of the season.

You guys had won eight games, there was still a possibility to win the Pac twelve. Do you think that the rumors about him potentially leaving that that impacted the team at all.

You guys had won eight games, there was still a possibility to win the Pac twelve. Do you think that the rumors about him potentially leaving that that impacted the team at all.

Oh for sure. Yeah. I mean.

Oh for sure. Yeah. I mean.

So when we weren't told anything about him leaving, like before the season was over, but we we had a meeting with him and he said, we're going to focus on these games, and nobody believed what he was saying because they thought he was leaving, so all the years and everybody else there, they was just like, yeah, I mean, he's out of here. So I mean that's really when we played Oregon. I don't think Oregon was on their mind. I think they coached out of here and that means basically, I'm out of here.

So when we weren't told anything about him leaving, like before the season was over, but we we had a meeting with him and he said, we're going to focus on these games, and nobody believed what he was saying because they thought he was leaving, so all the years and everybody else there, they was just like, yeah, I mean, he's out of here. So I mean that's really when we played Oregon. I don't think Oregon was on their mind. I think they coached out of here and that means basically, I'm out of here.

So I think that was what was going on right then and there.

So I think that was what was going on right then and there.

Yeah, And part of it was I think the PAC twelve, right is that the PAC twelve was clearly breaking up, and everybody like the writing was on the wall that something was going on after USC and UCLA left. If you went back to your recruiting and you knew that the PAC twelve was gonna break up, do you think you would have, even in hindsight, the way things have worked out, would you have made a different decision coming out of high school?

Yeah, And part of it was I think the PAC twelve, right is that the PAC twelve was clearly breaking up, and everybody like the writing was on the wall that something was going on after USC and UCLA left. If you went back to your recruiting and you knew that the PAC twelve was gonna break up, do you think you would have, even in hindsight, the way things have worked out, would you have made a different decision coming out of high school?

If I knew that was gonna happen, I would take my Kansas State visit just in case, just to see, you know, just see something different. But I honestly think I was still shooes Coach Smith. I mean, he's really the reason why I went to Oregon State, and at the end of the day, I think he's the reason I'm developed so much. So I think I would choose to Oregan State again.

If I knew that was gonna happen, I would take my Kansas State visit just in case, just to see, you know, just see something different. But I honestly think I was still shooes Coach Smith. I mean, he's really the reason why I went to Oregon State, and at the end of the day, I think he's the reason I'm developed so much. So I think I would choose to Oregan State again.

Yeah, and so so coach. So you guys, a season is affected at Oregon State. He leaves and takes the Michigan State job, and now you're at Michigan State. And I think everybody knew from the beginning, being that you were groomed to be.

Yeah, and so so coach. So you guys, a season is affected at Oregon State. He leaves and takes the Michigan State job, and now you're at Michigan State. And I think everybody knew from the beginning, being that you were groomed to be.

Next year's starter, that nah, he's probably going to Michigan State.

Next year's starter, that nah, he's probably going to Michigan State.

So at what point in time did you know that, like oh wow, like I might be going with this dude, or like how is this gonna work?

So at what point in time did you know that, like oh wow, like I might be going with this dude, or like how is this gonna work?

There was a point in time during fall camp where me and Coach Smith really got close because during fall camp I used to so I went in the fall camp as a seventeen year old thinking that like, okay, I got.

There was a point in time during fall camp where me and Coach Smith really got close because during fall camp I used to so I went in the fall camp as a seventeen year old thinking that like, okay, I got.

To win this job. Yeah.

To win this job. Yeah.

So I'm terrible for about the first six seven practices and I'm like all right, Like so I go into Coach Smith, and I don't know, he just really he really helped me get through that situation. And so me being as close as I was a coach Smith, like after that, we just got closer and closer and closer. And I started hearing the rumors and I started talking about people, my dad and my mom, and I was like, hey, we might not be here next year. Like that's just how it is. So I like, hey, cool, I'm with you. They want it was best for me. So yeah, I told him. I was like, miss Smith, leave then I'm out of here too, Like it's just like that.

So I'm terrible for about the first six seven practices and I'm like all right, Like so I go into Coach Smith, and I don't know, he just really he really helped me get through that situation. And so me being as close as I was a coach Smith, like after that, we just got closer and closer and closer. And I started hearing the rumors and I started talking about people, my dad and my mom, and I was like, hey, we might not be here next year. Like that's just how it is. So I like, hey, cool, I'm with you. They want it was best for me. So yeah, I told him. I was like, miss Smith, leave then I'm out of here too, Like it's just like that.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So how how hard was it to well, because obviously you chose Oregon State, you enjoyed Oregon State and you know, you had started to build a life there and everything else.

So how how hard was it to well, because obviously you chose Oregon State, you enjoyed Oregon State and you know, you had started to build a life there and everything else.

Was it was it hard even.

Was it was it hard even.

Though that you were with coach Coach Smith and you bought into him, because people will say, oh, don't follow the don't commit to a school for a coach, but being that is different now, was it? Was it a hard decision to leave period? And then was Michigan State your only option?

Though that you were with coach Coach Smith and you bought into him, because people will say, oh, don't follow the don't commit to a school for a coach, but being that is different now, was it? Was it a hard decision to leave period? And then was Michigan State your only option?

It was hard to leave. I mean, I'm my parents didn't want to leave. I didn't really want to leave, but you know, it was a business decision.

It was hard to leave. I mean, I'm my parents didn't want to leave. I didn't really want to leave, but you know, it was a business decision.

At the end of the day. It's football and it's going to be like that forever.

At the end of the day. It's football and it's going to be like that forever.

So but Michigan State was the only school I looked into that I really wanted to go to because of freshman But when it.

So but Michigan State was the only school I looked into that I really wanted to go to because of freshman But when it.

Comes to options I had, I had a lot of options.

Comes to options I had, I had a lot of options.

I mean the only school that I really entertained was USC and simply because it's back home and I wanted to hear what they had to say.

I mean the only school that I really entertained was USC and simply because it's back home and I wanted to hear what they had to say.

And I liked it. But you know, I was I was committed to my coach and that's just how it was. Yeah.

And I liked it. But you know, I was I was committed to my coach and that's just how it was. Yeah.

So you so when when you first traveled out to East Lansing and and you and you see the facility, Well you get off the plane, see the facilities. What was your thought when you pulled up?

So you so when when you first traveled out to East Lansing and and you and you see the facility, Well you get off the plane, see the facilities. What was your thought when you pulled up?

This place is rich like that they got money. That's how it was. But it's big ten football. I mean I walked in the stadium. It's seeing eighty thousand, biggest stadium I've ever stepped foot in. That's how I feel. And then the facilities, new, straight, strict, new facilities already uh everything, and I don't know, it's just it's rich it's rich.

This place is rich like that they got money. That's how it was. But it's big ten football. I mean I walked in the stadium. It's seeing eighty thousand, biggest stadium I've ever stepped foot in. That's how I feel. And then the facilities, new, straight, strict, new facilities already uh everything, and I don't know, it's just it's rich it's rich.

That's how I felt.

That's how I felt.

And is that what you know, like when you saw the stadium and you saw all of that, was did it At what point time did you get comfortable with it? Because even though you were with coach Coach Smith, you your fam everybody still had to have that comfort level with with the move and other things. So at what point time did you get comfortable enough to be like, all right, I'm sure I want to do this.

And is that what you know, like when you saw the stadium and you saw all of that, was did it At what point time did you get comfortable with it? Because even though you were with coach Coach Smith, you your fam everybody still had to have that comfort level with with the move and other things. So at what point time did you get comfortable enough to be like, all right, I'm sure I want to do this.

It was on it was on my second day of my visit when we went to go to academics and my mom met Mandy or academic advisor. Yeah, she was like, okay, I'm fine with you. I'm fine with you being here as long as she's here.

It was on it was on my second day of my visit when we went to go to academics and my mom met Mandy or academic advisor. Yeah, she was like, okay, I'm fine with you. I'm fine with you being here as long as she's here.

I was like, all right. I think that's when they clicked that.

I was like, all right. I think that's when they clicked that.

I was like, okay, I can I can really live here and play football here.

I was like, okay, I can I can really live here and play football here.

Yeah, that makes sense.

Yeah, that makes sense.

And then there are a lot of you guys as coaches came over with coach Jonathan Smith. But what has it been like like adding Aaron Flugrad to the Smith and Lingering mix.

And then there are a lot of you guys as coaches came over with coach Jonathan Smith. But what has it been like like adding Aaron Flugrad to the Smith and Lingering mix.

It's different because like, well, I come from boy Or.

It's different because like, well, I come from boy Or.

I don't know if you know coach John Bler, Yeah, coach Boyer and they're two different people.

I don't know if you know coach John Bler, Yeah, coach Boyer and they're two different people.

Like that's just what it is.

Like that's just what it is.

Coach Boyer, he's been a little more experience than Flu and Flu's been He's a little he's a younger, younger guy, so he's close to our age. And it's for sure different, but it's it's still just it's just as good. I mean, you get different perspectives from both Lingering and flu grad and you just see it however, like you just talk to him about it. And Flu has been amazing man Like being able to talk to him whenever I can, and go watch film with him and see what he thinks.

Coach Boyer, he's been a little more experience than Flu and Flu's been He's a little he's a younger, younger guy, so he's close to our age. And it's for sure different, but it's it's still just it's just as good. I mean, you get different perspectives from both Lingering and flu grad and you just see it however, like you just talk to him about it. And Flu has been amazing man Like being able to talk to him whenever I can, and go watch film with him and see what he thinks.

It's been great. I can't complain at all.

It's been great. I can't complain at all.

And it's a And you talked about how it's a business, right the cosge football is now a business, and you had to make a business decision when when current players sit up and you guys turn on the TV you hear all these.

And it's a And you talked about how it's a business, right the cosge football is now a business, and you had to make a business decision when when current players sit up and you guys turn on the TV you hear all these.

Old folks or you go on Twitter, Oh my god, I hit it. The biggest problem is to transfer portal and and everything else.

Old folks or you go on Twitter, Oh my god, I hit it. The biggest problem is to transfer portal and and everything else.

What is your reaction to that, being that it is a business for everybody. Else is a business for the coaches, for the administrators, for the schools. But then they look at it like that the players are the problem and what's broken in college football.

What is your reaction to that, being that it is a business for everybody. Else is a business for the coaches, for the administrators, for the schools. But then they look at it like that the players are the problem and what's broken in college football.

Sometimes I do think the transporter is a problem though, Like there's there's sometimes where it's just like yeah, I don't know about like these certain moves. But at the end of the day, like with how it's how football changed, how college footballs changed so much, with the nil days and everything the business decision like it's it's way more common and you're going to see it and like that's just how it is. Like I've learned to get over it. So it is what it is. I see it every day now.

Sometimes I do think the transporter is a problem though, Like there's there's sometimes where it's just like yeah, I don't know about like these certain moves. But at the end of the day, like with how it's how football changed, how college footballs changed so much, with the nil days and everything the business decision like it's it's way more common and you're going to see it and like that's just how it is. Like I've learned to get over it. So it is what it is. I see it every day now.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And so so when when when you and Pops have gone out to eat, have have you ever been.

And so so when when when you and Pops have gone out to eat, have have you ever been.

Like nah, nah, nah Dad, Dad, I got it. I got it, Dad, don't worry about it.

Like nah, nah, nah Dad, Dad, I got it. I got it, Dad, don't worry about it.

No, no, I'm not. No, if we eat together, he paid.

No, no, I'm not. No, if we eat together, he paid.

Oh man, you you can't take Pops out for a statement.

Oh man, you you can't take Pops out for a statement.

That's my dad. He's still my dad. He's still big dog. Got it.

That's my dad. He's still my dad. He's still big dog. Got it.

I feel that. Now.

I feel that. Now.

What what are you most looking forward to to this season over at Michigan State.

What what are you most looking forward to to this season over at Michigan State.

I almost looking forward to proven a lot of people wrong.

I almost looking forward to proven a lot of people wrong.

I've just seen a lot of things, like I don't try to be on social media as much. But when I do go on social media, I see five wins for wins, all right. So that's that's really what I'm looking forward to. I think we have a better team and what people people give us credit for. So I think we're just gonna show a lot of people this ship.

I've just seen a lot of things, like I don't try to be on social media as much. But when I do go on social media, I see five wins for wins, all right. So that's that's really what I'm looking forward to. I think we have a better team and what people people give us credit for. So I think we're just gonna show a lot of people this ship.

Hey, because there are a lot I mean, I can't I can't can't lie. There's a there's a lot of people that are looking at this schedule that are like Florida Atlantic, Okay, Prairie View.

Hey, because there are a lot I mean, I can't I can't can't lie. There's a there's a lot of people that are looking at this schedule that are like Florida Atlantic, Okay, Prairie View.

Those those should be wins.

Those those should be wins.

But then you gotta play hey man, that that that that Ohio.

But then you gotta play hey man, that that that that Ohio.

State Oregon stretch ain't gonna be no joke, bro.

State Oregon stretch ain't gonna be no joke, bro.

But but what what does success look like for you personally and for the team for next year?

But but what what does success look like for you personally and for the team for next year?

Success?

Success?

My success based on a team success. Really, it's just, uh, we win games. By the end of the day, even if we don't win these games, it gotta look like we put up a fight. That's what I'm trying. That's really just what I'm here for. I'm not here to lay down for anybody. So the way they got to see it is just like we're just gonna lay down and let these dudes run.

My success based on a team success. Really, it's just, uh, we win games. By the end of the day, even if we don't win these games, it gotta look like we put up a fight. That's what I'm trying. That's really just what I'm here for. I'm not here to lay down for anybody. So the way they got to see it is just like we're just gonna lay down and let these dudes run.

All over for us, and uh, yeah, that's that's just not what I'm here for.

All over for us, and uh, yeah, that's that's just not what I'm here for.

Well that that definitely what coach Smith is there for either, because Oregon State, now I remember he was he was the quarterback when I was at Oregon and we got a chance to play against him. And when he came back, Oregon State was a doormat at the time, and then he built it up to be you know, like like y'all, you knew that when you played Oregon State that it was gonna be a fight on your hands. And then you you guys are rebuilding the roster over there at Michigan State. So like when you look at your own personal success, so you saying, all right, man, I want to be a Michigan State legend and really helped this program do something special over the next two years for you.

Well that that definitely what coach Smith is there for either, because Oregon State, now I remember he was he was the quarterback when I was at Oregon and we got a chance to play against him. And when he came back, Oregon State was a doormat at the time, and then he built it up to be you know, like like y'all, you knew that when you played Oregon State that it was gonna be a fight on your hands. And then you you guys are rebuilding the roster over there at Michigan State. So like when you look at your own personal success, so you saying, all right, man, I want to be a Michigan State legend and really helped this program do something special over the next two years for you.

Really, Yeah, I mean I'm looking at it as if I'm here to I'm here to help the team win. I mean, I want to be a household name, just like everybody else want to be a household name. But yeah, I'm here to help the team win at best of my abilities. Even if that happens to me, I don't play. It is what it is. But I just want to I'm here to win, so that's just what it is.

Really, Yeah, I mean I'm looking at it as if I'm here to I'm here to help the team win. I mean, I want to be a household name, just like everybody else want to be a household name. But yeah, I'm here to help the team win at best of my abilities. Even if that happens to me, I don't play. It is what it is. But I just want to I'm here to win, so that's just what it is.

Yeah, And when you guys went went through spring ball, what was the biggest difference, you know, being over at Michigan State besides your spring ball your first spring ball when you were still seventeen years old at Oregon State.

Yeah, And when you guys went went through spring ball, what was the biggest difference, you know, being over at Michigan State besides your spring ball your first spring ball when you were still seventeen years old at Oregon State.

I had to care a little bit more and the defense, So, like to elaborate on that. When I came in seventeen knowing DJ's here, I'm like, hey, I'm just go just go do whatever I want to do.

I had to care a little bit more and the defense, So, like to elaborate on that. When I came in seventeen knowing DJ's here, I'm like, hey, I'm just go just go do whatever I want to do.

I'm gonna go play football. So I go out there and I just played football.

I'm gonna go play football. So I go out there and I just played football.

I was free, didn't think about anything, made mistakes, came back, did okay, like it was what it was.

I was free, didn't think about anything, made mistakes, came back, did okay, like it was what it was.

But now.

But now.

I'm taking reps with the ones, and now I got to be able to like leave my team like that's just how it is. And also seeing a new defense now, so going from seeing Bray's defense, now I'm seeing Coach Rossi's defense and it's different, so different athletes all over the field. But it was an adjustment for a few days, but it got easy real quick.

I'm taking reps with the ones, and now I got to be able to like leave my team like that's just how it is. And also seeing a new defense now, so going from seeing Bray's defense, now I'm seeing Coach Rossi's defense and it's different, so different athletes all over the field. But it was an adjustment for a few days, but it got easy real quick.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And when you're looking around at the quarterbacks that were ranked above you around you any of that.

And when you're looking around at the quarterbacks that were ranked above you around you any of that.

Are you ever peeking around it? Like, well I should.

Are you ever peeking around it? Like, well I should.

I'll ask you this, who are the guys that you're looking at to really gauge and see? Okay, hold up, let me let me let me see what this dude is doing in the process.

I'll ask you this, who are the guys that you're looking at to really gauge and see? Okay, hold up, let me let me let me see what this dude is doing in the process.

Not really, I mean sometimes when I look at the rankings. Actually, I'm not gonna lie today. I was looking at the rankings with my academic advisor today.

Not really, I mean sometimes when I look at the rankings. Actually, I'm not gonna lie today. I was looking at the rankings with my academic advisor today.

But sometimes I just laugh. You know, it's funny to me, uh, some things that.

But sometimes I just laugh. You know, it's funny to me, uh, some things that.

How things work, how like things move around and how things play out, it's funny.

How things work, how like things move around and how things play out, it's funny.

And yeah, I was looking at him to say that's funny.

And yeah, I was looking at him to say that's funny.

Yeah, he said, it's funny.

Yeah, he said, it's funny.

All right, So what what is the thing that you look at when you're.

All right, So what what is the thing that you look at when you're.

When you're when you say that, well as you can.

When you're when you say that, well as you can.

So when you say that that's funny, why do you think that the rankings for high school players are not necessarily as as accurate in terms of their success when they get to college.

So when you say that that's funny, why do you think that the rankings for high school players are not necessarily as as accurate in terms of their success when they get to college.

Is it the coaching or is it something else?

Is it the coaching or is it something else?

It really depends on the player. Like certain players they rank so high and then some things don't play how they wanted to play out. But it also it's also an attitude of mentality. Like say you've been this five star ranking. It's all four years of high school, and then you think you just that guy, and you get to high you get to college and it's not the same.

It really depends on the player. Like certain players they rank so high and then some things don't play how they wanted to play out. But it also it's also an attitude of mentality. Like say you've been this five star ranking. It's all four years of high school, and then you think you just that guy, and you get to high you get to college and it's not the same.

But then you have those other dudes that aren't these five star.

But then you have those other dudes that aren't these five star.

Dudes, and they stay under the radar for so long, and they get to college and they keep working how they was working in high school.

Dudes, and they stay under the radar for so long, and they get to college and they keep working how they was working in high school.

It's different.

It's different.

It does depend on the player, and it also depends on the area you from area, because I mean La, you know rankings in La.

It does depend on the player, and it also depends on the area you from area, because I mean La, you know rankings in La.

It's different.

It's different.

It's tough out here in the streets, man, because it's so many good quarterbacks. Like I remember when Damon and you know, seeing you, seeing all the other kids went off to go to college.

It's tough out here in the streets, man, because it's so many good quarterbacks. Like I remember when Damon and you know, seeing you, seeing all the other kids went off to go to college.

I was like bro out here in Cali.

I was like bro out here in Cali.

Bro, the competition is like it's such small margins, Whereas if you're in a other state, if you were in Iowa, Nebraska, you know, anything like that, he's the number one player in the nation there he is.

Bro, the competition is like it's such small margins, Whereas if you're in a other state, if you were in Iowa, Nebraska, you know, anything like that, he's the number one player in the nation there he is.

But also like competition, like in California, competition all over the place. So now if you're a good quarterback, it shows Yeah, and then like you said, if you're in Iowa. I don't know how football looks in Iowa, but if the competition out there, you can say he's a number one quarterback, be how he's gonna look in college. So there's things like that that you gotta really just take it to the perspective.

But also like competition, like in California, competition all over the place. So now if you're a good quarterback, it shows Yeah, and then like you said, if you're in Iowa. I don't know how football looks in Iowa, but if the competition out there, you can say he's a number one quarterback, be how he's gonna look in college. So there's things like that that you gotta really just take it to the perspective.

All right.

All right.

The final thing for you, So Warren versus Downey, You you nico e Amaliva, he's over at Tennessee. Now, yeah, his brother's over there at at Warn.

The final thing for you, So Warren versus Downey, You you nico e Amaliva, he's over at Tennessee. Now, yeah, his brother's over there at at Warn.

What was that rivalry?

What was that rivalry?

Like, uh, it really is the biggest rivalry, and I think in the nation, but in California for sure.

Like, uh, it really is the biggest rivalry, and I think in the nation, but in California for sure.

It was crazy. I mean it was a good game.

It was crazy. I mean it was a good game.

I didn't play the first time it broke my arm, but that second game I played in, it was it was that's that's one of the biggest games I played in, like high school level wise, but that probably is the biggest game I played in. And it's they bring out extra seeds, extra up. It's it's big.

I didn't play the first time it broke my arm, but that second game I played in, it was it was that's that's one of the biggest games I played in, like high school level wise, but that probably is the biggest game I played in. And it's they bring out extra seeds, extra up. It's it's big.

Man.

Man.

I don't know why it's so big, but it's big. It's it's a big game. But uh, it's tough losing that game, man.

I don't know why it's so big, but it's big. It's it's a big game. But uh, it's tough losing that game, man.

Yeah.

Yeah.

So if y'all get a chance to play Tennessee and a bowl game or something like that, like that, is there gonna be a little extra like that, like like Niko, I need my get back home.

So if y'all get a chance to play Tennessee and a bowl game or something like that, like that, is there gonna be a little extra like that, like like Niko, I need my get back home.

It's smoke. Yeah, it's up there for Shures. I lost him.

It's smoke. Yeah, it's up there for Shures. I lost him.

I mean we lost him twice so well my when I was at down there. So yeah, I need at least one. I need one of them. I need one of them back.

I mean we lost him twice so well my when I was at down there. So yeah, I need at least one. I need one of them. I need one of them back.

So yeah, absolutely, And you guys, he is aiding Child's quarterback over at the Michigan State Spartans can't wait to watch you play this year.

So yeah, absolutely, And you guys, he is aiding Child's quarterback over at the Michigan State Spartans can't wait to watch you play this year.

Aiden.

Aiden.

Congratulations on your success man, and good good luck against everybody. Well, actually, I'll even wish you luck against my Oregon Ducks. I hope you throw five hundred yards and just and just you know, and just lose. I'm sorry, but I hope you win every other game except for album.

Congratulations on your success man, and good good luck against everybody. Well, actually, I'll even wish you luck against my Oregon Ducks. I hope you throw five hundred yards and just and just you know, and just lose. I'm sorry, but I hope you win every other game except for album.

Hey, thank you man, Thanks

Hey, thank you man, Thanks

All right,

All right,