My Football Journey: Brandon Pendergrass
10/24/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 24, 2011
This article was originally published in the Oct. 8 edition of Kickoff, the official gameday magazine of Wake Forest football.
Q: When did you start playing football?
A: I first started playing when I was five. I remember watching my cousin when I was five and just wanting to get out there and start playing. I begged my dad to sign me up, and that's where it started.
Q: What position did you play?
A: I've been playing running back my whole life.
Q: When did you first realize you could play at the major college level?
A: I always believed I could play at the major college level. Growing up everything was the next step. Going to high school. As a freshman it was making varsity. After that it was college. And after college it's going to the NFL.
Q: Describe the recruiting process and how you ended up at Wake Forest?
A: It was one of the funnest times of your life. Just getting the chance to go to different places, different schools, see and meet different people. Then just getting the chance to make your first real adult decision that could change your life for the good or bad. I feel like a made a good one.
Q: What is the best memory of your high school career?
A: The best memory of my high school career is winning the Lou Groza for the best player in Palm Beach County because our county is stacked full of athletes and just being recognized as the best player in the county is amazing; it was unbelievable.
Q: What area of your game do you need to improve on?
A: The mental aspect. Just understanding, being able to look at the defense and understand things; being able to play through injuries and keep your mind strong and never letting up.
Q: Is there an area of your game that just comes natural to you?
A: Vision, actually. It just comes. You don't look and try to see holes. It's like your eyes just focus on it and zoom in on it.
Q: What person has had the most influence on your football career?
A: My dad (Lonnie Pendergrass). My biggest mentor and my best friend. I talk to him after practice and before every game. He always gives me great advice. He's the one person I know who always believes in me. He always has my back and always believes in me and pushes me to be my best.
Q: What do you see yourself doing after your football career is over?
A: After football is finished I just see myself with a family. Raising my family. Job-wise, I have no clue. Going out on the weekends on Lake Okeechobee and going fishing every weekend.