The second part of an interview with Georgia Tech defensive tackle Adam Gotsis, conducted in the final week of spring practice. In this segment, Gotsis gave an update on linemate Jabari Hunt-Days, anticipated locker-room renovations and his graduation plans. The first half can be read here.
Q: Does it feel like your last year?
A: It doesn't in a way, just because I didn't come in with the class I'm going to leave with, but it does in a way being that I'm kind of the leader in the D-line room along with Jabari (Hunt-Days) and Pat (Gamble) and those guys, but I'm kind of the oldest guy now in the D-line room now. So in a way, it does feel like it's my last time, but then in a way it doesn't.
Talking with Coach (Joe) Hamilton and stuff like that, they just say, before you know it, the first game’s going to be here, before you know it, it’s going to be week six, before you know it, you’re playing Georgia. It’s kind of, you’re just taking every day for what it is. You’ve got to make the most of every day.
Q: What have you seen out of Jabari?
A: Just definitely comes to work every day. He's one of those guys that's hardworking. He wants to be out there with us. I think last year really got his mind back where it needs to be. I think that's the biggest thing. He's had a good spring, as well. He's definitely shown glimpses of what he can do and it's going to be a big summer for him. Hopefully me and him can get a lot of work done together and keep him on track.
It’s a big year for him, too. It’s his senior year, as well. I’m sure he’s going to come into the summer ready to work and it’s going to be a thing where we’ve got to push each other to be the best that we can.
Q: Is he really 290?
A: He’s 300.
Q: Really?
A: Nah. He's heavy. He needs to lose a little bit of weight. He's still moving like an animal. He's fast.
Q: What do you know about the locker-room renovation?
A: I think they're going to do it in the spring (of 2016). They're going to change a whole bunch of stuff in there and re-do it. That's going to be good for those guys coming in the next few years. I was hoping it was going to be this season, but, I mean, it's a foundation. Even just having a say in what's going to go in there and things like that, that's pretty cool, so you can come back and you can see it. I'm just looking forward to that. I know the guys that are coming up will enjoy it. Hopefully I'm back here training in it one day and I can come in and use it. That would be pretty cool.
Q: What did you say you wanted?
A: Definitely some hot/cold tubs in the football locker room so we're not using the ones in the training room. Just convenience. A couple TV's in there. Just improving the lockers themselves, like getting a better lockbox and getting some charging outlets in the lockbox and stuff like that. Just little things and I think they're going to redo out here (in the lobby) as well. That'll be pretty cool.
Q: What are your plans for the summer?
A: Just work out, work hard. I've got to get my body in shape and get myself mentally ready for the season and going to be watching a lot of film and hopefully I can get some guys together like Pat and Rod (Rook-Chungong) and those older guys, and a few of the young guys, as well, just get that extra work in. That's what it's going to take to be better than what we were last year. That's what you're trying to do every day. You're just trying to be better than what you were the day before.
Q: How close are you to graduating?
A: I've got 10 hours left.
Q: Really?
A: Flew through, huh.
Q: I guess you took summer classes?
A: I was taking summer classes but I was doing 15, 16 hours every semester.
Q: Was that always your plan (to graduate in 3 1/2 years)?
A: I came in, I didn't redshirt and I missed the first summer, so I was also a little behind. I just sort of had a good work ethic coming in just working my butt off in the classroom and on the field. It's kind of all paid off. I'm here where I am now, ready to graduate.
Q: If I can ask, what's your GPA?
A: I think it's like a 2.8 now. It's doing all right, but got a little bit lazy this semester, but definitely got to finish up strong. That's the main thing.
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