Q&A with Freshman Running Back Willis McGahee

Aug. 14, 2000

You’re on a sinking ship. Your family is already safe on a raft. What items would you want to take with you?
I would want to make sure that I saved my leather pants. It is my favorite article of clothing.

Name one player you would not want to go up against if your soul was on the line?
I would not want to go against Ronnie Lott. I have watched games where Ronnie would knock someone out.

Who in your family do you idolize?
I idolize my mother, Jannie. She was able to raise me by herself.

Some people would be surprised to learn this about you?
I have a pink Tommy Hilfiger outfit.

Last time you were amazed about one of your accomplishments?
I rushed for 300 yards on 15 carries against Hialeah in the 11th grade.

Who do you think is the best player ever at your position?
The best running back ever was the Detroit Lions’ Barry Sanders. He was so fast and agile that the defense could never hit him.

How would you want the fans to remember you after you leave UM?
I want people to remember me as a Gladiator. I leave everything I have on the field and I don’t stop fighting till the end.

If you could have anyone’s life, who would it be?
If I could have anyone’s life I would want to be Michael Jordan. He had a great basketball career and has a lot of endorsements. Of course, anyone who has a shoe named after him must have a pretty good life.

You are on an around the world trip. Pick one book, something to read and a celebrity that you would like to travel with?
If I were stuck on a plane for that long of a time, I would want Nia Long there with me. The music that I would want us to listen to would be Jagged Edge. The book would have to be by Wes Craven. He is one of the scariest writer/directors I have seen.

What do you think was the greatest sports moment of the past century?
I’m a bit biased on this subject. The greatest sports moment of the past century was when my high school, Central, beat Miami Jackson 41-40 in triple overtime in the playoffs.

What is your favorite TV show?
My favorite TV show is Goodtimes. I like J.J. Evans. He was dy-no-mite!

What player did you pretend to be while growing up?
When I was growing up I pretended to be Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders.