Oct. 9, 2007

By Sean McAllister, Athletics Media Relations Staff

COLLEGE PARK, MD. -

Gameday: How would you describe the past four years in the Maryland Football program?
Brendan McDermond: Real shaky at first. I came in here as a recruited walk-on and nobody really thought I would make it. It was great when the first season started because I was one of six freshmen that traveled to every game. I got a chance my sophomore year and I haven't looked back since, and I've played in the past 28 games. I wouldn't trade my time here for anything.

GD: Which one of your coaches motivates you the best?
BM: I would say probably Coach Deege [Dwight Galt], the strength and conditioning coach. I wasn't very strong when I came to Maryland and my work in the weight room has made all the difference.

GD: What does it feel like to not have a blocked field goal or PAT in your past two years as a starter?
BM: Phenomenal. I mean, our team comes hard at practice and they block them all the time. I think our team comes the hardest out of any team in the ACC and it gives us good experience for the game. Our team has always had a good holder and kicker so that has always made my job easier.

GD: What's your favorite song to listen to before the game?
BM: I would say `Till I Collapse by Eminem and `Down with the Sickness by Disturbed.

GD: Who's your favorite musician or band?
BM: I have always been a big country fan and I also like a lot of old rock. George Straight is probably my favorite country singer but I have always liked Aerosmith.

GD: How do you spend your free time when you're not playing football and going to class?
BM: I watch a lot of TV. I like to watch a lot of college basketball and I'm a huge college football fan. I also love watching the Phillies whenever they are on.

GD: Who's your favorite pro football team?
BM: Even though I was born in Philadelphia and I like the Phillies, I have never liked the Eagles. My favorite team has always been the Giants who just beat the Redskins which I was really happy about.

GD: What are your future career goals?
BM: I'm a criminal justice major and my dad has been a police officer for the past 35 years and he has always been my main role model, but I'm also looking into the business world. My cousin is part owner of Under Armor so I would love to go work with him.

GD: Would you ever think about playing in the NFL?
BM: I've already accomplished all of my dreams with playing for Maryland, and I would never say never, but I don't think I could. After the season I might give it a shot and work hard for it but if it doesn't happen then it won't get me down.

GD: What's your favorite memory from a game at Maryland?
BM: I would have to say last year against Clemson. Being part of that last second field goal to win the game was the best feeling I have ever had. I was shaking for about 3 hours after the game.

GD: How has playing football helped you prepare for life?
BM: Time management definitely. Being attuned to a schedule--[in football] if you're on time then you're 15 minutes late. And people skills. You get 25 freshmen every year, so communication and the way you handle new people and deal with new people, that's real big.

GD: Which one of your teammates are you closest to right now?
BM: I would say Chris Roberts, our kickoff specialist. He's just a great guy, down to earth, also a red head and you know, red heads stick together.

GD: Was there a big emphasis on football when you were growing up?
BM: Not really, I played soccer all the way up to 5th grade, and then I was too heavy. I was, like you know I want to try football. My cousins played in the SEC. One played offensive line for Georgia, the other played linebacker for Vanderbilt. I knew they could do it so I gave it a try. I was kinda shy about contact, but when I got to high school, the soccer team was way too good so I tried out for football and I picked up long snapping when I was a freshman.

GD: In one word, describe yourself.
BM: Perseverance.