Jarred Fayson Q&A

Two years ago, Hillsborough’s Jarred Fayson was one of the Florida Gators’ top recruits. But after playing 24 games in Gainesvillle, the sophomore wide receiver decided a transfer to Illinois would better his career. Fayson, 20, arrived in Champaign on Jan. 8. He lives by himself in an off-campus apartment and is taking 15 credit hours this semester. On Sunday, Fayson spoke to the Times about his time at Florida, the weather in Illinois and his new coach, Ron Zook.

TIMES: Well, how’s it going so far at Illinois?

FAYSON: Man, I can actually say that as far as the school goes, I love it. Everything is going well. And I’ve got all the support I need.

TIMES: Isn’t it a little chilly up there for a Florida guy?

FAYSON: Oh man, it’s ridiculous. It’s like 5 degrees right now.

TIMES: Can we assume you bought a new coat before leaving Tampa?

FAYSON: Of course. I bought like 10 of them.

TIMES: You’ve got an 8:30 a.m. class during the week. How hard is it to get out of bed for that one?

FAYSON: Oh man, it’s real hard. But you’ve got to get up and go.

TIMES: Being that you’re so far away, have you been homesick at all?

FAYSON: Naw … I got that out of the way (at Florida). That’s the type of thing that happens freshman year. But I’ve grown up. I’ve matured. Sometimes distance is better.

TIMES: What do you miss most about playing for the Gators?

FAYSON: I would have to say the experience. I had a great experience, a great learning experience. I miss being around the team. There are some real good guys on that team. Real talented guys. Guys I had a lot of fun with. I just miss my teammates.

TIMES: Have you found people to be different in Illinois?

FAYSON: They say people in the Midwest are more genuine. Right now, I’m just living and experiencing it. I’m open to meeting just about anybody. I don’t have many friends up here.

TIMES: Do you keep to yourself or are you pretty social?

FAYSON: I’m a real social person. The guy I hang out with the most is (wide receiver) Arrelious Benn. We spend a lot of time together.

TIMES: What do you think of Illinois coach Ron Zook?

FAYSON: He’s a great player’s coach. All the players love him. He understands the life of an athlete because he’s been doing it forever. But he also understands there’s more to life than football.

TIMES: As a transfer, you have to sit out a year. Will that be difficult?

FAYSON: I’ll be tough. But I don’t look at it as being a year. It’s just three months. That’s how long football season is. During the season I’ll be able to help the team out. I’ll give them a good look or do whatever they need me to do.

--KEITH NIEBUHR

Comments

[Come on]

Hey Football fan and B^S, keep beating the drum for the record versus the SEC. Typical Gator fan. Didn't your Gators get beat by the 3rd place team in a weak conference? Let the kid do what makes him happy. Good Luck Jarred!

[Cheer4IL]

b^s, can you recall the Big Ten bowl record against the SEC lately? Oh, right, the Big Ten has more wins. Would be even more if teams like LSU weren't playing at home every year.

[KnowledgableFootballFan]

Wait a second.... Didn't Illinois beat Ohio State AT THEIR PLACE this year? Sounds like someone's a bit sour....

[b^s]

I understand his decision. You have to give him some credit for making that decision and giving up 1 year of eligibility. Why not be where ever he can get the best opportunity to display his talent and try to move on to the NFL. It may come back to haunt him or he may become the best receiver/athlete in that weak conference. Who knows what else led to the circumstances leading up to the transfer. Good luck Jarred!

[Sad]

Awww, footballfan, you a little sad?

[Footballfan]

Now he can enjoy fighting for the scraps left by OSU and Michigan, rather than competing for National Championships. Good choice, Fayson.