Chat Live With Mathias Kiwanuka

 Mathias Kiwanuka

Live Chat With Mathias Kiwanuka

He's everybody's All-American. Now's your chance to chat it up with BC's standout defensive end, Mathias Kiwanuka.

The 2004 Big East Defensive Player of the Year, Kiwanuka is a consensus 2005 preseason All-America selection. He is ranked as the number one defensive end in the nation and as the ACC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year by The Sporting News.

Submit your questions now (we will save them for his arrival!), then join us at noon on Wednesday as Kiwi answers them live.

Mathias: Hi everyone, this is Mathias. Thanks for joining us today. I'll answer your questions now.

Mike (BC): Why did you decide to lose the dreads?

Mathias: I felt like it was time. It was something I wanted to do. I wanted to grow dreads for a while, and this summer I felt I was through with it.

F Barrett (Boston): I'm an old curmudgeon, but really enjoy your style of play. How do you think your game will translate to the next level?

Mathias: I obviously still have things to learn, but I'm confident that, wherever I end up, I'll be able to accomplish my goals at the next level.

Joe, New Canaan Ct: Do you think you will continue to be double teamed in the ACC or will there be more offensive talent to allow our competitors to run to the opposite side to where you line up?

Mathias: With the amount of attention I got last year, I'm not going to go into any game expecting to be overlooked. But, at the same time, I feel that our entire defense, especially the defensive line, is strong enough to get as much attention from offenses.

Matt (London, UK): I'm a class of 2005 graduate trying my best to stay up to date on BC football while living in another country. Mathias - What player, past or present, do you most try to emulate on the field?

Mathias: I can't say that I emulate only one player, but there are a lot of things from different defensive end I try to work on. Some of the players I pay close attention to are Simeon Rice and Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney.

Mike, Rockville MD: After being named ACC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and to many other preaseason All-American teams, how are you going to try and deal with the constant double and triple-teams as opposing offenses gameplan around you?

Mathias: I'm just going to have to play hard and trust that my coaches will put me in the position to make plays, but I also understand there are 10 other people on the field who are just as capable of getting the job done.

Johann (Bristol, CT): Kiwi, It's Johann...your preceptor from OTE...you remember? I work at ESPN now and have been following your amazing career...anyway, just want you to know that I'm proud of you..I guess I'll ask you...I know your family and your roots mean a lot to you. How has your unique ancestry and your family's legacy impacted your growth as a person/player?

Mathias: My family history is something that has definitely strengthened my character. It's something I take a lot of pride in, and I just hope I can live up to my family's past.

Bill, Washington D.C.: Hey Mathias, On behalf of BC football fans everywhere thanks for coming back for your fifth year. Quick Question not football related. Its probably the last thing on your mind right now but have you ever been to Uganda or do you have any plans to visit.

Mathias: I took a family trip to Uganda when I was younger, and I plan to return as soon as I get a break from football.

eagles wingz (York): With Blackmon now devoting much of his time to offense who will fill the void in the secondary?

Mathias: I think the fact that we could move Will to the offensive side speaks to the depth we have, especially at corner. I'm confident Jazzmen Williams and DeJuan Tribble will get the job done.

matt (nyc): hey kiwi, which eagle do you expect to be drafted in the first round after you?

Mathias: We have a number of players on both sides of the ball that could potentially play themselves into a first-round draft pick. Off the top, a few names that come to mind are Jeremy Trueblood, Jazzmen Williams, Will Blackmon, Pat Ross and Ricky Brown.

Shawn (Tampa): What do you think of the strength and conditioning program at BC, and do you think your team is ready for the ACC?

Mathias: I think our hard-nosed work ethic is something that has gotten us through a lot of tough times in the past. The level of competition in summer conditioning this year was no different. We're a team that always comes ready to work, and I'm confident we're ready to play in the ACC.

Justin Brown, Inianapolis: This is from a current Cathedral football player. Which do you like better, college or high school football?

Mathias: First of all, congratulations on deciding to go to Cathedral High School. You couldn't have made a better choice. Tell Coach O'Hara I said hi. I definitely enjoyed my time in high school, but one thing I've tried to learn is not to look back, regardless of how my career would have gone here at BC, I like to think that everything I've done has helped to prepare me for the next level.

Los Angeles: How does he rate his defensive linemates this year versus last year ?

Mathias: Phil Mettling was a fierce competitor and an extremely intelligent football player. Tim Bulman will definitely be missed. This year, however, we have players like Al Washington and B.J. Raji who are performing strong and I feel are definitely set to have a big year, along with myself and Nick Larkin.

Wesley (Bristol,NH): What do you think of your teams chances in the new ACC and the high preseason ranking you guys have dou you feel any added pressure. Also, how is your teammate, linemate Jake Ottolini doing in camp I used to play with him at New Hampton Prep will he see any action nehind you?

Mathias: Our team is definitely ready to compete in the ACC. Jake Ottolini is doing well and will definitely see a lot of time this year. His best assets are his quickness and speed, so expect to see him off the edge a lot.

A.T. (Indianapolis): With all the attention you have received over the summer and last season, how do you deal with all of the well wishers and new people trying to enter your life?

Mathias: Hey, A.T., how are you? About all the attention, I think it's something I had to keep in perspective, because I know just as quickly as it has come, it could all go away.

Frank Norwood, Ma: Kiwi , who is the toughest guy you go up against in practice ?

Mathias: Jeremy Trueblood is definitely the biggest competition I've had in my career. Going against somebody of his caliber for 9 years now has only made me better, and I hope I have done the same for him.

Charlie Boston: Mike Famighetti told me he taught you every thing you know. Is that true?

Mathias: Tell Famighetti I better see him at some games this year!

Josh Noblet (Indy): Can I have your autograph? You are my hero!!! -Nob

Mathias: Thanks for the compliment. Hopefully I'll see you soon, maybe at a game, and will be glad to give you an autograph.

Evan (Long Beach): With your buddy Jeremy Trueblood being the big recruit out of high school, you have fun showing him up in practice these days?!

Mathias: Jeremy wasn't a big-time recruit for no reason. I wish I could say that I dominate him every day in practice, but the truth is that he is, in my opinion, one of the best tackles in college football.

Justin (NC): In a world of self-centered and money-driven players, it is great to see a player that just has a love for the game and respect for his school and teammates. After this season, what is one thing that you will take from your years here at BC?

Mathias: When the season is over, I'll just be happy knowing I gave it everything I could and that I used every opportunity I was given to accomplish my goals. At the same time, I got to spend the maximum amount of time playing a fun game with my friends.

Moderator: We would like to thank everyone for joining Mathias for today's chat. Next week, we'll be chatting with WR/CB/KR Will Blackmon. Please check the Web site early in the week to submit your questions for Will.

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