Cornerback Loyce Means was a significant contributor in the Cougars’ 42-23 victory over Tulane on Sept. 25. He
There was no denying Loyce Means (22) when he returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown in the Cougars’ 42-23 win over Tulane. | Courtesy of UH Athletics
closed out the game with two timely interceptions, the second going for the team’s final score. The Daily Cougar caught up with him after he was named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for performance.
Q: What are your thoughts on being named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in your career?
A: It was a privilege to be named C-USA Player of the Week. It was a great feeling, and I was very honored.
Q: What do you receive for winning the award, and what will you do with it?
A: They send a plaque to the coaches. I’ll frame it. I framed the other one I received in 2008.
Q: Baylor, Indiana, TCU and UTEP were among some of the other schools that recruited you. Why did you choose to play at UH?
A: I decided to come here because I wanted to be closer to my family, especially my mom; she was fighting an illness. She had cancer, so I just wanted to be with her.
Q: Did you play any other positions when you were at Madison High School?
A: I played receiver a couple of times but nothing major.
Q: What would you say are the goals for the team for the rest of the season?
A: As far as the team, I want us to win the C-USA championship. I want us to go undefeated in the conference, and I want us to come together as a group and play good football.
Q: What are your individual goals?
A: My goal is to get double digits in picks. I also want to get a couple of sacks. I also have a goal to limit mistackles. I want to be a great tackler.
Q: As a cornerback, you are used to dropping back in coverage and defending the pass. How do you adjust when you need to make a tackle or apply pressure to the quarterback?
A: When certain situations come up and the receiver tries to make the block, you have to shed the block to make the tackle. It comes with practice. It’s not easy to do it, but that’s why we practice.
Q: Who are your favorite professional defensive backs to watch? Who do you try to model your game after?
A: From the past, I watch Deion Sanders. Now, I watch Champ Bailey from the Denver Broncos. Lately, I’ve been watching Darrelle Revis (New York Jets). I’ve been trying to check out his (footwork), but he’s been hurt. I also try to look at Nnamdi Asomugha on the Raiders.
