Exclusive Interview
                                                      Corbin Louks

                                 By: Ross Zelen

 

January 1, 2009 - An Interview with Corbin Louks

Corbin Louks is a sophomore back-up quarterback for the undefeated Utah Utes. On January 2, Utah will take on Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. Before the big game, Deli contributor Ross Zelen interviewed Louks about going undefeated, being on a "blue-collar" team and the differences between his Utes and the Crimson Tide.

Be sure to watch Louks and the Utes in the Sugar Bowl on January 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox.

Ross Zelen: Although you guys come in undefeated, you are still the underdogs playing Alabama in the Superdome in New Orleans, much closer to Tuscaloosa than to Salt Lake City. How will this team respond to the adversity that is presented before it?

Corbin Louks: We will take this game on just like an away game. We have dealt with adversity all year and plan to handle it with no issues. We have been practicing with crowd noise and everything. We feel we will be prepared for the game.

RZ: Do you think that the outcome of this game could change your opinion?

CL: The only thing I feel is that the outcome of this game can give some of the non-BCS conferences some more respect and [show them] that they can play with the "big boys".

RZ: What does Utah have to execute well in order to win the game?

CL: We have to execute on what we do offensively, defensively, and on special [teams] to win this game. Just like the other 12 [games] we have already played.

RZ: How has it been watching the success of Brian Johnson, knowing if he wasn't a potential Heisman-candidate that you might have had a lot more reps this season?

CL: I have learned a lot from Brian this year and he has mentored me to take the reins in 2009.

RZ: Other than Brian Johnson, give us someone that we haven't heard about who may be the difference maker in the Sugar Bowl.

CL: Hmm...Not sure… But Louie Sakoda might have the game in his hands in the end.

[Editor's note: Sakoda is a 1st Team All-American and a recipient of an NCAA Today's Top VIII Award, handed out to the Top 8
Student-Athletes in the Nation]

RZ: Coming out of high school as a highly-touted quarterback but settling into a team-player role as a utility guy, can you give any advice to high school athletes looking to make the jump to college?

CL: Be a team player. Everything happens for a reason, always work hard. We are blessed to be playing at the Division 1 level.

RZ: What is the biggest difference between the bulk of the Mountain West Conference teams and Alabama, who you will be seeing on January 2nd?

CL: The biggest and most noticeable difference, I would say, is [the] overall size of the team [Alabama].

RZ: What is it like playing under a relatively new coach in Kyle Whittingham, who did not have any head coaching experience before coming to Utah in 2005?

CL: I love Coach Whit. He understands the players and is very easy to talk to and to discuss things with. He knows what it takes to win the big games and is an amazing coach. I really enjoy playing for Coach Whittingham.

RZ: When people watch Utah football, it looks like a good mix of creativity and hard-nosed toughness. Which one would you classify as Utah football?

CL: Utah is a hardworking "Blue-Collar" football team.

RZ: Finally, who would you say is the funniest guy on the team?

CL: I don't know we have a bunch of funny guys on the team; we all get along pretty well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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