Exclusive Interview
                                                      Terrance Ganaway

                                  By: Aaron Fischman

 

December 30, 2008 - An Interview with Terrance Ganaway

Terrance Ganaway is a collegiate running back who is transferring from Houston to Baylor this coming February. Having been a member of the Houston team for the duration of the 2007 season, Ganaway has a unique insight into the upcoming Armed Forces Bowl (which pits Houston against Air Force). In a recent interview, he talks about Houston's chances in the upcoming game and his relationship with former Houston wide receiver, and current NFL rookie sensation, Donnie Avery.

Ganaway is a friend of The Deli, having interviewed with us last season. You can view his interview from 2007 here.

Aaron Fischman: As Donnie Avery’s former teammate, you must be very proud of his early NFL success. What is it like to watch him score touchdowns for the Rams?

Terrance Ganaway: It makes it seem unreal. I am so happy for him and I know his family is extremely proud of him. When I look at him it makes me feel that my dream of going pro is more tangible than I would have thought. I get real excited when I see him doing well.

AF: Although you aren’t still at Houston, do you still keep in touch with any of your former teammates?

TG: Yes, my class was pretty close and I think that we will always be like that.

AF: This has been a tough year for you. What has enabled you to stay so strong?

TG: First of all, God. My relationship with him has grown daily and I am truly blessed through him. Also, my family. They are always on me and keeping me grounded. And simply the hard work that has brought me this far, which my mother instilled in me. I will continue to blossom in faith and with my family's help.

AF: We hear you’re transferring to continue your football career? Where are you going to play? What are your football goals there? Any other goals?

TG: Heck yea! I am ready to get back in it. I love football. It's like everything for me. I am going to Baylor and I [will] sign the LIT [Letter of Intent] in February again. I am getting a chance to play for [Baylor coach Art] Briles once more and [I'm] very enthused about it. Beside football, I want to major in Political Science and go to law school afterward if I do not have a legit shot at the NFL.

AF: Last season, Blake Joseph and Case Keenum split time at quarterback. With Keenum getting the starting spot, why do you think he’s had such a good season without playmaker Donnie Avery?

TG: Case is smooth. Point-Black-Period. Case has a great head and he always is calm, never too excited and never too down. He has the ability to make plays with his feet and he studies his opponents and his teammates. He knows who he is playing with and [he] knows [what he] is capable of.

AF: Last year, Anthony Aldridge ran for nearly 1,600 yards and 14 tds, while Donnie Avery led the team with 91 receptions and 1,456 receiving yards (some nice kick returns too). How were the Cougars able to replace such valuable seniors with impressive freshmen: Bryce Beall, Tyron Carrier, and Pat Edwards?

TG: Well, we were told that we had the most athletic class to come [to Houston] in a while. Even though I am no longer there, that 2007 class is off the chain. With Bryce it will be a bright future for Houston.

AF: If Keenum and Carrier take care of business on Wednesday, the team may have a 5,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard rusher and a 1,000-yard receiver in the same year for the first time in school history. What do you think about that?

TG: That’s great and I am happy for them boys. It could not [have] happened to a better group of kids.

AF: On November 15th, the Cougars dropped 70 points on Tulsa (a ranked team at the time), but in their last game they gave up 56 points in a loss to Rice. What does Houston need from their defense in the Armed Forces Bowl?

TG: Consistency, they have great athletes on defense, so it’s just a matter of being constant.

AF: Do you think the fact that 1980 was the Cougars’ last bowl win makes it any more difficult for them to win the Armed Forces Bowl?

TG: Not at all. I think this team will be better prepared for this game. TCU was a great team last year but if we [had] our head coach, it [would have been] a different ball game. This Cougar team has been through more than just a bowl win drought, so they will be A.O.K.

AF: Do you think Air Force or Houston will win? What do you think the score will be?

TG: Houston. I think it will be a lopsided game with Houston beating them by 20 at least points.

AF: Here’s your chance to go on the record. Oklahoma or Florida and why?

TG: Florida in another lopsided game. Florida has speed demons and freakish athletes. Oklahoma hasn't been good in the big games, so I am saying Florida. Although I want it to be a good game because none of the championship games have been close lately.

AF: Who do you believe was most deserving of the Heisman this season?

TG: Colt McCoy. He is more instrumental to his team. If Sam Bradford or [Tim] Tebow is gone from their teams, nothing would change. But if McCoy was hurt, Texas [would have] dropped a lot of games this season. My vote was with McCoy and he should have won it, not off of the stats, but off of being more of a crucial part of his team.

 

 

 

 

 

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